PDF Version: AWA Weekly 200321.PDF
Routine and Reflection
Flex and bend is a good mantra during days of upheaval. United States citizens relearn community health disciplines like social distancing while evading social disinterest, dissociation, or disintegration. The experience reminds us of lessons revisited in Cote d’Ivoire when political strife kept the family cooped-up. One lesson brought to light is the importance of maintaining regular routines. Children (and adults!) do better if bedtime, mealtime, school time, work time, and exercise remain consistent. We also remember learning that sitting glued to the TV or social media can increase stress rather than manage it. Staying informed is essential, but not to the neglect of meditating on the Holy Scriptures, praying, singing, and eating in ways to reduce or cope with stress. Focusing on healthy habits goes a long way toward experiencing the “shalom, shalom” (perfect peace) that our Lord promises to hearts that are “stayed” on Him (Isaiah 26:3). This linked Wikipedia article shares much we learned before. It reinforces the social-cleanliness counsel we shared last week (Click Here).
Reach
Likewise, we are impressed to see God’s people grouped into churches who flex and bend during this crisis. More importantly, it impresses others! Wednesday night, Verlin participated during an online, interactive share and prayer time of the Central Oaks Community Church. Pastor Jacob led the e-gathering using Zoom. As others have seen, we also realize: churches who use available media can grow during this time. Long-absent or distant congregants participate. Even persons ‘under the weather’ can assist by comment and exchange during Facebook broadcasts. More on this next week, but God has prepared our times and His Church to testify of His power through Community Health Evangelism (CHE) NOW! As we flex and bend, changing our scheduled worship services, we share with others as they roll with the Life (John 14:6). May we, the Church, again demonstrate the innovation of our Lord while keeping fellowship and impacting all with the Good News.
Prayer & Praise
- Cote d’Ivoire responds to its first identified victims.
Public health officials ban meetings of greater than ten people and enforce social distancing. They closed the airport! Pray these and other interventions disseminated by many we have helped to train will slow the spread of the virus. (Pic is of pastors trained last week by a public health nurse and a teacher.)
Pastors trained just in time - Pray for missionaries who decide if it is best to return to the United States or to wait out the virus in the country where they serve.
- Pray for all families. Some members lose or change jobs; others get busier. Our three children are blessed to work, one from home and two onsite. Two are considered essential personnel.
- Rejoice that the current president of Cote d’Ivoire announced that he would not run for a third term of office. (Illegal there, as it is here in the States.) Ivorians drew a collective sigh of relief, hoping that his decision will diffuse a potential political bomb.
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: The Two-Way Street 200314.PDF
Last ministry Video: Pumping Grace
- 200118 PDF
2019 Q4 Report: Kingdom Come
- AWA Report 20_02_15 PDF
2020 Budget Info:
CHSC-0118_ANDERSON-2020- Budget.pdf
Something to ask? Write updates@verlindeb.org
AWA represents
Andersons Witness in Africa.
It is also a brand of bottled water in Cote d'Ivoire where we serve.
GIVE ONLINE to support these ministries
www.che4a.org
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