Ministry Update from 04/08/2009

Dear Friends and Ministry Partners,

To paraphrase an old song, "Spring is bustin' out all over" in Nashville. What a glorious time to celebrate our Lord's resurrection. Because He lives forever, we have HOPE to share with the nations! Here is our good news from the past few weeks.

* We have been approved to return to Cote d?Ivoire this summer, hopefully in early July! Verlin will probably precede Debbie and Corbin by 14 days, as visas are approved.

Our account balance climbed from $28,000.00 in the red, and right now hovers around 0. Please pray with us that a remaining $16,000.00 in cash will come in before our departure date. That additional cash and $1,500.00 still needed per month is not fluff, but will be truly necessary for us to minister effectively because of exchange rates. The approval to go is based on the planned 2010 implementation of the Global Evangelization Fund, not the account balance.

* A huge thank you to the people of Florida, North Carolina, Michigan, and Tennessee who welcomed us. Some saw people saved and rededicated, all seemed encouraged by what God is doing through Community Health Evangelism (CHE) in West Africa. In upcoming months, we have services, state meetings, and a camp scheduled as one or both of us travel in Michigan, Florida, Tennessee, Idaho, West Virginia, and Ohio.

* The Christian teen converted from the Muslim family has been going by our house to have a Bible study and pray. Praise God that the persecution from her family has lifted a bit to make this possible! She is still not attending church. For her safety from now on, we will not use her name.

* In March, an evangelistic campaign was held in Bouake. Pastor George and his family labor to re-establish the Free Will Baptist church that disbanded when they and others had to flee during the civil war. There are now 19 new people attending the church in response to the outreach, bringing the average attendance to 42.

In closing, have you ever wondered if missionaries are still necessary in Africa? Attached is an eye-opening article by an atheist who grew up there. It's a testimony to the truly life-changing faith we hold and practice. He observed in other places what our mission has faithfully done in Cote d'Ivoire for more than 50 years. May it encourage you to steadfast prayer and giving to International Missions, as well as help deal with atheists here. Like us, you may also be touched to pray for the author who rubbed shoulders with the truth, and yet walked away.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/columnists/matthew_parris/article5400568.ece

Thank you for all you do. May your family enjoy a precious season rejoicing in our Savior.

He is risen indeed! Verlin, Debbie, and Corbin Anderson