Pressing On

PDF version: Anderson WEEKLY 150829

I can plod. I can persevere in any definite pursuit. To this I owe everything.—William Carey

So much of daily Christian living is plodding and persevering. It was a week like that for Verlin in Cote d’Ivoire--a first week with multiple meetings to reestablish contacts and to reinitialize services for banking, phone, Internet, and printing.  The news was good as he met with the hosts of the university training to make sure all is in place and questions answered. Some CHE trainers received their lessons, and appointments were made with those not seen. He checked prices on cars, since we will need to buy one for our next term.

Despite the myriad of activities in Abidjan, Verlin was able to plod (a very accurate verb when

traveling on public transport!) mid-week to Goumere, about 6 ½ hours north, where the National Association of Free Will Baptists was partially through their convention. It was a joyful time catching up with friends and co-laborers in the gospel and hearing ministry reports. Bible Institute students received their certificates and a young, zealous pastor was ordained. One pastor of a very rural church toward the center of the country shared an unexpected testimony with Verlin. The pastor explained that his congregation had developed a real heart for community outreach and improvement and had been faithfully using the tools Verlin left a few years ago when he spent a teaching weekend with them. Their hard work together will make it easy for them to transition into a full-scale CHE (Community Health Evangelism) outreach in months to come.

This upcoming week, before returning to Abidjan, Verlin will check out  potential housing for us, and receive accounting from faithful men who have watched over our belongings and handled business in our absence. In addition, he will spend more than 40 hours in further preparation for the seminar and connecting with the trainers. Never a slow or dull moment.

Please pray with us for:

•  a home in the location the Lord wants with hopefully few repairs needed
• resolution to some time conflicts for a few of the trainers
• safe travels and many opportunities to share truth on the public transport

Your partners in the Gospel,

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 need 24 partners at $100 per month of support, or their equivalents, 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 in memo and mailed to CHSC – PO Box 132 – Fruitdale, TX 75127. Online contributions also accepted at these links: www.che4a.org (3% fee) and TDF (0% fee)

Last written : Clean Hands - Anderson WEEKLY 150823
Equal Dignity video Anderson WEEKLY 150801
2015 1Q Report: Anderson_Report_15_06_06
2015 Budget :CHSC-0118_ANDERSON-Budget_2015
Support our ministry: www.che4a.org
Double your gift possibly? See Double-the-Donation
If you want to help, write : updates@verlindeb.org
AWA represents Andersons Witnessing in Africa

Clean Hands

PDF version: Anderson WEEKLY 150823

Hand washing. A simple and vital practice taught in the times of ancient Israel (Ex.30:21; 40:31), and corrected from religious myths by the Lord Jesus when He was on earth (Mt. 15:1-11), is taking greater hold in Cote d'Ivoire, as well as much of West Africa. The very first welcome into the country was not a check of our papers, but an expectation that we wash our hands. While salvation and health do not solely depend upon it, practicing it faithfully puts into evidence God's blessings from simple obedience. Such simple habits give opportunity to share biblical truth and elicit praise for God, as we regularly experience.

On the flight from the USA to Europe, Verlin met someone returning to Liberia for the fourth time with the U.S. National Institutes of Health. He is involved in the continued study to limit any future spread of Ebola. The impact of Community Health Evangelism (CHE) on the effort was underscored by his recognizing two regular CHE activities that influenced the international response there: the teaching of hand-washing, and a way to do home care for those infected without spreading Ebola while only using locally available supplies. As they discussed the spread and retraction of the deadly disease in the last year, it seemed evident that practices taught at the CHE training center in Ghana during 2013, and elsewhere, had permeated practice on-the-ground in Liberia through the efforts of Samaritan's Purse. These made significant contributions to limit the ravage of Ebola in that country and elsewhere. Praise the Lord! (PTL!) As always, if believers do not call attention to what the Lord has validated through Scripture to find what is impossible for men to discover alone, men take credit for what God does. Praise gets displaced! In the end, the air flight conversation ended with credit being given where due: God moved in the midst of mankind to again show how He can save all of us from ourselves.

On a lighter note, Verlin is thankful to be back on the ground since Friday

night. He has already interacted with influential persons of two denominations about their use of CHE to spread the Gospel through house-to-house witness alongside development and micro-enterprise. One is scheduling a follow-up meeting with a third group. We look forward to sharing in future updates more of how God is active here using all of us together.

Prayer & Praise: 

• Thank you for your prayers on the visa. Verlin got there. 
• Pray for financial support decisions to be made in our favor. We’ve commitments of around 70% of the monthly support needed after 16 months of visiting churches. We pray to finish soon.

Your Partners in the Gospel
Verlin & 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 need 24 partners at $100 per month of support, or their equivalents, 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 in memo and mailed to CHSC – PO Box 132 – Fruitdale, TX 75127. Online contributions also accepted at these links: www.che4a.org (3% fee) and TDF (0% fee)

Last written : Friendly Checks - Anderson WEEKLY 150815
Equal Dignity video Anderson WEEKLY 150801
2015 1Q Report: Anderson_Report_15_06_06
2015 Budget :CHSC-0118_ANDERSON-Budget_2015
Support our ministry: www.che4a.org
Double your gift possibly? See Double-the-Donation
If you want to help, write : updates@verlindeb.org
AWA represents Andersons Witnessing in Africa

Friendly Checks

PDF version: Anderson WEEKLY 150815

Dear Friends and Ministry Partners,

The call from Africa came early last Sunday morning before we left for church. An friend had gone by the house where we lived for many years to visit us, only to find us gone. He was very surprised to discover who was living there, and worried that we had been chased out of town or killed. So he called our U.S. number, hoping to get some news. Verlin was able to reassure him and tell him where he could go to hear our story. Two primary emotions stayed with us. One, of course, was thankfulness for his friendship and concern. Our other emotion was sorrow because we realize his reaction was symptomatic of the continued unrest that touches the nation. It is a sad world when you can legitimately infer that some of your friends might have been killed over the rights to a small property.

Presidential elections are set in Cote d’Ivoire for later this year. Unease percolates below the surface as Ivorians recall the tragedies and violence of the last elections (http://www.irinnews.org/fr/report/99707/worries-over-looming-ivoirian-polls ; http://presidential-power.com/?tag=cote-divoire ). Please pray for a peaceful polling process that builds toward trust in the budding electoral system.

In contrast, there was wonderful, upbeat enthusiasm Wednesday and Thursday as Verlin spoke with Ivorians about the upcoming CHE training in September. In typical African fashion, trainers have to be shuffled last-minute, but Verlin learned of two more budding CHE works in the process. He may be able to assist in a second CHE training right after those at the university, if details can be worked out in less than a month. We also rejoiced to hear of progress for Romsy a dear friend who has needed work for years. The Lord is giving him opportunities to work for both income and in CHE endeavors.

Prayer & Praise:

• Thank you for your prayers on the visa. Verlin verified that the request has been processed, and, if in the prepaid return express mail envelope, returned. On return from weekend services in East Tennessee, we’ll find if the visa was approved, or not, when picking it up Monday.
• Pray for safe travel for Debbie also as Corbin is settled for his sophomore year at Union University this weekend. She will return with the ’96 Dodge Caravan. We retire the ’93 Ford Taurus after 373,823 miles.  Replacing a torque converter is more expense than it’s worth to us.
• Pray for Debbie as she plans speaking engagements. Contact her at (615) 906-3524, if you want to hear from her in September, or in the first half of October. She will be in MI & TN.

Your partners in the Gospel,
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 need 24 partners at $100 per month of support, or their equivalents, 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 in memo and mailed to CHSC – PO Box 132 – Fruitdale, TX 75127. Online contributions also accepted at these links: www.che4a.org (3% fee) and TDF (0% fee)

Last written : Need 4 Speed - Anderson WEEKLY 150725
Equal Dignity video Anderson WEEKLY 150801
2015 1Q Report: Anderson_Report_15_06_06
2015 Budget :CHSC-0118_ANDERSON-Budget_2015
Support our ministry: www.che4a.org
Double your gift possibly? See Double-the-Donation
If you want to help, write : updates@verlindeb.org
AWA represents Andersons Witnessing in Africa

Need for Speed

PDF version: Anderson WEEKLY 150808

Dear Friends and Ministry Partners,

As Tennessee students sharpen pencils and dive into a new school year, we turn our time and
planning to the CHE ministry scheduled at the University of Abidjan on September 14-18. Trainers arrive the 11th and leave the 20th. It is exciting to envision how the Lord will continue to use this outreach as a vehicle to spread His truth and saving health all over Cote d’Ivoire!

Verlin will be in Africa from August 21 until October 13. This gives him about three weeks before and after the university sessions to handle our ministry issues. During that time he plans to meet with existing CHE teams, including a new group who desires to use CHE evangelistically. He might choose the city where we will live for our upcoming term. We may return to Bondoukou, although to a different house, or we may move to a new location, depending on CHE Cote d'Ivoire needs. All of this will be done using public transport, which can be a very tiring and slow process. Ask the Lord to give him strength, safety, and wisdom in making decisions.

Prayer and Praise:

• Our new passports have arrived, and we ask the Cote d’Ivoire embassy to grant us one-year visa instead of the typical three month. Pray that Verlin’s visa gets back quickly. Because of a delay in the passport renewal, time is very limited for his visa to arrive by August 19th.
• Pray for easy communications. Getting ready for the university with busy CHE trainers on three different continents is a challenge. Verlin spends many hours just in communications among the teachers and hosts, not to mention the hours of lesson assignments and preparation.
• Praise the Lord! Corbin’s entire scholarship package was renewed for his sophomore year beginning August 16 at Union University, and he already has a job on campus.
• Verlin's trip to Cote d'Ivoire falls during what are the best months to visit churches and add ministry partners. Debbie will share by invitation while Verlin is gone. Contact her at (615) 906-3524, if you want to hear from her in September or in the first half of October.

Your partners in the Gospel,
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 need 25 partners at $100 per month of support, or their equivalents, 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 in memo and mailed to CHSC – PO Box 132 – Fruitdale, TX 75127. Online contributions also accepted at these links: www.che4a.org (3% fee) and TDF (0% fee)

Last written : Anticipation - Anderson WEEKLY 150725
Equal Dignity video Anderson WEEKLY 150801
2015 1Q Report: Anderson_Report_15_06_06
2015 Budget :CHSC-0118_ANDERSON-Budget_2015
Support our ministry: www.che4a.org
Double your gift possibly? See Double-the-Donation
If you want to help, write : updates@verlindeb.org
AWA represents Andersons Witnessing in Africa

Equal Dignity Ministry

PDF version: Anderson WEEKLY 150801

This week's video shares in 1:01 minute of your time how Community Health Evangelism (CHE) develops resources and education, not welfare. By your prayers and giving, you have already become an equal dignity “Village Changer” in West Africa! We — and the people whose lives are transformed by Christ — are eternally grateful. It is our privilege to regularly partner in sessions to train and interact with our great mentors of CHE ministry and fellow-laborers at Medical Ambassadors International who produced this video.



This week we ask for you to specifically pray for safe travels to services in Michigan and Tennessee. Our vehicle appears to be nearing its last days of long distance travel after nearly 373,000+ miles, and we need wisdom to know whether to repair it, or give it an honorable discharge from service.

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 have need of 25 partners at $100 per month of support, or their equivalents, 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 in memo and mailed to CHSC – PO Box 132 – Fruitdale, TX 75127. Online contributions also accepted at these links: www.che4a.org (3% fee) and TDF (0% fee)

Last written : Anticipation - Anderson WEEKLY 150725
Father's Day video Anderson WEEKLY 150620
2015 1Q Report: Anderson_Report_15_06_06
2015 Budget :CHSC-0118_ANDERSON-Budget_2015
Support our ministry: www.che4a.org
Double your gift possibly? See Double-the-Donation
If you want to help, write : updates@verlindeb.org
AWA represents Andersons Witnessing in Africa