Outside the Box

PDF Version: Anderson_WEEKLY_161029

It is glorious to see the result of putting God's Word into practice. The habit affects every facet of life:  peace with God through Jesus, personal hygiene, farming techniques, child rearing, cleaning habits, disease prevention, marriage health, business principles, neighborhood living, self-care, resource management, hospitality, abuse prevention, citizenship, care of animals, and so much more! How sad that some Christians put the Lord in a box as if His Spirit and Word only address "spiritual" issues. To worship Him transforms every area of life. Thank you for helping this hope blossom in Cote d'Ivoire.

In one area that some people might think "unspiritual," Verlin demonstrated a way that "a righteous man regards the life of his beast." (Prov. 12:10) He, Koffi, and assisting Muslim metalworkers created what was needed to set up a chain-link fenced pen for our two dogs. Without this, the pets often stay tied up for hours when visitors come.

Four days this week Verlin received visitors in our Bondoukou courtyard who came to learn how to multiply sharing the Good News through Disciple Making Movements (DMM). Some discussions were in follow-up with those who attended the Global Leadership Summit (GLS) last week. Jesus was clearly presented as Savior during those two days; an attending Muslim sought prayer. Messages of repentance to find ways of justice and solutions to social problems were emphasized, including the causes and effects of poverty.

We grieved to learn of the sudden death of a friend, Mike Squires, in Ghana last week. He quickly succumbed to an infection in a rural hospital. He leaves behind a growing CHE ministry and some church movements. Saved while a Peace Corps volunteer, Mike's servanthood and practical teaching developed hope in Christ among impoverished people who multiplied disciples and worship centers, after learning to organize for themselves. Recently, projects like making soap, shea butter, and improved farming took his time. Now we will have to collaborate later, "over Jordan."

Prayer and Praise

• Pray that preparations go smoothly for Verlin and a FWB trainer who will provide a CHE TOT1 training in a remote village without electricity between Nov. 7-13. It will take more than 12 hours to get there.
• Pray that Ghanaians, Togolese, Malians, and Ivorians will be comforted and continue in good works that they began in the Lord with Mike.
• Debbie purchased a 2004 Saturn Vue. After the vehicle's checkup, she will feel good about having wheels for herself until leaving it with Corbin for engineering summer internship needs in 2017.

Your partners in the Gospel,
Verlin and Debbie

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 accept donor partners to contribute as led to maintain support as we resume residential ministry to expand CHE ministries in Cote d'Ivoire under the auspices of 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 @ www.che4a.org (3% fee) or TDF (0% fee).

Last written: ALL the Church Anderson WEEKLY 161022
Last Video: DMM(YouTube) Anderson_WEEKLY_160611
2016 Q1 Report: Cloud-of-Witnesses_160806.pdf
2016 Budget: CHSC-0118_ANDERSON-Budget.pdf
Support these ministries: www.che4a.org
Something to ask? Write: updates@verlindeb.org 
AWA represents Andersons Witnessing in Africa

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ALL the Church

PDF Version: Anderson_WEEKLY_161022

As you receive this update, Verlin leaves with three guests from the two-day Global Leadership Summit (GLS) [a Willow Creek Association (WCA) ministry] hosted in Abengourou. It was made possible by connections of Andy and Stephanie Gable, friends and fellow Community Health Evangelism focused missionaries. Around 200 regional leaders came to the event that was held for the first time in the nation's interior instead of solely in Abidjan. American Christians invested much time and resources to translate the original sessions from English into many other languages for good reasons.

"The Willow Creek Association recognizes that the leadership core of any church includes leaders from the business, education, government, and social sectors. The Global Leadership Summit welcomes leaders from all these sectors and fully believes that the maximum influence and impact of the Church is felt when all of its Christ-centered leaders are at the forefront of establishing and growing well led local churches, companies, schools, governments and social enterprises. This is the Church at its best! This is when God's love and care inevitably spills out into our neighborhoods, towns, and cities through acts of love, justice, mercy, service and restoration."

Debbie is trying a long-term antibiotic treatment to see if this will permanently remove the recurring pain still undefined in origin. Other tests will be done after 20 days if the pain is not gone. She is disappointed to not return to Cote d'Ivoire by the end of October. We had hoped for that outcome, but prepped for the worst as Verlin's RN experience had indicated it could take longer. At the same time, it is clear that the Lord put her in the States for more than just her health. This week our only vehicle failed and needs a new motor to be safely driven. Because the van is older than Corbin, we are checking on other options to provide for his anticipated internship and our infrequent need. Also, Debbie was able to help Corbin get medical testing to identify and treat his vitamin D deficiency and uncover a liver function issue which helps explains his recent extraordinary fatigue.

Prayer and Praise

• Pray that the GLS training helps Ivorians broaden their understanding of what it means to be a leader in Christ, and so multiply their effectiveness in reaching their communities.
• Next week Verlin has an enormous workload before traveling to central Cote d'Ivoire the following week for one of two CHE trainings in November. Ask for uninterrupted work time, steady electricity and Internet availability, and strength and clarity to plow through it all.
• Pray we find a reliable used vehicle. Debbie will leave it with Corbin when she returns to the field.

Your partners in the Gospel,

Verlin and Debbie

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 accept donor partners to contribute as led to maintain support as we resume residential ministry to expand CHE ministries in Cote d'Ivoire under the auspices of 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 @ www.che4a.org (3% fee) or TDF (0% fee).

Last written: Fitted Pieces Anderson WEEKLY 161015
Last Video: DMM(YouTube) Anderson_WEEKLY_160611
2016 Q1 Report: Cloud-of-Witnesses_160806.pdf
2016 Budget: CHSC-0118_ANDERSON-Budget.pdf
Support these ministries: www.che4a.org
Something to ask? Write: updates@verlindeb.org 
AWA represents Andersons Witnessing in Africa

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Fitted Pieces

PDF Version: Anderson_WEEKLY_161015

After years of praying and contacting many people, the Lord continues to fit pieces together for ministry among Muslims in the northeast of Cote d'Ivoire. Last Sunday, Verlin had an encouraging meeting with Koussounou Maxime, a man he met earlier this year, who wants to regularly exchange understandings and practice sharing Jesus in this Muslim context. They have scheduled weekly meetings when Verlin is home in Bondoukou that will answer questions for witnessing believers being trained from two sources, one being Good News for Muslims. The other material being considered to train others for interaction with Muslims during alternating weeks was provided by the Fritschs during DMM trainings in June (Pass it on! & Transforming Touches). Pray with us that many believers will be equipped for CHE ministry among those who are impoverished both physically and spiritually by various oppressions. One comment often expressed after a CHE TOT1 training is the hope Christians feel in being exposed to ways that they can speak lovingly and confidently with their Muslim friends and neighbors.

Prayer and Praise:

• Verlin and an Ivorian pastor will work together Sunday and Monday to prepare for two rural CHE trainings, each a week long, that will sandwich visits to three church groups and some others to plan future trainings. Although separated by many miles, the pastors of both villages have seen significant growth in their ministries by putting CHE principles into practice. They have waited long months for further training. It is expected that they will develop into two of 87 points of light we project needing to attain Million Village Challenge goals (Updates of 160305 & 160312).
• Debbie had good news from one set of follow-up diagnostic tests. She and doctors still seek an answer to one painful symptom. Corbin's infection is much improved.
• Two weeks ago, Verlin hired a carpenter to help some friends with a broken door. As they traveled for the repair, Verlin was able to address numerous spiritual questions about the person of Christ and Islam. Pray that K.'s commitment to Jesus grows stronger and helps him continue to overcome sins of gambling with which he has struggled for the last decade.

Your partners in the Gospel,
Verlin and Debbie

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 accept donor partners to contribute as led to maintain support as we resume residential ministry to expand CHE ministries in Cote d'Ivoire under the auspices of 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 @ www.che4a.org (3% fee) or TDF (0% fee).

Last written: Meet & Greet Anderson WEEKLY 161008
Last Video: DMM (YouTube) - Anderson_WEEKLY_160611
2016 Q1 Report: Cloud-of-Witnesses_160806.pdf
2016 Budget: CHSC-0118_ANDERSON-Budget.pdf
Support these ministries: www.che4a.org
Something to ask? Write: updates@verlindeb.org 
AWA represents Andersons Witnessing in Africa

Deb's Facebook Page

Verlin's Facebook Page

Meet & Greet

PDF Version: Anderson_WEEKLY_161008

The past ten days have borne fruit for us on two continents. In Cote d'Ivoire, Verlin made great progress on several fronts:

• All attendees of the CHE university training in Abidjan are now filed in a database with the capacity to contact them easily as they begin projects with what they have learned.
• In Bondoukou, Verlin coordinated with various economic leaders in four different visits to plan their joint participation of the Global Leadership Conference October 21-22. (AWAupdate_160820)

Since Thursday, Verlin has been in Bouna for some encouraging follow-up meetings. He will be there until late Saturday, the 8th, or through Sunday. We rejoice at the following items already accomplished:

• He met with the three medical professionals who were trained at the university in Abidjan in the past two years. It looks good to start a CHEducation training at the Muslim level, and CHEngagement training in the medical practice level. Praise God!
• Verlin attends part of a leadership training being held at the FWB Bible
  
  Institute with around 45 participants. The local king's son, who is also a pastor, is using concepts widely introduced by CHE for much of its content.
• He was also able to plan with two pastors to affirm a TOT1 CHE training. One is now scheduled for November 6-13 in central Cote d'Ivoire with a very remote pastor. The week after that, Verlin will follow up with several contacts in the Bouake area who consider CHE ministry.

Prayer and Praise:

• Praise the Lord for the growing fulfillment of anticipated CHE trainings and the opportunity to multiply and equip leaders for wholistic ministry in Cote d'Ivoire! Over 230 persons have been exposed this year. We wait until they multiply themselves to be called trainers.
• Corbin has either strep throat or a severe sinus infection. Pray for this and a few other medical issues he is dealing with that affect his ability to thrive in college.
• In Tennessee, Debbie had three doctor appointments in which it was confirmed that all seems well after the hernia surgery. That said, more work is needed to identify and clear up one last health issue. She has been to Jackson to see Corbin and take care of a vehicle breakdown. Visits in Cookeville have confirmed that the drip flashing installed on our mobile home gutters seems to have remedied the severe leak into the house during rains.

Your partners in the Gospel,

Verlin and Debbie

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 accept donor partners to contribute as led to maintain support as we resume residential ministry to expand CHE ministries in Cote d'Ivoire under the auspices of 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 @ www.che4a.org (3% fee) or TDF (0% fee).

Last written: Voting Ethics Anderson WEEKLY 161008
Last Video: DMM (YouTube) - Anderson_WEEKLY_160611
2016 Q1 Report: Cloud-of-Witnesses_160806.pdf
2016 Budget: CHSC-0118_ANDERSON-Budget.pdf
Support these ministries: www.che4a.org
Something to ask? Write: updates@verlindeb.org 
AWA represents Andersons Witnessing in Africa

Deb's Facebook Page

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Voting Ethics

PDF Version: Anderson_WEEKLY_161001
 
“When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice:  but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.” Proverbs 29:2

This week we take a little break from ministry news and share insights from Wayne Grudem, a New Testament scholar who taught ethics for 39 years and who shares our understandings of Biblical economic insight (See our May 9, 2015 update). Please note that we are not publicly endorsing a presidential candidate. We simply value Gruden’s thoughts for the U.S. and Côte d’Ivoire:

“Should Christians even try to influence elections at all? Yes, definitely. The apostle Peter says Christians are “exiles” on this earth (I Peter 1:1). Therefore I take seriously the prophet Jeremiah’s exhortation to the Jewish people living in exile in Babylon: ‘Seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the LORD on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare” (Jeremiah 29:7)…
 
Some may feel it is easier just to stay away from this messy Trump-Clinton election, and perhaps not even vote. But the teachings of Scripture do not allow us to escape moral responsibility by saying that we decided to do nothing. The prophet Obadiah rebuked the people of Edom for standing by and doing nothing to help when the Babylonians conquered Jerusalem: “On the day that you stood aloof, on the day that…foreigners entered his gates and cast lots for Jerusalem, you were like one of them.”
 
We’ve decided to turn off the media nonsense, ignore the pundits with party lines, and do some credible research to decide our votes. Sitting down with a pen and paper and listing the issues that matter most to us, we find issues like the protection of religious freedom for Christian schools, colleges, churches, and businesses; pro-life concerns; the appointment of conservative Supreme Court justices; the reduction of national debt; the protection from international threats, etc. Then we’re choosing the candidate who comes closer to the Biblical worldview that we understand. Humbly, we’ll continue seeking God’s face in prayer, asking that He help us turn from any wicked way in ourselves (2 Chronicles 7:14), and vote our conscience on election day. What a blessing to live in a country where we still have such privilege. We also get to share it elsewhere as CHE reinforces individuals taking such responsibility in community.  

Prayer and Praise:

• Pray as Verlin travels north next week to Bouna to attend some meetings. Leaders there have asked for him to come discuss the possibility of CHE training.
• Debbie continues some testing and doctor visits this week.
• Pray that we all will take the steps of repentance which will bring healing to our land.

Your partners in the Gospel,
Verlin and Debbie

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 accept donor partners to contribute as led to maintain support as we resume residential ministry to expand CHE ministries in Cote d'Ivoire under the auspices of 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 @ www.che4a.org (3% fee) or TDF (0% fee).

Last written: If Only . . .  Anderson WEEKLY 160924
Last Video: DMM (YouTube) - Anderson_WEEKLY_160611
2016 Q1 Report: Cloud-of-Witnesses_160806.pdf
2016 Budget: CHSC-0118_ANDERSON-Budget.pdf
Support these ministries: www.che4a.org
Something to ask? Write: updates@verlindeb.org 
AWA represents Andersons Witnessing in Africa

Deb's Facebook Page

Verlin's Facebook Page

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