Our latest update in PDF format can be downloaded by clicking on this link : Anderson Update 11_08_08.pdf
Dear Friends and Ministry Partners,
We joyfully write once again from Bondoukou where we travel and work peacefully in our region, though still not easily. Verlin returned June 9 and heeded the advice to get a military pass to drive; when Debbie and Corbin returned July 13, we rode without a single stop! Reportedly, the president recently directed police and military to let missionaries move freely. That is not to say that all is well for our host Ivorians. News sources regularly report atrocities from earlier months and appeals for justice. To the west, where land issues have fed this conflict since before 2001, things have taken a new twist. Some workers, formerly considered only land laborers, now actively seek outright ownership of the land. Abidjan, the economic capital, is busier and cleaner than before the crisis, after cleanup efforts and the floods of May and June made it so. However, the emotional dirt and bloodstain of the conflict remains. Many live with gradually subsiding fear. Displaced refugees find it hard to return. The need for Jesus and the cleansing change He brings is more evident.
We want to mention a few praise items from our time in the States, some events of significance, and some upcoming ministry opportunities.
- Debbie's successful abdominal surgery and improved energy, health.
- Cason's May 6 graduation from Free Will Baptist Bible College with highest honors, and marriage to Suzanne Dean the next afternoon. It was a beautiful day of commitment, worship, and celebration.
- The capture of the former president, a cessation of hostilities, and the installation of the new president of Cote d'Ivoire (CI).
- The resumption of regular Sunday meetings of all three Free Will Baptist churches in Abidjan, where most of the fighting took place.
- The re-opening of banks in CI, giving us access to funds again.
- Acquisition of our residency papers for the upcoming year.
- Verlin's occupations of the last 6 weeks included, but were not limited to: helping facilitate THP-BERECA relief efforts; sending Community Health Evangelism lessons for use in training other French-speaking nations (DHL works!); connecting two NGOs with possible development projects in CI, and possibly a third; meetings with FWB pastors and leaders; participating in an Ordination Committee meeting; preaching; countless phone conversations handling administrative issues; visiting a refugee camp; receiving verbal reports on three building projects; traveling from the coast to our most northern work in Doropo to hear and encourage, while evaluating safety issues along the way; attending a wedding and meeting with the Ivorian on strategic planning; and spending 50+ hours with reps and techs in attempts to re-establish our primary Internet connection, and possible backups, with speed adequate for Corbin's online school requirements and our sending and receiving large files.
The rest of August will be busy, too. Verlin prepares to accomplish numerous commitments for the Pastor's Retreat and subsequent National Association which begin August 20. It is anticipated that financial reporting for the Bible Institute will also be established then. Corbin's high school classes began last week, with a new online system that we pray our Internet connection can sustain. Debbie hopes to verify the understanding and print a revision of an 8 year Sunday School cycle for the Education Committee before the National. The ladies' class she teaches will not resume until after August, because the Goumere FWB church hosts the National. Discipling remains our continuous activity.
Our problem is never lack of work; instead, it is keeping the work correctly ordered and shared to accomplish what formerly would keep 5 or 6 missionaries happily occupied. Pray that we prioritize correctly. Pray also that the Lord continues to give a multitude of opportunities to share the Good News and build up believers. We want to see the people and circumstances around us each day from our Father's perspective.
This is not possible without your faithful partnership and prayers! We are ever grateful and mindful of your sacrifices for His sake. Our mission board and home office continue working hard to adjust the International Missions funding system, so that it is streamlined, clear, and acceptable in structure for our diverse denomination. One recent change is that individuals and groups can again designate funds to missionary accounts. If designated funds surpass what a missionary account needs at the end of the year (a rarity these days), the remaining funds roll over to the Global Evangelism Fund, which still pays for other essentials.
Serving with you to fill the earth with His glory, (Ps. 72:19),
Verlin, Debbie, and Corbin Anderson
Our problem is never lack of work; instead, it is keeping the work correctly ordered and shared to accomplish what formerly would keep 5 or 6 missionaries happily occupied. Pray that we prioritize correctly. Pray also that the Lord continues to give a multitude of opportunities to share the Good News and build up believers. We want to see the people and circumstances around us each day from our Father's perspective.
This is not possible without your faithful partnership and prayers! We are ever grateful and mindful of your sacrifices for His sake. Our mission board and home office continue working hard to adjust the International Missions funding system, so that it is streamlined, clear, and acceptable in structure for our diverse denomination. One recent change is that individuals and groups can again designate funds to missionary accounts. If designated funds surpass what a missionary account needs at the end of the year (a rarity these days), the remaining funds roll over to the Global Evangelism Fund, which still pays for other essentials.
Serving with you to fill the earth with His glory, (Ps. 72:19),
Verlin, Debbie, and Corbin Anderson
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