Brain Changer

CHSC LINK: Brain Changer

PDF Version: AWA_Update_191123.PDF

Daily Choice

It amuses and instructs us when medical science “catches up” with the everlasting truths that our Lord already revealed in His Word. In recent years, much has been written about neuroplasticity in the brain, how gratitude and positive thinking grow neuron networks in the left prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain that helps us seek solutions to problems. The Lord, who never jokes inappropriately and always speaks for good, commands us to think on what is good, true, honorable, just, and pure (Ph. 4:8); to rejoice always in Him (Ph. 4:4); to praise His mighty works (Ps. 145). We can do all things through Christ, who strengthens us (Ph. 4:13); He does give us all that we need for life and godliness (2 Pt 1:3). Is He not worthy of our praise? We find ourselves empowered to walk in His victory when we meditate upon and obey these truths, among others.

Daily Example

Above all, this mindset of gratitude is to be the habit of our lives. As David said, “Every day I will bless thee, and I will praise thy name forever and ever…one generation shall praise thy works to another.” (Ps. 145:2,4) One of the greatest gifts that any of us can offer children and grandchildren is to exhibit lives of confidence in and praise of our Heavenly Father. Having rededicated ourselves in recent years to seek daily thoughts of thanksgiving, we desire that gratefulness be the overflow of our life together. Here are some of our daily thanks given since we last shared some ministry news.

Prayerful Praise

Sampa Bus Depot

• Nov. 16: We enjoyed a safe bus trip from Bondoukou to Accra, Ghana. It took three hours less than if we had driven it ourselves!
• Nov. 17: The Accra Baptist Guesthouse had room for us though we arrived at 4 AM, six hours early! Verlin sought some direction and ended up giving it to others wanting to break alcoholic addiction using Community Health Evangelism. The man met this day persisted, calling through our Tuesday departure. He maintains contact to schedule a meeting on our return, along with 2 others!
• Nov. 18: An Uber taxi driver, and believer, was uplifted by our witness of the Triune Word. He stated that the Lord specially put us in his taxi that day to encourage him.



Accra Airport

• Nov. 19: We had a “chance” meeting with an Ivorian CHE trainer in the Accra airport with whom Verlin has collaborated since 2013. An uncrowded second flight over the Atlantic allowed us to rest.
• Nov. 20: Beloved family and friends brought to the Nashville airport hugs, muscle help, a coat, snacks, and some pre-warmed transport for our Africanized bodies.
• Nov. 21: There was no damage at the homestead during our absence. Our old vans started quickly. A stranger at the post office mailed a package for us, then gave a donation to help us resettle!
• Nov. 22: We received an unexpected refund of some health insurance premiums, half-price on a needed tool, and were again amazed at the lower prices with a better selection of goods here.
• Nov. 23: We are thankful for YOU—dear ministry partner! “The Lord is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works.” (Ps. 145:9).

Let us hold onto what is good, grow some neurons, and solve some problems. Happy Thanksgiving!

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: Triple C 191109.PDF

Last prior Video: Contagions
                         - 191012 PDF
2019 Q2 Report: Legacy
          -  AWA Update 190824 PDF

2019 Budget Info:
CHSC-0119_ANDERSON-2019- Budget.pdf

Something to ask? Write updates@verlindeb.org

AWA represents
Andersons Witness in Africa.
It is also a brand of bottled water in Côte d'Ivoire where we serve.

GIVE ONLINE to support these ministries
                                   www.che4a.org

Debbie's Facebook Page

Verlin's Facebook Page

Triple C

CHSC LINK: Triple C

PDF Version: AWA_Update_191109.PDF

Checklists

The past two weeks have epitomized the “not so romantic” realities of missionary life. We have swirled in a whirlwind of activities to prepare for an eight-month stay in the States. Debbie kept busy getting the house prepped for our absence, printing CHE materials for teams, receiving house guests for seven days, and trying to keep the puppy out of mischief. Verlin

Research Presentation Review

traveled to Abidjan late Thursday for days of running errands from early until late. He attended a meeting with the CHE university team, bought supplies and dog vaccinations, met with four other CHE partners, picked up equipment for a CHE microenterprise, and handled extended truck insurance. He also continued the process of completing a long-term rental contract with our landlord. We verified our visas for Ghana and sent someone to the border to check on the bus schedule and bus fares. That is the Reader’s Digest condensed version!

Connections

In Abidjan, Verlin delivered a package that a retired missionary had sent to an Ivorian believer. Of course, the Ivorian was delighted to hear from friends, but his meeting with Verlin may prove providential. Mr. G. has worked for decades with the disabled in Cote d’Ivoire. His passion is great. He, too, is disabled. The Lord opens many doors for him to minister, but he experiences much frustration in his efforts to see long-lasting development that uses local resources. As Verlin explained how the Community Health Evangelism (CHE) process could provide him a more successful framework to incite enduring change, this brother became encouraged. We expect to train him when we return next year if other Ivorian CHE trainers whom we have influenced do not. This encounter is another answer to prayer. We have asked the Lord to reveal or send gifted believers with hearts of service for Cote d’Ivoire’s disabled population since 2005.

Countdown

One week from today, we begin a three-step process of returning to the U.S. Saturday: cross the border between Cote d’Ivoire and Ghana, take a public bus to Kumasi, Ghana, and spend the night in a hotel; Sunday: a second bus ride to a mission guesthouse in Accra, the capital. Monday: meet Ghanaian and W. African CHE counterparts; Tuesday: fly to England; Wednesday: arrive in Nashville. Leaving from another country adds some drama, but it is worth it to save mission funds given by donating partners over $1,200. The packing and many hours of travel on public transport next weekend may prevent our sending an update. Do not be concerned if you do not hear from us.

Prayer and Praise

• Pray doors open, so the disadvantaged populations of Cote d’Ivoire develop work skills using CHE.
• Ask the Lord to align our circumstances so tasks flow smoothly to be accomplished before we leave next Saturday and that we suffer little ill. Pray for safe travel and that we seize the opportunities to share Jesus.
• Verlin’s respiratory infection and sprained toe have improved. Thank you for the prayers!

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: One Life 191102.PDF

Last prior Video: Contagions
                         - 191012 PDF
2019 Q2 Report: Legacy
          -  AWA Update 190824 PDF

2019 Budget Info:
CHSC-0119_ANDERSON-2019- Budget.pdf

Something to ask? Write updates@verlindeb.org

AWA represents
Andersons Witness in Africa.
It is also a brand of bottled water in Côte d'Ivoire where we serve.

GIVE ONLINE to support these ministries
                                   www.che4a.org

Debbie's Facebook Page

Verlin's Facebook Page

One Life

CHSC LINK: One Life

PDF Version: AWA_Update_191102.PDF

ONE LIFE
(links to song)

Only one life, so soon it will pass:
Only what's done for Christ will (ever) last; 

Only one chance to do His will;
So give to Jesus all your days;  

It's the only life that pays;
When you recall, you have but one life. 

     --Lanny Wolfe

This popular Christian song from the 1970s came to mind during the week. We welcomed Community Health Evangelism (CHE) and Discovery Bible Study (DBS) partners from Bondoukou, the northeast, and central regions of Cote d’Ivoire to our home for a few days of informal sharing and planning. One couple and daughter witnessed a terrible accident on their way here that could have been them had they left minutes earlier. Others came on treacherous roads most of the way by motorcycle. None of us know how many more days we have on earth to serve the King. All the more reason for each to dedicate his one life for eternal purposes.

ONE CUP
(see Mark 10:38 reference via link)

One common theme expressed during the times of sharing was the reality of suffering for the sake of the Gospel. Trying to reach people of other faiths, plant churches, and foster community transformation through a CHE or DBS process is not for the faint-hearted. It demands a long-term, integrated approach. It requires endless patience with people. At various times, these CHE partners have been ridiculed, ostracized, dismissed, or hounded by other believers for trying something new that was not understood or did not achieve immediate results. All expressed the desire to produce fruit that lasts, not just fruit that necessarily grows quickly. Being together reminded them that they are not alone in their sufferings or their successes. Besides, our cup of suffering can never equal that of Jesus. As 1 Peter 4:12 reminds us, we should not be surprised when we have difficult times.

ONE KINGDOM

This week we heard co-laborers discuss Bible studies, making compost, Children’s CHE, health lessons, growing mushrooms, gathering powder from African fruit, literacy programs, building churches, and praying for persecuted believers. What did all of these things have in common? When someone dedicates his one life for eternal purposes, he or she may undertake these kinds of activities or relationships to demonstrate abundant life to a person or community.

Prayer and Praise

• Pray for CHE and DBS teams planted throughout Cote d’Ivoire. They share the Gospel in many different contexts. Pray for protection, provision, and blessings that endure for generations.
• Verlin suffered from a toe injury last week that has made it difficult to walk. He also seems to be fighting a respiratory infection. Ask for complete healing and returned strength.

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: Growing Things 191026.PDF

Last prior Video: Contagions
                         - 191012 PDF
2019 Q2 Report: Legacy
          -  AWA Update 190824 PDF

2019 Budget Info:
CHSC-0119_ANDERSON-2019- Budget.pdf

Something to ask? Write updates@verlindeb.org

AWA represents
Andersons Witness in Africa.
It is also a brand of bottled water in Côte d'Ivoire where we serve.

GIVE ONLINE to support these ministries
                                   www.che4a.org

Debbie's Facebook Page

Verlin's Facebook Page