PDF Version: Anderson_Report_16_11_19.pdf
Before the reward, there must be labor. You plant before harvest. You sow in tears before you reap joy.--artist Ralph Ransom.
Paul put it this way in I Corinthians 3: he planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. We count it a privilege to partner with believers from many Ivorian evangelical groups, and public health workers, to share Christ and His abundant life. Thank you for being an essential part of the team in Cote d'Ivoire by your prayers and financial provision. We realize daily that we could not help multiply the harvesters in this ripe field without your faithful help.
Plowing and Planting
During November, Verlin and an African pastor have the joy of teaching separate TOT1 (First level of Training of Trainers for CHE ministry) in two regions far from one another. Both were a result of "plowing and planting" back in 2012 and 2013. November 9-13 twenty-one people from five villages gathered in north central Cote d'Ivoire to learn how to reach out through Community Health Evangelism (CHE). Because of translation needs, only half of the training was completed, what is called a Vision Seminar. The remaining material will be taught in December. The same process will repeat on November 20-25 in a village much closer to our home--only a two-hour drive instead of nine or ten hours. These newly trained workers often require a year or two to begin outreaches in their communities before needing additional training. Still, they often seek advice and help with problems before then, which is provided by review or visit.
Other groups around Cote d'Ivoire wait for Verlin or other trainers of the Ivorian CHE Association (AISEC) to follow-up with them about starting CHE ministry. We hope to find ways to combine some groups for follow-up and training in 2017.
Another field being plowed and planted in Bondoukou is an outreach to Muslims. Verlin provides materials and helps prepare two men to begin Bible studies among seekers. Even this week he received exciting news about hearts being convicted and then released from the condemnation of sin into joy!
Weeding and Watering
Much of our ministry time is spent helping friends, neighbors, and co-workers remove impediments in their lives and ministries. From spiritual guidance to health needs to business practices to agricultural improvements, sometimes simple information or a lifestyle change will transform a life or family. Some visits happen at our house; most occur when we go on-site to encourage and equip.
Reaping Results
The fourth annual CHE university training in Abidjan with eighty-six participants was hailed by organizers and participants as a great success. It sets the stage for nationwide CHE development. Alice M.'s (pictured with Verlin) experience working in Kenyan CHE and North Dakota Public Health provided great insight. Next year the university hopes to expand to accommodate 100 people. A great encouragement this year was that many came to be trained because they had seen colleagues using CHE techniques with success. They came wanting to be part of the change happening!
Financial Status of Ministry
This financial quarterly includes six months of donation records to try to catch up after our ministry "busy-ness." Your regular giving is what God uses to continue this ministry. There are no joint funds or matches available to us through the CHSC faith mission at this time. More monthly support is needed to continue unhindered. That said, end-of-year or one-time gifts have seen us through the lower giving months of every year's annual cycle. We trust the Lord to provide again. Never think that one-time gifts or small monthly amounts do not make a difference. They matter. Thank you for being faithful with us, ministry partners!
Prayer and Praise
- Debbie and doctors are trying to find the cause for a pain in her abdomen not related to surgery. The strong pain disappears entirely when she is on antibiotics, but returns a week or more after she completes a treatment. Ask for clarity and wisdom. Everything post-surgery otherwise appears good. She looks forward to hopefully rejoining Verlin in January.
- Ask the Lord to help the newly instructed workers reach many souls for Him and begin using Disciple Making Movement Discovery Bible Studies.
- Pray that we find a new medical insurance policy that is adequate and affordable for our needs. Our current policy through the Affordable Care Act would go up almost 100% for 2017.
Your partners in the Gospel,
Verlin and Debbie Anderson
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).
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