These represent some questions and comments during Verlin’s recent trips. On average he travels two weekends a month to visit established Free Will Baptist (FWB) churches and all leaders. Typically he preaches three times and meets with area leaders three to six hours a fourth time Saturday mornings. FWB doctrine is reviewed in its historical context to increase understanding of how to facilitate a vibrant Church Planting Movement. Local church participation is painted into the big picture of the area, regional, national and international FWB ministries. Each church’s leaders receive national leadership contact info and local leaders get connected to regional and national leaders. An explanation of Community Health Evangelism is given; a means to jump start meeting in their community is offered.In visiting Kadarasso, Verlin followed the familiar pattern, but took water since the dry season has been dryer than usual. He rejoiced to find a new well had been dug to meet the community’s need! Over 75 believers participated; some walked more than 20 kilometers to share and testify, desirous of instruction as their former pastor left to begin a new work three months ago. Leadership solutions were pursued with regional leaders; local spiritual issues of morality and Christian behavior were addressed.
On return from the ‘worse-than-a-logging-road’ travel, the Toyota axle was found leaking, again. At least this trip the ‘on-the-tarp’ sleeping was limited to the village! This made 7 needed axle repairs in 15 months, so Verlin decided to participate daily in the repairs. He found the pressure release valve had apparently never been cleaned since November 2010, though it was instructed to be verified clean, or be cleaned, on several priors with 4 different mechanics. He also found that the studs could not handle the required torque and assisted finding solutions to get the work correctly done. Pray our churches rear honest and diligent workers in this society, including mechanics that go beyond assuring future work for themselves, or others, and keep vehicles operating safely. It’s one of many public health hazards sinfully left unaddressed here.Debbie and Corbin have missed attending the Gouméré church due to travel. Deb expects to continue teaching the ladies Sunday afternoons. She seeks a bush taxi driver willing to make the 30-minute trip twice on Sundays for the weekends that the 4x4 is gone with Verlin. He uses a speed-regulated-by-50cc motorcycle when possible, but sometimes distances require the 4x4.
The month of May will be special for us. Cason and Suzanne celebrate their first wedding anniversary, Cara graduates from Belmont University’s nursing program, and Suzanne graduates from FWBBC with a mission’s degree. We will celebrate these events in person, and thank the Lord for making it possible. After two weeks, Verlin returns to host a CHE Training of Trainers in Bondoukou; Deb and Corbin stay two weeks longer.
April 29 is the WMO (World Missions Offering) for International Missions. Having surpassed the goal of finding 650 churches to participate, we continue the quest of finding others to joyfully give. The need of getting Jesus’ message to the world remains great. We’ve left answering machine messages as we share our role in the “Amazing Race” that we run together to win the lost and grow believers in faith and practice. All FWBIM serves together to see lives so touched by Christ that generations are changed and cultures transformed. Finances make it such that some missionaries now wait to return; others wait to go for the first time. Pray America’s leaders get economic policies righted for everyone’s sake. We trust with you for an outpouring of the Lord’s provision, and thank you for your faithful partnership over the years.
Verlin, Debbie, and Corbin Anderson
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