Below Surface

CHSC LINK: Below Surface

PDF Version: AWA Weekly 200627.PDF

Reckon the Cost

Beneath the surface of COVID-19 realities lies greater dangers for Cote d’Ivoire and African nation-states. Several of our Ivorian friends anticipate that economic fallout from the response will outweigh the medical impact on who lives and dies. Family-run roadside businesses close. Gathered crops rot because of transport limitations in and out of the economic capital. The recent seasonal floods in Abidjan intensify the experienced losses. Continuing threats to national security by forces of centralization like Islamic extremists press, even where churches with whom we collaborate minister.

Abidjan UFHB Training 2018
CHE Small Group Exercise

The professor and his wife, who initiated public health CHE efforts at the university, share some of these analyses. The professor meets with masters and doctoral level students on their projects as holding classes is not an option for the foreseeable future. For that reason, we affirmed with them the cancellation of the annual UFHB training scheduled for September 14-18. While all anticipated the decision, it helped all to confirm it. Now we adjust our plans for the coming months.

Remove the Rot

In a joint effort with neighboring countries that includes Cote d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso removed several terrorist threats in the region this week. West Africa remains a hotspot for jihadists. They move south on the continent to gain control over the Gulf of Guinea. They openly agitate in Nigeria, Niger, and Burkina Faso. Beneath the surface, their evil forces work in Cote d’Ivoire. Their constant efforts there are rarely visible but reside as a real and sobering opposition-strategy that merits our faithful prayers to find resistant and reversing solutions.

Renew the Bonds

While assessing prospects for our fall return to Cote d’Ivoire, we spent time with Corbin, our younger son, in Missouri. We caught up with friends from college, shared ministry in numerous settings, renewed connections with several churches, and met new brothers and sisters in Christ. As we shared joys and sorrows with college mates not seen in over 30 years, one thing became clear: life is hard, but beneath the surface resides the never-ending faithfulness of a loving and resourceful heavenly Father.

Prayer and Praise

• Pray for the specific needs of Cote d’Ivoire and other third-world nations during these difficult days. With food sources rotting in fields, and disruption of roadside businesses and travel in Cote d’Ivoire by COVID19 and rain, the economic fallout will likely be higher than the pandemic.
• Continue to pray for peace here and in West Africa (1 Ti.2). The ongoing fight by jihadists to wrest control of West Africa resulted in the death of over 4,000 people during 2019 in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso. Pray that governments continue working together to achieve and protect the safety and liberty of their citizens. The Gospel cannot be freely proclaimed if they do not win this battle.
• We thank the Lord for opportunities to be with Corbin, our son, reconnect with college friends, and renew other friendships in Missouri. We anticipate returning to Tennessee next week.

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: Follow THE Leader- 200620.PDF
Prior ministry Video: Hidden Treasure
          - 200509 PDF

2020 Q1 Report: Does God Propose?
          -  AWA Report 20_06_06 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.

GIVEONLINE to support these ministries
                                   www.che4a.org

Debbie's Facebook Page

Verlin's Facebook Page

Follow THE Leader

CHSC LINK: Follow the Leader

PDF Version: AWA Weekly 200620.PDF

Follow me as I follow Christ. Paul’s advice in 1 Corinthians 11:1 to wayward believers also communicates prime counsel for fathers to offer their children. Although every dad imperfectly imitates Jesus, his demonstrated obedience anchors any ability to gain a hearing and grow the respect of his offspring. It is not the authoritarian, harsh insistence of a ‘perfect’ dad that wins over the heart of a child to seek and follow God. It is the dad who humbly and openly models obedience to his Heavenly Father that leads children to work-out their faith by example.

Last year, we again saw the application of this truth in an Ivorian family. A faithful believer expressed frustration that his children’s lives revolved around their cell phones. They preferred self-amusement to hearing God’s voice and actively obeying. Verlin suggested that he use the Discovery Bible Study method at home with his family. A few weeks later, the man joyfully related an important change. As his family gathered around the Word, prayed, and each member committed before others to obey the passage’s instruction, the relationship between parent and teen began to heal. Seeing dad and mom humbly and transparently submit to God’s Word made it easier for the children to follow their example. This phrase’s linked humorous yet touching speech shares how another informally-educated dad influenced his children to excellence. This Father’s Day, we hope you find challenge and joy in these ‘follow me’ exhortations from grateful sons who perpetuate the vital role that meek dads fulfill.

Labor with Love

Though Jesus had no earthly children, His perfect Father/Son relationship revealed the reason compelling His obedience. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you; continue in my love. (John 15:9). Jesus’ love for the Father let Him obey even unto His death for us on the cross. He loves with the love that He and the Father share, and that love follows through generation after generation in our families as fathers and mothers love sons and daughters just as the Father loved the Son. We praise the Lord for our earthly fathers who demonstrate(d) that love to us. We seek, in turn, that our children perceive it. An affirmation of reciprocal love remains the most precious gift on Father’s Day.

Prayer and Praise

• This week we confirmed with Ivorian university leadership that the 8th annual UFHB CHE training will not occur September 14-18 due to transport restraints caused by COVID-19 responses. The news lets us plan to better redeem our time for visits and ministry during the next six months.
• How gratefully we schedule services and individual meetings again! Contact us if you now feel at liberty to share a fellowship meal or plan a gathering.

• 

  3 Anderson Generations:
  Earl, Verlin, and Cason

  We thank the Lord for loving fathers who reared us to follow after God during our growing up years. They provided godly examples of hard work, sacrifice, perse-verance, and faithfulness to the Lord for their families and the Church. While Verlin’s dad (links to PowerPoint tribute) is in heaven, and Debbie’s dad is in Tennessee, they continue to be a powerful influence. Their greatest gift remains their making it easier for us to perceive our holy yet loving Heavenly Father. The examples encourage us to pray for individuals who feel that they were not so privileged this day. Pray that our nation’s fathers do better.

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: Checking Upstream- 200606.PDF
Prior ministry Video: Hidden Treasure
          - 200509 PDF
2020 Q1 Report: Kingdom Come
          -  AWA Report 20_06_06 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.

GIVEONLINE to support these ministries
                                   www.che4a.org

Debbie's Facebook Page

Verlin's Facebook Page

Checking Upstream

CHSC LINK: Checking Upstream

PDF Version: AWA Weekly 200613.PDF

Overrun by Work

At some point, most leaders experience a situation where they think, “There is not enough of me to go around!” Medical personnel in hospitals around the world regularly face guilt, stress, and burnout when patient care suffers due to inadequate staff, training, and resources. Pastors face a similar sense of burden when they understand themselves to be, or function as, the only believer in a church gifted to preach, teach, or lead others to Christ.

Community Health Evangelism (CHE) trainings address this problem that exists in both the physical and spiritual domains. One lesson begins with the story of Dr. Anna, a young doctor in a third-world setting, who begins her medical practice. At first, she takes lengthy histories and prays with each person. Then, as the hours pass and the queue of patients gradually grows longer, she skips breaks like lunch, becomes increasingly stressed, and then rushes people through her office like an assembly line! The follow-up discussion of the story helps participants evaluate the problems that bring patients to see Dr. Anna. Students discover that the majority of diseases seen in their locality can be prevented or treated by neighbors sharing house-to-house. When medically, “there is not enough of me to go around,” the best solution prevents problems “upstream” before they require a visit to a hospital.

Overcome by Joy

Renewing Village Witness with DBS

Similarly, in the spiritual realm, leaders can facilitate movements of people who come to Christ by equipping believers to lead Discovery Bible Studies (DBS). This week, we heard joyous news from an Ivorian DBS trainer who we helped to start along this path in 2018. He is a school teacher. He recently began visiting a village where the witness of Christ has been diminishing for decades. About four weeks ago, he started a Discovery Bible Study (DBS) there. Already, one person has come to Christ! As we mentored A., he trains those participating in the study so that they, in turn, will train yet others in the village to lead DBS on their own. This approach affirms for us the instruction Timothy received from Paul (2 Timothy 2:2) and passed to us. Leaders mentor faithful disciples who will, in turn, teach others.

Prayer and Praise

• Praise the Lord with us for the outreach in the village of K., where one new person has become a disciple of Jesus. Rejoice with us that this teacher has a heart for the unreached and trains people to lead DBS. Pray for these while remembering the unnamed others who share life in Jesus using DBS and CHE and from whom we do not receive reports.
• As of June 9, the Ivorian government confirmed 3995 COVID19 cases, 2045 recoveries, 1912 people under treatment, and 38 deaths. A commiserating public health worker told Verlin during a WhatsApp talk that the need to transmit health info effectively using CHE grows.
• Pray for us as we resume travels. We visit Corbin in Missouri for two weeks. While he works, we will connect with existing and new ministry partners to give report and plan services.

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: Does God propose? - 200606.PDF

Prior ministry Video: Hidden Treasure
          - 200509 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

Does God Propose?

CHSC Link: Does God Propose?

PDF Version: Anderson Report 200606

REST IN HIS WAYS (see Flex and Bend)

If you look at the world, you’ll be distressed. If you look within, you’ll be depressed. But if you look at God, you’ll be at rest. — Corrie ten Boom

The last three months have let echo in our lives an expression passed among Ivorian believers. “Man proposes but God disposes” (Proverbs 19:21 TLB; Thomas a Kempis, Homo proponit, sed Deus disponit, from Of the Imitation of Christ). Reviewing our last quarterly and the weekly editions that followed, we know a virus changed the plans of millions of people even more than for us.

In February, we rushed preparations to renew contact with ministry partners in MI, ID, IL, OH, NC, FL, MO, and TN. As COVID-19 reactions struck and slowed our sharing in services and Bible studies during our first three of five weeks in MI, quarantines, and shutdowns led us to spend our last eight weeks in Cookeville, TN mostly. Now we have eight weeks remaining before our planned return to Africa where borders re-open, and flights recommence. Taking a status check, we recognize that we have not personally seen 80% of our ministry partners as intended to share about God’s mighty works in Cote d’Ivoire. These paltry written communications remain our principal means of sharing even though we are in the U.S. Calls and videos were also limited until recently by our inability to plan and a speech difficulty. (Verlin’s #3 required extraction in twelve pieces, followed by a dental implant preparative surgery when most dentists could not see patients. Lots of swelling!) Returning would concern us if we were not confident that “Man proposes, but God disposes.” Our Lord works out everything as we live.

COVID-19 did not surprise our Heavenly Father. Though our activities altered from travel to much work on the homestead, vehicles, and books, the changes were part of a plan. No matter the circumstance, if we walk obediently, our confidence reflects that of the warrior-king and prophet David.   Psalm 138:8 passes along his certainty that the Lord will perfect the word of truth that concerned him. In other words, the Lord fulfills His purposes for each of us. We rest in that promise, as well.

REMAIN IN HIS WORK (see Phone a Friend)

Security is having the Word of God in your own language. Peace is having the Word of God in your own heart. — Corrie ten Boom

During April and May, we also spoke with Ivorians about ministry progress. We share with you some snippets of news we received that encouraged us. Ivorians were inspired by the fact that we were able to help at least five Americans start Discovery Bible Studies (DBS) and rejoiced to hear of the faithful financial and prayer partnerships that you provide.

• 

  DBS Resources:  Site   &   Video

  Several DBS trainers in our home town continue meeting in small groups. They follow government guidelines for social distancing and wearing masks. They cancel or divide gatherings of more than ten people. K., the trainer who shared with us, said he now better understands how the early church multiplied so rapidly despite persecution and opposition. Adult studies continue to flourish during the pandemic, though he disbanded the weekly meeting with children for a time. He reassures parents that he will restart as soon as possible. Numerous parents continue to thank him for the pertinent lessons he taught their children on health and hygiene with Bible stories.
  
• A regional FWB pastor reported that his whole church began using DBS all over their village during the pandemic. It let them continue meeting for prayer and Bible study and worked beautifully. The pastor noted that giving to the church remained stable, and maybe even grew a little! (This effort stemmed from church members attending the early December 2018 training that readers enabled us to host.)
• Another CHE trainer working in southeast Cote d’Ivoire visited house-to-house in his village to explain COVID-19 prevention. He now works to continue that training process in several new locations further north. We praise the Lord that participating members of the Global CHE Network worked quickly to provide specific lessons for workers worldwide.
• 
  One national coordinator for CHE confirmed his awareness of 300 DBS groups that began to meet after an early March training. These do not count the thirty+ of his home church or others mentioned herein. The Lord has moved in his spirit to prepare and propose a CHE project to touch 10,000 homes and teach how to limit disease transmission. CHSC staff checks on this side of the ocean to see if a grantor will fund the nearly $20,000 project. In the meantime, just this week, we learned that a supportive African CHE visionary helps the Ivorian start.
  

These brief conversations demonstrated how CHE and DBS touch healthcare, education, church life, village life, and the unreached. We marvel at the efficacy of this combination to impact every aspect of culture.

RELY ON HIS LEADERSHIP (see Normal is Nice)

Our return to stay and expand Cote d’Ivoire CHE ministries amidst churches, NGOs, clinics, health professionals, and to extend CHE use among school children largely depends on whether the university team maintains the Community Health Evangelism (CHE) training planned for September 14-18. If sustained, we will return in August as planned. If funds are insufficient to stay three or four years, we will help with the university training, handle issues at our home, and return to the States and complete ministry reporting. So far, neither our flight nor the training are canceled.

If, however, the university training is canceled due to COVID-19 reactions, we will rebook one of our current tickets for the first quarter of 2021. If the Lord permits, we will resume travel this next month and beyond to thank current ministry partners and seek new ones through the fall and early 2021. Either way, we rely on the Lord to clearly show us which option is best. “Man proposes, but God disposes.” The Lord fulfills His purposes in each of us.

REJOICE IN HIS PROVISION

Put yourself, your ability, your money at God’s disposal. He can do so much more with it than you can. — Corrie ten Boom

Donation Report

We continue to be amazed at the Lord’s provision through our ministry partners, even as difficult financial days hinder many families. You give faithfully and sacrificially for the sake of His Name and the spread of the Gospel in Cote d’Ivoire. This report marks a first from which you and we can draw encouragement. We are blessed to share, for the first time since joining the CHSC, this third quarterly donation report in succession that shows our monthly budget being met. Large one-time gifts or special offerings appear to be the reason. We trust God to reveal how the trend can continue as we seek monthly donors to enable our return for another three to four years.

PRAISE & PRAYER REQUESTS

• Pray for Ivorians who also adjust to new restraints posited by COVID-19. Although many restrictions are lifted, especially concerning life in the interior of the country, obstacles to overcome remain. A May 29th report stated that any person on an incoming flight to Abidjan will be quarantined for two weeks at a government-appointed facility. That certainly dampens the spirits of anyone arriving for a short-term business trip or visit.
• Pray the developing CHE project comes to fruition and reaches into thousands of additional Ivorian homes with the hope of the Gospel and its practical training to prevent communicable diseases. Whether the project takes flight, or not, support in prayer the CHE teams who labor tirelessly already. Ask the Lord to give them strength, encouragement, perseverance, and much fruit for their labor.
• Continue to pray for peaceful Ivorian presidential elections this fall, even as we all pray for our nation’s political meltdown. This latest U.S. Embassy report indicates relevant growing tensions.
• Verlin’s mother and Debbie’s parents are in their 80’s. When we consider their positive spirits, clear thinking, and independent living, that is hard to believe. Debbie’s parents need to move to a one-level home to evade stairs in months to come. She spends a few days here and there to help them sort through 27+ years of ministry memories from Africa and the accumulation of “stuff.” Pray that an explicit provision of a best new living arrangement develops, which is accompanied by the strength and grace to accomplish the move.
• Verlin had oral surgery in late May to prepare for a tooth implant. Ask for complete healing that will not hinder our return to the field.

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: Appearances - 200530.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