Dear Friends,
“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (Hebrews 12:1). Immaculate’s faith never faltered while she and her 4-year old daughter waited three weeks in Mombasa for the container to clear the Kenyan Port Authority. Although the Kenyan government systems kept failing, keeping both importers and exporters on hold, she said, “I was not annoyed, rather I kept praying and trusting that our container would be cleared. All along I was at peace, knowing God is in control.”
Aside from the system failures, getting the container cleared at the port is always a challenge. We have been sending large shipments to Kenya since 2016, with our last 4 shipments being 40-foot containers. Immaculate starts each year, however, at first base with the port authorities. They are on guard against fraud since many people attempt to bring in “charity” containers while the actual intent is to sell the goods. Not being a Kenyan-based charity weighs against us, but with much perseverance and persistence each year, Immaculate finally gets it cleared. We did have to go through a full inspection this year because the “wall” of Bibles in white boxes that our expert packers put in the middle of the container as a brace showed up on the scan and aroused suspicion. The agents off-loaded a significant portion of the contents before reaching the Bibles and determining they were exactly as we had declared on our manifest.
In spite of all the delays, scrutiny, and extra expense, we are praising the Lord that the container has been delivered to Immaculate’s home after its 3-month journey. Although we had planned for a mid-December arrival, the glitches at the ports in both Norfolk and Mombasa delayed its delivery until late February. We know, however, it arrived at exactly the right time. The “storehouses” in Kenya were finally emptied after Victor distributed the last of the Bibles from the 2023 container to the Deliverance Church in Soy. Therefore, we are grateful that the “shelves” are full again and the team has an abundance of wonderful things with which to bless the people of Kenya.
Our Scripture cards are making their way around the world. We were blessed to be able to send 250 Scripture card packets in Spanish with a medical mission’s team traveling to serve in Guatemala. The trip was sponsored by Word of Life Fellowship. In addition to sharing the Gospel in 10 villages, the team members treated almost 2000 patients.
As always, we are grateful for each of you who make it possible for us to continue the ministry of Serving in Jesus’ Name by your prayers, financial support, donated items, and help with sorting and packing. Thank you!!!
Blessings,
Kathy Carlin, Executive Director
