PDF Version: AWA_Update_181222.PDF
One 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).
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