Dec. 4 - 2 Prisons today & 3 - Miracles **** Prison #1 – Kiboga, #2 – Bukomero

Ministry Partners,

Today started early as our van was packed up at 7 for an early start as we needed to stop in the first town and have our 100 ft electric cable repaired in one spot so we can use it when the prison has electricity. That way I can use my headset microphone instead of a handheld one, which I definitely do not prefer. We stopped at a gas station and filled up with fuel then parked as Alfred took a motorbike with the cord to find an electronic shop to do the work.

There are just some places when you are traveling, ta you do not want to stop, unless of course, you are hungry and want to buy something to eat or drink. Did I mention fast food and curb service?

 Aaron and I started talking about all kinds of subjects, one of which was marriage being a commitment for life when he again made a true but funny African saying, which was, “The devil you know is better than the angle you do not know.” I could not help but laugh.

 At a prison a few days ago, the prisoners asked us to pray that they would get rain, as it had been dry for so long and yesterday it rained. Praise Jesus for answered prayer. As we drove today, observing so many people along the road and being involved in traffic jams, I remembered a man we saw a few days ago. There he was kneeling next to a stagnant, dark brown pool of water next to the road, and just as we passed, he bent down and started drinking. We were in an outside lane of bumper to bumper traffic and unable to pull over. I was sad that I could not give him a fresh bottle of water. I take so much for granted.

 By the time, Alfred returned it was 11 and as usual before we left the station where we had been waiting, he ordered coffee for Aaron and himself and got yogurt for me as I have an allergy to caffeine. Alfred is such a generous and thoughtful person. I will miss all the special things he does for me every day when we are together.  

 Before arriving at the first prison, I experienced excruciating pain in my right ribcage, right under my armpit. It was so bad that I actually screamed when Aaron hit a pothole. It was so unexpected that I really felt like it was a demonic attack. I have seen the enemy attack me before as we get involved in ministry. He sees how many 1,000’s are receiving Christ as Savior and he is not happy. I keep hoping that he will finally realize that he does not have, and is never going to have, the victory in anything we do; only JESUS does. I prayed and did spiritual warfare, asked Jesus for His help and then Alfred helped me walk into the prison with him and Aaron. I want to tell you that the IRM team saw/heard a true miracle today as the moment I stood to preach the pain was completely gone

We had arrived at the first prison, Kiboga, at 12pm where they were expecting us. The OC greeted me and I could actually pronounce her name, Hope. I told her how happy I was to meet her and be able to pronounce her name, which brought a huge smile to her face.

 Seventeen women were brought in and they sat next to the building and under the huge tree that also provided shade for the team and only about half of the men. Although both the men and women were surprised, they broadly smiled as I greet some of each group by shaking hands while the guys set everything up. It was a great after noon with almost every person responding to all 4 messages of the crusade. It is a wonderful thing to see the staff also respond.

 We finished with the crusade at 2pm and decided to see if we could find a decent place to stay before going to th 2^nd prison of the day and God provided one at the first place we stopped, a catholic owned hotel. I love to stay in Catholic owned hotels, because they are always clean and the staff is always helpful like today as they brought me a fan. With the suffocating heat here, it will help me sleep cooler tonight. I am thankful the guys are just across the hall. We rested an hour until 4pm when we had to leave for the 2^nd prison of the day, Bukomero, that was 45 min. away.

 Bukomero is a farm prison, and the OC told Alfred, on the phone, that the inmates would not return from the fields until 5pm, so come then although he would not be there. So, there were two miracles at this prison today. First – no one is ever allowed in the prisons after the prisoners are locked in, which usually at 4pm, but today we were, entering at 5pm. Second – as I went to step out of the van to enter the prison there was the pain in my side again. I claimed Jesus power over the Spirit of Infirmity and as I stood to begin the 1 ½ hour crusade….. again, all pain was gone. The Holy Spirits power was evident again, as all the inmates responded to all 3 invitations. I was not able to teach about Apologizing as it had gotten dark and we were asked to leave. It was about another hours drive back to our hotel.

 I only share this about me because I want you to really understand what a spiritual battle the team and I are in and how much Satan hates us and what we are doing as we share the Gospel where 1,000’s are receiving Christ as Savior. Please pray for us, for our personal safety, health and safety as we travel.

 It is 10pm, I have had dinner, written this blog, and now it is time to bathe and go to bed. I am thankful that tomorrow is a late start as we only have one prison crusade.

 Thank you for praying for the prisoner’s salvation and for us,

That none would be lost,

Arlene