Container Craziness Continues - Prayers Needed

Here is an update for you all following the container activity.

On Tuesday's blog post, I mentioned that Herbert met with an MP (Member of Parliament) who was going to introduce him to the Minister of Finance in hopes that the Minister would be able to get our tax exemption check released ASAP (which is needed to release the container). I also mentioned that we needed God to provide the funds for our portion of the costs to release the container (one person called it our ransom demand - so true!).

The good news is that God provided those funds and we have enough to pay for our portion of the fees. Praise the Lord!

The bad news is that was only half the problem. The other fee needed to release the container is the tax exemption amount. The government approved our tax exemption, but we are waiting for them to send the check to the port authority. We found out today that can take 3-6 months. We hoped the MP could help us get it quickly, but when Herbert went to accompany him to Dodoma Tuesday night(where Parliament meets), he found out the MP had fallen and broken his wrist and collar bone. He would no longer be going to Dodoma, but to Dar es Salaam to get treatment. Without the MP's assistance we are back facing an imminent deadline.

On Monday, our grace period ended and we are being charged per day the container sits. Next Monday, the fees jump up to a huge amount per day. One option we have is to pay the tax exemption amount and then get refunded when the check arrives. This is what other organizations do. The refund only takes 5 days, but the check from the government can take a few months. However, the amount of the tax exemption is roughly $5000 which we (and the ministry) do not have.

We are asking you to pray for this situation. We are hoping for a miracle. Specifically, that the $5000 is donated or lent to Africa Harvest of Hope by Sunday. If it is, we can get the container released and delivered. If not, the charges begin to pile up while we wait for the government check.

We know we serve a mighty God. He has already provided for us this past week as the funds for our portion of the balance due was donated. We know God can work this out. In the container is 250,000 meals and tons of supplies for widows, orphans and the needy. We know God didn't allow these items to be donated and sent across the world only to be stuck where they can't help anyone. Please, please, please join us in prayer for a miracle and let's see what God does. We want to give Him all the glory for what He will do.

Thank you so much,

George, Stacie and the Africa Harvest of Hope Team