We were granted permission to take 15 members of our Open Arms team into the Eldoret women’s prison on Friday, March 13. Most requests to enter the prison are being denied, but God granted us favor. Our host, Charity (assistant to the warden), welcomed us and gave us a brief tour of the facilities. Much to the delight of her “clients”, several team members purchased crocheted and embroidered items they had made. We could hear the women singing praise songs in the building next door when we were in the Industry building.
Our time of corporate worship was anointed. Many of us could hear the angels singing on the chorus of Open the Eyes of My Heart. The heavenly and earthly choirs intersected in that moment to sing Holy, Holy, Holy to God. Terrilyn and Daphany shared their testimonies of hardships in America and how the Lord has forgiven and restored them. The women prisoners needed to hear their message of hope in difficult times. Kenyan pastor Shadrak followed up with a relevant story and invitation for them to receive Jesus into their lives or recommit their lives to Him. More than 100 women raised their hands in response.
The inmates filed past our team members as we presented them with gifts of personal supplies - soap, sanitary napkins, petroleum jelly, boxed milk, and cookies. We also gave clothing for the children who are with their mothers. Twenty-six children from the ages of 1 day – 4 years are living at the prison. They have to leave when they reach the age of four. We pray that a relative will take the child at that point. Otherwise, they often end up on the streets.
It was a very special day for all of us (OA team, prison staff, and inmates). We were not allowed to take cameras or any recording devices into the prison. Regardless, that visit will remain in our memories forever.
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