PDF Version: Fishin' Deacons
It is a great feeling to finish a project that has incubated for a long time and to turn it over to others who will transmit its shared truth through generations. This week Verlin dropped by the Free Will Baptist Pastor's Retreat at Nassian for a few hours. He followed up with some pastors involved in Community Health Evangelism (CHE), and offered two newly available resources that we print in
French. All 18 available copies were gone in 10 minutes! One resource was our finished translation of Handbook for Deacons by J.D. O'Donnell (a book that even attracted the attention of a Roman Catholic confessor who helped us make photocopies). There will be one or two more editing "checks" by Ivorian readers, but the comb-spine bound document is now available for less than $2 per photocopy. We can freely provide it here in Microsoft Word (DOCX) and Portable Document Format (PDF). We are grateful that Randall House Publications has permitted French translations of some older resources which are released from copyright restraints. Items are distributed here at cost to edify the African church.
This Sunday, a Gospel witness begins in a nearby, unreached village through the efforts of men we are training. They felt led to this site through prayer, and have adopted the approach of Disciple Making Movements (DMM). We are thrilled. They chose the location; they are the ones committed to the work using their own resources. Since many of the people of this village adhere to a different, deeply entrenched world religion common in this area, the boldness of our friends to take up the challenge, while we advise and pray nearby, is phenomenal.
Prayer and Praise:
- A few weeks back we asked you to pray for an electrical engineering internship for Corbin, our youngest, who attends Union University. The Lord provided one this week in Jackson, Tennessee, just as we had hoped and prayed! He is already invited to split rent this summer with a good friend who graduated in December with an engineering degree.
- Our granddaughter, Chelsea, will have outpatient surgery on May 5. Pray with us that the cochlear implant over her left ear will improve her hearing as was true on the right side.
- Pray for a great influx of souls into God's Kingdom from the new village outreach. Pray for the blessing and safety of those engaged to share and receive the Truth there.
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).
PDF Version: Imagine . . .
Imagine . . .
- if African believers own the responsibility to penetrate the remaining unreached people groups on their continent…
- if they believe their continent has the resources to make that happen, but that they need to use local church resources for mission rather than self-focused purposes, release old traditions and fears, and learn new ways to “fish men” and make disciples…
- if they acknowledge that clannism and cultural sins hinder the expansion of the Gospel, and only seek American and European help through partnerships that equip and coordinate with them rather than finding people to do work that they can better do themselves…
. . . how many souls the Kingdom of God would gather in the next fifty years, if these visions were to be realized.
It was our privilege to interact with Africans promoting these mindsets during four days of preaching and training that happened during the CRAF held in the coastal town of Grand-Bassam. This gathering of Christian leaders represented over 45 Christian Missions and Works from at least 17 African nations, the USA, Canada, France, Asia, and England. We were strengthened while speaking directly with Africans who have personally seen tens of thousands of people come to Jesus in other African nations, planting thousands of churches using the DMM (Disciple-Making Movements) approach. We gladly shared with numerous people the ministry approach of Community Health Evangelism (CHE) that integrates DMM ministries. We were blessed to see how CHE seemed to be the response to the need of several ministries seeking a wholistic way to share the Gospel. Several affirmed it was like our indicating the way to the location of a free dinner being offered among beggars. Our commitment to train African leaders and to help them find local means to advance their witness was confirmed at every turn. We will continue follow-up for weeks to come even as done with a university student group and DMM partners by phone this week. Verlin networked from early to late and helped with medical questions and transportation issues, while Debbie gleaned knowledge from every seminar and workshop possible. A great characteristic of the event was the lack of competition, but a shared sense that every ministry desired to collaborate and help provide tools for God’s Kingdom to expand.
Prayer and Praise:
- Pray for the unreached people groups of Africa. The Joshua Project lists 986 on this continent, and 36 of those people groups live in Cote d’Ivoire. Ask that the training received at this conference will help laborers penetrate many of those groups.
- While we were gone, the men learning to lead Discovery Bible Studies in Bondoukou met among themselves to plan. We are thankful that they accepted this responsibility.
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).
PDF Version: "Free at Last!"
Hebrews 2:14-15 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.
It is remarkable to us how many people live in bondage to fear of some kind. Out here, it is often the fear of evil spirits, incantations, spells, or the shame of losing face. In the past two weeks, we have averaged a daily small group discussion with people who are actively sharing the Gospel while doing Community Health Evangelism (CHE) or initiating Discovery Studies in hopes of seeing a Disciple Making Movement (DMM) begin. It is quite common that the subject of fear arises. One Christian brother remarked Thursday that the village he visits weekly to share the Gospel and help villagers with an agricultural project is steeped in witchcraft. His Christian siblings will not even go there because it is considered a stronghold. Nonetheless, he boldly continues, knowing by faith that the blood of Jesus protects his life. An Ivorian sister who recently gave her life to Christ also testified that Jesus' presence has replaced her fear and despair with peace. As a widow with several children who receive little family help, she is learning to listen to Jesus' voice and to trust Him to help her find work with her hands to meet their financial needs.
Surely one of the greatest differences between disciples of Jesus and everyone else is how we die. Pagan funerals here are lavish and tradition-laden affairs full of despair. Extended family might not be able to "afford" the money for a surgery that could have saved the person's life, but they will usually find a way to make the funeral spectacular. Their fear of death, and the perceived influence of ancestors or spirits, compels them to all sorts of excess.
Contrast this to the simple and hopeful celebration of a believer being "free at last" to go Home to the Lord! Although tears may flow, and our hearts may ache from the void left in our lives by their sudden absence, we know that they are eternally happy, and we will see them again. Donations to the bereaved family are often used to buy Bibles, serve the needy, or help missionaries to spread our common hope of eternal life because of The Resurrection. Earlier this month, a precious one-hundred-year-old friend met Jesus face to face. She and her husband had helped send Debbie's parents as missionaries, and the family has continued to support our ministry. Even at her passing, the family blessed the people of Cote d'Ivoire with a donation as Debbie's dad helped with the funeral. Praise the Lord that we are free from the fear of death; that we can look to be a blessing, even during what many consider sorrowful circumstances.
Prayer and Praise:
- Thank you, Jesus, for destroying the one who had the power of death and so deliver us from a lifetime of fear and bondage! We rejoice in Your victory which shines not just at Easter, but every day of the year.
- Pray for the recently saved widow, that she will daily grow in grace and find means to support her children.
- This upcoming week, we will again be in Abidjan for a time of coordination in ministry. Both of us feel a bit under the weather, so pray for healing and an extra measure of strength. Ask that the meetings result in the Gospel penetrating West and North Africa.
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).
PDF Version: Not Many Wise
One of the challenges at times of working in this culture is the significant number of people who cannot read. Occasionally, more educated believers question the capacity of a non-literate person to make disciples or be a spiritual leader. Although we constantly encourage friends to learn to read and avail themselves of other educational opportunities, the Holy Spirit is not limited by this disadvantage.
During a recent training, Debbie was with several women in a small group as they practiced how to lead a Discovery Bible study, the core of any Disciple Making Movement (DMM) [we are integrating DMM into Community Health Evangelism (CHE) programs that we mentor]. One woman felt intimidated because she could not read. Debbie and others assured her that she could fully participate because one or two ladies would read the Bible passage aloud twice, and then each person could share what the Lord showed her. Whether or not she could read was less important. As it turned out, the non-literate lady gave an impacting testimony. The passage was of Jesus healing the man with a withered hand on the Sabbath despite disapproving Pharisees and their efforts to destroy Him (Mt.12:9-13). This humble believer applied for herself that we must not be afraid or silenced by our enemies as we walk with Jesus. She shared that as she witnessed in the local market recently, some people threatened her and told her to stop. Her patient and unafraid response gave her occasion to completely share the gospel with someone who observed her behavior. The Bible account reminded her that she must continue to boldly share her faith, just as Jesus did not let the Pharisees sway Him from His mission. The Holy Spirit uses obedient and persistent servants, not necessarily those who are the most educated (1Cor.1:26-31).
Prayer and Praise:
- Thank the Lord with us for easing our path during the last ten days as we traveled over 1,000 miles and jumped through hoops for a visa and yearly vehicle papers. Unexpectedly, the embassy of Ghana gave Verlin a two-year rather than the one-year visa expected. Next, a vehicle paper that took five months to get last year was provided in two hours on Wednesday.
- Pray for a Disciple Making Movement Bible study leader who has a serious discord with a work partner that may result in the rupture of their relationship and his employment. He cares more for his reputation than whether this job continues, but the situation is complex and stressful. A second CHE partner faces a job crisis because several co-workers regularly refuse to work and resist his efforts to economize and provide financial transparency. Ask the Lord to give these men guidance and strength to continue standing firm in integrity.
Your partners in the Gospel,
Verlin and Debbie
PDF Version: Be 1, Train 1
It is impossible to teach or “make disciples” as Jesus commanded us in Matthew 28 if we do not truly know what it means to be His disciples ourselves. How can we help others hear the Lord and obey, if we do not know how? Spirit-led movements where thousands of people come to Christ (and there are currently around 200 movements like this documented around the world) evangelize the way Jesus and Paul did. They know that every follower of Jesus must learn to love God, love others, and make disciples. Why should it not happen in Cote d’Ivoire?
The principles underlying these movements are the topics presented and explained in the DMM (Disciple Making Movement) training that we had the privilege to participate in this week. Hospital workers, pastors, evangelists, CHE trainers, and university students gathered in two cities to receive “hands-on” help as they learned what it means to be a disciple of Jesus who in-turn raise disciples. Jean-Marc and Martine Fritsch from France were excellent facilitators and encouragers for a second year, having themselves experienced a DMM and observed others across the globe. DMM is now becoming integral to CHE programs here.
The three people Verlin took from Bondoukou to Abengourou for the training were encouraged. One pastor who was searching for the best way to enter a new village to share the Gospel now has a specific plan. Two men who faithfully witness in Bondoukou felt confirmed that they need to work as a team to train others in small groups. The Lord blessed greatly this week!
We will return the Fritschs to Abidjan and to the airport tomorrow (Sunday). Monday through Wednesday we remain there for Verlin to complete a visa application for Ghana and to follow up with CHE workers and a few more leaders who have expressed a desire to be equipped in CHE (Community Health Evangelism).
Prayer and Praise:
Pray for the believers trained this week. Ask the Lord to give them wisdom, courage, and perseverance to “turn the world upside down” as the original disciples did.- Pray for Christians who have strongholds in their lives that prevent them from walking in victory and making disciples.
- Ask for an extra dose of patience and strength as we endure the hottest weeks of the year, just before the rains come regularly.
Your partners in the Gospel,
Verlin and Debbie
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