Shipping (and other needs)
We have received the price quote for shipping the container to Congo. We have to hire a semi-truck to take it to Seattle, WA, which should be around $1,000 (Praise the Lord, a gift has been given to cover this amount). It will cost $8,000 to get it from Seattle to Matadi, DRC. There are other fees and things that have to be paid in the US which bring that to $10,000. After getting the container to Congo, we will have to pay more fees (even though we get it in “customs free” there are still other fees), and pay for the container to be brought to Kinshasa where we can pick it up. These Congo fees and transport costs are estimated (you never know exact costs in Congo) at around $5,000. So, our estimated total for shipping at this point is $16,000. This is quite a bit higher than we were told at first, but our Lord is not surprised. We are confident that He has a plan, and that He will provide. Please pray with us as we wait upon the Lord.
**We just got news that in the last few days, Congo changed the rules. Instead of 46 steps to clear a shipment at the Matadi port, it now is only 4 steps…yes FOUR! This should save time and money and is nothing short of a miracle! It’s so exciting to see God paving the way! Praise the Lord!
As you know, we have set several dates as goals for having the container packed and ready to ship. These dates seem to be pushing back as fast as we pick them. We are still looking for and gathering up a few remaining supply needs, and we are also still looking for some items that will be blessings to those we will be ministering with and to in Congo.
Some of the remaining items are:
Communion cups (preferably glass, as they will be used, washed, and re-used many times, but plastic are ok too)
Reading glasses for Congolese pastors (Dollar store or used are fine; 1.00, 1.25, 1.50, 1.75, and a few 2.00+)
Sun glasses
6 190W solar panels ($1750)
Power inverter (for the solar panels)
Center page stapler
Welding rod (7018 or 6011)
Outboard boat motor, 10-15 HP, 4 stroke
Well pump(s) (solar powered; we are hoping to dig a well at the Bible Institute property)
Acetylene bottle for a cutting torch
As for our monthly support, there is not much “white” left on our arrow to Congo. We need only $150 more per month. Praise the Lord! Please continue to pray that the Lord will lay a burden for Congo on the hearts of those that He would have partner with us in this ministry.
Remaining outfit and passage needs are now estimated at $25,000. This includes the amount needed to ship the container, our visas, vaccinations, and materials to build our house in Dibaya. Please also continue to pray for the funds to build the remaining buildings necessary to start the Bible Institute (duplex dorms and a 1-room class building…estimated at $2500 each).
Guillaume
It was such a blessing to have Guillaume Boulanger with us for 2 weeks! (Guillaume is a young man we “adopted” while in Québec.) He spent his work’s vacation time this summer to fly to Idaho, but didn’t have a very restful vacation. We did have some fun and were able to give him a small introduction to life in the Northwest…but most of his time was spent helping with work projects, gathering things for the container, and packing. Our most precious times were those we spent in God’s word and discussing things of our Lord. Continue to pray for Guillaume as he strives to seek and follow God’s will for his life.
The Grings
Dan Grings and Sarah, their eldest daughter, were able to make a quick trip to Idaho. It really was a blessing to have them here, fellowship, and get some more ideas for what to pack and how to get it all in the container. Also, continue to pray for Sarah as she is seeking the Lord’s guidance on where exactly He would have her serve in Congo. She is praying about joining us in Dibaya-Lubwe, which we are very excited about…however, we truly want her to be where God wants her!
Looking Ahead
Our time in the States is slowly fading away. We now have less than 2 months and our schedule is nearly full.
August
7 Shelly Baptist in Shelly, ID
8-12 VBS at First Baptist in Roswell, ID
14 Bethel Baptist in Kalispell, MT
21 First Baptist of Columbia Falls, MT
28 First Baptist of Marion, MT
Sept.
11 Faith Baptist in Nyssa, OR
19 First Baptist of Notus, ID
26 Leave for Congo!
Running with patience,
(Hebrews 12:1-2)
Time in Kinshasa