Vine Is Shipping Again

For the first time since 1993 the Guatemalan government’s social aid department (SOSEP) has refused to allow us to import medical aid and equipment duty free, forcing us to pay taxes on material that we give away free to missionaries and ministries throughout that country.

Last week we imported our first “commercial” shipment; a container of wheelchairs and handicap aids. The customs charges were very reasonable. Yesterday we shipped another container. This one includes more highly valued items like medicines and children’s vitamins, which are subject to inspection by their department of health. The ship sails on Monday (Aug. 13) and will be in port on Wednesday. Customs clearance should take about two weeks.

Please pray that all goes well with this container. I'm hoping that SOSEP’s refusal to work with us will be a blessing in disguise, allowing us to ship whenever we want without waiting for their approval, speeding up the clearance process once in port, and also allowing us to again ship Bibles and tracts, something they began denying us about four years ago.

Thank you all for your prayers. I'll keep you posted.

Bodega Bruce