Mountain Musings

CHSC LINK: Mountain Musing
PDF Version: AWA Weekly 201031.PDF

"The God on the Mountain…"

The fall colors on West Virginian mountains shouted the Lord's artistic genius last week. There could not have been a more beautiful time to visit faithful ministry partners and make new friends. While enjoying gorgeous vistas, we remembered some "musings on the mountain" for reflection.
  • Laughter brightens life: Joy under-girded our catch-up conversations with friends as we discussed the Lord's workmanship in American and Ivorian churches and homes. One friend took Verlin golfing, a pleasure he rarely gets to enjoy. We laughed around a kitchen table over games and good memories. A joyful heart truly is good medicine (Prov. 17:22).
  • Burden-sharing benefits all: No family is immune from sin and hard times. Those burdens lighten when we share them with our Burden-Bearer (song) and beloved friends of the common faith.
    We delighted to see Alice Smith (our retired CHE ministry partner), Jim and Vickie Sturgill (missionary family friends for life), and Teresa, a college roommate of Debbie's. It was great to meet Teresa's husband, too. In each case, sharing the joys and burdens of life deepened our eternal fellowship.
  • Kindness crowns conduct in the Kingdom: Everywhere we go, the heart of God's people astounds us when we take it in with thanksgiving. Whether arranging a free haircut after hours, offering warm meals and a bed on short notice, taking time off work to host visitors, or committing to faithfully pray and give for work in Cote d'Ivoire, people generously do what they can to spread the Gospel. None have a greater gift to share than letting others experience liberty from sin's destructive influence thanks to Jesus' sacrifice.

"…is Still God in the Valley"

Conditions in our world remain grim in many places. Sins of power-seeking and self-interest are displayed vividly in Cote d'Ivoire and the United States as the 2020 presidential elections unfurl. While we write, the outcome of elections in both places is unknown. Whatever happens, we choose to rest in our Father's faithfulness (this newsletter's theme song) that will endure longer than the mountains as we practice the voting ethics we shared four years ago.

Prayer & Praise

  • πŸ™ Whether our candidate wins or loses during this electoral season, may our conduct and confidence lead others to Jesus. Pray that peace is restored quickly after the October 31st elections in Cote d'Ivoire and reigns through the USA's November 3rd election aftermath.
  • πŸ™ We received a short report from an Ivorian CHE leader on Friday. He is encouraged that if an Ivorian CHE leadership meeting were hosted today, 100 to 150 people would participate! Also, he rejoiced over a new CHE-training champion that we influenced to attend the CHE Internship in Ghana earlier this year. He now multiplies the efforts of others within his sphere of influence. Praise the Lord for progress even during these difficult times of COVID and elections!
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: To Globe Trot or Not - 201017 PDF
Prior ministry Video: Belief Trap
          - 201003 PDF


2020 Q3 Report: Give Me a "V"
          -  AWA Report 20_10_24 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

Give Me A "V"

CHSC Link: Give Me A "V"
PDF Version: Anderson Report 201024

VERTICAL VISION
(see First Reaction)

And seek the peace of the city whither I have caused you to be carried away captives, and pray unto the LORD for it: for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace.—Jeremiah 29:7
 
The Lord gave His people this command when they lived as captives in a vicious and immoral empire. They were in that position because of their sinful choices over many generations. No matter the distress we may feel after our elections, whether our selection of candidate wins or loses, it is our duty and privilege to vote, act rightly, and pray. Whether for the wicked and corrupt in power or for the godly and honest, we pray.
 
We do not vote and pray because we approve of the candidates or regime. We pray for peace so that the Gospel can spread unchecked at home and around the world. We pray for the protection of Christian liberty so that churches can gather and our children and grandchildren can worship God freely. We pray for a culture of life and not death. We pray that bigotry, hate, and violence are overcome by Christians walking in truth and love. We pray for boldness to uphold the reality of one human race loved by the Lord. We pray for peace so that the Prince of Peace can be known.

VICTORIOUS VENUES
(see Constant Display)

Despite war, riots, disease, hurricanes, and crazy politics, the followers of Jesus press on. We remain encouraged by the fortitude and boldness of our Ivorian brothers and sisters. Here are just a few reports we received this quarter from Community Health Evangelism (CHE) volunteers who continue to train and share the Gospel. Other Ivorian friends called to encourage us, as well. They pray for our speedy return and our troubled nation.
  • A team in Abengourou led by E., the president of the Ivorian CHE association, trained believers from five church networks in five different regions over the summer. Participants learned how to share COVID-19 prevention and start Discovery Bible Studies (DBS) while also distributing hand sanitizer, masks, and picture booklets. The local CHE team was able to impact over 600 families in their area. Twenty people chose to confess Christ as Savior, including two from Muslim families. In one setting, the team shared the Gospel and health instruction to a community of 100 drug addicts. They provided COVID-19 awareness information via radio broadcasts. Recently, due to the success of their endeavors, two members of the team were asked to oversee the genesis of three new church-planting efforts. They use CHE and DBS for outreach.
  • The Ivorian CHE network regularly trains and mentors amidst seven evangelical denominations. During July and August, one of those seven groups offered four different CHE training opportunities among their churches. This denomination works primarily in middle and western Cote d'Ivoire.
  • R., another CHE trainer, continues to monitor CHE progress in a project over eight hours from where he lives. He also joins forces with a nurse in a nearby village to relaunch a CHE ministry. A third group waits for him to train them in a coastal area. Happily, he recently reconciled with his former fiancΓ© and asks prayer that they can marry soon.
  • Abidjan's CHE university training team now meets regularly to plan their model village efforts for research and statistical report development.
  • A FWB pastor called by the Lord to a new church-planting effort in central Cote d'Ivoire provided encouraging news too. Since relocating to the new area during the summer of 2019, thirteen people follow Christ where he lives as of September. Another group of twenty meets in a nearby village that he felt burdened to evangelize. His family sees good progress in their labor of love. They find that agriculture and micro-enterprise principles taught in CHE open doors to witness to people of the other major religion in their region.

VOTING VIOLENCE
(see Globe Trot or Not?)

COVID-19 no longer prevents our return to Cote d'Ivoire, although it canceled our planned prior arrival in August 2020 for the September University CHE training. What holds us in the United States now is our submission to Ivorian ministry partners' loving advice related to the political instability caused by the upcoming presidential election of October 31. Violence, rioting, and demonstrations increase. Somebody will likely contest the election results. Ivorian friends advised before we left that we return post-election. Only the planned university training trumped that counsel. When COVID-19 transport controls canceled that annual event, our need to return this year expired. Other missionary friends have received similar counsel.
 
To make matters worse, we learned this week that Abidjan's main road to Bondoukou (our town) is temporarily cut or closed. This fact affirms that we could not plan collaborations with religious and government officials or even complete travels to visit and encourage local efforts. Return now would only increase our living expenses without our being able to offer widespread encouragement and counsel. The delay lets us make-up visits that were delayed by COVID-19 and gain the needed remainder of our monthly budgeted financial support. We plan our return to Cote d'Ivoire for late February or early March.

VARIOUS VICISSITUDES
(see Among Us)

Since the July change of our return date, our time here has been squeezed by unexpected events. In August, someone used Verlin's identity to try to take out a $117,800.00 loan in Texas. The person failed, but the follow-up process to annul the deceit led to over 40 hours of calls, paperwork, a visit to the sheriff's office, etc. Closure remains incomplete while we wait on loan paperwork related to the attempted identity theft. The delay also meant that Verlin's shattered molar could be replaced before we go back. If all goes well, the implant placement will occur the week before we return to Africa. Finally, Debbie injured her left ankle in July. The slow healing was diagnosed as Tibialis Posterior Tendonitis this week. She now expects to work through six weeks of physical therapy and be fitted for shoe inserts in-between our travels. We agree with friends who say growing old is not for sissies!

VALIDATING VIABILITY
(see No Retreat)

One necessary but challenging feat in our missionary life is determining if cash-on-hand and monthly financial pledges suffice for a three to four-year term on the field. As is true for many ministries, we have wonderful friends who give once yearly and others quarterly. They add to our essential base support of amazing monthly donors. Add to the mix the effect of COVID-19 on income, averaging monthly expenses and donations over several years, and fluctuating costs on the field when the political and economic situations are unstable, and you get quite a brain teaser. However, we can say without a doubt that the Lord faithfully provides. When a family recently told us that they could not give as usual because of COVID, the Lord touched other people's hearts to fill the gap. Our Father's timely provision is a constant source of thanksgiving. Reminder to us all: when the Lord prompts, respond quickly!
 
Please know that even if you cannot be a regular partner in giving, one-time donations or occasional offerings are vastly important, too. Such gifts build our mission account base to cover unexpected expenses or fill the gap when monthly giving is lower than usual. If fourth-quarter giving is similar to what we have received in the past, our cash base will solidify return plans and provide the extra needed for difficult months. Thank you for partnering with us so that the glory of Jesus-Christ will radiate throughout every district of Cote d'Ivoire!

PRAISE & PRAYER REQUESTS

  • πŸ™ It is common after presidential elections in Africa for rioting and demonstrations to continue for weeks or months. Pray for a quick return to calm after Cote d'Ivoire's presidential election on October 31. Right now, the situation is volatile.
  • πŸ™ Praise the Lord with us for the many Ivorians who, despite COVID-19, increase their efforts to share abundant life in Christ, without retreat. The CHE workers with whom we interact by phone have seized the pandemic crisis to evangelize, train, and equip more people than ever. Ask the Lord to continue blessing their efforts and give them ever-growing avenues to bring change in communities.
  • πŸ™ Pray for our daughter Cara as she pursues a nursing management degree at Vanderbilt Owen Graduate School of Management while working full-time. The schedule is hectic, but she loves the studies.
  • πŸ™ Corbin left his engineering position in MO to return to TN. We ask the Lord to provide him work suited to his skills while letting him live nearer to family.
  • πŸ™ Pray for our health, continued safe travels, and Spirit-filled meetings with individuals and churches. We anticipate trips to FL, ID, KY, and E.TN besides visiting VA and WV during the next two weekends.
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: To Globe Trot or Not? - 201017.PDF

Prior ministry Video: Belief Trap
          - 201003 PDF

2020 Q2 Report: The "C" Continuum
          -  AWA Report 20_08_01 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

To Globe Trot or Not

PDF Version: AWA Weekly 201017.PDF

Travel Timing

How much longer before we globe-trot or not in return to Cote d'Ivoire? This is a frequently asked question since old, and new friends realize we are eager to dive back into work on the field again. At this point, COVID-19 does not hinder us. The Ivorian public health department continues to monitor and contain the pandemic very well. Since we collaboratively canceled the annual university training for 2020, reporting to ministry partners and waiting out the Ivorian presidential election of October 31 delays us. Widespread rioting and demonstrations continue as the sitting president decided to stand for a third term. Ivorian friends and counselors advised us before we left that the three months before and after the election would not provide a good timeframe to return. Other American missionary friends have since received similar counsel from their friends. For us, we expect to be back on the field in February. This allows for a few months to affirm that social calm is restored and poll results accepted after the Ivorian October 31 election.

Until then, we continue to visit with churches and individual ministry partners, saying thanks and seeking those additional partners to complete our budget. Our hearts are full of gratitude for all the warm receptions and generosity extended. Even during difficult financial circumstances for so many families, only one ministry partner family has expressed their regret that they cannot give as usual this year and probably next. We had expected many more cases like that. Please know that even if you cannot be a regular giving partner, one-time donations or occasional offerings are incredibly beneficial, too. Such gifts help our account base cover unexpected expenses or fill the gap when monthly giving is lower than usual.

Turning Home

Verlin spent Wednesday through Saturday of this week helping our youngest offspring move back home to Cookeville from St. Charles, Missouri. Corbin resigned from his job there to look for work closer to family and friends. Although this was not an easy decision for him, he feels at peace about it. He plans to re-order some old and develop some new personal habits to feel more productive as he pursues nearer employment. Dad and mom rejoiced that his former employer would rehire him if given a chance. It is good that we get to be together before the elder Andersons return to Africa.

Prayer & Praise

  • πŸ™ We share in churches and with individual ministry partners next week in Virginia and West Virginia. Thank you for covering our travels and services with prayer.
  • πŸ™ For months we asked you to pray for the health of our Ivorian pastor's wife in Bondoukou. We are happy to report that she is back home after extended treatment in Abidjan and doing very well.
  • πŸ™ October 16 COVID statistics in Cote d'Ivoire: 20, 257 cases; 120 deaths; 19,898 recoveries. Pray that Ivorians recognize increasingly that their lifestyle is a natural means to overcome COVID-19 and that they then get a stage to promote that knowledge internationally.
  • πŸ™ As always, pray for the Ivorian presidential election when you pray for ours.
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: First Reaction - 201010 PDF
Prior ministry Video: Belief Trap
          - 201003 PDF


2020 Q2 Report: The "C" Continuum
          -  AWA Report 20_08_01 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

First Reaction

CHSC LINK: First Reaction
PDF Version: AWA Weekly 201010.PDF

First Response or Last Resort?

O our God, wilt thou not judge them? For we have no might against this great company that cometh against us; neither know we what to do, but our eyes are upon thee. And all Judah stood before the LORD, with their little ones, their wives, and their children. —II Chronicles 20:12-13 (prayer of King Jehoshaphat)

The 'who' or the 'what' to which we turn in life when disaster strikes or the unexpected happens measures true faith. First reactions demonstrate in whom or what we trust. The knee-jerk reaction to a COVID-19 exposure, election news, job insecurity, a dissolved relationship, or the loss of a loved one illustrates our source of hope. Do we scramble for solutions? Call a friend? Have a meltdown? The events of 2020 call many to FIRST remember our Helper, Guide, and Refuge. Saints of old teach us that prayer remains the premier resource that strengthens daily life. Examples to emulate include •Nehemiah 1:4, •Ezra 9, •King Asa in II Chronicles 14:11, •King Hezekiah in II Kings 19:14-19, •Daniel 9, •Jonah 2, •Paul and Silas in Acts 16:25-34, •the early church at Peter's arrest in Acts 12, and •our perfect Savior seen in Luke 22:39-46 and explained in Hebrews 5:7-8. Letting others see our genuine expressions of faith in prayer that seek the Father's input and direction gives hope to silent listeners, even if fewer vocal minorities should mock.

Diligent Delight or Derelict Duty?

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints. —Ephesians 6:18

Notice that "all" makes repeat appearances in this command to pray. We thank the many readers who include us and the CHE ministry in Cote d'Ivoire in your prayers for "all saints." While we list prayer and praise requests every week so that churches have items for prayer meeting, we do so knowing that prayer destroys strongholds, overcomes sin, sets circumstances to share the Gospel boldly, and reveals the Lord's plan. Prayer is no humdrum duty. It is the respiration permitting delights to be seen.
 
Last week, we spoke with a young CHE trainer from whom we had heard no news for five months. He continues to monitor CHE activities in a distant village every week, despite difficult access. Next month, he anticipates assisting a nurse in a less remote town, closer to his home, as they relaunch a CHE ministry. Also, a third group awaits participating in a week-long CHE training in another coastal region. In the joy of these activities, he has reconciled with his former fiancΓ© and asks us to pray that their wedding can be planned and accomplished soon. The political environment makes none of these efforts easy.

Prayer & Praise

  • πŸ™
    Rioting and protests still hinder daily life in Cote d'Ivoire as the October 31st presidential election approaches. When asked, several Ivorians quickly requested that our ministry partners pray for peaceful elections. We add the request that Ivorians find God's plan in the verified polling results. Pray those voting will not be threatened or assaulted. Ivorians have been stunned at the violence and looting on American streets, so many pray for our U.S. elections, as well.
  • πŸ™Our three weeks in Michigan were enjoyable and productive. Pray as we resume travels again after some doctor visits and work at home for about 10 days. We are encouraged by the prayers and generosity of many people. Ask the Lord to complete our monthly budget needs.
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: Belief Trap - 201003 PDF
Prior ministry Video: Among Us
          - 200815 PDF


2020 Q2 Report: The "C" Continuum
          -  AWA Report 20_08_01 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

Belief Trap

CHSC LINK: Belief Trap
PDF Version: AWA Weekly 201003.PDF

Belief Trap

There exists a common faith in our world that animates and intermingles itself with what we term the major world religions. Many call it 'animism.' The term represents beliefs that nature, which surrounds humanity, responds more to spirits, sacred forces, and extraordinary phenomena than to human activity. These unseen powers regulate our affairs, for better or worse. Humans, though, can influence these unseen manipulators through rituals and offerings. Experts called shamans, fetish priests, witch-doctors, or witches guide us, the clueless, in what we must do to fix a wrong. Those living their lives with this understanding think that they control little of significance. Depression hides behind their smiles that mask unknown terrors. The belief traps human souls in feckless activities.

Faith Release

Learning the true and different trust which binds humans to their Creator God in covenant springs such trapped people free. Freed of fearing lesser spirits and forces, new believers discover that God has spoken all that is needed for life. They learn to walk in trusting faith that produces real and tangible benefits. Good faith manifests itself with good results. Changed belief changes behavior.
 
Boto Togo Faith Transformation
A faith release lets human souls freedom-walk
from a belief trap when evangelists use CHE
We cannot communicate this transformation in text quickly, but the story of change in Boto describes a people who escaped the curse of living with animist falsehoods. In watching the 12 minute YouTube video linked here in the photo, you will grasp more. We share this video in schools and churches to help the many of good faith see the usefulness of availing to themselves the strategies of Community Health Evangelism (CHE) and win souls.
(For a more studied and scientific understanding, read the article archived in our AWA Update titled "Happy Native.")

Freedom Walk

While some may smile and think that we live much smarter where we are, the destruction and death surrounding many reveal otherwise. Uncontrolled fires, violence, and life-saving knowledge being withheld testify that many believe in idols of money and positional power that trumps God. They, not Him, reveal the best ways for us to live. Reread the first paragraph thinking about the confidences which many put in political and money-laden leaders. Among us are many who despair of the same fears known to the villagers in Boto before they trusted to freedom-walk with Jesus. Souls are won, and cultures transform when believers win souls to improve the object of common faith. Cultures ONLY change when their worldviews transform due to a shift of faith. May we the modern soon relearn that life gets better when none trust any but those who obey King Jesus who can lead us all. Learning and sharing how to walk free from fear of what God grants us control liberates humankind.

Prayer and Praise

  • πŸ™ Join us in confessing personal sins and the sins of our nation. Ask the Lord to embolden believers in all the arenas in which we have influence to share the Gospel and stand courageously using truth.
  • πŸ™ Pray for government leaders and peaceful elections in Cote d'Ivoire, and the U.S. Ladies may want to join Debbie in the Cry Out Challenge in October, hosted by Revive our Hearts (video link).
  • πŸ™ Pray for our son Corbin. He resigned from his job in Missouri to be closer to family and friends in Tennessee. Ask the Lord to guide him to a job suited for his skills and advancement.
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: Mind Games - 200926 PDF
Prior ministry Video: Among Us
          - 200815 PDF


2020 Q2 Report: The "C" Continuum
          -  AWA Report 20_08_01 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