A Day in Prison

Yesterday I seen something that blew mind!!

We had the opportunity to spend the day yesterday at Luzira Prison. When we first arrived we had a meeting with The OC (officer in charge). He is like the prison warden. Uganda has an open door policy when it comes to their prison system. They allow visitors and even cameras and video cameras (with special permission, which we got). This prison has over 3000 inmates and a ratio of 1 guard to 500 inmates. Hearing this my immediate response was that this place must have super tight security. He allowed us to visit the contemned part of the jail which has about 300 men waiting to be executed. As the OC took us into the wing, I noticed the most amazing thing. There were no cells. All 300+ inmates where in a common yard area. As we walked through these men shook our hands, and talked to us. The prison chaplain took us into a room where the inmates held chapel for us. Now here is the part where I lost it....

The room is filled with 200 Catholics, Anglicans, Protestants, and Muslims, and all of a sudden they start to sing and play homemade instruments. For 5 minutes or more all these men condemned to die, of different faiths, praise God like I have never seen before. I don't even know what to say about this, so I will leave it at that.

Next we visited the woman's prison. Their prison was a massive yard that had some cabin looking houses in it. Uganda is very pro-family so as we entered the yard I noticed woman with there babies, sitting in chapel. They have 25 ladies who have babies under 18 months, that are able to keep there children in prison with them.

Both prisons held chapels in which we were guests at. Each of us where introduced to the population and able to freely interact with the prisoners. They sang for us and thanked us for the sugar and soap we brought for them.

Honestly I was a little apprehensive to come on this "humanitarian mission" because I feel that Christ is my mission. But Africa is filled with the glory of God. The team has agreed to let Steve pray before meals!!! I have heard more that a few conversations regarding faith. And the African people are not luck warm, no matter who you talk to, they are praising God.

Today we are travelling to Busia to start building. Please pray for a safe trip.

PS. Phil and Shannon I talked to Mark yesterday. It was so funny, the lady at the guesthouse knows him. She is going to get him the bag and hopefully they can come over and see us when we get back to town.

PSS. Love you girls!!!