Jan. 8 – Kapsabet Men’s and Women’s Prison

Ministry Partners,

Another beautiful morning in Eldorate, it is hard to believe I only have one more morning to wake up here in Kenya. 

Not from today but sometimes the entrance to a prison is only a tree limb!

Today it was an hour drive to Kapsabet where we went to the men’s prison first. When we entered, we waited for some time for the O.C. to be free to see us and when we finally saw him, he took quite some time telling us about himself. I find it quite interesting the lengthy local protocol one must go through only to find them then telling you that your time is short and they do not allow you to do your complete program. That is what happened today with the 360 men. When we got to where the men were they were crouched or sitting between two buildings in the sun. A few prisoners sat alongside one building that had shade. Originally, there was a 2” heavy wire checked separation between us but Edward asked me if I felt ok about going inside past the wire and I said, “Of course.”

I entered and shook hands with some of the men, one guard that I did not are much for came and stopped me. I told him it was important that I greet some of the inmates. Some of them smiled so broadly as I shook their hand and others leaned forward to extend their had past the front row. There was a tiny bit of shade so as I preached I stepped back and forth from the sun to the shade. I was able to share the salvation message, forgiveness message and apology message before they stopped me. They said we were out of time and the men had to b counted and then eat. I cannot tell you how much that saddens me when it happens. The Discipleship message and object lesson conveys the truth that Jesus is the only one who can forgive and cleanse us from sin according to 1 John 1:9 “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”

Then it was time to go to the Women’s Prison, which was close where we met the woman who spoke to us for some time. The sun was so hot I was concerned about the women being in the sun like they were when I was here a few years ago so I was thankful when they decided to move some of the bunks together in one on the Wards so we could meet there. It was very crowded for 4 guards, 2 chaplains, two babies, 33 women and the 4 of us but we made it work and I was able to share all the four components to the crusade. The Holy Spirit did a mighty work as they boldly prayed for salvation, forgiveness and apologized to each other. Watching inmates forgive each other and forgive guards was very powerful. At testimony time, one inmate identified another inmate and they forgave each other.

Prisoners at both prisons today, just like other prisons, invited us to, “Please come back.”

It was an hour drive back to our hotel where Edward went to get supplies for tomorrow and Alfred and I want to the Supermarket to purchase a few things, Aaron stayed at the hotel and took a nap. While at the market, there was a vendor outside and Alfred brought me the most beautiful large bag as a “Thank You”.

We missed Edward for dinner when we were going to give him gifts for himself and his wife. I wanted to appreciate him for all the work he has done on this trip. We found out later that he had locked his keys and phone in his car and had to hind a key lock person to come and unlock it.

Tomorrow ig our last day of ministry for this 2025-2026 ministry trip. We will do two different prison crusades in two different towns as we head toward the boarder, cross the border and then find somewhere to sleep. The next morning we will head for Kampala where we will stay until I fly back to Oregon.

Because of our schedule tomorrow, I might not post tomorrow night and will just combine tomorrow, Jan 9^th with Jan. 10^th. I will have to wait and see just how late it is when we finally find a place to sleep on the way to Kigali.

Tomorrow will be my last ministry day and a difficult day for me so I appreciate your prayers for me, the inmates and a fresh anointing on the team as the holy Spirit pours out his power like never before on this trip. Oh, and for our travel.                                                                                                           

That none would be lost,

Arlene