behind bars...

Hey Ninjas,
I had the opportunity to visit the prison yesterday with Lynn. This is the most amazing woman I’ve ever met.. Lynn has been doing prison ministry here in Kara for a number of years. Originally she started her visiting with a Catholic mission, then as she became more well know with the guards and officials, she began her own work there. She brought in a pastor and they would preach and do counseling… Then the prison officials closed down the building to all visitors and mission activities… Lynn came up with the idea to have a medical clinic there!

Lynn approached him with the idea of a clinic and he said yes, but no preaching… Lynn said no. But the guard knew they really did need someone to come in and give some attention to the medical needs, so he eventually gave in.
Now Lynn and a few others go in once a week, and provide care… They don’t do it for free, the cost of a consultation and medication is one memorized bible verse. We stayed for 2 hours and saw 60 people, Suzanne and Lynn treated everything from earaches and Malaria to Eye infections and abrasions.
Emotionally it was a wearing day!
Pray for Lynn and her ministry there… she shows the Jesus video each week, goes in to provide councelling, provideds food for those who don’t have relatives to provide for them, brings clothes for people as their old clothes wear out, each Christmas throws a “banquet” for all the prisoners, and ensures that EVERY inmate has a sleeping mat. Did I mention that she’s a grandmother???
If you want I can give you some contact information to reach her, I’m sure that she’d love to know if you are praying for her… email me and I’ll send it to you :)
Things you can pray for- Continued relationships with those in charge, safety (this is a prison!) medical supplies, and opportunities to serve….

I met someone who will be on the same (first) flight with me on the way home! Lydia works in Ethiopia and has been here at the SIL centre doing some training for the past two weeks. It’s nice to have a traveling companion!