El Roi

PDF Version:
AWA Weekly 260221 PDF

Taste and See (Psalm 34:8)

Wednesday was a rare day in the religious world. Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent in churches following Christian liturgical tradition, and Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting, began on the same day, February 18. Both traditions of self-denial have the same start date and occur only every 30-something years, though a few days overlap more frequently. It brought to mind what the two events have in common. Both monotheistic religions strive to draw near to God and to deal with sin; each encourages a period of self-denial. Both religious traditions hold the patriarch Abraham in the highest regard, while his two sons, Isaac and Ishmael, play the leading role in these two major religions. Both claim “their boy” was the one Abraham was willing to sacrifice on the mountain, and the Lord promised that both men would birth mighty nations. While each group may call the other “wayward cousins,” both cannot be right. One tradition knows no certainty of salvation, hoping only in works; the other receives salvation through Christ's death by the promise of God to forgive sins and work out salvation by God’s direction.

Hagar and Ishmael

This coinciding date gives us opportunities to have humble and holy conversations with Muslim friends. The Genesis account about the conflict between these two brothers and their offspring makes an insightful point. God made it clear that Isaac was the son of promise, but it was Ishmael’s mother, Hagar, who called the Lord “El Roi,” the God who sees. She and her son were cast out of the family, left destitute and alone in the desert. It was there that the Lord spoke to her, provided her needs, and promised Ishmael would be a mighty nation. Perhaps during this season of reflection and repentance, we need to remember how precious the “wayward cousins” are to Him and how He “sees” the heart of every person truly seeking to know Him. The link to this guide can help inform our prayers for Muslims this year.

Come and See (Psalm 66:5)

Debbie and her sister were helped by the five days of respite they received while caring for their father. Now he is back home, and the timing of the rest was providential. Debbie and he only got about one hour of sleep last night, as the doctor works to adjust his medications. We know he will soon see our Heavenly Father face-to-face.

Verlin was reminded this week that the Lord can turn any task or conversation into a spiritual learning opportunity. Earlier this week, he called our Internet provider to try to get a more economical monthly plan, since a competitor is offering a great deal. Not only did he get a cost reduction, but the representative kept him on the line for over an hour, asking questions about our ministry. Pray that the Lord will use the message shared to bring her closer to the God Who sees.

Prayer & Praise

• 🙏 Pray that more Muslims have dreams of Jesus and encounter Christians willing to share the Gospel with them. May nations beyond Iran see large portions of their population come to personally know Jesus, the God who sees them.
   
• 🙏 Debbie’s father seems close to leaving this world. Pray for peaceful last steps Home to Heaven.
  

Your partners in the Gospel,
Verlin & Debbie

Verlin and Debbie

 

Christian Health Service Corps (CHSC) is a mission of dedicated medical professionals who participate in the CHE Global Network. Together, in a loose affiliation of individuals, churches, denominational, and nondenominational agencies, we share God's Light and Truth through Community Health Evangelism (CHE). Verlin and Debbie accept donor partners to contribute as led to provide support as we maintain residential ministry to expand CHE ministries in Cote d'Ivoire under the auspices of CHSC & Ivorian partners. Tax-deductible contributions by check are to be made payable to the CHSC with Andersons #0118 written on the memo line. Mail to CHSC - PO Box 132 - Fruitvale, TX 75127. Give online via the CHSC @ www.che4a.org (3% fee) or TDF - specifying Verlin and Debbie Anderson in the optional Memo.

 

Prior: Call Buttons
        - 260214 PDF
Prior Videos: Worth
        - Reflect & Rejoice
 

2024 Q1 Q2 Report: First Resort
  -  2024 Q1 Q2 Report 250906 PDF

2022 Budget COMPLETED:
CHSC-0118_ANDERSON-2022-Budget.pdf
 
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