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.

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