Jan. 14 Rachuonyo Prison & staff church service

 

Ministry Partners,

I am thankful that it did not rain last night but that never means rain is not on the horizon.

I am still struggling with this cold and although food has no taste I ate breakfast because I am preaching at one prison today. It is close to a fishing village and upon arriving I realized that I have been here some years ago. Because this is Sunday I was speaking at their church service. There was a small tent with 30 prison staff already gathered with 1,320 inmates gathered close to the front of the tent, across a grassy area and to the right of me in front of a building. It was if I was preaching in the round today. I was thankful for a bit of an overcast sky but before I was finished I was not sure I had enough strength to do so. But the Lord was faithful to me once again and I was able to finish.

"I can do all things through him who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13 ESV

   

Officers Alfonse and  Desmond reconcile.

 

I finally realize today that I have a problem that I need to address with myself, even when I do not feel well I keep pushing to get done whatever is before me. Preaching in the sun today when I knew I was not feeling well was very foolish of me!

When we arrived there were also children in the tent with their parents but I pulled Bishop Moses aside and told him I was not comfortable with sharing my full testimony with children there. I felt bad doing that but my testimony just isn't appropriate for children. I was thankful the parents sent them home.

It is an interesting thing how in the beginning there is such distrust in the eyes of the prisoners even though a bit of it is dispelled as I enter and shake hands with some of them. They will never remember all  the words I say but the object lessons make an impact that they cannot dismiss. Today they responded to all three invitations as well as the prison staff, salvation, forgiveness and apologies.

Alfred did anther good job again as he helps teach the discipleship part of the crusade and Edward and Aaron did a wonderful job translating.

And the 4 testimonies were so powerful, it takes courage to stand in front of everyone and tell how God has just worked in your life. Especially when they admit that they have been planing on taking revenge on their complainant by killing them BUT after hearing the message today they have chosen to forgive them. I never get tired of hearing how the Holy Spirit works in their hearts.

As we were standing to leave the inside area Moses said one of the officers stated he wanted to share his testimony but not until we got outside the prison gate. He told about having a specific disagreement with another officer who had been his close friend and that today he chose to forgive him. Then he pointed out the other officer who was also standing in the group and the other officer admitted that what had been said was true. They both stepped forward and hugged each other saying,"I forgive you." I am telling you, watching reconciliation begin does not get any better than today. Inmates and officers are being set free and choosing to live lives of peace.

I then got a couple of bags of ties out of the van and let all the chaplains and officers pick two before I got into the van while Alfred gave the women present a scarf. They invited us to stay for tea but I knew it was just not something I could do, I was just done. So Alfred, Aaron and I headed out for the 1 1/2 - 2 hour drive to Kisumu where we had been a few days ago. We will do a number of prisons in the area before finishing the Kenya trip. Moses and Edward remained behind but followed shortly after.

•  Alfred wrote in our WhatApp team communication:  Today was great, thank you all!! I was touched by the testimony of one who had a life sentence and upon appeal he was given 20 years - Now he is remaining to serve 4 years but has forgiven all the people he was intending to go back and harm … God is good !!

• Chaplin Edward wrote: I agree with you Dr. Alfred, the day was indeed great. Every day is becoming unique with unique confessions. More grace, strength and blessings to Bishop Arlene as the Lord continues to use her to transform lives.
  

 I took more cold medicine, put the seat back and slept all the way back to Kisumu where Alfred found us rooms at the same hotel where we stayed before. As I am now writing this blog there is a hard rain storm outside and I am glad for a warm room. And then it is over as quickly as it started.

Sunday is buffet night at this hotel so that was our dinner selection.

Please continue to pray as we only have 5 more days of prison crusades here in Kenya. 

That none would be lost,

Arlene

Jan. 13 Homa Bay Men's and Women's Prison

 

Ministry Partners, 

I was happy that the prisons were close today but concerned as it rained all night and I was not sure if we would be out in the open today.

 

This darling little boy at Homa Bay Women's Prison was so happy with his new crochet cap

I had a tough night dealing with the cold I picked up, coughing and sneezing and did not really want to eat breakfast but knew I needed to eat something if I were to preach two times today. 

When we arrived at the Women's prison it was very small group of 24 women prisoners inside a very small room nut I was so thankful for the top half of the walls being wire as then there was fresh air. Even with the rain it is hot here and being in a room with no ventilation would have been difficult. My throat was so sore and my energy was depleted that when I first stood I was not sure how things would go. But the faithfulness of God to me was evident as I preached the complete crusade with power from the Holy Spirit. The women responded to all the invitations and when we were finished I was able to give each woman a bible and booklet set along with a lightweight donated nylon backpack or shopping bag. There was only one darling baby boy and Aaron picked out a grey cap for me to give him. I was happy that as he sat on my lap with my white face so close to him that he did not cry.

Then we returned to the van to wait 45 min for the staff shift change and counting to be done. It gave me the opportunity to put the seat in the van back and take much needed rest before going into the men's prison of 1,200 men. 

The meeting area was covered with open walls about half way up so again there was plenty of fresh air but the short walk there was muddy to say the least.

The men dressed some in street cloths and some it prison black and white stripped clothing with orange colored sweaters. Although I think it is plenty warm, it is cold for most of them. The preaching went well and the inmates responded to all the invitations: salvation, forgiveness and apologizing but as I started to lead them in the 'Forgiveness" prayer my voice was gone. I said a quick prayer and motioned Alfred to give me the cough drop that was in his pocket, I needed to get some moisture in my mouth. Listening to the inmates pray forgiveness over someone else or themselves is such a precious sound.

Th whole team did an amazing job today, Chaplain Edward, Pastor Alfred, Pastor Aaron and even Bishop Moses did some translating for me.

 

Chaplain Samuel said, "If you were their teacher the inmates would all get A's."

After we finished a number of inmates gave testimony to what God had done in their heart during our time there. One prisoner said he was planning on taking revenge by killing his accuser, his wife, when he got out. But today he chose to forgive her.

It was a very powerful day and the team commented on the dynamics of watching the Holy Spirit work.

Tomorrow, there is one crusade scheduled nearby and then we will travel to Kisumu to more prisons in that area.

Please continue to pray that:

• Many more would receive Christ as Savior
• My health and the health of the team 
• Travel safety

That none would be lost,

Arlene

Jan. 12 "For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him." John 3:17

 

Ministry Partners,

Today the IRM Kenya ministry team has added another member, Bishop Moses arrived last night but I did not see him until breakfast this morning.

The breakfast was similar to others containing lots of local food selections. I opted for pineapple, omelet, wheat toast and cornflakes with cold milk again!   

The ride to Kendege Prison in Kehancha was about an hour and because our van is small Bishop Moses rode with Edward in his car.

 

Chaplain Edward, Chaplain Thomas. Pastor Aaron, Bishop Arlene, Pastor Alfred, Bishop Moses and Chaplain Peter

 

Thomas and Peter are local chaplains for the prison which is a small farm prison. The O.C. that greeted us was a tall fellow and very gracious. He laughed and smiled broadly when I told him I had a gift (2 ties) for him to use when he was not in uniform.

It was a good day although at one point the sun came out and it began to get quite hot. But the men responded to each invitation and even the men preparing their meal, a distance away, stood and responded. A number of men came forward to give their testimony as to how God had worked in their hearts during our time there.

I had noticed at breakfast that my throat was a bit sore but thought perhaps it was from so much preaching but as I finished today and sat down I went to take a drink of water, could not swallow and started choking. By the time I got to the car I new I had picked up a cold and was feeling it all over my body. I have not had a cold in many years but I am trusting the healing power of Jesus and the cold medicine that I brought with me to have me in good shape by tomorrow. I would appreciate your prayers.

Before we left I gave the two chaplains new ties and the woman there a scarf. Then we were off to another prison that was waiting for us but the drive was long and I rested all the way but at one point Bishop Moses decided we would wait and do that prison tomorrow.

The guys found the place to stay where we had stayed before and Alfred got us good rooms and got my computer set up so I could get this blog done.

It's so hard to believe how the days are ticking away and yet there are so many that still need to hear of Jesus's love.

I appreciate your prayers for:

• Open hearts for the Gospel
• A fresh anointing for the team
• Favor with all we neet
  
• Health for the team
•  Traveling safety

 That none would be lost,

Arlene

Jan. 11 "I will sing the Lord’s praise, for He has been good to me" Ps.13:6 NIV

 

Ministry Partners,

"But I trust in Your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in Your salvation. I will sing the Lord’s praise, for He has been good to me.” Psalm 13:5-6 (NIV)

It is another overcast day here in Kisii but there is no concern if it rains as we will be leaving after breakfast for an hour drive to Migori where we will do 2 crusades at Migori prison.

 

A photo from yesterday at the prison when I gave the lady a crochet cap for her baby.

 

Breakfast offerings were about the same as yesterday with a huge variety of African favorites that the guys enjoyed. I had beans, sausage, potatoes and strawberry yogurt and then a small bowl of cornflakes because I saw that they had COLD milk. It was my first time to see cold milk usually it is hot which for me means mushy cereal.

The drive went quickly and it was decided that we would visit the women's prison of 75 first. Some of the prisons are so similar in some way and yet so different in others. Mary, one of the chaplains made this prison very different, although she was very much in charge she was also very kind and dynamic in her own unique way. She said that this was not a women's prison but a high school as the women were all learning.

About half way through the rain began hitting the metal roof which signaled that the women had to leave to gather in the corn that they had drying outside as well as cloths. When they returned it was like a cloud burst and the tone of the metal roof made it almost impossible to hear. But Edward just increased the tone of his voice and so did Aaron as the invitations were heard by the women and responded to. Especially when they were directed to apologize to someone they had had a disagreement with. Followed by laughter and huge smiles. They reported that their hearts were now peaceful and happy. As the women were giving their testimonies one of the darling girl child came and sat on my lap and patted m face. What a special treat as all to often my white skin frightens the children and the scream.

After leaving the women's section there was much discussion because although it had stopped raining the ground was too wet for the 750 men to set on. But the decision was made that they would get the benches from the women's section and elsewhere so the men would have a place to sit other than the ground. So many young faces in this men's area of convicted inmates and yet as I was speaking I observed them bringing in more inmates in handcuffs. One young man named Brian was sitting in the front and although almost all other inmates responded to each invitation, Brian did not respond to any. As we were handing out some bibles I stopped in front of him, asked his name and then said to him,"Brian, you need to remember just how much Jesus loves you." Please pray for Brian, I asked the chaplains to keep an eye on him.

This is a special group of chaplains, who showed such kindness throughout, asked us to have a bite to eat with them that had been prepared. I try as best as I can to adapt to the culture here when I can so Alfred quite enjoyed watching me eat with my hands. Even a guard came in and fixed a plate for himself.

Then one of the chaplains went with Edward and us to try and find a place, to stay. The first place didn't work out as there was no internet and the room suggested for me had no seat on the toilet. But we finally found a place down the road about 6:30. I don't prefer being separated from the guys as I am on the ground floor next to the reception area and the guys are on the 2nd floor.

 

We have ordered dinner but no telling when it will be here, the first two things I picked off the menu were not available. I ordered sweet and sour pork and got a pork chop with some sauce on the side. Alfred and Aaron ordered fish curry and got a whole fried fish and some curry sauce in a dish. I can't tell you how much we laughed. It was a fun evening.

It's been a really long but great day.

 

That none would be lost,

Arlene

Jan. 10 Two crusades at Kisii prison today

 

Ministry Partners,

Slept fairly well and woke to an overcast day in Kisii, Kenya.

Breakfast found an array of foods that I did not recognize so stuck with chicken sausages, chapati,  yogurt and omelette. It is still a struggle for me to eat first thing in the morning since I do an 18 hr. fast at home but I know I need to eat for energy here to preach. Today we planned to do 2 crusades so that is 4 to 5 hours of preaching.

 

The IRM Kenya team today was a good one at Kisii Main Prison. Aaron, Edward, Arlene, Alfred and John

Chaplain Edward now also translates for me at times and his powerful voice is a good addition to the team. At times when I need to get really animated for object lessons Alfred and Aaron do as well and now so does Edward. It is so very nice working with these three men, I am thankful for them.

 

Today we did two crusades at Kisii prison, one for Remand prisoners 1,450 (those who have not had a court hearing yet) in the morning under a covered roof and one for convicted prisoners 850 in the afternoon, in the open. I was thankful for the cloudy cover and God held back the rain although there were a few sprinkles as we finished.

 

It is such an amazing thing to watch the skepticism on their faces in the beginning but then watch as they began to nod their heads in agreement to what we are teaching as some have a head knowledge about religious facts and principles. In a number of places we include some humor and it is good to hear them laugh. The prisoners fully responded to each invitation and at the convicted prisoner's crusade at least one M..... accepted Christ a Savior.

When we finished and took the above photo outside the prison I noticed a woman with a baby sitting next to a building cross from where we were parked so I got a crochet cap and took it to her. Then I noticed another woman with a baby sitting inside the room so I went and also got a cap for her baby. Both of them thanked me in English. I did not have time to chat as we were headed out but it was nice to see the smiles on their faces.

 

I also gave Chaplain John two ties the other day and today he chose 2 more to give to one of the young chaplains who was also with us. It's so nice to have the donated scarves, ties, and crochet caps to give away. Thanks so much to everyone who donates, the gifts really are appreciated.

We got back to our hotel before 4:00 and I was so pleased that there were no loud banging construction sounds. The silence is very nice to be able to concentrate on what I am writing. I would take a rest but then I would not sleep tonight so having this blog to write is a good thing. But when we came back from dinner at 6:30 the construction noises began again!!!

I told Alfred to order me the same thing for dinner at 5:30 that I had last night as it was good, pork ribs, potatoes and steamed veggies. Yet when the food arrived at 6 they had decided to give me a severely dried out pork chop that appeared to be leftover from yesterday, it just was not edible.

 

It is so nice being able to get this blog done early because then Alfred and I can get the book work and finances done so I can get to bed before it gets late. But getting the blog done early may be short lived as tomorrow we start traveling only staying one night per location.

 

I am giving God praise again tonight that he has allowed me to be here and thank you for your part in it.

 

That none would be lost,

 

Arlene

Jan. 9 1st prison in Kenya today

 

Ministry Partners,

Today started early as we have an at least 2 hour drive to get to Kisii to meet Chaplain Edward who will take us to the first prison there.

 

Now that we are in Kenya, donkeys are everywhere.

Today, the roads on the drive here were especially filled with speed bumps and jarring more than usual so by the time we got to Kisii I had to take something for the pain in my right hip. That, along with an intestinal issue made it a tough drive for me.

Edward easily found us and we followed him to the women's prison where I had visited a number of years ago. Today, we found 220 women and 10 guards there. The O.C. was very nice and said she had met me before at another prison. The two women chaplains who met us outside the prison entrance were also so very nice. When the women were asked how many had heard me speak before only 4 said they had. About 30 min. into the crusade we were asked to stop as the women had to return to their rooms to be counted.

After they returned and I was in the middle of leading then in the prayer to receive Jesus as their savior the demonic attack I received was a surprise to say the least. I have led that prayer over 350 times with over 180,000 receiving Christ as savior but about half way through the prayer, it was as if my mind was empty with no memory of what words should come next. I stood there silent for about a minute asking the Holy Spirit for help and then the needed words returned and the 225 prisoners and guards finished the prayer. 

When the ladies sat down I felt they needed an explanation so I told them about the radiation damage to my memory banks due to a tumor in my skull and that it was VERY clear to me that Satan did not want them to receive God's free gift of salvation today and he tried to stop me from completing the prayer with them. But God loved them so much that he restored what Satan tried to rob from me so they could finish the prayer.

I am so thankful for Edward, Alfred and Aaron as they did not intervene and proceed without me as they just waited before the Lord with me. Satan has tried to make me embarrassed but I chose to focus on the victory of it all through the Holy Spirit's faithfulness to me. 

At the end of the crusade we handed out scarves and the women put them on as soon as they received them. I am a bit sad as there are only a few scarves left.

At testimony time one inmate, who caught my attention from the beginning as she was so intent on watching me, said I came just for her because today she is free. As tears ran down her cheeks she said her husband had abused her so badly that she and her brother had killed him. He now is also in prison and his 3 children and her 4 children are with her mother. After watching the object lesson about forgiving an abuser even if he is dead she knew she needed to forgive him, release her anger, and forgive herself setting herself free. I asked her her name, hugged her, kissed her on the cheek and told her I would be praying for her. Please pray for her.

It was too late to do the second prison when we finished so the decision was made to do it tomorrow along with the third one that is also here, 1 Convicted and 1 Remand.

Edward had already found us a place to stay for two nights so we did not have to drive around finding one. But the construction that is going on upstairs hopefully will end by bedtime.

The tile shower floor makes me nervous when it is wet so I asked for a plastic basin so I can sit on the shower floor and wash up, not the best but works well for me. They also brought me a fan to help cool the room, hopefully I will sleep well tonight. 

When they came for me to order dinner I asked if the beef was tender and was told, "Not really", so I ordered pork ribs and they were tender and very good. Aaron had a hamburger and fries, Edward had Tilapia and Alfred had fish stew.

Please pray for:

• The Holy Spirit would soften the hearts of the prisoners for the gospel
• A fresh anointing for the team 
  
• Healing for Alfred, he's struggling with a cold
  
• Health would remain good for the team

That none would be lost,

Arlene

Jan. 8 Today we leave for Kenya.

 

Ministry Partners,

After breakfast Alfred and Aaron had errands to do before we could leave, which was at 11 o'clock. It was about 4 hours to the boarder and 1 hour to pass through arriving in Kenya at 4 o'clock.

 

 Crossing the boarder from Uganda to Kenya

Then it was 3 hours for us to arrive in Kisumu, Kenya. Tuesday we will meet up with Chaplain Edward in Kisi and visit our first prison.

Watching the fields of rice, corn and other vegetables and of course the rain as we drove away from the boarder made me think of home. But the Tukutuku's (that's what Aaron calls them, 3 wheeled small vehicles that clog up traffic. 

When we arrived in Kisumu, we were all tired, so Alfred hired a motorbike man to take us to a hotel, it was a good idea as then we did not have to drive around trying to find a decent place. My room is okay but the best thing was the very nice young man, Trevor, that helped me with me bag, got my computer connected to the WiFi and then stood for a few minutes to just chat. Of course I steered the conversation to IRM's work in the prisons and in the process I shared the Gospel. He commented that the people of Kenya are religious and that opened the door for me to share with him that religion does not get anyone to heaven. That the Bible says our own works are like filthy rags before God and shared Eph. 2:8&9 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God not by works, so that no one can boast. At that point we were interrupted but I pray the Holy Spirit uses that scripture to bring him to salvation. As we went to eat I saw Trevor again and gave him one of my gospel tracts.  Please pray for him.

We all had Sweet and Sour Pork for dinner and it was very good. I got into a discussion with the restaurant manager and found out he was a Seventh Day Adventist pastor. We had a great chat.

It's 9 o'clock and I need to bathe.

Please pray for us as we as we start the 1st of our 20 prison crusades tomorrow.

That none would be lost,

Arlene