What's the brand name of the pump? Some of the Made in China or Taiwan pumps can be problematic, in my experience. Of course its difficult to say certainly yes or no a spirit or spirits is trying to interfere with your operation. It could also be that the Master of all spirits is delaying it because the timing is not quite right for everyone involved. If anyone there loves God, I believe He will make sure you are successful in perfect time, given how profoundly such a success will impact your lives and the lives of those around you. In my experience, I suppose it will depend on who you're placing your faith in. I know it is an old tradition here in the Philippines to try and appease the spirits of dead people in such cases. But again I humbly say in my own experience, that is not the right path. By attempting to please "the spirits" you are placing your faith in those spirits and thereby granting them too much power over your operation. The problem with that is some of those spirits could very well be evil and will never want you to reach the object no matter what you do to satisfy them. I recommend placing your faith in God and praying for Him to grant your group success. Just my humble advice.