Partners Apart

PDF Version: AWA_Update_180825.PDF

Summer and early fall are times for denominationsand churches to have their national meetings, not only in the U.S., but in Cote d’Ivoire as well. Verlin and others have stayed busy getting explanations and invitations to the leadership of many groups for our upcoming Million Village Challenge (MVC) conference in November, and the Disciple-Making Movement (DMM) training in December. He was also able to attend the business sessions of the General Assembly of Free Will Baptists in Bouna. For the first time, the assembly agreed to recommend specific salary ranges for pastors in various settings. This is a step forward in local churches owning their responsibility to care for a pastor.

The Community Health Evangelism (CHE) training in Texas in which Debbie participated finished well. Participants varied in age from early 20’s to 60’s, giving great intergenerational conversation. They came from Pennsylvania, Colorado, North Carolina, Louisiana, Indiana, and Texas. Two were missionary candidates completing requirements for service with their mission teams, but others sought to understand CHE to deepen their ministry’s impact, bring change to American neighborhoods, or be exposed to principles of development in order to improve their skills and opportunities as believers. All expressed great appreciation for a week of encouraging interaction. We feel blessed to belong to a mission that offers this training yearly. It’s not just for CHSC missionaries, but to bless other mission sending agencies and believers hailing from the U.S., too.

Prayer & Praise:

• Please join with us in praying for the families of Paul Robinson and Daniel Dossmann. These godly men recently moved home to Heaven while leaving for many some wonderful legacies of faithful service to Jesus. They touched our family in special ways, and we would have so loved to have been at each celebration of their lives this week, both in Tennessee. Many thanks to Mom A for sharing our condolences at the service with the Robinson family.
• Verlin will meet for organizational purposes twice during travel to Abidjan this weekend after leading a DMM Discovery Study. The time dedicated for the University trainings begins. Debbie returns to Nashville Sunday. Pray for our continued good coordination as life-partners who work separately on two continents for about two more weeks.
• Ask the Lord for clear guidance and continuing advances to result from this 6th annual CHE university exposition training. The teaching of CHE approaches exposes a wide cross-section of leaders to the use of CHE to bring health, hope, and healing to all within a nation.

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: Collective Work 180818.PDF
Last Video:Stories of Transformation
                         - Wineskin Care PDF
2018 Q1 Report: Tooling UP
          -  Anderson Report 180602 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

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Verlin's Facebook Page

Collective Work

PDF Version: AWA_Update_180818.PDF

Once a month in Bondoukou, there is a meeting of pastors of the evangelical churches. The structurally flat collective (not like a cooperative) invites speakers, shares information of events amidst the participating churches, and, at times, coordinates for training and outreaches like city-wide evangelism campaigns. Verlin attends whenever available. This Tuesday he was asked and shared details of the upcoming national Million Village Challenge (MVC) in November, and the Disciple Making Movement (DMM) training that we will host in December. Leaders now share the news with others in their denominations. One called as Verlin edited this to request more MVC invitations. Two more pastors asked for their churches to receive the DMM training.

Individual testimonies happen too. Everyone at the meeting rejoiced with Pastor D who gave testimony of God’s preserving power in his life during the month between meetings. First, because he had an eye infection, he lay down to put in eye ointment. By accident he picked up a super glue product instead of the antibiotic and put it in his eye! Thankfully his eye did not seal permanently and he sees clearly today. On another day, a flying projectile struck his other eye while open, but amazingly caused no permanent damage. He sees well. Last of all, while traveling last week, he drove around a curve only to see a bicyclist just in front of him. He could not swerve to the left because a car was barreling from the other direction only about 20 meters away and was in the process of passing a transport. In the split second he had to think, he decided not to hit the cyclist, but to take the consequences of the impact with the oncoming vehicle. Instead, a few seconds later, he was through the impasse and no one was harmed! He has no memory of the details, but he considers it an actual miracle. To us, everything about life and how God acts to preserve it within and about us is miraculous, whether the process is understood and can be reproduced, or not.

Today Debbie is on the flight to Dallas for her 8-day stay at our mission headquarters in Texas. She looks forward to interactions with CHSC staff in Grand Saline and the opportunity to help in the Community Health Evangelism training which they offer twice yearly. During the week-long seminar of over 28 hours of training, her part will be to facilitate 12 lessons, lead during two devotion sessions, and assist the Director of Training, Dr. Laura Smelter, in any way possible.

Prayer & Praise:

• Pray for the Ivorian FWB General Assembly next week and for safe travels as believers gather in Bouna from all over the country, and as visiting FWBIM teams travel the new roads. Pray for follow-up with UEESO, CMA, AD, EBLV, and other Churches that have already met and taken MVC invitations.
• Ask for a successful multiplication of disciples during the CHSC CHE training, and that wisdom, accompanied by stamina, fills Laura as she leads and Debbie as she assists. Pray that the participatory training will equip those attending for increasingly effective and radiant ministry.
• Pray for our granddaughter Chelsea’s adjustment as she mainstreams into the kindergarten class of a public school from the special school for the hearing impaired that she attended three years at Vanderbilt University. The first week her bus was getting her to school late every day.

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: Grace Notes 180811.PDF
Last Video:Stories of Transformation
                         - Wineskin Care PDF
2018 Q1 Report: Tooling UP
          -  Anderson Report 180602 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

Debbie's Facebook Page



Verlin's Facebook Page

Grace Notes

PDF Version: AWA_Update_180811.PDF

“Grace note: an extra note as an embellishment and not essential to the harmony or melody.” Instead of applying the concept in the musical world, for us a grace note is seeing Jesus give an extra measure of undeserved grace and help in daily life. Despite surgery, water leaks, costly vehicle repairs, disappointing ministry income, and failed commitments on ministry projects the past few months, the Lord has lovingly dropped grace notes along the way.

Verlin arrived in Cote d’Ivoire on Tuesday, grace notes in evidence. When departing, he received Homeland Security Pre-Checked boarding status without asking or paying for it, eliminating the need to even open his backpack filled with electronic items. When arriving, he left his new cell phone on the flight that arrived in Abidjan, and —grace note—the airport police and airline officials managed to retrieve it before the flight continued on to Ethiopia. Add in some notes sounding for an auto repair shop owner who gave hundreds of dollars of free labor and bumped two of our vehicles to the front of the line. We also had an extended family member who lives one road down from us offered to pick up our mail and help in other ways during our absence, if needed. Verlin also managed two days of meetings and appointments in Abidjan without extra rest before returning home to Bondoukou for some more.

One of the grace notes in his meetings was a report from Professor Gombleu whom we trained in Community Health Evangelism (CHE) several years ago. During our absence, Prof. Gombleu trained around 20 pastoral students and/or their wives by himself (truly a grace note that he accomplished 30+ hours of intense training and kept his sanity and vocal cords intact!). Now, the CHE curriculum will begin to be integrated into the denomination’s training process.

On the U.S. side, Debbie received numerous grace notes, as well. The hospital sent us a small check for expenses beyond our out-of-pocket costs. A kind friend sent wellness products that Deb would never have splurged-on for herself, as well as a check to help buy supplies that are absent or costly in Africa. Friends and family provided a cane, walker, and shower chair for use after surgery. Other friends have offered to help her since Verlin is gone, a true grace note since her knee still limits some activities and she will have numerous tasks to finish at our home before leaving.

Prayer & Praise:

• Pray that the pastors and others recently trained by Professor Gombleu will effectively implement CHE into their ministries and see communities transformed.
• Ask for a great CHE training at our mission headquarters in east Texas on August 20-24. Debbie will fly down to participate during that week.
• Pray for wisdom and strength as Verlin’s responsibilities will take him through much of eastern Cote d’Ivoire in the next month, as well as final preparations for the university training in September.

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: Hodgepodge  180804.PDF
Last Video:Stories of Transformation
                         - Wineskin Care PDF
2018 Q1 Report: Tooling UP
          -  Anderson Report 180602 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

Debbie's Facebook Page



Verlin's Facebook Page

Hodgepodge

PDF Version: AWA_Update_180804

Verlin’s time in the U.S. to check on Debbie and attend denominational meetings failed to let him dedicate as much time for visits as hoped, though a few were made besides attending a family reunion. This time, the hodgepodge we live while managing family responsibilities apart for a little longer demanded the priority of maintaining cars. Hopefully the more than 10 visits to 4 shops and yet others to several parts stores will facilitate visiting next year. Considering all, this was a good week. Communications to coordinate the Community Health Engagement (also CHE) exposition and the Million Village Challenge (MVC) were interspersed with activities common to American life, but not so common in Cote d’Ivoire:

• Voting and preparations to vote by absentee ballot from Cote d’Ivoire in November were done;
• Another physical follow-up skin biopsy was reported to be negative for skin cancer;
• Sprays at our permanent address limited weeds and insects; a fallen tree was cut and cleared;
• Some questions of investment and compromised personal information were investigated;
• A router was replaced for reasons of personal and property security;
• We were able to receive our granddaughter for a 3-day visit;
• Pipes repaired in May were insulated for the coming winter.

We also had the joy of having our three children, daughter-in-law, granddaughter, and Verlin’s mom at home in Cookeville for a family get-together in one evening — a VERY rare occasion!!

Verlin leaves for Cote d’Ivoire on Monday. Debbie is to follow in September after giving one more month for her knee recovery. She will also spend the week of August 20-24 at our mission headquarters in East Texas. There she will assist Dr. Laura Smelter, CHSC’s Director of Training, as Laura leads a week-long Level 1 (TOT1) Community Health Evangelism training. Space is still available for a few more participants if you know someone who wants to learn about this proven, community-transforming approach. Click here to find out details. Debbie is thrilled to participate in helping others prepare for a ministry approach that has personally revolutionized the way that we as a couple see life, evangelism, and helping people.

Prayer & Praise:

• Pray for the planning of the CHE university training coming up in September. Verlin is a bit behind in some obligations. An added twist this year is the fact that the doctor who is the university coordinator, Dr. Luc, is the one whose family home was totally flooded in July torrential rains.
• Verlin leaves for Cote d’Ivoire on Monday to arrive Tuesday. Pray for safe travels, as well as clear thoughts and strength as he jumps immediately into ministry. Also, ask for a trouble-free return for Verlin’s mom who will drive home alone to Michigan on Tuesday. Elsie’s gracious help for six weeks after Debbie’s knee replacement has been invaluable.
• Last week the Lord provided our daughter Cara a replacement vehicle of the exact made and model that she desired! Thank you for praying with us for that need.

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: Ounce of Prevention  180721.PDF
Last Video:Stories of Transformation
                         - Wineskin Care PDF
2018 Q1 Report: Tooling UP
          -  Anderson Report 180602 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

Debbie's Facebook Page



Verlin's Facebook Page