Dec. 3 - Prison #1 – Mini-Max Kitalya #2 – Kitalya Farm

 Ministry Partners

I could say today was another interesting day but the truth is it seems every day is. It was a bit of a drive to the prisons but at least they were close to each other.

  

We traveled some bad, long. Rutted roads today, typical ones for us.

 Mini-Max is a new modern structure built in 2020 and is VERY high security for the 3,000 inmates there. When we arrived and finally got through the different security check areas the one religious structure was filled with Muslims so we had to wait. I appeared I was going to have the opportunity to speak for a second time in a Muslim prison church structure. But just like we could hear what the Muslims were doing during their service so the surrounding prison, because of the loud sound system, could hear all of our program. 

Every prison has certain times during the day when the prisoners have to return to their private area or against a wall or just outside in a row. They do that because they have to be counted. We heard the bell ring and the prisoners immediate got and disappeared to their area. After a bit, they came back and we continued with the crusade. But just after we started to teach the Discipleship Message and I had put the gold robe and crown (the  new identity as a child of King Jesus….a Prince)  on an inmate who had just asked Jesus to be his Savior, the bell rang again. Evidently, the count was wrong and they needed to count them again. But as the prisoners lined up and crouched down to be counted for a second time the inmate with the gold robe and crown refused to crouch. He stood for some time debating the guard who was counting but finally he too crouched down. 

It was wonderful to see the prisoners respond to all 4 sections of our crusade today and it was powerful to hear some of the prisoners who give a testimony to what the Holy Spirit had done in their hearts during our time together. By time we finished it was 2pm. 

Then it was time to drive to the farm prison of 2,500  and again we were delayed getting in and the clock kept running. 4pm would be there all too soon and that is the time when they lock the prisoners in and no visitors can be left inside. However, a prisoner greeted us in the waiting rea and told me he had seen me before, in 2008, at another prison and how he remembered one of the object lessons I used. He said it had made such an important impact on him. He said the inmates did not want me in the sun so they were in the process of putting up an additional tent as well as benches under a tree that stood between the two tents. At least all the prisoners were in front of me.

Alfred told Aaron and I to start and that he was going to go talk to the OC about giving us more time as it was then almost 3:30 and I need at least 1 ½ - 2 hours to get every component of our crusade in. The inmate that greeted us introduced us and told the other inmates about meeting me before and how important my messages were.

So, Aaron and I started and in a few minutes Alfred arrived saying that the OC had given us another 30 min meaning I had until 4:30. I decided the most important parts of our crusade are Salvation, Forgiveness and Apologizing so I decided to not do the Discipleship part with the gold cape, there just was not enough time.

 About 2,000 inmates responded to all three messages but as we were going through the forgiveness portion the OC and another officer finally appeared.As we were having the prisoners apologize to each and as I finished that part Alfred had been talking with the OC and he told me to go ahead and do the Discipleship part.

When we had finished the OC told the prisoners how important my message was for their lives and that it had also spoken to her.

It was 5pm when we finished. As we continue to find favor with those we meet just know your prayers are being answered! After we finished I was able to take a photo with the OC for the report I must turn in to the Commissioner and then it was time to head to our guesthouse to pack up our things as we leave in the morning and will not return until the end of the trip. Due to the traffic we did not arrive until 7 but I have eaten, packed and now it is time to post this as it is 11:15 and I still need to bathe.

Thank you for continuing to pray.

That none would be lost,

Arlene