AWA Ministry Updates: 1,000 Mosques

PDF Version : Anderson_WEEKLY_151031

After Verlin consulted with medical, religious, and political leaders during his trip, we decided to live at least a few more years in Bondoukou when we return to Cote d’Ivoire. It is an opportunity to show how Community Health Evangelism (CHE) can affiliate people with a common desire from diverse evangelical churches, uniting them in ministry so that each congregation grows.

Internet Stock Photo

Located about 300 miles north of the coast, Bondoukou is steeped in Islamic culture. While the town began as a Muslim trading center, the Abron people conquered it in the 1600’s. Samori Toure recaptured it for the Muslim Dyula in the 1890's, despite a French protectorate treaty with the Abron king. The French did eventually defeat Samori, and then reinstated the town into French West Africa in 1899. Today it is still known as the “city of a thousand mosques.” Muslim influence and people are a dominating force, yet still short of establishing sharia law.

Earlier this month Verlin met with leaders from about thirty congregations, including Free Will Baptists. Several have seized upon the vision intitally shared in 2012 and 2013 of reaching out in every major

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neighborhood of Bondoukou using CHE. Imagine what the Lord could do with these congregations working together to share Christ's love. Picture them coordinating in tangible ways to saturate the entire town with good news daily, rather than just a weeklong effort every decade or two. Leadership discussions and consultations are ongoing. May it be so, in the Lord's timing.

Prayer and Praise:

Praise the Lord that it was a peaceful day last week during Ivorian presidential elections.The incumbent, Alassane Ouattara, was re-elected for another five years. Even those who did not vote for him were relieved for a non-violent election. http://www.voanews.com/content/ivory-coast-president-re-elected-in-landslide-victory/3026403.html
Through an ER visit this week, Debbie discovered that she has a large hernia that needs repair. An appointment with a surgeon next week will determine the surgery date. We are grateful that this was discovered. Debbie will have the opportunity to recuperate a few weeks here before we schedule our return to Africa.

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 at least 18 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 – Fruitvale, TX 75127. Online contributions are also accepted at these links:www.che4a.org (3% fee) and TDF (0% fee)