Written by Jako/Posted by Alex
Amber and I left for Zambia on Saturday the 1st of September to try attempt number three at getting our vehicle out of South Africa and imported into Zambia. We left for the border early and again nervously waited the whole day to get cleared afraid they would say we needed more paperwork but by 18:00 that afternoon we were cleared to go and took a huge sigh of relief. After more time spent doing paperwork in Botswana we slept right there at the border, exhausted from all the waiting. All in all, we had spent 56 hours at the South African border with all three attempts and we were now just happy to be through.
God gave us good traveling mercies through Botswana and we were at the Zambian border early on Monday morning. That took some time as well but wasn’t too bad, except on our nerves, hoping that there would be no problems here as we had in South Africa. After 4 ½ hours of waiting we got through the border in to Zambia at 11:30 and had to go to the customs depot in Livingstone (1 hours drive away) where they had to process the paperwork. We got our special clearing permit at 17:30 before they close and we could leave with the vehicle and trailer. That was a big blessing as we were unsure of the security measures there if we had to leave it overnight.
We left for Mukamba early Tuesday to go and drop off all our things there and get some information for the next leg of our trip. From there we left for Lusaka on Wednesday with all of the paperwork of the vehicle and headed to the Ministry of Finance to get vouchers because we were importing the vehicle on the Orphanage name. When we got there on Thursday the officials there were very rude to us (we couldn’t believe they were Zambians!) and basically said that they can not give us the vouchers because we were supposed to have apply for this vat number from them before and that we can apply now but it is not said that we will get approved and even if we get approved that they can not pay any import before the date of approval. They were very unwilling to help in any matter. The only option now that the vehicle was in the country was have to registered it on our name and that is going to be very costly.
We were heartbroken at this breakdown of communication. Everybody had told us a different story and we were just going along with what officials at the border had told us to do and were following their rules and now this. It was a difficult time for us (the money difference we would have to pay is HUGE) and we knew that this money could go to “better” use for the orphanage but we know that we needed a vehicle there as well. We talked and cried out to God and in the end He gave Amber and me peace about it and just reminded us that He was the one in charge and would provide for all of ministry needs, now and in future. We were just to do what He leads us to do and to leave the details up to Him. He also reminded us that He recently provided us with a large donation and if He was the one that provided the funds, He was the one that got to decide where it went to. With that our spirits were lifted and we were on the road again. He even provided another clearing agent in the area to help us with some paperwork, think things through, and just support us in all this confusion and through him we could see God’s hand of love, that we were not alone in all of this.
Our next objective was to go further up to Kitwe, Zambia to pick up two PET (basically a wheelchair that enables you to drive in the rough terrain bush with out any one pushing you). These Pet’s were for two individuals that are lame in the orphanage area that we had heard of two to three years ago. They had been on our heart to help for a while but knowing that regular wheelchairs were of little use to them out in the bush, we didn’t know how to help. Then the Lord provided a way through a contact to a Church in Kitwe that makes these PET devices. They hand them out to people in need and all we had to do was get some information about the people and drive the 11 hours drive (750km/469 miles) from Mukamba in order to go and fetch them. We knew it was far to go and would cost a lot of money for fuel but knowing that impact that it could make on these two individuals lives, we knew it was important. Through this God really impressed to us the distance that He goes to save just ONE person. It was a beautiful time being to a place we had never been before, listening to all that God was teaching us and then seeing the joy on the faces of those that we delivered it to.
One of them, Derick, is a Jehovah witness and we spend the whole Sunday afternoon talking to him about scriptures and it seems that He is really interested in knowing the truth about who God really is. He is very confused with what the scriptures really say about God and Jesus and we encouraged Him to keep reading the Bible himself and see for himself what it says and to ask God to reveal to Him the truth. It was a neat time of discussion, relationship building, and joy as we saw the excitement on his face for this new means of transport. We are looking forward to visiting him again and Petros said that he would visit also as well. Both of these men were so excited about there new way of transport around there homes and area that they could not stop smiling. There were just smiles all around as the crowd watched them cruising around in their new PET. It was awesome to be a part of that and we thank God for his provision, direction, and grace in all of this.
Now there was only one snag left. We had to get back to South Africa for a missions conference that we had been invited to but our vehicle (in the midst of all this paperwork issues) was not allowed to leave the country. In the end we parked our vehicle at Pastor Petrus’, walked the foot path to the main road, caught a lift on the back of one of the local maize/corn trucks, and then caught a bus to Livingstone, taxi to the airport, and flight back to South Africa. It was an experience but definitely worth it as the conference was a blessing and we could see God at work on many different levels. We made a lot of new friends and spent some good time with old ones. God is really good to us and we praise Him for all that he is doing not just for us but for every one on this world that is bowing their knees to Him.
Unfortunately we were unable to get any building work accomplished this trip because of all the paperwork issues and driving but once again, God knows our time restraints, and we plan on tackling the building hard this next trip up. We are planning to return to Zambia on Wednesday the 19th or the 20th to go and sort out the paperwork for the vehicle and to keep on working in Zambia. Please continue praying for this confusing and difficult process, that God would continue to remind us that He is the one in control and not us and to help us praise Him not matter what. This trip we will have a few weeks to take care of paperwork and continue with building before Amber’s mom and brother arrive for a visit from the USA. We are looking forward to having them here once again and are especially happy for the extra hands to help. We will return to South Africa the end of October (God willing with our vehicle) just in time to regroup, pack up more things to move and head up again in November. Lots of work left to do but with God’s grace and strength we are looking forward to it. Thanks so much for all your prayers, love, encouragement, and support.
Please pray:
For the vehicle process that we would get it sorted out with out any problems and that we can get it registered before October 15th (when Amber’s mom and brother (Josh) arrive)
For the building work that we would get the store room finished, our kitchen and get to floor level with the orphanage house before the rain comes.
For our health and for growing relationship with Jesus
For good stewardship over what God has given us.
May God bless you all and know that He loves you all
We love you all as well and are thankful for your support and prayers.
Jako and Amber Joubert
Mission of love community orphanage Zambia
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