July 4 - Another Miracle ...........

Ministry Warriors,

Today has been another day that is an answer to your prayers and ours. Today was evidence that God opens door no man can shut.

The place I am staying is also hosting a conference for police and military so to say I feel safe is an understatement BUT the noise level until after midnight was not even deafened by my earplugs!!! I was happy to be informed that tonight is their last night. The nice firm bed is not something I have experienced since I left home so my back was especially happy, so much so that even though I am generally an early raiser I didn't stir until I heard Alfred's tapping on the door. Ooops I almost missed the teams 8am breakfast time.

Breakfast here comes with the room and the item choice was ours to make last night before retiring. Chapatis, thick Omelets, sausage and fresh African tea. We also had them cut the wonderful pineapple Alfred bought last night from a roadside peddler who ran up to the van while we were stopped in "a moving parking lot". I had forgotten about the traffic here and there is just no way to describe it. Rwandan highways are busy with vans and lots of motor bikes and people alongside the roads but traffic here is just plain ridiculous with two lanes of two way traffic being made into 5 or 6 at the drivers will, choosing that spot with their front finder and giving no signal. Pastor Aaron does a marvelous job of never taking his eyes off the cars or bikes with women riding sidesaddle, and other things artfully loaded behind the bike driver and then them cutting in and between vehicles and other bikes at will. If you can nudge your front fender there first ...... you win and get the spot and of course the dirt sides of the paved roads are good for driving when the street is too packed. I am surprised that I actually see a few cars that have indented fenders.

 I saw a glimpses of the village and town night life here last night when we came in. It's like any huge outdoor nightlife celebration, music and all BUT with no streetlights and only a dim light here and there and once in awhile you see an old TV propped up ....... the best thing to a American drive-in, there are blocks of wood to sit on or stand there just is no car.

After breakfast we headed into the city center to connect with the Prison Officials. We were informed while we were still in Rwanda by Pastor Geoffry that our request to do ministry in 6 prisons was denied. But while we were in Rwanda, in a meeting with Commissioner Dativa, she called a friend of hers here who is the Agriculture Commissioner of Prisons and made us an introduction with him. 
When we met with him today, in his office, he called the Deputy Commissioner of Prisons, who had refused our application, and asked her to see us. We when proceeded to her office where upon entering found a Commissioner who was not to happy to see us and made it QUITE clear.
After more than a bit of discussion I gave her the pattern and sample of the women's feminine hygiene product that I had promised to bring her last year, if God brought me back. I won't go into all the details but  she began to soften a bit and then Alfred asked me to share my testimony with her. By the time we left our 1 hr. and 45 min. meeting she was smiling and laughing and allowed me to have my photo taken with her. We also had an approved authorization to enter 6 Ugandan prisons. She asked us to go to some different prisons than what was on our additional request and we were glad to comply. I left the office really liking her and her assistant also with a new appreciation of what these Commissioners face.

Pastor Geffory, Alfred and I tried to not show too much emotion, like shouting YAHOO and praise the Lord, until we got outside and away from the prison administration facility but as we glanced at each other our eyes were dancing!!!! This was another miracle we were able to watch God do before our eyes. Yes, it is true we are watching God pour out His power and answering all our prayers with a "Yes" and even more than we ask!

There have been some additions/changes to the existing itinerary, here are some:

• July 6  -  Evening village crusade- Pastor Goeffery
• July 10 - Crusades at Bugembe Prison YP a.m. & Bugembe Prison YO
• July 11 - Crusade at Bufulubi Prison a.m. & Bugembe Prison p.m.
• July 13 - Crusade at Kamokya Church
• July 14 - Crusade Lugazi Prison
• July 15 - Crusade at Mukono Prison
• July 16 - Crusade at Lugazi Church 
• July 17 - Crusade at Wakiso District

Thank you warriors for your continued prayers. Would you add to the prayer list for us:

1. Open hears for the Gospel and the message of Forgiveness
2. That all team members would get the needed rest and rise each morning refreshed
3. For my health

Only 16 days of ministry left.

That none would be lost,

Arlene

July 3 - Uganda here I come

Ministry partners,

After getting into bed at 12:30 am it seemed rather early to wake up at 5:30 when I did not need to get up for my flight until 6:30. Philbert was right on time and bags were loaded and we were off by 7:30 for the airport. I have mentioned him before but it's especially interesting that he and his wife, baby in two months, are business people with a wholesale food stuff business. He has such a heart for IRM and driving for us that the only time he drives the van he rents is for IRM when we do ministry in Rwanda, the rest of the time he is a business man. He know how much we need him to keep us safe.

There were "glitches" at the airport but I finally am in Uganda working with our partners here. We plan on seeing the Commissioner of Prisons and purchasing Bibles tomorrow.  

There is no internet in the rooms here so Alfred purchased a Ugandan modem so I could get a post off to you when time allows. It's midnight and I am a pretty tired gal.

Thanks for your prayers and blessing from the Great Lakes Reigon of Africa.

Arlene

July 2 - Indeed, God went before us

Ministry Warriors,


The street youth  relayed the events of the snatch to the undercover officers but would not reveal exactly who it was. It is evidence of the tight bound between these street youth. It was very clear that it was one of their group and when faced with a reward or keeping their bond .....gang membership (fear of retaliation) won out. They said the thief immediately took the phone and money and threw the rest away, ie my pack, passport, IRM business cards and makeup.

 When the guys got back we blocked the phone and stopped service on it before we all went for pizza so it made for a late night and after a very early wake up I was a bit anxious to get to the Embassy today. Although I still must pay the monthly fees at least the phone is unusable.

Philbert, the team van driver, is such a kind man. He knew yesterday that as we were dealing with the police that I had also made a stop trying to find a new pack so I would have something for my waist to carry my Ten's unit for travel but I had no luck. Today when he came to pick me up he brought a new one he said was his and he wanted me to have it. I am fortunate to still have my Ten's unit and the new camera that was a gift to me from a dear friend. I had been keeping them in my pack but as I got ready the day of the theft the Holy Spirit had put it in my heart to remove them.

We were praising God for whatever the day would bring as we ate our breakfast.......leftover pizza, but asking the He would go before us and provide the kind of miracle only He can provide.

We arrived about 10 minutes early so we were asked to wait outside until the 8 am appointment. We entered the outside security a second time at exactly 8am and after going through a brif security check we were approved to take the short outside walk to the correct office concerning passports. Upon entering we took a seat for a few moments until the security officer, seated at the desk, told us to approach the second glassed window and ring the buzzer. A very tall Rwandan approached the glass from the inside office and asked for our paperwork from the police and then promptly told us to take one of the seats and gave me two pieces of paperwork to fill out.

Not quite sure what my issue was but I told Alfred how nervous I was. My stomach was in such a knot and I felt like I was in panic/flight mode. I filled out all the paperwork I could but could not remember exactly where my parents were born although I remembered their birth dates and other relevant info.

We returned to the glassed window and slid my paperwork under the window through a narrow slot. The lady said it would be $130 dollars and at least 10 to 14 days before I received my passport!!! I told her I was to fly out tomorrow for Uganda and was there any way I could get some kind of emergency papers so I could fly out. Her response was the answer we and all of you warriors have been praying for.

She said I could get an emergency passport, good for only one year, I would need to get a regular passport before the year was up and the emergency passport would be ready for me to return and pick up in 2 HOURS !!!!!!!!   Forty-five minutes from the time we entered the Embassy we left and as we were standing outside waiting for Philbert to pick us up I could not contain the tears as I gave God praise for His faithfulness to me. A wave of His favor flooded my spirit and I literally felt like a 150# weight had been removed from my chest.

We returned to the guesthouse so I could finish packing and at 11 am we returned to the Embassy. I was thankful for the paper slip the lady had given me early as it allowed me to enter the Embassy again.
We returned to the same office again and when I buzzed for help at the same glass window a white skinned woman appeared. She asked me to raise my right hand and swear that the answers I had given on my paperwork were the truth ..... I happily did. I was so happy to see that beautiful blue passport slide under the window and was then instructed to look it over and make sure all th info was correct, it was.

Before leaving I asked the woman what would I have done as an American if Alfred had not been with me and secured an appointment over the Embassy web site and if all my money was stolen and I had no way to pay for the new passport. I received information I pray I never have to use for myself or any teammate. She gave me a card and said I would need to come to the Embassy and ask, not for the Security people but for the U.S. Marines that have a unit there. The Marines would then call the Embassy officials, who are on 24 hr. call, and they would assist me. SUCH VALUABLE INFORMATION!!!!!!!

I went back to the guest house and we loaded all the supplies that needed to stay at the office, taking them there was the final bit of IRM business for the day.


 We waved the traditional Peanut Butter sandwich and everyone went for a celebration buffet lunch.
Something that should have taken 2 to 4 weeks God did for his daughter in one morning. Do I feel loved and special daughter of the KING, princess that I am ........YEP, YOU HAVE THAT RIGHT.

Commissioner Dativa had heard about the theft and called me today to check on me. So many of the Rwandan warrior partners have also called to check on the progress of my getting a new passport as they too have also been praying. 

We finished a few personal errands and I returned to the guest house, it's now 5:30. After dinner tonight I can tell you I will sleep VERY well in preparation for my 9am flight.

Thank you dear warriors for your prayers that were answered in an amazing way today.PLease contine to pray concerning the remaining 3 weeks of ministry.

Along with you, I am praising God for his goodness and for you.

Arlene

July 1 - Gideon

Ministry Partners,

I want to make you aware of a part of this journey that began in January. The women's group at New Life in Canby was doing a study on Gideon and I think it was just for me.

As God peeled away Gideon's army so he did mine. I had 25 ask for applications and six were approved but by May 1st. those 6 had been trimmed away. During one of the video lessons the teacher said something that in the last few days the Holy Spirit has reminded me of. I am sure I cannot write exactly what she said but I will relate what the Holy Spirit said to me through her teaching.

It was that as Gideon and his warriors surrounded that huge apposing army, the army, the opposition, was so huge that  Gideon's men had to be so strung out around the camp his soldiers were such a distance from each other and in such darkness .....  they could not see each other. Nevertheless Gideon's army WAS there and united in battle although their weapons were very out of the ordinary, to say the least!!!

It was a comfort that the Lord gave me, reminding me that although it "appeared" I was going into battle without any warriors like He had provided the last few years He had provided me a huge army of prayer warriors who would stand firm with me for this 6 week battle and just as He was with Gideon I have never doubted for a second that He is going before and behind me. These events just cause me to give God praise for I know this is only to get my focus off of the battle, what God has called me to do in Uganda. I am so excited to get there and watch what the Savior is going to do.

Since Jan. I have been giving God praise at every twist in this journey to battle and what I would see Him do during these 6 weeks. The hand of God and his love for me has never been more evident than in the last couple of days. Gideon and his army were triumphant as they fought the battle God called each one of them to fight with His tools and we will also be triumphant. Right now the only battle tools I have are the scriptures that God has planted deep in my heart.

I am so thankful for the warrior army, using their weapon of prayer, that God has provided for me ......YOU. Just like God hand picked Gideon's army so he has hand picked each one of you and when I say "Thank You" for your faithful prayers those are not empty words but words spoken from my heart to each of you.

I appreciate your words of encouragement so very much, they are a reminder that even in the darkness of the last two days that you are standing there with me.

It is almost 7pm and Alfred and Philbert have not returned as yet. I will post when I know something and the internet is up, the modem has run out of minutes.

To my warrior army......"THANK YOU"!!!!

That none would be lost.

Arlene

July 1 - Another visit to the police station

Ministry Partners,

Thank you to all of you who are faithfully praying for me and the situation I find myself in. One thing for sure,  we have never felt more of God's favor than we do now. Difficult as this is I am seeing God's care and provision moment by moment.

When Alfred checked the Embassy website this morning at a bit past midnight, the calendar for the whole month of July only had a few open spaces for appointments but God provided one tomorrow at 8 am , first thing in the morning. 

Today when we arrived at police station early for our 9 o'clock appointment there were already people everywhere. We waited for some time with Alfred calling, a number of times, the woman officer who took our report yesterday and her responding, "I'm coming." 

We listened to the loud voices coming from a building where inmates are held for 3 days before being sent to the big prison. If you get arrested here you hope the investigation they do will find you innocent OR you are off to the big prison until you have a trial. It's my understanding that if your family does not provide food & ect. while you are here those 3 days, well you could get mighty hungry.

After quite some time we were getting nowhere so Alfred said perhaps we should "storm the main office building, which we did, finding rooms and halls already filled with people. We found our way into an office on the top floor and made our way inside as we passed people in the halls.


The young man seated at the desk was reading his Bible but greeted us warmly. It was 10 before the young man told Alfred to "go" make copies, from his original, of the report form they needed and  a copy of the copy I had of my passport.  Alfred returned with the copies which the man had me fill out and then he took one of the new  passport photo prints I had done yesterday and attached it to the top of the form. He said the official who needed to sign the paperwork had not arrived as yet.

And we waited, and we waited, finally the young man picked up our paperwork and left the office returning some time later. Once at his desk he pulled out a stamp and ink pad stamping across my photo and at the bottom of the paperwork where there was now a signature. It was clear that he had not waited for the official to get to his office, he had gone and found him to get it signed. Alfred says we could have very easily waited all day at the station and left empty handed.

Because it is a holiday here we were unable to go to a Rwanda Air office and get our ticket changed so we had to go to the airport.  As we were walking up to the entrance........ there was Athanase in his black suit and tie. He was a man who drove for me years ago but could not speak English. On Sundays as he drove me to Kayonza to speak at a church there he always wanted me to help him with English so our drive went quickly with English to use on the phone, "Hello, my name is Athanase, how can I help you?". He wanted to have his own cab and drive at the airport but to do that he had to speak English or French along with his Kinyarwanda.

He gave me a huge hug and informed the other taxi drivers that I was not his friend I was his Mom and how I had helped him learn English by teaching him myself and giving him money for English lessons. I just had to tell him how good and clear his English was as we made time  for a quick visit. It was a special gift from the Lord as I have not seen him since 2006. He gave me a copy of his very professional business card so I can contact him next year if the Lord brings me back.

It took us quite some time at the RwandAir office as people here don't have the "get in line and wait your turn" that our culture has. It was funny as at one point a Rwandan man said in English, "Huh, these people don't know how to get in line.", his comment made me smile. At one point as Alfred was standing at the window and had been for some time a woman came up and literately pushed him out of the way to get to the window.  Finally, Alfred took my hand and said come as he led me behind the counter to a chair between the two women who were booking and changing flights. That did the trick and after paying $33 each we have a ticket for 9am on Thursday.

This is a HUGE step of faith for us so please be praying as tomorrow is the final hurdle.I must have the emergency documents from the Embassy to be able to travel without a passport.

We are all currently at the Guest House but Alfred and Philbert will head out shortly to go back into town to work with the undercover police and the street youth.

We are so thankful for your faithful prayers,we are walking in His favor and grace.

That none would be lost,

Arlene

June 30 - A stollen passport

Ministry Partners,

 PLEASE PRAY!!!!!!! A thief reached inside our van window this afternoon and although I was not hurt he grabbed my pack that was sitting right by my side.
He got my passport , iphone and about $140. We have been with the police this afternoon and Alfred and Philbert are working with them tonight.
Everything is replaceable but I cannot leave for Uganda on Wed. morning or travel home without a passport. Tomorrow is a holiday here so the American Embassy is closed and Alfred says appointments are two weeks out.
I still serve a God who loves doing miracles ....... please pray for one here.
Alfred, Philbert and Pastor Peter just returned, it's midnight, from working with the police who have enlisted some street youth for help. God continues to pour out His faithfulness to me as Alfred was just able to get on line and book an appointment at the American Embassy for this Wed. at 8 the only appointment other than next week.
We are to be back at the police station at 9 in the morning.......one office not effected by the holiday!
There is a reason God did not want me to leave for Uganda tomorrow.
Thanks for your continued prayers.

Arlene

June 23 .......

Ministry Partners,

Goodness that 3 hr. + nap on Sunday really did the trick, I woke Monday feeling like a new person of should I say my old self ......... raring to go.

The events of the last two weeks has taught me to be more flexible than ever and reminded me big time that I am not in control of anything which allows me to experience God's peace more than ever as I rest in the fact that He has all things under his control.

Working with the authorities here has been a blessing for sure but has also proved interesting to say the least. IRM has been asked to help the men prisoners who had everything destroyed in the fire at their prison. Originally we were asked to help by providing blankets but that changed to 1,000 trousers to which we spent the afternoon, with the Rep. we were given, trying to procure the items but found that not that many were available. 

 Stacks and stacks of bundled clothing but not enough trousers

And although we did find the 2,000 plates and cups that requested item has been changed and we are now to take items to the Women's prison on Wed.

After doing ministry in the 1930 Prison tomorrow we are to take the Gov. Rep. with us to purchase those items, whatever they are. I'll let you know then what we actually purchase and how many.

For me, a person who likes to eventually have a plan the yes/no/yes/no, up/down up/down up/down, go around Mt. Sinai twice and then go in reverse makes it very clear I am not as flexible as I thought.and God wants to work on my flexibility character!!!!! And all the while He's doing that he is smiling and I am too!

Today we did have our meeting concerning getting IRM registered as well as checking out other Guest Houses in the area for possible use for next years team if God brings us back but failed to find anything suitable in our price range.

We stopped by the open market for me to get just a couple of items for friends and one of the Rwandan women sales people recolonized me from shopping with her in previous years and greeted me with hugs, laughter and the broadest smile ever. When she found out I was 70 last month she told me to pick a necklace as her gift to me. I was reminded again ....... this is a country of relationship first.

On the way back to our Guest House it was too late to have dinner there so we stopped along the way to get something to eat and as we sat down I just couldn't help but take a photo of ........

 the absolutely beautiful chandelier that hung overhead 

and although I did not order any I noticed they had Lamb on the menu. I have never seen that offered here before.

I will post again when I can but the next four days are extreamly busy, I added another new church to speak to in the evening after speaking at the Women's Prison on Wed. and every day through Friday will have lots of distance travel.

Thankful for all of you,

That none would be lost,

Arlene