Listen to Him

CHSC LINK: Listen to Him
PDF Version: AWA_Update_191228.PDF

Vying Voices

“This is my Beloved Son. Listen to Him!” During the past Christmas week, while looking forward to the New Year, we received the following timely reminder from Mark 9. Many voices—political, familial, medical, spiritual, social—vie for our attention and affection daily. Who do we listen to and trust? The “inner circle” disciples of Jesus faced this question on the Mount of Transfiguration. In the presence of superstars of their Jewish faith—Moses and Elijah—Peter almost led the group astray. He wanted to put the two prophets’ experience and advice on equal footing with Jesus by building a temple for each of them. Immediately THE Voice from heaven set Peter straight.

Here is the takeaway for us with the New Year: input from wise people is essential in our lives. Nevertheless, it cannot take preeminence over the voice of the Lord in our lives from Scripture, the voice and example of His Son on earth, or the quiet, internal voice of His Spirit confirmed in our lives by the community or communities of believers. We desperately need to listen to Him!

Victorious Vision

Many of the good voices we heard this past week were those of friends and ministry partners. Since returning, we have met with more than twenty of our ministry partners separately or together in coffee shops, restaurants, and homes, or after services and meetings. We were blessed even to see a few more in Michigan while with family. Times with you are refreshing and energizing! Without exception, as we shared life stories since our last times together, it became evident that victory in the critical moments of our lives came when faithful servants listened to Him.

So, here we are together on the cusp of a beautiful, new year. May our advancing victories for the Kingdom mitigate or remove any unintentional backsliding retreat for any of us. May each servant of the Lord depend on HIS strength in us! We aspire to the following:
  • follow Jesus exclusively and love Him completely as shown by ardent obedience in doing good works;
  • Opportunities to witness were found
    and taken with each of these activities
    cherish our families wholeheartedly and fulfill our roles faithfully while evading unfruitful time-wasters (hopefully car, computer and home maintenance will prove fruitful for savings and witness);
  • choose our food wisely to maintain or improve our bodies to continue in diligent service to the one and only King;
  • select our president biblically and exert our influence justly as the earthly citizens of heaven that we are;
  • interact truthfully with others in work and at play demonstrating transparency and encouragement with friends unceasingly;
  • serve the hurt compassionately while seeking to find the lost regularly.

Prayer & Praise

  • Please pray for friends who are by the side of a dying sibling. Ask the Lord to open spiritually darkened eyes. Pray for comfort and strength for all the unnamed family.
  • We feel our age a little as our second child turned 30 this week. How grateful we are for the way our three children have listened to the voice of the Lord in past years! Pray with us that their capacity, and ours, to listen and obey continues to grow every year of their lives.
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: Roots 191221.PDF

Last prior Video: Contagions
                         - 191012 PDF

2019 Q3 Report: Timing
          -  AWA Update 191207 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 C�te d'Ivoire where we serve.

GIVE ONLINE to support these ministries
                                   www.che4a.org

Roots

CHSC LINK: Roots
PDF Version: AWA_Update_191221.PDF

Family Roots

Never underestimate the power of going home and reconnecting with family and friends. People who grow up in stable nuclear and extended families in a culturally diverse locale during their formative years are extraordinarily blessed. These individuals tend to have psychologically deep roots, confidence in life, and security in who they are.
VCA-maternal-extended-family
Anderson-Hawkins Family
mid-1970s living room photo by church-family Friend Bob Wilson
Verlin is such a person. He lived in the same house until college, attending the same church all those years. Returning to Warren, Michigan, brings a flood of happy or meaningful memories to him, reminders of routines that formed his character, and a host of encouraging people to visit. Debbie loves the insights she gains from the interesting stories she hears about the Michigan boy of Tennessee and Arkansas heritage that she married! No family is perfect, but family roots like these are a treasure. They enrich generations, too, as children and grandchildren observe the stability and connections such a life provides.

Biblical Roots

Never underestimate the power of going to Scripture and re-reading the story of Christ’s birth, life, death, and resurrection. Just as physically going home for the holidays can renew precious memories, or help refocus priorities, “going home” to the Biblical account of Jesus’ time on earth offers comfort, hope, stability, and guidance. Relish even the minute details the Lord chose to reveal to us. Bathe in the wonder of His family history and love story intended to include us all.

Transplanted Roots

Never underestimate the power of transplanting your life roots into fertile soil, especially if your family roots were less than ideal. Sadly, many people have very different memories than the idyllic setting described above. Their families were broken, or nomadic, or abusive. Reflections about their childhood are scary, or debilitating, or unhealthy. The wonderful news of the Gospel is that there is hope, even in those cases. Any person can take the scarred and starving roots of their unhealthy past and transplant them into the rich and nutritious soil of life in Jesus’ family. Praise God that our past does not have to define our future! May we all grow our healthy roots deeper in Scripture and obedience each day. May we daily help those with deformed roots find a new home in Christ where they can bloom. Merry Christmas, dear friends!

Prayer & Praise

  • Thank you, Father, for the very clear and detailed account of Your Son’s first coming. We are in awe and overwhelmed by the salvation and family position it provides for us. It makes us confident that the promise and description of His second coming are also accurate. We live in that total assurance and hope.
  • Pray with us for those who have lost precious family and friends in death. Christmas is a very painful season for them. Let us reach out to one or more with acts of love and prayer.
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: Expectancy 191221.PDF

Last prior Video: Contagions
                         - 191012 PDF

2019 Q3 Report: Timing
          -  AWA Update 191207 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 C�te d'Ivoire where we serve.

GIVE ONLINE to support these ministries
                                   www.che4a.org

Expectancy

CHSC LINK: Expectancy
PDF Version: AWA_Update_191214.PDF

Mistaken Identity

Mistaken-identity?
Verlin and Debbie at Homestead
Verlin has developed quite a fan base recently! We attended a Christmas concert of The Messiah by Handel at a church last Saturday. Two small girls saw him with his full beard and red sweater and said to their mom with expectancy, “Santa Claus!” You may recall that a little Ivorian girl came to the same conclusion last August, but these American girls did not seek a photo op! This repeated case of “mistaken identity” is a little ironic, considering we never encouraged our children to participate in the Santa fantasy, and the subject of the first advent shared in the music that night.

Missing Messiah?

The expression of wonder and excitement in the eyes of children during the Christmas season does, however, remind us to be awed. Their expectant hope may be misplaced in a mythical being, but not yours and ours. Remembering the intense fervor and longing of Simeon and Anna in the temple long ago, we also await in advent for Messiah, His second! His presence in our lives, our being prepared to do good works, and the promise of His return all help us to live in a constant state of expectancy. What circumstance might He arrange today for us to encounter someone who needs the Gospel, or a helping hand, or contact with a person we know? Is that stranger sent to encourage our faith or provide for some ministry? As a couple, we do not want to miss our Father’s divine appointments due to mundane preoccupation and holiday busyness.

Marvelous Expectations

Hardly a day passes since our return to the U.S. that we do not see some unexpected connection or provision from an unusual source. While Verlin helped Corbin in Missouri with insurance and vehicle issues, he made providential connections. He bought a dresser at a shop whose owners use the proceeds to support over seventy missionaries worldwide. The owner, so touched by his brief testimony, video-messaged her inner-city-missionary son so the two could meet! Someone hailing from his grandparents’ church in Michigan answered a call to a Missouri pastor as the secretary. A stranger at a restaurant to whom he witnessed needed to encounter another man he’d just met who had started a new church. A Lowe’s employee donated an outside trash can we required; a post office worker contributed a mailing and a gift. Sometimes we are conduits, and sometimes we are receivers of Divine interventions. We have learned to look expectantly for the ways the Lord is at work. We trust He will use us to ignite or renew a sense of wonder in others, who, like us, need to anticipate the second advent of the Messiah during this season.

Prayer & Praise

  • We thank the Lord that Debbie has fully recovered from her respiratory illness.
  • Ask the Lord to make us all very aware of the people and circumstances He brings into our lives for His glory and to advance His Kingdom.
  • Pray for our deputation travel-planning as we travel to Michigan to see family next week.
Your Partners in the Gospel,
Verlin and Debbie
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: Sunshine and Shadow 191130.PDF

Last prior Video: Contagions
                         - 191012 PDF

2019 Q3 Report: Timing
          -  AWA Update 191207 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

Timing

CHSC LINK: Timing

Timing

Have you ever studied about the timing of Jesus’ arrival on Planet Earth and some of the reasons why that particular point in history was ideal? If so, you were probably struck, as we have been, by the ways that our Lord perfectly wove history and culture to accomplish His will. From a human standpoint, would we have ever chosen the cruel Roman Empire as the time and place for the Messiah to come? Would Mary have chosen the month of her firstborn’s birth to coincide with a declared government census that would require her to travel? Yet when we see the outcome, and the fulfillment of prophecy, we are in awe. It also reminds us to trust the Father’s timing in our lives and ministry. Rejoice with us in events from the past three months that the Lord’s timing allowed us to accomplish as ministry partners. Thank you so much for your part in making it possible!

A Time to Start (See Hallmark)

In early September, the first-ever Scientific Congress hosted by the Public Health Department of the Felix Houphouet-Boigny University happened in Abidjan. The two-days of reporting began the equipping of professionals throughout West Africa to participate, train, and support those learning to use Community Health Engagement/Evangelism (CHE) strategies. Of the 54 community development projects presented, 19 of them were led by people we had trained in CHE during the previous six years at the university. The two-day event was heralded a great success. A second congress to precede the annual CHE exposition training is planned for 2021.

Numerous participants were astonished at the success of CHE projects, especially when they saw pictures of the rural settings and local villagers who had not received outside funds to accomplish their goals. Here are some noteworthy remarks from the opening ceremony:
  • “You can take by force, but you cannot give by force. Those receiving must be prepared to receive and to use what is given.”
       — KONE BAMBA, Dean
  • “This community approach to health is one of the strategic priorities adopted by the Department of Health of Cote d’Ivoire, having been implemented in several programs … making a contribution to improving the health of our populations.”
       — SANOGO SALIF, Ministry of Public Health
  • “The sharing of CHE by Verlin and his follow-up has given us the tools to enter communities and share so that villages can profit from university knowledge.
       — KOUADIO LUC, Chief of the Department of Public Health UFR SPB. (He was recognized as the person who carried out the CHE vision.)

A Time to Transfer (see Servants Leading)

In addition to the scientific congress, the university team hosted the 7th annual CHE training at the Department of Public Health in mid-September. Thirteen trainers helped us this year as we completed the initial objective of training over 300 professionals in CHE. The university team also continues to take on more of the administrative duties for the CHE conference every year. Within a year or two, they should be able to host the event by themselves, although we may attend to lend moral support. We rejoice at their determination and progress!

One FWB pastor who used principles of CHE to grow his village church from about 25 to over 150 while establishing satellite groups in several surrounding villages has moved to a new location in Cote d’Ivoire. In just a couple of months, he has a small group meeting at his house on Sundays, a Discovery Bible Study (DBS) with an unbelieving family, young people in training to start DBS in all the major neighborhoods of the city, property bought with government permission to put into evidence CHE agricultural projects, and many new contacts. He and Verlin exchange information and brainstorm about how to advance in his new locale as they did at the beginning of his first pastorate.

It is also time for a transfer of political power in the government of Cote d’Ivoire. Just like us, they have presidential elections in 2020. The whole process is fraught with many unresolved issues. People are uneasy because of problems experienced in the past. They really desire that you pray with them for peaceful, uncontested results and for no violence in months leading up to the election.

A Time to Grow (see Growing Things)

We share a picture of the first fruits from the mushroom training that started this summer. Progress slowed in this Ivorian trainer-initiated project from the lack of mycelium (growth from mushroom spores) that was to have been provided by the Togolese trainers. Nevertheless, we helped the local team discover ways to grow their own mycelium. As a result, their “home-grown” confidence deepens as they realize that they can find solutions to the problems they face. The two men pictured here are DBS leaders who have trained more than a dozen other people to lead DBS. This mushroom project will eventually fund individual CHE trainers and perhaps build a co-op that will provide for their families.

A Time to Suffer (see One Life)

Before we left Bondoukou in November, we invited some CHE trainers working in northern Cote d’Ivoire to informally share and plan at our house for a couple of days. We heard these co-laborers exchange on using DBS with Muslims and children, and for church-planting; making compost; teaching health lessons; building church buildings; starting literacy programs; gathering for profit the fruit powder from baobab trees and praying for persecuted believers.

One common theme expressed 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 process is not for the faint-hearted. It demands a long-term, integrated approach. It requires endless patience. All intend to produce living faith that reproduces itself in others’ lives, not that just grows numbers quickly.

Financial Timing (see Haves to Share)

For several months we asked you to pray about the if and when that we should take a stateside assignment to visit ministry partners. Once we had a chance to catch our breath from September’s whirlwind activities, review our account balance and mission policy, the Lord gave clear direction. Donations were excellent during this year’s second quarter, thanks to you, faithful, long-term ministry partners. Five new friends gave generously too! 

Despite the superior second-quarter numbers, our ministry balance remained too low for us to stay and work in Cote d’Ivoire through November 2020, as Ivorian CHE partners had asked. Waiting to see if the third and fourth quarter giving filled in the gap would risk our later being absent during the more critical period of August and September 2020. Additional CHE initiatives are expected to launch soon after that.

Before returning to Cote d’Ivoire in March 2016 to begin a term as full-time CHE missionaries, we estimated what our monthly costs would be. Our work includes more travel and lodging expenses than our previous routine as missionaries. The monthly expense projection turned out to be accurate, but two conferences that did not self-fund in 2018 surprised us. Our account never fully recovered from those investments. The goal when we arrived in 2016 was to complete a three or four-year term of ministry. In February. 2019, we passed the initial three-year goal! Thank you for all your prayers and sacrificial giving that helps equip West Africans and enables this ministry to multiply. We could not imagine more encouraging or faithful ministry partners!

Prayer Requests

  • Thank the Lord with us that the first scientific congress in Abidjan was a door and eye-opener for spreading the concept of CHE among professional Ivorians. The event received national attention. Over 30 attendees then participated in the university CHE training the following week because of what they saw during the congress.
  • When you pray for the polarized political situation in our own country, and for elections next year, please include prayers for Cote d’Ivoire’s presidential election of 2020. There are many volatile issues, including several unresolved questions about who owns land, as is seen in the government reclaiming lands for the national forests.
  • Pray for the pastor using CHE who moved this past summer to a new town quite resistant to the Gospel. Ask the Lord to bless the Discovery Bible Studies started in neighborhoods, the Sunday service that meets at his house, and his insight and direction. They have already been given permission and access to use some land for CHE projects that will benefit the whole community.
  • Keep us in your prayers as we arrange travels to visit ministry partners. Of course, we need to get commitments for the additional $1,800.00 required in our budget, and to replenish our cash base by $20,000.00. Our greater desire is to see you, and others encouraged that God is actively building His Kingdom around the world. We also expect to disciple others in using CHE and DBS in which some of you can participate personally! Our Lord’s will and timing cannot be thwarted by political mayhem or third-world poverty. He accomplishes His will on earth through us, His children, as we make ourselves available and trust Him.
Your Partners in the Gospel,
Verlin and Debbie
Verlin and Debbie

Financial Report Summary

See this 3Q-2019 PDF report to check donations


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: Sunshine and Shadow 191130.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

Sunshine and Shadow

PDF Version: AWA_Update_191130.PDF

Sunshine and Shadow

Finding the balance of sunshine and shadow during holidays like Thanksgiving challenges many. Some bask in the joy of family and food and football, while others linger in shadows of grief, loss, and separation. Next year any individual’s situation may reverse, so learning to trust the Lord in both realities helps. Sunshine and shadow are every person’s lot in life.

Sunny Days

Verlin bundled for travel to MO
On Thanksgiving Day, we enjoyed the blessing of celebrating half-a-day in the same time zone, state, city, and house with family: our three children, daughter-in-law, granddaughter, Debbie’s parents and sister, and a nephew! Because family occasions like these are so rare in our missionary life, they are more precious. We give especially grateful thanks that Corbin came back from Missouri with Verlin for the long weekend after a Greyhound trip the other way to transfer vehicle ownership. We hope to enjoy a reunion with family in Michigan soon. Sunshine is every person’s lot in life.

Shocking Ways

At the same time, we learned this week that the Ivorian government began the process of reclaiming lands designated for national forestry. For years, many villages and individuals have been informed that they had made illegal settlements. The government has issued many warnings that they would reclaim the lands. As the years passed, though, people thought that the government had made idle threats. They became complacent. The perceived threats became a reality recently for Patricekro, a village in southern Cote d’Ivoire. Government agents bulldozed the whole town.

Part of the destruction may include a church that had grown to greater than 100 members in recent years as other works were initiated. Verlin made visits there in 2010 and 2013, during which he trained the pastor in the safe performance of baptism, church growth planning, and assisted them to clarify their beliefs. The community knew then of this day of judgment to come and were advised on actions to take. We hope that they prepared. Our hearts ache for those traumatized now. We pray that their fellowship strengthens though the building is gone. Verlin knows other villages and properties of churches that have been warned, too. It is likely others will endure similar fates, barring a change of policy by the government. That is unlikely. This is part of the compromise that resulted from fourteen years of civil strife. Shadow is every person’s lot in life.

Prayer & Praise

  • Pray for the population of Patricekro to witness God’s provision for the needs of His own as they relocate to find new homes and jobs. Ask that Pastor Henoc share of Divine grace and direction as believers make decisions about the church. Pray that others in similar situations take action before their spots get bulldozed, or that the government develops more humane resettlement approaches.
  • Debbie seems to have caught the respiratory infection with which Verlin struggled during our last weeks in Africa. Pray that antibiotics and nutrition allow her to have complete and speedy healing.
  • Continue praying for Corbin. His job seems to be going well as he makes Missouri home, but making friends remains a challenge. This is one of several common TCK adjustments new to him.
Your Partners in the Gospel,
Verlin and Debbie
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: Brain Changer 191130.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