Called to Heal

PDF Version: Anderson_WEEKLY_170729.pdf

God is doing something marvelous in our generation. Christians are awakening to the fact that the Lord wants to use us all with our varied skills to bring people to Himself. Of course, He will use pastors, church planters, and traditional missionaries for this task, but He also puts teachers, engineers, medical professionals, agriculturalists, and a host of other specialists in settings all around the world for the same reason.

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We are blessed to serve with Christian Health Service Corps (CHSC), a mission that offers licensed medical professionals opportunities to show the love of Jesus in some of the world's neediest regions. Physicians, surgeons, nurses, physician assistants, physical therapists, and anesthesiologists can help bring transformation to lives and communities. Some of us minister full-time in Community Health Evangelism (CHE), as well. It is our joy to assist nationals in understanding that the Lord desires to bring shalom (wholeness) to every facet of live:  peace with God, with themselves, with others, and with the creation.

Long-term medical missionaries rarely see issues of life and death the same as missionaries who focus on church development. This is one reason that an all-medical mission fills a particular need. If the Lord has been speaking to you (or someone you know) about offering your medical skills for His glory in mission work, we heartily recommend that you consider CHSC as one option. There are specific medical personnel and volunteer needs already known in several locations.

Our mission's home base in Grand Saline, Texas, also provides helpful training that is open to anyone interested. The next session occurs August 21-25 where the topic of Introduction to Disaster and Refugee Response:  SPHERE International Standards will be developed. Nurses and physicians can receive continuing education credits for this session. On January 16-20, 2018, CHSC will provide CHE TOT 1 training, which is the yearly pattern. The CHE training is repeated later in the summer, too.

Prayer and Praise:

• Ask the Lord to supply the medical personnel for needed areas. Pray that those sensing the call into missions will obey His leading, whether through CHSC or elsewhere.
• We are thankful for good news and progress on several fronts in our doctor visits. Pray for careful planning of our time since we have much to do before we return to Cote d'Ivoire, Verlin on August 13 and Debbie on August 15.

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: Reunions  PDF
Last Video:Farming God's Way
 Anderson_WEEKLY_170610
2017 Q1 Report: Gideon's Gumption (web) -
 170318.pdf
2017 Budget:CHSC-0118_ANDERSON-Budget.pdf

GIVE ONLINE to support these ministries:
www.che4a.org
Something to ask? Write: updates@verlindeb.org 

AWA represents
Andersons Witnessing in Africa

Debbie's Facebook Page

Verlin's Facebook Page

Reunions

PDF Version: Anderson_WEEKLY_170722.pdf

The past two weeks were replete with reunions for us. Verlin saw missionary friends in Benin who used to minister in Cote d'Ivoire using Community Health Evangelism (CHE). It was great to hear of their joys as they now serve in Niger, the news of multiplying CHE ministries, and how to pray for various challenges they face. At the Free Will Baptist National Association meeting in Louisville from Sunday through Wednesday, we were glad to see friends and co-laborers in our spiritual Family. At times the news was sad, but usually the interactions encouraged us because they showed progress in the Family at home and overseas. It is powerful when thousands of people sing praises together to our Father and commit to obey His plan for our lives. These are hints of our ultimate reunion when the Son comes to take us Home!

This weekend is a precious time of family reunion with our grown children and granddaughter. It will likely be the only time that we are all together before we return to Africa. Although our kids are sinners just like their parents, we are blessed by their faithful life choices. Living on separate continents is not fun, yet they fill our hearts with joy and make our path easier, not harder. We cherish our rare times together. Next week is the extended Anderson Family reunion.

Prayer and Praise:

• Pray for Cason and Suzanne who both work in the Nashville area and teach at church in two settings, Lifegroup and Awana. Chelsea, our only grandchild, is thriving in her speech development after the cochlear surgery for which you prayed. Her words are much clearer, and she now keeps us all entertained with entire sentences instead of a few words at a time!
• Cara ministers as a nurse in one of Vanderbilt's cancer centers in Franklin, Tennessee. She also stay extremely busy with members of her church, and she thanks the Lord for recently giving her a Christian lady as a housemate.
• Corbin finds his summer internship in electrical engineering challenging. It is a great place to learn. Ask the Lord to give him strength and grace to handle the increasing workload as he continues to work for this company and soon begins his senior year at Union University.
• Thankfully, this time in the States handling business, ministry, and health issues for more than 35 days pays for itself. The diminished health insurance premium expenses we have by not qualifying for an overseas tax exemption benefits us through the Affordable Care Act (for now!). The amount we save by visiting appears to save our account more than $10,000!

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: Leadership Matters  PDF
Last Video:Farming God's Way
 Anderson_WEEKLY_170610
2017 Q1 Report: Gideon's Gumption (web) -
 170318.pdf
2017 Budget:CHSC-0118_ANDERSON-Budget.pdf

GIVE ONLINE to support these ministries:
www.che4a.org
Something to ask? Write: updates@verlindeb.org 

AWA represents
Andersons Witnessing in Africa

Debbie's Facebook Page

Verlin's Facebook Page

Leadership Matters

PDF Version: Anderson_WEEKLY_170715.pdf

Verlin just rejoined Debbie mid-afternoon today before we hobbled together this update. Our busy and separate travels and activities this week made it impossible to coordinate earlier. Thanks for understanding as we share in a prayer request format.

Prayer and Praise:

• Last weekend we focused on delivering invitations to permit 300 Ivorian leaders from student unions, denominational structures, and NGOs of medical or social focus to participate in the Million Village Challenge (MVC) for Cote d’Ivoire. To see the unreached and poorest peoples among the nations be saved physically and spiritually is at the heart of this initiative. The MVC encourages the use of Community Health Evangelism (CHE) in national strategies to fulfill our Lord Jesus Christ’s desire that all men be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth (1Ti.2:3-6; 2Pe.3:7-10; Ez.3:23; Mt.23:37).
• A collaborative effort between church members of the nation’s third largest denomination, a Baptist medical center, the GBU (think of Intervarsity in the U.S.) and a local chapter of Healthcare Christian Fellowship International (HCFI) have begun planning a joint effort to begin a CHE ministry in Dabou, a coastal Ivorian town just west of Abidjan. This is where a beloved FWB minister friend initially prayed to host such an effort over five years ago.
• Praise the Lord that despite late flights, broken medical equipment, and delayed luggage, He brought us both safely to Nashville. Debbie also is thankful that a follow-up mammogram on Thursday revealed good news and that no biopsy is needed.
• Rejoice! Another two Discovery Bible Studies were reportedly started this week from those we have been training in Bondoukou. Pray that these separate meetings of military personnel and villagers serve to mature the trainers or continue the expansion of second generation Discovery Bible Studies into future generations.
• Witnesses at the West African Francophone CHE Conference held Cotonou has stimulated many in Benin to seek initial trainings, spurred others to good works, and fortified two Ivorians to renew and strengthen their existing efforts.
• Ask the Lord for Spirit-filled meetings and decisions in Louisville this upcoming week, as the Free Will Baptist National Association takes place Sunday through Wednesday.
• Pray for Janie Aldridge, wife of Jimmy Aldridge who gained his heavenly home this week. They were pioneer missionaries in our very region of Bondoukou. Several of our closest Ivorian co-workers were saved or greatly impacted by their many years of service. Debbie remembers them as beloved Uncle Jim and Aunt Janie, and we both remember and honor their faithful work and godly examples.

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: Hungry  PDF
Last Video:Farming God's Way
 Anderson_WEEKLY_170610
2017 Q1 Report: Gideon's Gumption (web) -
 170318.pdf
2017 Budget:CHSC-0118_ANDERSON-Budget.pdf

GIVE ONLINE to support these ministries:
www.che4a.org
Something to ask? Write: updates@verlindeb.org 

AWA represents
Andersons Witnessing in Africa

Debbie's Facebook Page

Verlin's Facebook Page

Hungry

PDF Version: Anderson_WEEKLY_170708.pdf

Perhaps one of the greatest challenges in the Church is to make people hungry to know God. Do co-workers, family, and friends see something in our hope, our marriages, our homes, our work ethic, our humble service, and every other aspect of life that makes them hungry to follow Jesus? This longing can pop up in the most unusual ways and times. Recently on a trip, we had a gendarme (military police) stop us and want to search our truck. Verlin gave his permission, but the man proceeded in a way that was not acceptable. After a long discussion, thankfully the chief of gendarmes was called. Verlin spoke frankly and kindly with the boss about the behavior of his colleague, and turned the situation into an occasion to witness. By the end of Verlin's conversation about justice, God's laws, and the fact that his men served as ministers of God according to Romans 13, the gendarme leader made an interesting comment. He said Verlin's words gave him a burning in his heart, a hunger for something different.

The same thing happened when a man was brought to our house to get to know us and learn more about Farming God's Way and Disciple Making Movements (DMM) Bible studies. An hour later he exuded the energy of someone who had been spiritually fed. He realized that God could use him to sow seeds of the Gospel that would bring a spiritual and physical harvest.

Sometimes the hunger we can satisfy is very literal. This week a mother came to us for counsel about her young child. The toddler had the beginning of red hair, an indication of malnutrition. Although his family has plenty to eat, they were not feeding him the dark greens full of iron. We spent over an hour teaching mom how to prepare and incorporate moringa leaves into her family's daily diet. She left rejoicing because God has provided a local resource that she can easily grow in her yard. It will bring healing to several symptoms and not hurt their budget!

Prayer and Praise:

• Pray that we always make people hungry for our incomparable Savior by our words and deeds. We pray the same for you!
• Ask for travel mercies as Debbie flies to the States on Sunday, July 9. She will finish doctor visits before Verlin joins her on Saturday and together we head to Louisville on Sunday for the FWB National Convention. Pray for Verlin and other CHE laborers who will gather in Benin for the French-speaking CHE Consultation on Tuesday through Friday, July 11-14.

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). timelapse-disadvantage

Last written: Microbes  PDF
Last Video:Farming God's Way Anderson_WEEKLY_170610
2017 Q1 Report: Gideon's Gumption (web) - 170318.pdf
2017 Budget:CHSC-0118_ANDERSON-Budget.pdf

GIVE ONLINE to support these ministries:
www.che4a.org
Something to ask? Write: updates@verlindeb.org 

AWA represents
Andersons Witnessing in Africa

Debbie's Facebook Page

Verlin's Facebook Page

Microbes

PDF Version: Anderson_WEEKLY_170701.pdf

Unlike Americans, when Ivorians say "microbes" in French, they are not usually thinking of microorganisms that cause disease. In this country, the word microbes refers to gangs of young men on foot (ages 8 to 20, or so) who terrorize pedestrians

with knives, machetes, and scissors that they are not afraid to use. Abidjan has dealt with this problem since around 2014, but it was just this week that we were told how it affects Bondoukou. Our local thugs love to prey on solitary people by stealing cash and electronics, especially as individuals get in and out of taxis or walk alone. This week, the teenage son of one of our ministry co-laborers was held up. A young man approached him at dark to ask for directions, claiming that he was new in town and needed help to get somewhere. As the teen gave the stranger instructions, the rest of the gang with  knives approached and stole his cell phone. Ivorians are frustrated to see this kind of crime rising. They know that much of the problem is linked to a generation who do not have occupations or family supervision.

The regular kind of microbe got hold of Verlin's respiratory system this week and has given him a miserable cough. Of course, three full days of working in the field on the CHE agricultural projects probably contributed to weakening his immune system to some lifelong allergies. It was worth it, though, as they have almost finished delineating which land portions will be attributed to various projects. This will let our local partners in the Gospel advance the work as we leave home for slightly over a month. The team is also pleased that regular spiritual conversations are happening as locals come to observe the preparation of the fields, or work themselves. The realization that God cares about crops and has given principles in His Word to accurately address topics like farming and work ethics is an eye-opening and new concept to many.

Prayer and Praise:

• Pray that Verlin overcomes this respiratory illness quickly, especially since he will fly on July 10 to spend several days in Benin at the West African French CHE Consultation. After that, we will attend the FWB National Association in Louisville together.
• The Lord answered prayer regarding our special request last week about a complicated village situation! It looks like questions of land ownership are in process to be resolved permanently. Pray that such conflict does not arise again to hinder the spread of the Gospel.
• Debbie continues to ask prayer for the lady with the abusive, alcoholic spouse. This neighbor was not able to attend Bible study this week because of her home situation.

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). timelapse-disadvantage

Last written: New Coordinates  PDF
Last Video:Farming God's Way Anderson_WEEKLY_170610
2017 Q1 Report: Gideon's Gumption (web) - 170318.pdf
2017 Budget:CHSC-0118_ANDERSON-Budget.pdf

GIVE ONLINE to support these ministries:
www.che4a.org
Something to ask? Write: updates@verlindeb.org 

AWA represents
Andersons Witnessing in Africa

Debbie's Facebook Page

Verlin's Facebook Page