That’s what David would like to know. We originally reported on this topic in the Nov. 28, 1999 edition of Brigada Today. Uhmmm… So I think it’s time we refreshed it. :-) Please, if you have a moment, click online to the address below and share your favorite shipping recommendation. Whether you’ve got a favorite packing tip… or just a website URL, please spread the news.
My husband and I have used Latvian American Shipping Lines twice to move things to Latvia. They also serve Estonia, Lithuania, Belarus as well as Russia. We have had very good experiences with them as well as a price that wasn’t outrageous. http://www.lasl.com
You aren’t going to like my answer. My wife and I and our family have served for over 30 years on the field, and our recommendation to new folk is to NOT bring things to the field. Rather, try to live incarnational lives: where your house and belonging are similar to the nationals around you. You may argue that the local people have little. We understand this as well, as we lived for several years among nomadic people. Their houses were sparse with little in them. So was ours. And they loved to come and sit in our house… because it felt like their houses. The only difference is that we had two or three books in our sitting room. Before you pack all the stuff you might need, think of Jesus’ words to the rich young ruler. Give away your belongings… and follow me. If this makes you upset, as I have discovered that it makes some people upset, either ignore my comment or reply so I can expand on why I am suggesting this.
wow love it so right on
you are committed the way I should be
We’ve had good success with air cargo to Eastern Europe using Straightway (www.straightway.com). Some co-workers have sent containers. The reasoning is that otherwise they would sell a houseful of furniture at garage sale prices in the US and purchase a houseful of furniture here at new or expensive used prices – easily making up the difference in the cost of the container. Even frig’s, washers, dryers (provided appropriate transformers) have been very much appreciated via container.
Bruno Keller at JAARS is the go-to man. JAARS, is a support arm of Wycliffe in North Carolina,Ship. Bruno and family has lived both on the field and on the other side. Sea_Freight_Jaars@sil.org
Sorry, make the JAARS address: Ship-Sea_Freight_Jaars@sil.org
I can understand what Roland said – be very careful what you take to the field. We have always limited ourselves to personal items, which in our case were primarily books, musical instruments and some kitchen things. Even though we were going to another “western” country, it was important to have what they had, even if it wasn’t as nice as we were used to (e.g. twin-tube washer instead of automatic, and clothes lines instead of dryers). The locals were offended by others who brought over containers full of things – “Aren’t our things good enough for you?” In retrospect, I would have taken less not more.
Books can be a large part of missionaries’ moving expenses. We did some analysis a couple of years ago on moving books and why digital books might be the better choice: $6,650 in Shipping Charges?
Roland, personally, I think your answer is a *great* one for all who can live by it. My wife and I took two suitcases and a bicycle each when we first started in missions in South AMerica. However, it’s probably true that in some fields, some have to ship in a little more just for survival or home schooling needs or whatever. Our team in Southern Tanzania, for example, had do deal with virtually every possible scenario: how to make electricity, how to care medically for their children, how to do home schooling, how to filter water, … before long, a small 1/2 container or small crate is at least worth comparing to the cost of air “extra baggage.” But in general, your admonition is right on track.
Thanks to all the others that have given specific input. This is an outstanding thread.
Doug
We ship through the USA Dept. of Defense with a program called “Funded Transportation Program”. If you are a non-profit and are shipping to a registered NGO, you can apply for free shipping.
We have sent over 50 containers in the past 10 years, and ship twice a year.
I agree that you should only send what is really needed, so we request the list from our national staff.
You also have to have the supplies pre-approved by the destination country’s customs agency for duty-free clearance.
The DOD program only allows humanitatian supplies, so no Bibles (I send those with teams).
Contact me through my Blogger ID or email me at daveschertzer@cotni.org
We recommend Fidelity Forwarding for shipping to Europe. Many of our missionaries(including myself) have used their services and been very pleased. Ask for “Chuck Alles” when you call: 973-772-4799 or 1-800-456-5836 (USA).
Doug Bozung
Greater Europe Mission
Does anyone have experience shipping to Myanmar or another similar location in Southeast Asia? Thailand, Indonesia, etc.?
I was a missionary kid in Papua New Guinea and remember the ordeal we went through to get our crates in the country. Now I’m the CEO at a logistics firm here in Atlanta. We ship freight all over the planet including everything from personal goods to large machinery and ocean containers for Fortune 500 corporations. It thrills me to be in a position now to help missionary families move their belongings to the field or to help the various mission organizations move equipment like diesel generators, aircraft, and building materials. If you need assistance, please definitely contact me. Kan. McConnell kane.mcconnell@terracorelogistics.