Wrong or Strong?

PDF Version: AWA_Update_190223.PDF

When we do change to people, they experience it as violence, but when people do change for themselves, they experience it as liberation.

Rosabeth M. Kanter (Harvard Business School)

It is a fact that, at times, a secular organization may put into practice a biblical principle and advance further in one aspect of applied truth than the Church if we are reluctant to obey. However, a secularist cannot effect enduring change as much as a follower of Jesus can by the power of the Holy Spirit! Unbelievers simply copy behaviors or techniques without knowing the Source of the truth or the reason why it is important beyond an individual’s lifetime. History is replete with examples of believers bringing incredible transformation to culture (hospitals, schools, the banking system, thousands of scientific discoveries, etc.). The watching world notes the benefit and implements a practice, but without the foundation of Christ, the effects are not as profound or durable. Over time, they become deformed when separated from the Truth.

For over 100 years, secular universities and foundations have researched best practices to help people. The results are very affirming of what we believe, teach, and model in Community Health Evangelism (CHE). For that reason, we are sharing a European TED Talk (18 min.) that is worthwhile for anyone seeking to help another person exit poverty. A Christian could have pointed all the researchers to the way Jesus helped people in the New Testament to see the same principles in living color. His technique was not haphazard or money-based. One time it involved telling His disciples to feed thousands of people by first evaluating what resources they had in hand (a few fish and loaves of bread). Another time, He allowed a public disturbance, roof tiles to be removed, and friends to dramatically lower a sick man right before Him during a teaching session. He invited people to come to Him with their needs, rather than coercing His better way upon them by force or with funds. As His devoted followers, we want to follow His example to help communities know Him and experience true community transformation!

Prayer and Praise

• When we applied for our Ghanaian visas, we were disappointed to find that the price had gone up to almost $300 per person for an annual multiple entry visa. The embassy typically grants 3 mo. to 1 yr. We were thrilled that our request for five-year visas was granted for the same amount as the one-year visa! Give thanks with us for such a blessing of favor.
• Thank the Lord with us also that five new donors have contributed to our mission account since January. Three of those are new people who commit to monthly giving, and another increased their giving! Pray that the trend continues. We are grateful every day for you, our faithful ministry partners and new friends.
• Pray for those trained in CHE (February 4-8) and Discovery Bible Study (December 4-6). Several implement what they learned. Ask that they persevere to see obedience to Christ’s commands increased.

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: Boomerang Blessings 190216.PDF

Last Video:Stories of Transformation
                         - Wineskin Care PDF
2018 Q3 Report: Target Practice
          -  Anderson Report 181229 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

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Boomerang Blessings

PDF Version: AWA_Update_190216.PDF

Have you ever noticed that when you put yourself in a position to serve and be a blessing to others, an unexpected blessing often falls to you? This regularly happens for us when we facilitate week-long Community Health Evangelism (CHE) TOT1 trainings around Cote d’Ivoire. The energy and concentration required for five full days of training (35 hours) are very tiring, but so often the Lord has connections to give us, or things that we learn as well. We invited an Ivorian CHE trainer to help us this past week. He left us today with a heart full of rejoicing. He came stressed and preoccupied with several challenges at the village where he has spent much time recently. As the three of us devoted the week to blessing the 17 participants who came, the Lord gave very clear and personal direction to this CHE training brother through the CHE lessons, a copy of The Christian Pastor (the French title of this linked book), and our many conversations. Teaching CHE lessons over and over is very edifying because the Lord further hones us as we introduce others, most for the first time, to be transformational in their ministries using CHE.

This CHE training being done, we now have errands to run while we remain in Abidjan: 3 different annually renewable car papers (of 7), maintenance car parts, a dental appointment for Verlin, and visas for Ghana so that we can assist in training a few days during the CHE Internship in March. We have also provided a time for follow-up with some denominational ‘home’ missionaries trained in CHE this week to implement the strategy. We are really hoping for no serious delays so that we can get back to work in Bondoukou.

Prayer and Praise

• One of our fellow Ivorian Disciple Making Movement (DMM) and CHE trainers in Bondoukou suffered a terrible financial loss last week. A person started a fire on fields adjoining his and lost control despite monitoring the fire. It destroyed the fields of numerous people, including about 6,000 unearthed yams of our Christian brother being readied for sale. Those farm products were to be his sole source of income for several upcoming months. Government officials refuse to provide information of who started the fire for fear that the perpetrator would be killed by one of the many farmers affected.
• We are thankful for the completed CHE TOT1 training that was planned and carried out on very short notice, when an excellent location opened up in Abidjan. The participants were enthusiastic, and so pray that they will quickly begin to apply what they learned in ministry. Several of the students were young missionaries in a Baptist training program who are getting ready to leave on their internships.
• Our worker’s wife delivered a second son—a large, healthy boy—with no complications this week! Moringa leaf powder as a provision of God along with our instruction is being used and praised. Thank you for having prayed with us for that blessing.

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: Bright Spot 190209.PDF

Last Video:Stories of Transformation
                         - Wineskin Care PDF
2018 Q3 Report: Target Practice
          -  Anderson Report 181229 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

Bright Spot

PDF Version: AWA_Update_190209.PDF

It has been some time since we gave an update on the Community Health Evangelism (CHE) agricultural project. You may recall that it was to include a grove of moringa trees, a corn field demonstrating Farming God’s Way, and a demonstration F.A.I.T.H. garden. All work on this effort halted last year when unauthorized people seized the land with the blessing of a few deceitful and money-hungry village members. They began a corn field. Our Ivorian Christian brother, the known owner of the land, knew nothing of it, and did not give his permission. He has been in the courts for months, seeking restitution for damage done, and walking through the arduous process of finalizing papers for his title to the land. Much of the work is done, and to date, tribal and court proceedings have ruled in his favor. There are plenty of reasons to rejoice.

Despite the distressing circumstances, there have been bright spots along the way in this village known regionally as a center for witchcraft. As inquests were held and the intruders removed from the land, it seems most of the villagers regret the few people who sanctioned the interlopers and the delay it caused to a project that will increase their agricultural skills and bless them all. They are visibly much more supportive of our Christian brother, who has continued to visit the village to explain what has happened, as well as to share the Gospel.

As a result of his continued rapport and sharing, one of the villagers who was of another faith has entered the Kingdom! He now prays daily to Jesus and has been begging to know all about the Bible. This week he was loaned a MegaVoice solar recording device that provides stories giving an overview of all the Bible in simple French. He has excitedly listened for hours every day. Other people want to listen as well. When he has absorbed the content of this device, it will be exchanged for a MegaVoice with the actual Scriptures on it in a local language.

Prayer and Praise

• Pray with us that many people will become followers of Jesus in the village that has been a stronghold of the enemy for so long. Pray for the man who is earnestly seeking the Lord. Ask that many others follow in his footsteps.
• Continue to pray for the last obstacles to be overcome to allow pursuit of the agricultural project in this village. Pray for continued favor in the courts, and for the title to the land be granted in an uncomplicated and speedy way.
• Thursday night we began modeling how to lead a Discovery Bible Study to a group of 8 people from a local church in Bondoukou. The pastor and other church leaders chose these men, women, young men, and young women to be trained so that they in turn can lead groups. Their fervent desire is to lead new people into the Kingdom of our Lord this way. It is encouraging to see such zeal.
• We are in Abidjan to provide a CHE training and do errands like getting car papers, a dental visit, and renewing our visas to visit Ghana. Please pray for a fruitful week on all levels.

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: Bank on it! 190202.PDF

Last Video:Stories of Transformation
                         - Wineskin Care PDF
2018 Q3 Report: Target Practice
          -  Anderson Report 181229 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

It Costs Nothing

PDF Version: AWA_Update_190202.PDF

The children’s class in our neighborhood under an avocado tree continues to flourish. This past week, a close neighbor came with her two children and told our Ivorian Disciple Making Movement (DMM) trainer that she wanted to sign up her children for the Saturday class. She has seen and heard the good things being taught. Then she asked how much it would cost to enroll them. The teacher told her, “It costs nothing!” She was grateful and surprised. He told her it was his joy to teach the children stories from the Bible and share the practical health lessons of the HEPFDC manual. Several months ago, another mother was so excited about the book with health lessons that she borrowed the copy and photocopied it in town! It cost her about $10 to copy, a large amount here, which showed how valuable the information was to her. This is Ok since the book is available online for free (see links), and she did not have access to the Internet.

It also cost nothing for the same DMM trainer to walk and visit one of the sick children from his class. The Muslim father allowed him to pray over the girl about 10 ten years old and give her words of encouragement. She had come faithfully to class, and prayed in faith to Jesus. Sadly, she died this week, but the teacher said he finds comfort in that her acceptance of Christ allowed her to go to heaven. He continues to look for ways to witness to and encourage the parents.

There is no public trash collection service in Bondoukou. Some people take their daily trash out late at night and spread it on adjacent streets so that they do not have to worry about it in their own courtyard! While prior Ebola scares spread hand washing spots throughout town, trash cans are not available in most places. The trash simply piles up. It is blown all over by the dusty winds of dry season. The children in class are being organized to do an initial trash pick-up on a small portion of our block, with a reinforced teaching of how to properly wash hands, and why it is unhealthy to let trash collect. We expect the event will happen the Saturday of our next update, but that could be delayed if the birth of the DMM trainer’s second child interrupts the scheduled time. This effort, too, will cost nothing but a bag of candy. Motivating with money was refused! This will set up testimony to parents as to how their children can be agents of change in their homes and communities.

Prayer and Praise

• Continue to pray for this children’s DMM class. Ask especially that the outing to pick up trash will help them to see themselves as agents of change and be a testimony to their parents.
• We had three reports this week of growth in the DMM Bible studies recently started in several neighborhoods. One group has begun inviting their friends and neighbors. It now needs to divide into two groups. In another meeting, a pastor met with Verlin to discuss his plan to begin training 8 members of his church to lead the Discovery Bible Studies.
• We prepare for an upcoming Community Health Evangelism (CHE) TOT1 training to be held in Abidjan. Pray that attendees can come as the dates are only now being announced. If fifteen to twenty-five participants do not attend, we usually do not do a training.

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: Bank on it! 190126.PDF

Last Video:Stories of Transformation
                         - Wineskin Care PDF
2018 Q3 Report: Target Practice
          -  Anderson Report 181229 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