Etched Hearts

PDF Version: Anderson_WEEKLY_170225

A good character is the best tombstone. Those who loved you and were helped by you will remember you when forget-me-nots have withered. Carve your name on hearts, not on marble. - Charles Spurgeon

Two Free Will Baptist (FWB) assemblies in Bondoukou are in shock and mourning this week. A beloved, faithful young mother from the Bereca church internally bled to death after a C-section. The husband is left with five children, including his newborn son. His beloved had begun labor one morning this week at 2 a.m. Her health record clearly indicated from prior pregnancies that she was at risk and that a C-section was indicated, as previously performed. The doctor let her go through many hours of labor prior to performing the operation. Then there was no blood available as they began looking for some after surgery. When her parents were informed of her passing, her mother collapsed in grief and was hospitalized for a time. She was their only child.

Next the cultural debate of where she should be buried began. Her Christian parents agreed with the husband that Bondoukou was best. Extended family and tribal leaders urged for her body to be returned three hours south for burial in Abengourou. Thankfully, after a local delegation of people traveled south to plead for her husband’s wishes, those who opposed relented. Her memorial service will be Thursday night, the burial on Friday. We did not know this sister well, but she had a genuine testimony for the Lord. Almost certainly there will be no carved marble at her graveside, but her life is etched on many hearts. Please pray for the family and all those offering help and comfort.

Today, Saturday, was the last day of the Community Health Evangelism (CHE) training in Bougou. It began with each participant practicing the LePSAS method used in CHE to mentor trainers. Verlin was impressed with how well they did. He gratefully noted that one of the men completing the training is physically handicapped. It speaks volumes in this culture that he is considered worthy of being a trainer. It speaks even louder of the change wrought by Christ that others cite him as an encouraging example. Perhaps he will be among those who start a ‘can do’ ministry with those whom our larger societies label as ‘handicapped’. There is yet to be established a vibrant CHE ministry of Ivorians for Ivorians among the handicapped here. This is a group most often neglected and excluded, or used as street beggars for money.

Prayer and Praise

• Pray for the bereaved family and all those touched by their grief and loss. Ask that the gospel is shared clearly at the funeral and that hearts of nonbelievers are drawn to Christ. Uphold the husband and the children in prayer during the days to come as family and friends help him make decisions about daily life.
• Ask the Lord for a good finish for Verlin in Bougou, for a productive meeting to plan another CHE training in central Cote d’Ivoire, and his safe travel home. He will preach Sunday in a new FWB church plant before leaving.

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:
Pray On Anderson WEEKLY 170211
Last Video:
DMM(YouTube) Anderson_WEEKLY_160611
2016 Q2/Q3 Report:
Farming_101(web) - 161119.pdf
2016 Budget:
CHSC-0118_ANDERSON-Budget.pdf

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