Appearances

CHSC LINK: Appearances

PDF Version: AWA Weekly 200530.PDF

Horrific View

Appearances are not always as they seem. That reality resonated with Debbie this week. For a few days, she helped her parents, Eddie and Sandra Payne, sort through belongings. Within the year, they hope to move to a one-level dwelling more suited to their octogenarian health and lifestyle. She enjoyed the side benefit of new tales from their missionary career. Below is a story she heard that we reflect upon as our nation reels from sectarian-propagated violence.

Eddie Payne painting of Lausanne,
Switzerland - Appearances do not
always represent reality.

In 1964, the Paynes lived in Lausanne, Switzerland, to learn French before arriving in Cote d’Ivoire (and before Debbie was born). Their studies in that gorgeous setting coincided with a national celebration. During that time, Jacques Cousteau, the famous underwater explorer, built a submarine for Lausanne’s seemingly pristine Lake Léman (Lake Geneva). The goal was a tourist attraction allowing visitors a charming view of underwater life. Imagine the national horror in discovering the lake’s bottom covered with sewage illegally piped in from surrounding towns! The ambient temperature of the lake prevented the refuse from surfacing. As a result, the perpetrators did not think their “dirty secret” discoverable. Understandably, the submarine was removed, and visitors NOT granted an underwater view of the lake! According to this article, the issue of sewage continues as a health risk today. Still, the time in Lausanne was a highlight of Deb’s parents’ international experiences. The image is a picture that Eddie painted of the view from their apartment window.

Hidden Vice

As her parents’ story above reminds us, things are not always as they seem. Similarly, hidden sins never stay hidden. The Cousteau-ian deep-water exploration of the Holy Spirit in our lives sees all. The Lord doubled-home the point to share as Verlin found condensation damage beneath our place. Verlin changed the airflow. Problem solved! Likewise, hidden vices surface in actions and words expressed over time. Better to confess the private “sewage” of life and purge it by public renouncement than let a wrong become a spectacle. The uncovered wrong dishonors the Lord and ruins reputations when the foreordained display of decadent character comes to be.

Prayer and Praise

• Pray with us as Debbie’s parents go through the process of finding and moving into a new one-level home more suited to their needs. Moving is always a hassle. Age and health issues multiply the stress. As we expect to return August 6th to W. Africa, our timeframe to help seems compressed if the annual UFHB training of September 14-18 is maintained.
• As of May 28th, the Ivorian government confirmed 2,641 COVID-19 cases, with 32 deaths and 1,326 recoveries. People on incoming flights can expect to be quarantined for two weeks at a specific government-appointed location in Abidjan.
• Continue to pray for Verlin’s complete healing after surgery. Talking much and eating solid food is still a challenge. His one-week follow-up visit was positive.

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 provide support as we maintain 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: Feasting CRISIS - 200523.PDF

Prior ministry Video: Leadership LEAP
          - 200404 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

Debbie's Facebook Page

Verlin's Facebook Page

Feasting CRISIS

CHSC LINK: Feasting CRISIS

PDF Version: AWA Weekly 200523.PDF

Feeding Frenzy

Bird feasting crisis in the midst
of COVID-19 pandemic

We sense peace and stability when food in the house suffices to feed the family. Birds sense the same, too! During the pandemic, we placed a squirrel resistant feeder to meet the birds living about us. By giving our feathered friends a steady supply of food, they flit from tree to tree in plain view. Talk about a feeding frenzy! We refill the large bird feeder once a week. They will empty a 20-pound bag of birdseed this month. Still, it is worth it. Our new friends will not suffer from dependency because we leave soon. We enjoy the songs and beauty while treating them to some gourmet meals as they nest.

Finding Help

We sense peace and stability when God’s Word feeds our souls! Pandemic experiences drive home to Ivorians that churches using Community Health Evangelism (CHE) and Discovery Bible Studies (DBS) disseminate truth in culture more effectively. Jesus, in whom all things exist, is the answer for COVID-19. He sources abundant life. An Ivorian friend and CHE coordinator wrote a plan for a project to share the Good News in many more homes. He passed it on to us, and our mission’s grant writer, Joel White, seeks grant opportunities to fund the nearly $20,000 project.

Filling Holes

The peace and stability of Shalom reign in our lives, though Verlin has not eaten solid food for days. Due to pain and swelling from Thursday’s oral surgery that prepares a site for a replacement molar, he does not eat much. However, he is up and working. The temporary suffering seems within norms that he later enjoy better and more pleasurable eating.

Prayer and Praise

• We gratefully share that Verlin suffered no complications during dental surgery on Thursday. Preparations for an implant are far from being paid and done. The surgeon did not think it best to combine two steps of the process during the surgery, as hoped. Now we wait two months for healing to permit placement. That timing is tricky with our expected return to Cote d’Ivoire in August. Pray, trusting the Lord to arrange the details and schedule for us.
• Ask the Lord to provide a foundation, or government, grant to further transform Ivorian life with Gospel Wisdom that is integral to CHE. Pray trainers will continue compassionate and innovative witness as they penetrate communities, whether or not a grant is obtained. These ramp-up material distribution for training, mask-making, and hand-washing via DBS groups.
• Pray with us for our granddaughter’s school placement next year. Our firstborn and daughter-in-law made a request that would benefit Chelsea’s progress as a hearing-impaired child. The COVID-19 upheavals make it less likely that others will honor the parents’ request. Ask the Lord to intervene in the way best for her and all of us.

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 provide support as we maintain 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: Normal is Nice - 200516.PDF

Prior ministry Video: Leadership LEAP
          - 200404 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

Debbie's Facebook Page

Verlin's Facebook Page

Normal is Nice

CHSC LINK: Normal is Nice
PDF Version: AWA Weekly 200516.PDF

On the Road Again

Who would have thought “normal” could sound so good! This week and last, Ivorians contacted us from Cote d’Ivoire. Some sense a growing return to former norms as the travel ban no longer applies except to and from Abidjan. Thankfully, schools across the nation will soon re-start, businesses open, and churches with 200 or fewer congregants resume meeting for worship. Curfew in Abidjan lifted as of May 15. Ivorians rejoice at the prospect of feeling “normal” again. Their relief expressed, many with whom we have worked want to see a ‘new’ normal emerge.

In the Word Again

Returning to “normal” now may allow a more rapid change of other norms! Emmanuel Konan, the Ivorian CHE Network coordinator, traveled within the interior of the country during the pandemic. He checked-in with Discovery Bible Study (DBS) leaders. Over 300 groups began meeting in southwest Cote d’Ivoire after pastors trained in a CHE with DBS there started using what they learned in early March. In a visit to our town of Bondoukou, he encouraged DBS activity in the regional hospital.

Home meeting of Discovery Bible Study

His home church in yet a third region divided their congregation into over thirty DBS groups. The pictured DBS group is the one that meets at Emmanuel’s house—seated 3 feet apart! (The physical distancing protocol is 1M, not 2M, due to the hotter climate.) Many with whom we rubbed shoulders in fellowship, there, continue to meet using the pattern of DBS learned while adhering to government instructions. Several groups that previously expressed interest in CHE now seek re-training. The pandemic reminded them of the vitality and viability of this particular wholistic approach for ministry and outreach that passes from courtyard to courtyard, parent to parent.

Prayer and Praise

• Remember the over 1000 DBS groups in Cote d’Ivoire. (Truly, we no longer have an accurate count of the number except those reporting recently to Emmanuel). Pray that the Discovery Studies bringing many Ivorians to Christ increase the heartfelt obedience of participants who already believe. The plan underway integrates CHE mentoring into DBS group meetings in order to inform several thousand homes or communities of better health habits and information. The goal is to limit or prevent spreading infectious diseases like COVID-19 now and in the future.
• Thankfully, both of us tested negatively for COVID-19 this week. As Cookeville opens for more “normal” activities, we seek opportunity again to meet with people yet make allowance for Verlin’s upcoming oral surgery. It is good to re-start with a clean bill of health.
• Giving to our mission account in April surpassed giving during the same period of 2019 and 2018 slightly. Thank you to all who continue faithfully in financial partnership with us, even during these trying times! We have much to do in follow-up yet.

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 provide support as we maintain 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: Hidden Treasure - 200509.PDF

Prior ministry Video: Leadership LEAP
          - 200404 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

Debbie's Facebook Page

Verlin's Facebook Page

Hidden Treasure

CHSC LINK: Hidden Treasure
PDF Version: AWA Weekly 200509.PDF

Her Worth is Priceless

“Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies.” (Prov. 31:10) In every generation, finding virtuous women is like hunting for treasure! In our society, biblically noble women frequently feel denigrated for believing that their roles of wife and mother are valuable. Radical feminists overcompensate to dominate men and prove the superiority of the female. In other parts of the world, women are considered possessions, or slaves, with little opportunity for education or any sense of value. Both extremes hinder the spread of what is beautiful: Biblical womanhood. It must grieve our Heavenly Father to see His daughters treated with contempt or feeling unable to fulfill the mission He gives them. Women are priceless to Him and the world He created, as are men.

Her Work is Productive

Virtuous women who are sure of their worth in God’s eyes, centered on fulfilling the plan for their lives, are among the most joyous, empowered, and productive persons who tread the earth. It is an added blessing if their families and cultures value and praise their essential roles. The Proverbs 31 woman showcases our Creator’s design. A woman confident that God cherishes her and desires her best in all is unstoppable as an effervescent force in her family and community.

Other informative videos
available for learning at
CHE Global Network

Knowing women and their participation in family and community development is crucial, Community Health Evangelism (CHE) offers a training series specifically designed for women. It is called Women’s Cycle of Life (WCL). These Biblical and practical lessons engender astounding transformation. Mentors inform women of their worth in the Heavenly Father’s eyes. Learning their Biblical roles as wives and mothers and a plethora of health-related and practical skills areas helps them flourish in every facet of life. As we celebrate the part of the beloved, virtuous women in our lives this weekend, rejoice by viewing this short video about WCL. The Ethiopian women featured represent tens of thousands of lives now known to have been invigorated around the world through this CHE option in action. Viva the virtuous woman!

Prayer and Praise

• We are extraordinarily blessed by our godly and hard-working mothers who pour their love and prayers into our lives. Their support and encouragement is a constant treasure. These children rise up and called them blessed!
• Cote d’Ivoire’s CO-VID cases surpassed 1,500 this week. Thankfully, the recovery rates are continuing to grow, as well. Friends called Verlin this week to let us know that life in the interior (outside of Abidjan) works. Intercity travel remains active and public services like schools are to be rebooted.

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 provide support as we maintain 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 Unexpected One - 200502.PDF

Prior ministry Video: Leadership LEAP - 200404 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

Debbie's Facebook Page

Verlin's Facebook Page

The Unexpected One

CHSC LINK: The Unexpected One

PDF Version: AWA Weekly 200502.PDF

Chosen for a Purpose

Jesus delights in using unexpected people. Our Lord did not peruse the population of Israel for the “most likely to succeed” when selecting His disciples. Instead, He chose fishermen, a tax collector, a demon-possessed harlot (redeemed!), and several were likely political extremists. The Savior-King still delights in transforming and using unexpected people today.

Changed for a Lifetime

In West Africa, the physically or mentally handicapped are often considered a curse or not able to contribute to the family. When Community Health Evangelism (CHE) penetrates the visibly handicapped community, it causes shock waves. That is why we eagerly encourage the start of a Disabilities CHE ministry in Cote d’Ivoire. Those exposed have already changed how they do ministry, but none, to our knowledge, have started a dedicated effort. Here is a story from a neighboring African country of a disabled CHE worker, one of those “unexpected people,” that the Lord uses to bless a whole community.

Visit CHE Global Network for more

“Mary is a woman with a disability – marginalized and ostracized by her community – definitely not the “go-to” person for help or advice. But recently, Mary had the opportunity to participate in a 4-month wholistic discipleship program called Transformation Training. A couple of days after one of the training classes, Mary was awakened in the middle of the night by the sound of wailing from her neighbor’s house. She knew her neighbor’s young son had been sick, so she ran next door to see what had happened. She found the child unconscious from severe dehydration. Only a couple of days earlier, Mary had completed a lesson on treatment for diarrhea and dehydration. She knew what the child needed. Without wasting time, Mary mixed up oral rehydration solution as she had been taught, and began to spoon it into the boy’s mouth. She sat with the boy all night, spooning the solution into his mouth. By morning, the boy had regained consciousness, and the family was amazed. They regained hope for his life, rather than resignation for his death. He was taken to the clinic for treatment and made a full recovery! Without Mary’s quick, decisive, and well-informed action, the boy would have died!

Mary didn’t stop there. When she received training on the prevention of COVID-19, she quickly took that knowledge back to her village as well. Now many in her village know what to do to prevent the spread of viral illness. And Mary, formerly thought of as nothing, is a hero in her village! She has gained respect and has skills and gifts to use for the flourishing of her whole community” (Story of Kim Kargbo, MK and RN, President and CEO of Accessible Hope International, shared by the Global CHE Network via email on April 21, 2020).

Prayer and Praise

• Pray for ministries underway through CHE to the physically handicapped. Ask the Lord to multiply these effective outreaches all over the world.
• Cote d’Ivoire’s COVID-19 cases have just surpassed 1,200. Due to the increase, the government extends the people’s joint efforts to limit close physical contact through the middle of May.
• Living in rural Tennessee is a blessing these days. Restaurants and stores reopen here with some limitations. We hope all reading can soon enjoy a loosening of COVID-19 social restrictions as well.

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 provide support as we maintain 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: Carpe diem - 200425.PDF

Prior ministry Video: Leadership LEAP - 200404 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

Debbie's Facebook Page

Verlin's Facebook Page