Jan. 6 Our last Uganda prison crusade

 

Ministry Partners,

It's a beautiful morning in Masaka, Uganda and as we walked to get breakfast we discovered that a spider in just one night had crossed a large span across the walkway with a fine web thread and at one point stopped to weave a beautiful sparkling web that had caught the dew of the morning.

As the team met for breakfast today we all discovered that sleep last night was sketchie for all of us. Perhaps it was because of the very bad mattresses that felt like they were made of just dry grass and they, I'm told, had huge sinking holes in the middle just like mine.

Breakfast was interesting as it included chicken wings which Alfred seemed to enjoy. I ate my omelette but the guys saved theirs for lunch, I have some leftover pizza to eat and share. I also took some of the cookies for us to have as a snack as after we finish the crusade today since we will be driving to Kampala

We were just a few minutes from Saaza prison but they were already assembling the men prisoners when we arrived and I was happy that they brought the women in and sat them on the side also under a covered porch. That way I was able to speak to both groups at one time. I was impressed by the O.C. as he was young but ever so nice and spoke in a kind manner. He and his staff stayed through the whole crusade with most all of the making decisions at the invitations just like the inmates.

Aaron explained what to look for as I am speaking so I can identify the ones who are struggling and crying, it's how they wipe their face and today many of them were wiping their face. 

At testimony time one woman inmate said she had been in prison for some time and never admitted/confessed to anyone why she was in prison but today she did. She said she identified with my testimony and that her husband had beat her resulting in her killing him. She said she remained angry at him but because of my teaching on forgiveness, she prayed forgiveness over him.

One man inmate said that his sister had sent him to prison for three years and after he was released she sent him back for a second time. He knelt as he spoke and said that all this time that he has been in prison he had been planning revenge by killing her when he got out but today's message was just for him. He received God's free gift of salvation and forgave his sister.

As the inmates were testifying I handed out donated scarves to the women and caps to the babies. I hope you that donate scarves realize that those are a prized gift to the inmates. Thank you.

Today was difficult  for me knowing we had finished all 37 prisons in Uganda and I had to hold back tears as I said goodby to the prisoners.

Then it was a 2 hour drive back to Kampala where we arrived about 3. Alfred left us and took a motor bike back to the airport in Entebbe to get his passport and visa but was unable to connect with the person he needed to connect with. He said he will have to go back tomorrow as it is after 8 now.                         

PLEASE PRAY that he can obtain what he needs tomorrow so we can ALL go to Kenya on Monday.

It is so nice to be back in this guest house, it felt like returning home today when we arrived and the owner is so nice. She came and visited for a while and asked if I wanted her to do anything else to improve the guest house and I said no. I told her how much I liked it here as the team could "live" as a family here. 

Alfred will return from Entebbe sometime tonight and have diner then so Aaron and I ate dinner together, spaghetti and pineapple coleslaw. It was good and we were hungry.

I am thankful for a good mosquito net and good mattress to lay down on tonight.

Blessings to each of you.

That none would be lost,

Arlene

Jan. 5 "You need to remember how much Jesus loves you."

 

Ministry Partners,

This beautiful African Crane was 1 of 4 at the prison yesterday and the O.C. gave his permission to photograph it. They really are gorgeous and regal in person.

 

 

Today's breakfast; Sausage, beans, potatoes and banana 

 

It is had to believe that today we will do two prisons crusades and the women's crusade will be the last women's crusade in Uganda for me. We will have one more men's crusade tomorrow.

There were a number of attempts by Satan this morning to disrupt the work God called us to do but I recognized it for what it was realizing that the Holy Spirit was going to do a POWERFUL work in the hearts of the prisoners today and so He did. 

The 1,600+ prisoners filled the large room/hall they took us to and when it was full the remaining prisoners peered though the open screened walls and stood 5 to 7 prisoners deep surrounding the hall for the entire crusade, some so very young. For some reason, hearing their powerful voices respond to each invitation was such an emotional thing for me.

 

At one point as they were apologizing to each other I looked over at one of the prison officials who smiled at me and shook his head up and down. I had to turn away to keep from crying. Seeing the prison staff acknowledging that they understood the impact that such a choice would have on the prisoners and that it would impact the entire prison was very powerful for me.

Today's security measures at Masaka Main Max Security Prison was familiar as we went through the hoops of guards searching absolutely everything to the extent you just have to laugh but try not to laugh out loud. Some try to show their power as they rifle through even a bag of 4 small very sheer scarves that can be seen through, pulling each scarf out and holding it in the air then dropping it for you to catch, refold and put back in the bag. Taking a Uganda Bible that Alfred uses and rifling through the pages then bending some of them. I could not help myself, when he picked up my big old preaching bible, and started to mistreat it, I said, "Do not mistreat my bible." and I took it from his hands and turned it upside down spreading the pages so he could see there was nothing hidden inside. Then he grabbed the end of the new 170 ft electrical cord that rolls up on a wheel and started pulling it out, about 30 feet, and throwing it in a pile. I said to him and to the woman guard next to me, she had checked my bag, that he needed to roll all that back on the wheel, it could not be left in a pile. He hesitated but the woman guard instructed him to roll it back up. 

 

When we finished the crusade and we met with the O.C., a very nice man, he was holding my hand and walking me out of the men's prison and around to the women's prison. We walked past a number of guards as we were leaving and we had to walk past the young officer who was so arrogant and said to him, "You need to remember how much Jesus loves you." He looked at me and said,"What did you say?" and I repeated, "You need to remember how much Jesus loves you." 

 

The 90 women ans 5 guards were all so very attentive as I spoke and they too all responded to each invitation. When we finished the crusade I gave each woman a donated scarf and the children received crochet caps. They were so appreciative of such a small gift.

 

I just can't let myself think about tomorrow, my last prison crusade in Uganda. Where did all the days go, it seems like we just got started.

 

We found a place to stay that is clean and has a toilet so it has all I need even if there is no hot water and the windows have such gaps that I am concerned about mosquitos. The mosquito net doesn't meet but the girl asked if I had bug spray. Oh well, there is a bed and we are only here one night . After the crusade tomorrow we will drive back to Kampala to the guest house we usually rent. We will be there for 2 days before going to Kenya.

 

Please continue to pray for us

 

That none would be lost,

 Arlene

Jan. 4 A pastor's heart was touched

 

Ministry Partners,

  Last night was another good night of rest for me and as I look outside I see an overcast sky, Alfred says we are to be at the men's and women's prisons today by 10 but we were a bit late setting off so we arrived at 10:10.

 

Roasted corn anyone? No butter, no salt!

Even though I think we are almost the only ones staying here breakfast was another buffet but this time they also served plain fried liver which only the guys ate. We all saved our omelets and wheat bread for our lunch to go with some leftover yummy pizza from my dinner last night. 

It was about an hour drive to Sheema Prison today where there were 250 men who sat under a covered porch in front of me as I stood in the open so I was happy that the sky was overcast. Then there were 15 women that sat behind a wire fence above me to the right. This team is so blessed to watch the Holy Spirit do His work in front of our eyes as they responded to all the invitations today. Then as men inmates gave testimonies I went around the fence and gave each woman a donated scarf.

Although the sky threatened rain it started before we arrived as it was muddy but we finished before it started again  I just love God's perfect timing and care for us.

Then it was off for an hour drive to Kakika Prison. I tried to share my left over pizza with the guys but they had eaten a bigger breakfast so weren't interested, oh well more for me.

We arrived at Kakika way early and although they told us to be there by 2 we sat in the Deputy O.C.'s office as the clock ticked past 2. The schedules at every prison is different, some eat at 12, some 1 and some 2. If they know the prisoners will be eating at 2 it is hard to understand why they would tell us to be there at 2 to start our crusade. 

The problem is that then they still want us to finish at the original time and do not allow us to then go over to compensate for them not letting us start on time. All that means is that I then have to decide, with the Holy Spirit's help, what to delete from my messages. It really is an amazing thing how He helps me do that and at times the official sitting with us realizes the impact on the prisoners because of what is being taught so they allow us more time.

Today we were not allowed to start until 2:15 and with the Holy Spirit's help we finished right at 4. But He has been doing something very special and out of the ordinary with the last 12 or so prisons as we watch prisoners crying as their hearts are impacted by what they are hearing.

When our supplies were delivered a few weeks prior the O.C.'s also received a letter from me telling them we were coming and that because of the content of our crusade we would need from 2 to 2 1/2 hours to complete it.

One inmate testified to day that he was a Catholic leader but today's message impacted him and he would never be the same. Another said he was a pastor and this was the second time he had heard me but this time was different as his heart had been touched. And for the second time a prisoner said he had a dream the night before concerning forgiving and then today's message confirmed that he needed to forgive. 

When we finished we were taken to the O.C.'s office to meet him and so I could get a photo with him to put in our report that goes to the Commissioner of Prisons, we do that at every prison. But I had a special request for him. I told him I noticed that they had some beautiful African cranes there and could I please take some photos of them. I was pleased when he gave me permission.

Then it was back to the hotel where we arrived about 5 but not before the guys stopped for a roadside purchase of roasted ears of corn. Not like the corn we are used to because it is tough and more like the field corn we feed cattle.

Tomorrow morning will be early as breakfast needs to be at 7 so we can be packed up and on the road by 8 for the 2 hour drive to Masaka Prisons. We will do both the men's and women's.

It's been a long day and my back is sore so I'm looking for ward to getting to bed early.

 That none would be lost,

Arlene  

Jan. 3 We added another prison crusade

 

Ministry Partners,

 

I did not take this photo, it's off an internet News program

Yesterday as we were driving in that downpour a similar vehicle with police in the back,  like this, were sitting sideways except for the guy in front who was standing and never sat down. They passed us with lights on and I could see part of a girl officer's face. They had rain gear on and had put their Ak47s  under their rain gear. We follower them for quit some time until the rain stopped. Then the rain gear came off and out came their guns.

Last night I slept well for the first time, from 9-6, only waking up one time at 2:30. Thanks for the prayers. I have 2 windows in my room with great screens, to keep out the mosquitos, so I had lots of fresh cool air in my small room that has a nice big bed. Although they provided a fan, I never used it. Because there are a number of prisons not too fan away, we will stay here two more nights. At least that was the plan as of today.

We have added another prison crusade before we end our time in Kenya so we are now at 37.

Breakfast buffet, which always come with your room was very good this morning with sausage, omelet, potatoes, beans, wheat bread, 2 dessert breads, matoki, steamed veggies, bananas, watermelon, pineapple, passion fruit, African tea, plain tea and coffee. For the first time to see not only corn flakes but also chocolate Coco Puffs, cereals that you eat with hot milk. There was morn than enough for me to choose from so I took my omelet and mad a sandwich with wheat bread along with a banana for my lunch.

When we arrived at the men's prison we found a Deputy O.C. that had seen us before at another prison, so we found favor with him. But we were not allowed to enter as they were having an issue with contraband in the prison and were having to check all the wards. The decision was made and he called the O.C. for the women's prison to see if we could go there then instead of in the afternoon. She approved us to come so we loaded the sound system and all the other things and drove the short distance to the women's area.

Some women were seated under a tent while others sat outside so I stood outside so I could address both groups. I was thankful that it was overcast today but also praying that it would not rain. Responses to all the invitations were evident of the work of the Holy Spirit in their hearts. We finished in the time given to us and then it was time to return to the men's prison where almost 2,000 inmates waited.

There they were seated in a 180 degree design in a sloping area so everyone could see me. Again they were so intent on what we were presenting, no one moving around or talking and eyes that follow every movement I make as I preach. At one point I felt a few rain drops on my arm and I pleaded with the Lord to please hold back the rain until we completed what he sent us there to do. I am so thankful he answered that pray with a "yes". Watching the acknowledgement in their eyes and faces as we present each object lesson is something I don't have words for and the powerful way they follow me in prayer as they admit they are a sinner and ask Jesus to forgive them, only the Holy Spirit can bring them to such an important decision.  

One inmate giving his testimony said, "Today, I told the inmates in my ward that I had a dream last night and I  was going to have a fight with my friend, whenever I see him because he has never cone to see me since I have been here. But as I listened to the message today about "Forgiveness" it was like cool water to my soul. I knew I had to forgive my friend and anyone here that I have offended I ask you to forgive me and those who have offended me, I forgive you."

I am so sad that our time of doing ministry in the prisons here in Uganda is almost over.

We stay within our modest budget and stay in nice but very moderate places but yesterday God blessed us and provided a very nice place within our budget for us to stay. Alfred says because it is the holidays that people are home with their families so hotel are all but empty after the New Year. So today when we got in from the last prison Alfred and I went for a swim, then we joined Aaron in the sauna and finally the steam bath. It was a special treat from the Lord for all of us as we have not had any time off and have been working so many long days.

Dinner too was good as Alfred had Curry, Aaron had a hamburger (he saw the one I had last night) and I had pizza and shared some pineapple coleslaw with the guys.

I am really ready for bed and asking the Lord to give me another good night of sleep. I want to finish well my time in Uganda.

Please continue to pray for us.

That none would be lost,

Arlene

Jan. 2 - Today Satan’s disruptions did not win

 

 Ministry Partners,

 

 Milk delivery anyone

We were told that breakfast was served here at our hotel from 6-10 but when we arrived at 7 nothing was out so we decided to return to our room and pack up our suitcases and get them loaded in the van and then eat breakfast. But when we returned at 7:45 there was still no food out. A waiter then came to us and said since we were the only remaining guests at the inn they would not put a buffet out but we could order, which we did. Finally, our breakfast appeared and we asked for to-go containers, as we need to get on the road to Ntungamo prison where we were to arrive by 10.

We often find that the enemy tries to bring some disruption into our day just to get our focus on the distraction instead of what God has called us to do. Little did we know that he was going to work over time today.

Although because we were on the top of a mountain the fog was so thick that it made it difficult for Alfred to see the road and speed bumps so he drove slow. As we came off the mountain, the fog lifted and the last half of the drive the air was clear.

We arrived at Ntungamo Prison (770 men & 39 women) right at our scheduled time of 10:00 but things did not go as we had planned. Alfred had spoken to the O.C. yesterday but today she would not answer her phone and we were held at the first gate while one guard walked up the hill about 3 blocks to the office to find the O.C. was not there. He returned down the hill saying they could not let us enter. Even the Deputy O.C. who appeared said he could not let us enter because the O.C. had not made ANY of the other staff aware of our coming today and without her instruction, they could not let us enter.

Aaron has a discerning spirit and he said the O.C. had an unfriendly spirit towards ministry and that is why she did not inform her staff we were coming and turned off her phone. As we waited by the 1^st gate even her staff could not get through to her. Alfred called the new Commissioner of Prisons in Kampala and allowed the guards here to overhear their conversation. The new Commissioner confirmed that we were given approval to enter and said he would call the O.C. but Alfred told him he may not get through as she had turned her phone off.

With over 325 entrances into prisons we have never had this happen, refusing us entrance altogether, although last year we had to call Commissioner Elizabeth and she straight way called that prison and they let us in.

By 11:30 we were still waiting at the 1^st. gate and I am watching 28-30 inmates doing work with their hoes while 8 guards stand or sit around watching them. There are plants of; cabbage, tomatoes, yams and I am not sure what else.

I continued praying for God’s perfect will to be done and for him to intervene for us and that he did. After holding us in the hot sun at the first gate for 2 hours we were finally allowed to drive to the women’s prison.

What a wonderful group of 39 women and 5 officers were there. I had a great time with them as we shared our full program. At one point it began to sprinkle but the women, who were under the porch covering just turned to face me as the team then left the open area in front, in the open, and joined then under the narrow porch. After responding to all the invitations, I gave them scarves and the babies crochet caps. Then we were off to the men’s part of the prison where the men were entering a building that I would say would hold about 300 or so men. However, they kept entering and entering, all 770 of them and 1 officer. I stood on the porch and shook hands with many as they entered. Once inside, when I told them my age, they showed us a prisoner there that was 110. I cannot imagine being in prison at that age. Hearing their powerful voices, asking Jesus to be their Savior and then praying to forgive, made it VERY evident why Satan had worked so hard to disrupt things today.

I do not think I have ever spoken to a more attentive group. And when they started apologizing to each other they ended up having so much fun it took some minutes for them to settle.  

Then it was a 2-hour drive to where we would stay to make us close for tomorrows prisons. But during the drive we hit one of the worst downpours I have ever been in, accompanied by cracks of thunder and lighting. The new windshield wipers had trouble keeping the rain cleared so Alfred could see but he drove VERY slowly for quite some time and then it was quickly over.

I was glad when we got into our hotel although no ground floor room was available and I would need to climb stairs.

Tomorrow we are doing 2 crusades so it will be another full day. And they told us they start serving breakfast 5 but since the prison is somewhat close we will eat at 8.

I am tired tonight so that will be all.

Thank you for partnering with us by your prayers and financial support.

That none would be lost,

Arlene

Jan. 1 Ndorwa Prison today

 Ministry Partners,

 

Your motorbike can be confiscated by the police, bread carrier and all

2024 has arrived with loud music, partying and fireworks here and although I was in bed by 10 sleep did not find me until after 12:30am. I had hope that because my room was on the far side of the hotel that it would be FAIRLY quiet but the booming fireworks sounded like the were right outside my room.

We are staying at White Horse Lodge in Kabale, Uganda. I found the name of this lodge interesting as I have never seen a horse here in Uganda, there may be some but I have never seen one. My room is nice and I actually have a bathtub/shower instead of a shower head and drain in the floor. A hot soak before bed is just what my soar back needs. I am pleased that we will be here 2 nights. It's hard to believe that we only have 4 more day of ministry here in Uganda , finishing on Jan. 5, before heading to Kenya.

Pastor Aaron has some of the funnest sayings, yesterday when Alfred was walking to the prison gate we could see the back of his shirt that had not been ironed and Aaron commented, "Alfred did not iron his shirt, it looks like it came out of the mouth of a cow".

Ndorwa men's and women's prison is close so breakfast was later at 8:30. I am hoping that they will put them together so I will only preach once today but we will see what the Lord has planned for us.

And so it was, they were all together. There were too many to fit under the shade cover so they stood around the edge in the sun which turned hot. The Deputy O.C. who welcomed us was very nice and put another young officer in charge of us who was ever so quiet but also very nice. He was so interested in what I was saying that he had a staff person film me on their phone. That makes me nervous as I do not know where that video will show up. As I finished and was standing outside the young officer came up to me and thanked me for the message on "Forgiveness" and he said it meant a lot to him.

As the inmates responded to each invitation so did the many officers that were also present. As some were giving their testimony as to how God had worked in their hearts during our time there I had the opportunity to give the children caps. I was so pleased that the children came right up to me and were not afraid. I then handed out donated scarves to each prisoner.

Tomorrow wee have a 2 hour drive to Ntungamo prison for men and women so we will need to be on the road by 8. I hope they put them together like they did today. 

I spent some time this afternoon sorting the remaining supplies. I want to give them all away, if I can, before we return to Kampala on Jan. 5.

Dinner was .......... oh, well thankful for something to eat, God is good.

Thank you for your continuing prayers.

That none would be lost,

Arlene

Dec. 31 New Years Eve Day - 1 compined prison visit today

 Ministry Partners,

 

Pastor Aaron, Bishop Arlene, Pastor Alfred

 

The IRM team wants to wish all of you a very Happy New Year 2024.

Breakfast was very interesting today, Alfred was not sure I was going to have much to eat. Instead of us serving ourselves for the first time they decided what the would give is to eat. I was thankful Aaron wanted the watermelon on the plate they brought me and traded me for the pineapple on his plate. The guys had a full plate of local food (cooked banana with peas, potatoes and sauce) but after some time I was able to get a 1 egg omelette. Alfred asked if I could please has a slice of bread or toast and they eventually brought me 2 pieces of toast. It was interesting as we had sat there and watched them make 25-30 loaves of bread and put them through their slicer before putting the fresh loves in plastic. The toast was delicious and from all the loaves they made I would say they have quite a business selling bread. We bought a loaf so we could have PP&J sandwiches for lunch.

Today we did a crusade for the men and women of Rukengiri Max. Security Prison where we were welcomed by the Deputy O.C.. Because we stayed at a hotel that was close to the prison it was only a 5 min. drive. The very high cement walls and corner guard towers of the prison presented a daunting sight as we passed through 3 gates to enter. 

The inmates were seated in an area that sloped down which was wonderful as all of them could see us and the object lessons we use for each lesson: salvation, discipleship, forgiveness and apologizing. The women were brought in to sit on the side, kind of behind me so I needed to continue turning so they knew they were included. It is so wonderful watching them grasp the truth that regardless of their past that Jesus loved them and died on the cross to pay the dept for their sin, then offering them the gift of salvation. Again the Holy Spirits work in their hearts was evident as they responded to all the invitations. 

After we finished I gave each lady a donated scarf and the children the crochet caps. I must say it does make me sad that many of the children scream when I come close to them, the first white person they have ever seen, although the mothers and inmates laugh.

One inmate said that he knew God allowed him to be in prison just so he could hear today's message about "Fear" and about "Forgiveness". He forgave all who had offended him and asked for forgiveness from those he had offended.

We then headed for a town 2 + hours away to be prepared for tomorrows prison crusade. After finding us a place to stay I went to work on this blog and sorting photos from today while the guys went into town to try and find a new radiator cap since Aaron says there is an issue with ours and find a repair place to fix the issue with our brake lights that won't turn off. But because it is Sunday a shop may be hard to find. 

The guys have returned and although shops are closed they were able to find a mechanic so everything on the van is fixed ($165) and ready to go for tomorrow.

I finally have determined that I need to dismiss out of my mind what any food in America tastes like compared to a food here by the same name. I ordered beef stroganoff for dinner and it came in a salty brown gravy instead of the creamy sauce I am used to. But the chef did a great job on the pineapple coleslaw.

Its only 7:15 here but I can hear the loud music for the partygoers although Alfred got our rooms at the far end of the complex. I am thankful that I have earplugs as he says there will be fireworks at midnight. It was raining a bit ago so I wonder if the festivities will be rained out tonight.

Enjoy the your celebrations in America.

That none would be lost,

Arlene