Target Practice


If you aim at nothing, you will hit it every time. Zig Ziglar

The dawn of a new year is a good time to reflect, pray, and evaluate where we have been in our personal and work lives, and plan where we need to go. Taking a step back to look at the big picture — the ministry bullseye, so to speak —https://awaupdates.blogspot.com/2018/09/wheres-beef.htmlhelps us focus with keener vision and aim more precisely during our daily tasks of life. In keeping with that theme, this update shares how our overarching ministry goals close in upon the bullseye of Jesus’ life example. We labor using Community Health Evangelism (CHE) so that He becomes THE model for living in Cote d’Ivoire. May this news encourage you, inform your prayers, and help you understand what we do!

Singleness of purpose is one of the essentials for success in life, no matter what may be one’s aim. John D. Rockefeller

The Lord opened our joined hearts to potential missionary service during a conference in college. Some years later, He further clarified what kind of ministry we would have during a CHE training in 1998. That week was a time of great illumination and joy with many “aha” moments for us. We left convinced that CHE was the tool we would use wherever we served to share the Gospel and offer communities the transformation Christ brings.

Not long after arriving in Cote d’Ivoire for our first missionary term in 2000, the Lord impressed upon us a B-HAG (Big, Hairy, Audacious Goal). It was a mission so far beyond one couple’s human capacity that we mostly guarded it in our prayers and plans, rather than widely share it. Our mission bullseye was clear: invest our capacities, influence, prayer, time, and resources to help develop a vibrant, reproducing CHE team in every prefecture (political district--18 districts then, 22 now) of Cote d’Ivoire.

We had no idea of the many obstacles that would arise, not the least of which was three periods of civil conflict and our denominational mission’s dwindling missionary force. During those days, we accepted some administrative duties that we neither sought nor desired, but which needed doing. However, the bullseye was never far from our thoughts. We prayed and worked while trusting God to make way for a transformation of the nation through CHE to become our primary purpose that united all others. In time, the Lord affirmed that direction for us in a series of events that led us to join the Christian Health Service Corps (CHSC) in 2013. Since then, the pace of CHE progress has increased consistently around the country!

The greatest danger for most of us lies not in setting our aim too high and falling short, but in setting our aim too low, and achieving our mark. -Michelangelo

Hitting the bullseye of a CHE team in every district is truly a God-sized goal. It requires careful focus, aim, and follow-through. We regularly set aside other ministry opportunities that look appealing but which do not help achieve the goal. The process can be summed up in four major parts:
  1. Cast vision: prayerfully seek the people whom the Lord is calling to take CHE into various districts and expose them to holistic, transformational ministry;
  2. Train: facilitate week-long CHE Training of Trainers (TOT1) events and offer further specialized training;
  3. Follow Through: mentor, model, encourage, and network with teams as they begin to implement CHE;
  4. Bullseye: This occurs when new CHE teams have a viable outreach that brings community transformation and that they can reproduce.
As of November, we count over 30 distinct individuals, churches, university teams, NGOs, or denominations that are at different points in the 4-step process across the country. One of the new contacts from the Million Village Challenge conference in November plans to train all the pastors in his denomination in CHE. His group alone has the capacity to reach into every district of Cote d’Ivoire. Praise God with us, most committed people already see many saved and baptized.

Other practical components are necessary to achieve the goal of seeing belief in Jesus touch and transform a nation of differing people groups. Permanent CHE training sites strategically placed around the country are needed to provide for regular or at least annual trainings. We now train at three such sites, and anticipate that two more sites will likely open in 2019. Many groups ask the national CHE network to come train their people, but most are not yet willing to provide a permanent location for the ongoing training of leaders for themselves and other groups. We also need widely separated locations to develop Farming God’s Way exposition gardens, groves of moringa trees, and corn fields. In this way, those living in the varied regions can visit a site that is nearer to them where improved agricultural methods can be observed and copied. Such a project is soon to be born in Bondoukou after experiencing some false labor in 2018.

Space lacks for us to thoroughly describe the CHE university team in Abidjan. We have accomplished 2/3 of their goal to see 300 medical professionals equipped in CHE. Their Master’s level curriculum with CHE at its core is being prepared. A university in Bouake awaits similar training.

Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off the goal. Hannah More

It is easy to experience target panic when obstacles abound. One constant stressor is the fact that we are one couple, not a missionary team. Secondly, all the talented Ivorian CHE trainers work full-time at other jobs. That means that they must take time off work to assist with CHE trainings and to mentor other teams. We pray for the day when a core team of Ivorians works full-time in CHE. Until then, Verlin creates national circuits to visit new teams, and he takes or meets whichever Ivorian trainer is available at the time to assist.

Another wonderful problem we have is that having now faithfully cast vision, the Ivorian CHE network has new people with whom to follow up and more teams to mentor--more quickly than expected. 2019 will stretch all to the limit. There is also a sense of urgency as political rumblings increase. No one knows how long we can peacefully travel the whole country unimpaired. Of course, the Lord did not promise that we will see the completion of this B-HAG before our mission career is over, but He has directed us to continue faithfully working toward the goal.

A leader is best when people barely know he exists. When his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say: We did it ourselves. —Lao Tzu

The Lao Tzu quote above perfectly describes the role of a CHE facilitator/trainer. We cast vision and work behind the scenes to ensure that CHE teams advance. Our happiest ministry day will be when CHE ministries thrive all over Cote d’Ivoire, and nobody knows who we are. The people will say, “Look what the Lord equipped us to do,” with no knowledge of the initiators and no dependence on outside funds or personnel. They will choose to keep the process simple and reproducible so that the Gospel and the community development it brings can spread like wildfire.

There is a real aspect of dying to self while aiming for the Lord’s bullseye of shepherding people from every tribe, kindred, and tongue into His Kingdom. In CHE specifically, we are not the local change-makers. Instead we equip the local people to be the change-makers. Frankly, it is usually a tedious, hidden process which does not lend itself to exciting pictures for newsletters! At times we can share their victories (which are ours, too), but even that can put their progress at risk, as we sadly experienced in one situation years ago.

What about you? What is your status with the ministry target the Lord has given you? We all have work to accomplish in His kingdom within and without our families. Is your stance firm, your aim steady, and your focus undistracted? Our prayer is that 2019 finds all of us releasing full quivers of Spirit-directed arrows that hit the mark our Lord intends.

Off the Mark…Financially

First of all, we give thanks for what must be some of the most faithful giving ministry partners in the world! Several regular donors also gave extra gifts during the last quarter to help our weakened ministry account. Your generosity humbles us. It is the reason we could stay on the field through December.

We are still well “off the mark” in needed giving, though. We financially helped facilitate two of three fall conferences with great results; each had fewer participants than planned. Our financial reserves took a hit. For that reason, we address those of you who receive and read our updates, but do not financially support missionary activities regularly. Will you talk to the Lord about helping expand the Gospel witness here? We seek two types of givers. In the first quarter of 2019, we need some who will make contributions to get our account out of the danger zone. That specific amount is $20,000. Often these are people who give generously already elsewhere, but who can occasionally help others. That, along with the very faithful giving of our monthly donors, will keep us on the field until July. Next, we aim to increase our monthly support by $2,000. This provides for regular expenses of living overseas, travel, salary, and CHE ministry. Financial ministry partners can be hard to find from a distance, but maybe you are one the Lord calls.

We can say from experience that it is one of the greatest joys in life to know that our prayers and donations offer salvation and daily hope to people who have never heard of Jesus. Whether by giving to the overarching CHE work in Cote d’Ivoire or elsewhere, we wish that blessing for you!

PRAYER REQUESTS
  • Ask we successfully connect with givers, or helpers, who will find us additional donors to replenish the cash of our account, or augment monthly support. Pray about being part of this outpouring of blessing, if you’re not already.
  • Pray for the newly called who seek CHE training in 2019. Several groups make plans for training in January, February, and March, but we may have to delay to allow for follow-through with others if we return to the States. Ask that their fervor and excitement translate into action.
  • Our big pup Rottweiler hit Debbie’s replacement knee hard with excitement in late October. She did not fall, but she has experienced increasing pain and mobility issues ever since. A current 21-day prescription of prednisone is not helping so far. Pray for healing and wisdom.
  • Verlin spent much of the last two weeks of the year in marathon phone calls with Google, HostGator, and iContact trying to fix ongoing delivery problems for our weekly updates. Ask for a resolution to some long-standing issues that prevent many from receiving our news by email.
  • Pray for peace in Cote d’Ivoire. The last election had many disputed results which resurrected hard feelings about unresolved political issues. There are many people uneasy about the rumblings they hear.

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).

Prior: Choose Joy 181222.PDF
Last Video:Stories of Transformation
                         - Wineskin Care PDF

2018 Q2 Report: Dwelling Place
          -  Anderson Report 181013 PDF


2018 Budget Info:
CHSC-0118_ANDERSON-2018-Budget.pdf


GIVE ONLINE to support these ministries: www.che4a.org

Choose Joy

PDF Version: AWA_Update_181222.PDF
https://www.whychristmas.com/customs/poinsettia.shtmlOne challenge of serving as long-term missionaries overseas is the question of choosing joy. Did you know it is possible to do the Lord’s will and be horribly grouchy and resentful in the process? (See Jonah for details!) Christmas apart from family adds another layer of attitude adjustment. Over the past 20+ years of missionary life, we have encouraged our kids, and tried to faithfully model, to choose joy about the benefits of living where you are—whether Africa, America, or elsewhere. Of course, there are normal moments of culture shock, grief, and longing (i.e. desire), but people who serve long and effectively in the Kingdom train themselves to find home and joy wherever Jesus takes them. After all, it is His presence that brings fullness of joy. (Psalm 16:11)

And so this Christmas, although missing our beloved family very much, we choose to be grateful that:
  • Our children are Jesus-followers who work hard and serve people;
  • Our granddaughter has boundless energy and the miracle of cochlear implants that give her hearing;
  • Our parents live independently, think clearly, and inspire us continually;
  • We are spared the gaudy commercialization of Christmas in the U.S.;
  • It is easier to lose weight in Bondoukou without the constant food temptations;
  • Debbie put up her Christmas decor (see above photo) in less than five minutes;
  • Ivorian Christians enjoy celebrating the birth of Christ in simple ways;
  • The blaring Muslim call to prayer in early morning hours keeps us focused on why we serve Jesus here;
  • You, our ministry partners, give faithfully and devote time in pray so that Ivorians can know our Savior!
Most of all, we can and do choose joy by “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2) We pray each of you finds “joy unspeakable” (1 Peter 1:8) in His presence this Christmas!

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).

Prior: Awake, Sleeper! 181208.PDF

Last Video:Stories of Transformation
                         - Wineskin Care PDF

2018 Q2 Report: Dwelling Place
          -  Anderson Report 181013 PDF


2018 Budget Info:
CHSC-0118_ANDERSON-2018-Budget.pdf


Something to ask? Write updates@verlindeb.org

GIVE ONLINE to support these ministries
                                   www.che4a.org

Percolating

PDF Version: AWA_Update_181215.PDF

With a sigh of relief, we can gladly say that we are home with no trainings immediately looming before us. We have much to do in December, though. There are important matters of home and ministry that have been percolating on the back burners of our brains as we ran full throttle the past few months and coordinated with others on three training events. Now we can get those mental projects off the stove and into action—at least some of them! Debbie expects to prepare training manuals and other documents for upcoming Community Health Evangelism (CHE) events. She intends as well to resume some office projects that have been on hold, after getting some clarity from Verlin. He hopes to solve an email problem that has hobbled delivery of this update to many since our being obliged to change website hosts. On and off over three months, he has probably spent a 100 hours so far trying to find out the reasons servers are blocking people unknowingly from receiving these updates. He must also dedicate time to budgets, taxes, and end-of-year reporting. Together, we both expect to work on PowerPoints and other presentations to share in churches should one or both of us return to the States sooner than July to raise funds.

Percolating ideas is also an important concept when you are helping people step up and out from the slavery of a dependency mindset to the radical thought of local ownership and development. Many people experience “aha” moments in both CHE and DMM (Disciple Making Movement) trainings that we facilitate. They discover that the Gospel spreads much more quickly and profoundly when we . . . 
• limit ourselves to using reproducible, local resources, 
• do not depend on outside funds, 
• think multiplication instead of addition in the Kingdom, 
• use methods that can easily be duplicated by others, and 
• teach all believers to make disciples in order to bring wholistic change in communities. 
But it takes weeks, months and even years sometimes, of these truths percolating in the heart and mind with prayer and counsel to figure out how we individually can put these changes into practice. The leaders of the Pastors’ Collective of Bondoukou expressed this awareness and excitement in a follow-up meeting we had at our house Wednesday night. Follow-up with them is our other ministering priority into January.

After seeing Jean-Marc Fritsch off at the airport last Friday, Verlin joyfully met with five others who percolate ideas for now, one of whom was a pastor who attended the Million Village Challenge (MVC) and whose mind has been percolating the vision he received. This leader has put together a strategic planning document which presents his intention to train his large, evangelical MegaChurch in CHE. He believes the MVC was a divine appointment and that CHE is the ministry model they have been seeking.

Prayer & Praise:
  • Thank the Lord for the many hearts touched in the past year and with whom we believe we must continue to follow. Pray for leaders who need time to let CHE and DMM ideas percolate. Ask especially that they seize the application the Lord wants them to make. Pray they boldly make the necessary changes yet remain patient as people learn to be disciples and make disciples in unfamiliar ways.
  • Thank the Lord with us that we have been approved for medical insurance again at a reasonable rate! This is open to change each year, but greatly helps us keep our monthly budget reduced.
  • Pray that in these weeks home we will have our strength renewed, but get much work done, too.
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).

Prior: Awake, Sleeper! 181208.PDF

Last Video:Stories of Transformation
                         - Wineskin Care PDF

2018 Q2 Report: Dwelling Place
          -  Anderson Report 181013 PDF


2018 Budget Info:
CHSC-0118_ANDERSON-2018-Budget.pdf


Something to ask? Write updates@verlindeb.org

GIVE ONLINE to support these ministries: www.che4a.org

Awake, Sleeper!

PDF Version: AWA_Update_181208.PDF

The hearts of participants were challenged, nourished, and encouraged during the CHE Disciple Making Movement (DMM) training in Bondoukou, as the following testimonies indicate: 
  • I have been to many conferences in Bondoukou over the last 10 years, but this was the best by far. The message was simple. Now we must put it into practice.
  • Two participants: Last night it was hard to sleep because my mind raced, thinking how to apply what I learned in the work the Lord has given me. 
  • I am touched to learn that we can have buildings, money, programs, and people attending, but miss the heart of what Jesus asked us to do: love God, love people, and make disciples (the Grand Commandment and the Great Commission)
  • We have been looking for money to come from outside, instead of using what we have in hand. 
  • The Lord spoke to me about heavy baggage I have been carrying in ministry that I must let go. 
  • I learned we do not have to have big churches and lots of money to make disciples. 
  • What have we been doing all these years in church? We have been sleeping. We have been sleeping (Eph.5:14).

We give thanks to God that Jean-Marc Fritsch was able to come. The training met the people at their point of need. All received a 50 page manual that summarized the teaching. They will never forget his practical examples. One was that of a relay race in which the first runner’s baton was a heavy iron rod instead of a light stick. As a result, others to whom it was passed could not carry it. In the same way, with evangelism and discipleship, believers can hand off practices too heavy to carry on. Our process of training disciples must be simple and reproducible like that of Jesus and Paul. He shared of doing campaigns as an evangelist in villages with speakers and his guitar. Later, the Lord told him to stop using those props because villagers could not reproduce his efforts. The practices for Church Planting Movements (CPM), Community Health Evangelism (CHE), and Disciple Making Movements (DMM) that we model, teach and share cannot take hold if a process is complicated or costly. Praise God, we see that they gain traction here and now.

Prayer & Praise:
  • Thank the Lord with us for the wonderful DMM training this week! The Holy Spirit was clearly at work during the sessions and speaking to the participants. Pray our follow-up will assist each person and church we’ve trained to faithfully carry out what they heard from the Lord.
  • Corbin was contacted by a recruiter about a possible engineering job. Pray with us that he will find the right fit by the end of this year.
  • People continue to contact us to plan Community Health Evangelism (CHE) trainings. Others need further mentoring to see their ministries bear more fruit.
  • Thank you for all you have done in 2018!! Jesus has honored our partnership. Ask the Lord to provide sufficient income for us to continue the work here unhindered next year.
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).

Prior: Deadline Lifelines 181201.PDF

Last Video:Stories of Transformation
                         - Wineskin Care PDF

2018 Q2 Report: Dwelling Place
          -  Anderson Report 181013 PDF


2018 Budget Info:
CHSC-0118_ANDERSON-2018-Budget.pdf


Something to ask? Write updates@verlindeb.org

GIVE ONLINE to support these ministries: www.che4a.org

Deadline Lifelines

PDF Version: AWA_Update_181201.PDF

We try to have the content for each update by Wednesday. This week Verlin began writing twelve minutes before our self-imposed 5PM EST Saturday deadline to post. We missed it today, but our faithful Lord kept His deadlines. One in particular hints at a mighty act He prepares to do, again.

Verlin picked-up Jean-Marc Fritsch at the Abidjan airport Thursday. He arrived to do a training here from Tuesday December 4 through Thursday the 6th like that we first shared in June 2016. He and his wife have facilitated such moments for 22 other nations to see church planting movements (CPM) affiliated with Community Health Evangelism (CHE) in several. As is always, the results of the training depend upon the faithful response of the hearers. We just finished hosting a reception for him with about twenty pastors and Discovery Bible Study (DBS) leaders that we have been mentoring in Disciple Making Movement use of the DBS. Tonight we calculated together the 12% of the 700,000 regional population of Bondoukou that must be won in our working together to experience a movement that brings the majority of the population in our town and the region to Christ. The attending leaders represented seven denominations that Verlin identified, including several Free Will Baptists. We have known since nearly the beginning of our service in 2001 that we would have to grow our own laborers, but we also knew God would send us additional laborers. This week He did it in a way that encouraged the faith of all involved.

Our focus has had to be upon the town of Bondoukou because our four fold ministry format (i.e. national networking, university trainings, demonstration agricultural development, local activity) already stretches us thin, but the sense of the Pastoral Collective leaders in Bondoukou was that leaders of the entire region must be trained. We continued on not knowing how God would provide, but trusting that He would. Verlin received a return phone call unexpectedly Tuesday morning from an Ivorian brother in Christ who has been similarly engaged in this work since 2005, but who lives in Abidjan. He has felt the Lord leading him to begin training throughout northern Cote d’Ivoire. He asked that we connect with him to plan follow-up in March. We expect to meet with him after this coming week’s meeting to develop those plans.

God moves hearts and invades the minds of those called by His name to effect much change here these days. While the outward appearances seem unchanged, the internal workings that move disciples to action shift ever more rapidly from external rewards to abiding convictions.

Prayer & Praise:
  • Pray the anticipated 200 arrive for training and that God’s Holy Spirit convicts and moves all who attend as He invaded, stormed, and conquered some holdout hearts and minds tonight.
  • The Million Village Challenge (MVC) was less well attended and could not reimburse any of the upfront costs that we covered, but it did join three more denominations to the eight national organizations with whom we already work. That’s over half of our twenty or more committed to fielding CHE training teams that we seek in the name of the Lord. We ask you to pray for full funding of our account to enable greater follow-up in 2019.

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).

Prior: City Lights 181124.PDF

Last Video:Stories of Transformation
                         - Wineskin Care PDF

2018 Q2 Report: Dwelling Place
          -  Anderson Report 181013 PDF


2018 Budget Info:
CHSC-0118_ANDERSON-2018-Budget.pdf


Something to ask? Write updates@verlindeb.org

GIVE ONLINE to support these ministries: www.che4a.org

City Lights

PDF Version: AWA_Update_181124.PDF

Since returning home in the wee hours of the morning on Wednesday, our thoughts have turned toward the training that we will help host December 4-6. There is a strong principle that unites this Disciple-Making Movement (DMM) effort with the Million Village Challenge (MVC) conference that took place last week in Bouaké. That crucial concept is collaboration. The founder and coordinator of the Global CHE Network (GCN), Terry Dalrymple, who we were privileged to have speak, referred to over 700 organizations in more than 130 countries that benefit from the GCN. This strong network enables people all over the world to connect with Community Health Evangelism (CHE) trainers who work nearby and who can provide counsel and encouragement for budding CHE ministries.
AISEC trainers at MVC
Dayo Obaweya, West African coordinator for Medical Ambassadors International, chided his fellow-Africans for lack of collaboration that leaves this part of the continent in great danger of a Muslim takeover. Followers of Jesus from all evangelical churches must engage to reach the many unreached, unengaged villages for Him. If not, other more apparently structured religions will prevail. Such collaboration invigorated Rick Warren’s P.E.A.C.E. Plan that CHE facilitated in Rwanda.

Similarly, the upcoming December training in Bondoukou involves the efforts of numerous evangelical groups. One denomination offers us their building. A pastor from another is the point person for registration. A third group will provide the projector and screen. We will host the guest speaker from France. The president of the local pastors’ collective organized the committee that oversees the training. Why do all of us collaborate when we still hold firmly to the doctrine and practices that cause us to meet in different locations for worship? Because we all see that many believers in Africa do not know how to hear from the Lord in personal Bible study, nor do they know how to lead a simple Bible study at home with family and friends. They do not realize that unbelievers will attend these gatherings. Providing for this realization unites us in the greater purpose of equipping the Body of Christ for service. This creates a city on a hill (Mt.5:14).

As this week of Thanksgiving closes, we pray a similar spirit of united effort will re-invigorate our homeland. We see from history how divergent groups came to America for freedom of religion and representative governance. For centuries, we aspired to be the “City upon a Hill,” (as John Winthrop preached it), an example of freedom--“out of many, one”-- that draws millions to our shores. May our leaders overcome deadly partisanship and model for another generation how to work together upon the foundation of our Constitution while disagreeing on other particulars.

Prayer & Praise:
  • Pray for the DMM training and final preparations underway. Ask for safe travels for our guest speaker, Jean-Marc Fritsch, from France. Pray participants will be inspired, empowered by the Holy Spirit in greater ways than ever to sow the Word of God in this town and country.
  • Ask the Lord with us that citizens and leaders of the US will relearn wholesome collaboration.

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).

Prior: Not Surprised 181117.PDF

Last Video:Stories of Transformation
                         - Wineskin Care PDF

2018 Q2 Report: Dwelling Place
          -  Anderson Report 181013 PDF


2018 Budget Info:
CHSC-0118_ANDERSON-2018-Budget.pdf


Something to ask? Write updates@verlindeb.org

GIVE ONLINE to support these ministries: www.che4a.org

Not Surprised

PDF Version: AWA_Update_181117.PDF

Things almost never turn out as we expect in Africa when planning meetings, but we are not surprised when the Lord works things out despite what appear to be many obstacles. He did that again this week during the Million Village Challenge. We were not surprised that:
  • two CHE team members struggled with illness;
  • our vehicle suffered damage that had to be repaired;
  • many people carried out commitments to make the conference run smoothly, and some new friends volunteered to fill in gaps;
  • attendees representing many diverse churches were convicted to strategically plan that the Gospel be shared with the unreached, unengaged people groups that exist in Cote d’Ivoire;
  • our guests speakers hit home runs in casting vision, challenging the Church to engage in holistique ministry, addressing specific failures of the church in Africa, and inspiring the individuals who attended to believe they can be agents of transformation in this country;
  • every major group of people who attended asked to choose dates when they could be trained in Community Health Evangelism in the near future to act upon the now-shared vision;
  • the villages on the map of Cote d’Ivoire selected by the various groups who intend to begin outreach filled in some regions and areas where there are currently no CHE teams at work;
  • the visit to the village beginning to implement CHE provided a relevant testimony of how the rural poor can use their local resources to see visible transformation in health, education, and people saved;
  • the national CHE team spoke over an hour on reasons to rejoice in what went well, and about thirty minutes on things that need improvement for the next conferences they sponsor!
After we see our international guests safely to the airport on Sunday and Monday, we will drive in to final preparations for the upcoming Disciple Making Movement (DMM) conference in Bondoukou. We will not be surprised to find that many obstacles and joys surface as that gathering takes place as well. That is what happens when the Lord’s Kingdom advances!

Prayer & Praise:
  • From last week’s requests, the brochures did arrive in time for the conference and everyone made it safely to the gathering. We thank the Lord for the moments of casting vision and seeing Him speak.
  • Pray for DMM week of training coming up on December 4-6 and for Jean Marc Fritsch as he makes final speaking preparations.

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).

Prior: Voices 181107.PDF

Last Video:Stories of Transformation
                         - Wineskin Care PDF

2018 Q2 Report: Dwelling Place
          -  Anderson Report 181013 PDF


2018 Budget Info:
CHSC-0118_ANDERSON-2018-Budget.pdf


Something to ask? Write updates@verlindeb.org

GIVE ONLINE to support these ministries: www.che4a.org

Voices

PDF Version: AWA_Update_181110.PDF

This week was replete with opportunities to use our voices for the sake of the Kingdom. Sunday morning Verlin began the training of a sixth evangelical church in Bondoukou to learn how to conduct Discovery Bible Studies (DBS) at home and church. In another setting many people were invited to the December DBS training that the pastors' collective will host here, with our guest, Jean-Marc Fritsch from France. One pastor who stayed with us during a conference voiced his appreciation
B'kou Conference "Choose Life"
for ways that Community Health Evangelism (CHE) has blessed his ministry, and he gladly received Debbie’s encouragement and materials to further train children in his church to memorize Scripture at each grade level. One of our DBS trainers had opportunity to witness at length to a young Muslim man. Another voice that made us particularly rejoice was the report of a second pastor. He testified to changes occurring because of CHE in the remote village where he grew up. Young men banded together to build a school, and whereas those youth were formerly known as good-for-nothing thieves, virtually street children, their good works have caught the attention of village leaders who applaud their efforts. Also, some of the elderly, seeing the spirit of transformation in progress, have given their lives to Jesus! Often the elderly in Africa will acknowledge the truth of Jesus and tell young people to go ahead and follow Christ, but say they are too old to change, so these decisions are precious.

After over a year of planning, the Million Village Challenge (MVC) conference will occur this week, Wednesday through Friday, November 14-16. We will travel to the site of the conference on Saturday, November 10, hopefully arriving a few hours before you receive this update. Representatives from the Global CHE Network, Medical Ambassadors International (MAI), Jesus Film Project, ECHO, MegaVoice, Africa Service, AMI, and Tearfund will join their voices during the conference to offer resources, information, and encourage Ivorians. Terry Dalrymple of the Global CHE Network and Dayo Obaweya (MAI) of Nigeria will testify to thousands of communities transformed around the world using the ministry of Community Health Evangelism (CHE). They will challenge believers to engage with hundreds of Ivorian villages where the Gospel has yet to penetrate.

Prayer & Praise:
  • Ask the Lord for life-changing decisions at the MVC conference. Pray that numerous churches, denominations, and NGOs will hear the voice of the Lord leading them to engage with the unreached and unengaged villages of Cote d’Ivoire.
  • Pray for safe travels of invited guests from other African nations and the United States, as well as protection on the dangerous roads involved for travel to the conference. Ask for special grace in the visit to a remote village to see CHE in action.
  • Pray that brochures promised this week, but which were not completed correctly, will be ready in time and delivered for the mid-week meeting.

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).

Prior: Changing Glasses 181103.PDF

Last Video:Stories of Transformation
                         - Wineskin Care PDF

2018 Q2 Report: Dwelling Place
          -  Anderson Report 181013 PDF


2018 Budget Info:
CHSC-0118_ANDERSON-2018-Budget.pdf


Something to ask? Write updates@verlindeb.org

GIVE ONLINE to support these ministries: www.che4a.org