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 fiancé 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

• 🙏
  
  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.
• 🙏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.

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