PDF Version: AWA_Update_190309.PDF
Safe passage on a trip in this country is never something that anyone takes for granted. In February, an Ivorian Christian, a brother who participates in a Discovery Bible Study (DBS) and who plans to start a study at his house, gave a stirring testimony. He is a truck driver who carries loads of merchandise back and forth from here to Abidjan. A few weeks ago, he was returning home in the wee hours of the morning. He almost stopped at Akoupe to sleep a few hours, but decided he would press on to Abengourou, the next large city. It was a decision that could have cost his life. He topped a hill and saw the road blocked all the way across in the valley below. He knew the blockade was placed there by coupeurs de route (“road cutters”—armed gangs that prey on travelers), but, in the semi, he could not slow down or turn around.
He cried to the Lord for help in that moment and made the split-second decision to increase the speed of the truck and hit the blockade at one side. The truck crashed through the blockade without careening out of control, and he heard the brigands on the side of the road yelling, “We will kill you,” as they waved their guns and he passed safely. At a secure place further up the road, he called to inform the authorities. Later, a chauffeur friend behind him carrying fuel in a tank called to thank him. The second driver was able to pass through the open space our friend had created in the blockade, but he would not have been able to crash through with the load he carried. Over the years, our friend has had four chauffeur friends killed by coupeurs de route. This experience, along with many personal applications of God’s Word that he has gained in the DBS, have greatly impacted him recently.
Bessie Richards, (link = obituary) a beloved first-generation FWB missionary here in Cote d’Ivoire, finished her earthly race with safe passage to heaven this week. She and her husband Norman were beautiful examples of godliness, grace, good humor, gracious hospitality, and grateful hearts. Their love of Jesus regularly overflowed in song. The seeds they planted continue to bear fruit. One Ivorian who learned much from them remarked, “She rests from her labors, now.”
Prayer and Praise
- Please pray with us that the presence of God overshadow, comfort, and strengthen the Richards’ sons, Gene and Randal, and their families.
- Verlin
enjoyed safe passage to and from another denominational pastors’ retreat this week. It was an encouraging time of introducing more than 50 pastors to Community Health Evangelism, most for the first time. Seven leaders have already requested training in their churches or regions. - Next week Verlin assists at the West African CHE Internship site in Ghana for a few days. He also hopes to visit some of our Christian Health Service Corps (CHSC) missionaries in Ghana before he returns home. Pray for Internship participants as they prepare in-depth for CHE ministry.
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: Wrong or Strong? 190223.PDF
Last Video:Wrong or Strong?
- 190223 PDF
2018 Q4 Report: Gifts of Peoples
- Anderson Report 190302 PDF
2018 Budget Info:
CHSC-0118_ANDERSON-2018-Budget.pdf
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