Rejoice Greatly

PDF Version : Anderson_WEEKLY_151219

When was the last time you spent two consecutive hours listening to the Scriptures sung to you? This
 weekend Debbie delighted in an early Christmas gift. Cara took her to the Nashville symphony’s performance of Handel’s Messiah. You could hear a pin drop as saints and sinners were musically walked through the prophecies, birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Debbie has listened to recordings of Messiah during the Christmas season for over 30 years. To hear it performed live with Cara was moving.

At the same time, we are thinking of our African brothers and sisters. They celebrate Christmas together (sometimes all night) with enthusiastic singing, drama, and preaching. At times they show evangelistic films, and usually there is a potluck meal together. We love the African dishes they bring, and they look forward to our big pot of spaghetti and sauce.

Although classical music (or foutou and peanut butter sauce) may not be your experience this year, we hope that you carve out time to ponder the gospel accounts and sing the old carols. It will revive your soul, and we can testify first-hand that the truth of Christ does “speak peace unto the heathen” (including us!) as the air "Rejoice Greatly" (click words for link to music) from Messiah reminds us.

Our children, granddaughter, and Debbie’s parents will join us in Cookeville on Friday. When we return to Cote d’Ivoire, we will not see them during the holidays, so this is a treasured time. Next weekend we will not send an update, since our trip on Saturday to see family and ministry partners in Michigan will take all day.

Merry Christmas, dear friends!
Verlin and Debbie

The 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 require the equivalent of 8 partners at $100 per month of support to resume residential ministry of expanding CHE ministries in Cote d'Ivoire under the auspices of the 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 via www.che4a.org (3% fee) or TDF (0% fee).

Last Written: Pealing Peace - Anderson WEEKLY 151212
Last video: Reducing Needs - Anderson WEEKLY 151128
2015 Q3 Report: Anderson_Report_15_12_12.pdf
2015 Budget : CHSC-0118_ANDERSON-Budget_2015
Securely gift the ministry @ www.che4a.org 
Double your gift possibly? See Double-the-Donation
Something to ask? Write: updates@verlindeb.org
AWA represents Andersons Witnessing in Africa
 
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Pealing Peace - Anderson 3Q Report

Peace on Earth?

As we look around our violent world today, it seems that Longfellow, the great American poet who lived during the Civil War, had it right when he penned the poem “The Christmas Bells.”

…Then in despair I bowed my head;
“There is no peace on earth,” I said;
For hate is strong,
And mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men.
 
Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
“God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;
The Wrong shall fail,
The Right prevail,
With peace on earth, good-will to men.”

We sang this regularly in Ghana while displaced from Cote d’Ivoire because of civil strife in December 2011. (If online, click and listen to St. Peter’s Choir while reading). Thinking about Paris, San Bernadino, Syrian refugees, and the constant threat of terrorism, what is the most powerful weapon Christians have? Educating our children about tolerance, studying world religions, beefing up national security, preserving citizens’ rights, screening immigrants carefully, or confronting extremism worldwide—none of these acts will save us from future terrorist attacks, although they may be necessary precautions. The only hope for a jihadist is the love of Jesus. Only Christ can transform a stony heart filled with hate to a loving heart that respects all human life.

As Christians, we are the hands and feet of Jesus, showing His love to our enemies. Yes, to our enemies—not just those who think and look like we do. This does not absolve us from protecting our families and nation, but the command is clear. He showed us the “more excellent way.” There is no greater change agent in the world than a Christian who loves God with all his heart mind, soul, and strength, and loves his neighbor as himself. The Lord helps us all be that unquenchable force in our broken world.

We can be most useful by returning quickly to our service assignment in West Africa. Community Health Evangelism (CHE) powerfully introduces Christ in closed countries and Muslim contexts. To share the Gospel Jesus mentored and preached wholistically is the most effective way for us to participate in bringing peace on earth.
Click these words to buy!

According to the book Operation World, an outstanding prayer guide which lists the status of the gospel’s advance in all nations (CLICK these words for Cote d'Ivoire stats), Cote d’Ivoire has more Muslims today, 41.8%, than it did in 1900, only 5% then. There are more Christians now than in 1900, too, but we have not kept up with the growth rate of Islam. The town where we live is called the “city of a 1,000 mosques.” If we do not act in our generation, West Africa may become a Muslim stronghold like so many other areas. The love of Christ compels us.

Progress report for Verlin’s August 21-October 13 Ivorian trip

  • University training in September was a vibrant success, praised by the institution’s leaders. Another university in the second largest city now seeks CHE instruction as well.
  • Each of the 53 days he was there, Verlin spoke with one or more people wanting CHE, or who were already involved in CHE outreach and needed troubleshooting advice, encouragement, or contacts to further their efforts.
  • One FWB team made great strides in the past year. Two more sister churches wait for training.
  • The president of the Federation of Evangelical Churches believes CHE can be a national strategy of evangelism.  He now wants training for his own denomination and starts with his local church in Abidjan beginning in January.
  • Another Baptist denomination asked us to train them. A Bible Institute for pastors in the west desires our mentoring there.
  • Healthcare Christian Fellowship International actively plans to open 200 small clinics using CHE in some of Cote d’Ivoire’s most under-served regions.
  • Opportunities multiply nationwide so rapidly that the question we face when we return is, “Who should we help first?” The Lord moves many hearts in diverse venues to share the gospel through CHE. We thank our Lord Immanuel for the opportunity to serve those who obey and so discover His help. Current trainers cannot meet the requests for follow-up, nor will our return change this reality for several years.

  • Hope of peace on earth depends on every Christian engaging in the battle to share the Prince of Peace. Thank you for faithfully partnering with us in Cote d’Ivoire. We pray others will boldly and effectively make Jesus known in U.S. communities as well using Neighborhood Transformation (a link of CHE). 

“For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us.” Ephesians 2:14

Praise and Prayer

  • Praise the Lord with us! Because of recent gifts and commitments, we calculate needing only about $800 more in monthly pledges to meet our reduced budget. If you feel prompted to become a monthly partner or to give an end-of-year gift, please know your action may be the very one that completes our stateside ministry and returns us to Cote d’Ivoire.
  • We plan for a March 2016 return to the field. This is possible if our fourth quarter contributions remain strong, and if we have the assurance of funds available to buy a vehicle. The 1996 Toyota LandCruiser 2 that was purchased for us in 2000 would cost us $37,800 at today’s exchange rates. Prices are similar today (estimate link).
  • Debbie had a successful hernia repair in November, with excellent recovery. As far as we know, both of us are physically ready for a four-year term.
  • The Cote d’Ivoire presidential election occurred peacefully, with the incumbent, Alassane Ouattara, reelected for another five years. All rejoiced that the election passed smoothly. 
Your partners in the Gospel,
Verlin and Debbie


Anderson Third Quarter 2015 Financial Report


Budget: The 2015 budget seeks $96,000 to allow reimbursement of U.S. service travels, visas, & set aside for a vehicle since that purchase did not happen in 2014. It provides for maintenance of Ivorian housing, storage, and communication expenses during our absence. Obtaining an adequate vehicle and housing will use >$45,000 (Click for a Ford Ranger estimate). We are to start with a maintenance balance of $25,000 after setup purchases are made.

Donations to our CHSC #0118 account for the third quarter of 2015 are shown below. They are listed in the order received per our reports. For purposes of donor confidentiality, we only show the sender’s ZIP code. Senders from the same ZIP code are differentiated by the addition of letters. Please contact us if you believe a donation made is missing. We can be reached by calling or texting (615) 477-1129. You may also contact the Christian Health Service Corps (CHSC) directly at info@healthservicecorps.org . For the 2015 budget through the 3Q, click here or at the below link.

Click to see the PDF Version to check if your contribution to the cause was properly received and credited through the 3Q of 2015.

The Christian Health Service Corps (CHSC) is 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 require the equivalent of 8 partners at $100 per month of support to resume residential ministry of expanding CHE ministries in Cote d'Ivoire under the auspices of the 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 via www.che4a.org (3% fee) or TDF (0% fee).

Last Written: "Zealous Efforts" - Anderson WEEKLY 151205
Last video: Reducing Needs - Anderson WEEKLY 151128
2015 2Q Report: Anderson_Report_15_09_19.pdf
2015 Budget : CHSC-0118_ANDERSON-Budget_2015
Securely gift the ministry @ www.che4a.org 
Double your gift possibly? See Double-the-Donation
Something to ask? Write: updates@verlindeb.org
AWA represents Andersons Witnessing in Africa
 

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Zealous Efforts


PDF Version : Anderson_WEEKLY_151205
  
Skype gives us the wonderful opportunity to regularly speak to Ivorians for pennies. Recent
conversations and emails bring good news in Community Health Evangelism (CHE). AISEC, the Ivorian CHE network, has members who train others almost every week. There is microenterprise training on December 8 and 9, and the following week is Christian family planning. At a recent meeting of leadership, the Healthcare Christian Fellowship International voted to train all their group leaders, 120 people, to use the CHE strategy next year. All of this is with just one of many groups whom we are now used to encourage in the Lord.

In addition to the need for constantly available trainers, one of the other great CHE challenges in Cote d’Ivoire is following up with people who have begun their CHE ministry. Many teams need encouragement, mentoring, observation, connection with other CHE practitioners, and help in troubleshooting problems. This is the reason our quick return is desired.  We will devote much time to helping teams all over the country move forward. AISEC now actively develops ways to fund their own ministry expenses and travels. One farming project just started with that goal in mind. We are grateful for their commitment to CHE core values, evident by their efforts to be self-multiplying and sustaining with local resources. Praise God with us!

Praise and Prayer:

  • Ivorian CHE trainers are spread thin and stay fatigued. Ask the Lord to give them strength and success in finding local ways to fund CHE projects and travel.
  • Debbie’s surgeon was pleased with her progress during her post-op visit this week. She has three more weeks of reduced activity.
  • Most of the small repairs are completed on our rental house in Bondoukou. Painting is planned for December. Our stored belongings will be moved to the house in January.

Your partners in the Gospel,
Verlin and Debbie Anderson

 The Christian Health Service Corps (CHSC) is 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 require the equivalent of 8 partners at $100 per month of support to resume residential ministry of expanding CHE ministries in Cote d'Ivoire under the auspices of the 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 at www.che4a.org (3% fee).
Last Written: "Cover Me" - Anderson WEEKLY 151121
Last video: Reducing Needs - Anderson WEEKLY 151128
2015 2Q Report: Anderson_Report_15_09_19.pdf
2015 Budget : CHSC-0118_ANDERSON-Budget_2015
Support these ministries : www.che4a.org
Double your gift possibly? See Double-the-Donation
Something to ask? Write: updates@verlindeb.org
AWA represents Andersons Witnessing in Africa
 
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Reducing Needs

PDF Version : Anderson_WEEKLY_151128
 
Every month or so, we share a video communicating what we do. This month’s 1’40” video explores the larger vision of the Christian Health Service Corps (CHSC). Working together, compassionate healthcare and Community Health Evangelism (CHE) is taken to some of the least served places on
earth. It’s a joy to share Jesus, discover how He meets great human needs, and disciple others to effectively share this Good News in their sphere of influence! We never get over the blessing of doing that in Cote d’Ivoire, nor the privilege of having you as ministry partners. While many families will get caught up in the frenzy of material exchanges at Christmas, we are thankful that you have not forgotten the millions who live without Christ, some of whom we bless and reach together. One day, those saved may thank you in person. When people from every nation and tongue gather around God’s throne, none of us will regret one penny given, or prayer offered, or time invested to spread the gospel. No doubt, we all will wish we had done more. The Christian Health Service Corps is on the leading edge of a medical mission revival and targets some of the world’s most marginalized people.

Prayer and Praise:
  • Praise the Lord with us! Because of recent gifts and commitments, we project needing only about $800 more in monthly pledges to meet our reduced budget.  Should you feel prompted to become a monthly partner or give an end-of-the year gift, please know your action may be the very one that completes our stateside ministry and returns us to Cote d’Ivoire in the first quarter of 2016.
  • We do not have a final yes or no on the possible contribution of a vehicle. Please continue to pray. If that possibility falls through, we will need to evaluate December contributions in light of funding a truck before buying our tickets. The 1996 Toyota LandCruiser 2 that was purchased for us in 2000 would cost us $37,800 at today’s exchange rates. We’ve received price estimates in that range to purchase less capable vehicles on our return.
  • Our eldest son and his wife endured a burglary this week, losing around $2,500 of “stuff,” as Cason put it. No one was at home or hurt, but it is still disconcerting to know strangers have maliciously invaded your space. Their thankfulness for the Lord’s hand in the situation blesses us.
  • The first stage of CHE training for a Women’s Cycle of Life program in Cote d’Ivoire last weekend was successful. Phase two happens this Saturday and Sunday. We and the trainers appreciate your prayers.
Forget not ALL His benefits,
Verlin and Debbie Anderson

The 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 require 8 partners at $100 per month of support, or that equivalent, to resume residential ministry of expanding CHE ministries in Cote d'Ivoire under the auspices of the CHSC and Ivorian partners. Tax deductible contributions by check are to be made payable to the CHSC with Anderson #0118 written on memo line. Mail to CHSC – PO Box 132 – Fruitvale, TX 75127. Give online via CHSC at www.che4a.org (3% fee) or TDF (0% fee)

Last: "Cover Me" Anderson WEEKLY 151121
Beautiful Neighborhood video: Anderson WEEKLY 151024
Support these ministries: www.che4a.org
Double your gift possibly? See Double-the-Donation
Something to ask? Write: updates@verlindeborg
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Cover Me

PDF Version : Anderson_WEEKLY_151121

Have you ever read the book of Ruth with the thought of applying its precepts to minister among immigrants or refugees? While we legitimately debate the “if, why, how, and how many” of receiving Syrian refugees, Ruth shines through the corridors of history as a beacon of compassion in action.

From Ruth’s perspective:
• She immigrated knowing that her life would be changed, and she accepted the culture and God of her mother-in-law. “thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God” 1:16
• She worked hard, earning the favor of Boaz. “Go not to glean in another field” 2:8
• She eagerly learned from Naomi, national, the appropriate way in Bethlehem to seek protection and provision from Boaz. “All that thou sayest unto me I will do.”3:5 

From Boaz’s perspective:
• He oversaw his property and work with careful eyes. 2:5          
• He protected the foreigner from overwork and rape. 2:9
• He surpassed the law’s requirement to reward Ruth with extra generosity. 2:14-17
• He turned Ruth’s attention to the one true God. “…a full reward be given thee of the Lord God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust.” 2:12

What beautiful reminders as we think of our own immigrant heritage. America is still the favorite place of refuge and opportunity in the world. May the Lord give us grace and understanding to biblically embrace the world’s outcasts while equally preserving the liberties our forefathers died to provide.  https://leesomniac.wordpress.com/2015/11/20/taking-in-refugees-what-the-bible-really-says/ 

Happy Thanksgiving!

 Praise and Prayer:
  •   A shortened CHE Women’s Cycle of Life training is occurring in Abidjan this weekend. Men training women about women’s issues is not ideal, but they soldier on until we can prepare women trainers.
  •   We have a potential vehicle source. Pray about this, since we will not propose a date to return to the field, until we know whether this option will work out.
Your partners in the Gospel,
Verlin and Debbie Anderson


The 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 require 16 partners at $100 per month of support, or that equivalent, to resume residential ministry of expanding CHE ministries in Cote d'Ivoire under the auspices of the CHSC and Ivorian partners. Tax deductible contributions by check are to be made payable to the CHSC with Anderson #0118 written on memo line. Mail to CHSC – PO Box 132 – Fruitvale, TX 75127. Give online via CHSC at www.che4a.org (3% fee) or TDF (0% fee)

Last: "Love Conquers" Anderson WEEKLY 151114
Beautiful Neighborhood video: Anderson WEEKLY 151024
Support these ministries: www.che4a.org
Double your gift possibly? See Double-the-Donation
Something to ask? Write: updates@verlindeborg









*Friend Debbie Payne Anderson or Verlin Anderson on Facebook to see regular photo updates. 

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Love Conquers

PDF Version : Anderson_WEEKLY_151114

While the world reels at the violent attacks on Paris this week, we join the French nation as they grieve and pray, and we reflect on two truths:

1) Educating our children about tolerance, studying world religions, beefing up national security, preserving citizens’ rights, screening immigrants carefully, or confronting extremism
worldwide—none of these acts will save us from future terrorist attacks, although laudable efforts. The only hope for a jihadist is the love of Jesus. Only Christ can transform a stony heart filled with hate to a loving heart that respects all human life.

2) As Christians, we are the hands and feet of Jesus to show His love to our enemies. Yes, to our enemies—not just those who think and look like we do. He showed us the “more excellent way.” There is no greater change agent in the world than a Christian who loves God with all his heart mind, soul, and strength, and loves his neighbor as himself. Lord, help us BE that unquenchable force in our broken world. As a couple, we yearn to return quickly to our service assignment in Cote d’Ivoire.

Praise and Prayer:
  • Debbie’s hernia surgery on Monday went very well. Hopefully this repair (probably made necessary because of 5 previous abdominal surgeries in the past 30 years) will be the last. She stayed with her parents in Nashville for a few days and came home Friday. Now to follow doctor’s orders about restricted lifting for 6 weeks!

  • After staying with Debbie the first day, Verlin was able to attend most of the Tennessee State Association of Free Will Baptists and share in a new church Wednesday night. We are thankful for friends who have made contacts for us in several new churches in the Cookeville area, and for other open doors in two other states.
  • Thank you so much for praying and giving to share the love of Jesus worldwide. We hope within just a few weeks to have a departure month to announce.

    •  
    Your partners in the Gospel,
    Verlin and Debbie Anderson

    The 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 require 16 partners at $100 per month of support, or that equivalent, to resume residential ministry of expanding CHE ministries in Cote d'Ivoire under the auspices of the CHSC and Ivorian partners. Tax deductible contributions by check are to be made payable to the CHSC with Anderson #0118 written on memo line. Mail to CHSC – PO Box 132 – Fruitvale, TX 75127. Give online via CHSC at www.che4a.org (3% fee) or TDF (0% fee)

    Last: "Medical Mission Moments" Anderson WEEKLY 151107
    Beautiful Neighborhood video: Anderson WEEKLY 151024
    Support these ministries: www.che4a.org
    Double your gift possibly? See Double-the-Donation
    Something to ask? Write: updates@verlindeb.org









     
     
     
    *Friend Debbie Payne Anderson or Verlin Anderson on Facebook to see regular photo updates. 
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