Story Power 2

CHSC LINK: Story Power
PDF Version: AWA Weekly 220326 PDF

Taste and See (Psalm 34:8)

Anyone who has lived in Africa a while knows the impact of story power in these cultures. Sometimes the entire history of an ethnic group gets told orally in song. For people of other faiths or in unreached tribes, even simple Bible storying (links to Taylor University example) effectively introduces people to the Truth and stories of the Word of God. Two weeks ago, we learned that more than 90 people gather in different groups to experi-ence this story power with our Ivoirian agricultural partner. They join him in Bondoukou to learn how to grow mushrooms (links to initial report) for profit. While there, he shares God's truth through Bible storying. Using Bible storytelling and Discovery Bible Study (DBS) queries while strategically introducing the integrated health principles of Community Health Evangelism (CHE) helps these people develop micro-enterprise businesses for income to God's Glory. This kind of activity is known to develop church planting movements (see the CPM link for a free PDF booklet). We trust that using Bible storying in Cote d'Ivoire will facilitate individual and group obedience. May Ivoirians experience this additional exponential growth and church planting that now happens in the neighboring nation of Benin, thanks to a friend and pastor introduced to DBS in 2017 by Jean-Marc and Martine Fritsch alongside us!.

Come and See (Psalm 66:5)

While Verlin attended the wake and burial of the CHE pastor last week, Debbie met with the university CHE team during their regular meeting in Abidjan. She happily heard reports of their visiting three of four villages in one region where they work to see the uses of CHE established. While implementing CHE in a community, story power is a valuable tool. Telling a story and seeing how the community members think they would respond can indicate growth and progress. Such was the case for the university team when evaluating one community's understanding. They rejoiced when the community clearly understood that their progress depended on hard work with local resources they notice or find; expecting outsiders to meet their needs only keeps them chained in poverty. During the meeting, another critical development point was communicated as a matter-of-fact: the number of expected students this September. The team plans three classes of level one (Trainer of Trainers 1), one level two training (TOT2), and a level three micro-enterprise workshop! The 120 participants expected require extra planning and more trainers to be coordinated—an excellent challenge to confront.

Prayer & Praise

• 🙏 Pray for the over 90 persons interacting with the Holy Scriptures during Bible-storying meetings as they also learn how to grow mushrooms. Some participate in the other major religion in our area, so we ask the Lord to open their eyes to the truth about Jesus.
  
  

• 🙏 The university team significantly expands their CHE exposition training in September, challenging us all. Pray their planning with us and that all chosen trainers rise to meet the additional human resource needs. Ask the Lord to grant the University team wisdom and clear direction as they continue developing CHE in these four different villages among others. Potential, as well as resources to meet needs, remain enormous in Cote d'Ivoire.
  
  

• 🙏 Verlin's ear difficulties resumed last week so he continues treatments. This week, a hernia repair surgery was scheduled for May 13 in Dallas, TX, with the same surgeon who performed his appendectomy last year. This is an answer to prayer. Now to get the dental repairs scheduled to stop the ear problems!

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: Ferry Fees
        - 220319 PDF
Prior Videos: PA Come & Go
        - Cleanup Champs

2021 Q4 Report: Prozac for the Soul
  -  2021 Q4 Anderson Report 220205 PDF

2022 Budget Info:
CHSC-0118_ANDERSON-2022-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

Ferry Fees

CHSC LINK: Ferry Fees
PDF Version: AWA Weekly 220319 PDF

Taste and See (Psalm 34:8)

As Verlin traveled to and from a celebration of life ceremony, we better understand an incredible story of how ferry fees bless a community using Community Health Evangelism (CHE). In south-central Cote d'Ivoire exists a village that can only be reached by ferry. Pastor S. began a CHE ministry there while planting a church in the past two years. The villagers were aware of many things that needed to change. They had no electricity, school, medical clinic, or latrines. In addition to poor hygiene, the population lacked social cohesion. The Lord gave them the wisdom to use the resources within their hands! After unifying to build latrines upon the Pastor's pulpit explanation of how the water used for bathing, cooking and cleaning contained runoff from their private waste, a new sense of "common-unity" emerged. (Common-unity is a simple CHE definition of 'community.') They decided to use the fees paid for ferry crossings to meet their joint needs. So far, they have built a clinic, placed solar panels on homes, and continue constructing latrines. The church built a school with three classrooms with their own funds. And again, we get the best news. Nearly 80% of the village now professes to be Christian, whereas before, only about 20% claimed Christ as Savior! Praise God with us for this remarkable transformation accomplished in such a short time using CHE! May this village continue to flourish and help other villages around them experience a similar touch from the Lord..

Come and See (Psalm 66:5)

220319 Burial Service of
Rev. Jean Tra-Bi 2'50"

On January 15, we reported that CHE trainer Pastor Jean Tra-Bi entered eternity before us. He belonged to the same Baptist group as Pastor S. in the story above. COVID shut-downs hit after this group was CHE-trained in 2020 following a March 2019 Vision Casting. Pastor Jean and the other pastors divided their churches into small Discovery Bible Study groups of ten since larger church services were not legally permitted. Their groups grew from 300 to 600 in less than six months! Verlin attended Pastor Jean's wake Friday night in central Cote d'Ivoire to represent the national CHE movement. He last talked with Pastor Jean during the summer of 2021. They discussed Verlin coming in 2022 to clarify how to initiate a CHE agricultural ministry using moringa and Farming God's Way at that last meeting. Instead, our brother enjoys the delights of heaven. Other CHE-trained leaders in the region plan to continue the work beautifully modeled by these two pastors. Verlin spoke with other vital leaders regarding ways to help their vision grow to win yet others. Tra-Bi's vision shared with Pastor S. has molded a beginning plan to implement CHE with their denomination that expects great things from God.

Prayer & Praise

• 🙏 Pray for the many organizations and individuals reaching out to Ukraine these days that their funds and supplies will reach the hurting with minimal delay. Ask for the Lord’s hand of protection and guidance on Carrie and her Ukrainian team. Pray also for the neighboring nations receiving the flood of refugees.
  
  

• 🙏 Lift up Pastor S. and so many other Ivoirian trainers in CHE. They seek the Lord's guidance in bringing needy communities to abundant life in Jesus.
  
  

• 🙏 Thank you for your faithful ministry partnership through prayer and giving. CHE ministries are growing remarkably, but there is much more to do! We are so grateful for your help.

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: Lasting Footprints
        - 220312 PDF
Prior Videos: PA Come & Go
        - Cleanup Champs

2021 Q4 Report: Prozac for the Soul
  -  2021 Q4 Anderson Report 220205 PDF

2022 Budget Info:
CHSC-0118_ANDERSON-2022-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

Lasting Footprints

CHSC LINK: Lasting Footprints
PDF Version: AWA Weekly 220312 PDF

Taste and See (Psalm 34:8)

Click image for 9 minute testimony

At times, we all wonder if we will leave lasting footprints for the Lord during our time on earth. During Verlin’s time in Ghana, he was delighted to get to know a West African missionary named Paul. Paul’s father, Isaaka (Issac), worked for our dear friends Paul and Rhoda Creech, whom we have known since our college days. The Creeches served 1990-1993 and 1996-1998 as dorm parents at the International Christian Academy in Bouake, Cote d’Ivoire. If they had had their hearts’ desires, they would have served much longer in that capacity. Since then, Paul was called home to heaven, leaving Rhoda with four children to rear in Georgia. Their legacy in West Africa, however, continues. This young, enthusiastic CHE intern in Ghana was named after Paul Creech. His father, Isaaka (or Isaac in English, in this case) told him many stories of the Creeches, especially the one about what happened on the day he was born. Isaaka (Isaac) somehow was not able to take his wife immediately to the hospital. Paul Creech immediately stepped in to help and drove her to medical care. Isaaka also told stories of Paul being willing to get his hands dirty, working beside Ivoirians on projects. For example, Paul helped Isaaka get his pig farm started, buying meat from him. Isaaka also noted for his son that Ivorians working with the Creeches were treated as equals and cared for like family. Young Paul feels he has many qualities to emulate in his namesake and gives thanks to God for the example of the Creech family. We may never know how the impact of our simple acts of kindness and solidarity will impact the next generation..

Come and See (Psalm 66:5)

There are many ways to leave lasting footprints in our generation. One method may be to help Ukrainians during their horrific crisis. Perhaps you feel the Lord nudging you to give in a tangible way. If you have not already chosen an organization through which to funnel help, we offer a suggestion. One of our fellow missionaries of the Christian Health Service Corps (CHSC), Carrie Moss, has worked as a physical therapist in Ukraine since 2014. The team, of which she is a part, recently moved to a safer location in Ukraine where they are staying to help in the crisis. The CHSC has launched a project to enable her and her colleagues to get supplies and support to some of the most vulnerable people. As a single woman, her budget is small yet the needs are enormous. Donations will be put to excellent use in Ukraine by our brave sister we exposed to CHE over five years ago. Join us in doing what you can. You may give online via the CHSC (here is a direct gift link) or send a donation by mail. Thank you so much for considering a special gift.

Friends serving with our former denominational mission have launched a project to help Bulgarian missionaries, and others, as they receive refugees. (To give, click this link then Select “Emergency Response THP” from the dropdown list under the word ‘Fund.’) One location has already received a Ukrainian woman and her children for whom they anticipate providing food and lodging for several months.

Prayer & Praise

• 🙏 Pray for the many organizations and individuals reaching out to Ukraine these days that their funds and supplies will reach the hurting with minimal delay. Ask for the Lord’s hand of protection and guidance on Carrie and her Ukrainian team. Pray also for the neighboring nations receiving the flood of refugees.
  
  

• 🙏 Ask for safe travels as Verlin attends a funeral in western CI and as we handle errands in Abidjan this upcoming 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: Heroes in Disguise
        - 220305 PDF
Prior Videos: PA Come & Go
        - Cleanup Champs

2021 Q4 Report: Prozac for the Soul
  -  2021 Q4 Anderson Report 220205 PDF

2022 Budget Info:
CHSC-0118_ANDERSON-2022-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

Heroes in Disguise

CHSC LINK: Heroes in Disguise
PDF Version: AWA Weekly 220305 PDF

Taste and See (Psalm 34:8)

It has always been true that heroes in disguise are unveiled in times of crisis. They walk quietly among us. Few realize that they will act with mighty valor and sacrifice one day. This week on the world stage, people were astounded by the tenacity and boldness of the president of Ukraine. He refused passage to a safer part of the world, standing firm with his country against a military Goliath. As an actor in the past (including providing the Ukrainian voice for Paddington Bear), some fellow-countrymen doubted his capacity to lead their nation. Today, he commits himself to battle while courageously leading others to preserve national self-determination.

Heroes in disguise have often served as the Lord’s formed weapons. In the Bible’s Old Testament, a shepherd boy, farmer, stutterer, and orphan girl became the great deliverers King David, Gideon, Moses, and Esther. The New Testament world-changers included fishermen, tentmakers, a tax agent, a zealot, a harlot, a boy with bread and fish, and a man who slaughtered Christians. Our Father’s ability to use us all in remarkable ways is limited only by our trust and obedience. So He regularly chooses those who appear weak to worldly eyes to gather strength from their sight established by faith (Ps.8:2; 1Co.1:27).

Come and See (Psalm 66:5)

The Honorable Derrick w/ CHE interns

It is the same for those who minister using Community Health Evangelism. When training, we never know with certainty who will grasp the truths presented and use them effectively. Sometimes it surprises us who brings transformation to individuals, families, communities, and even nations under Holy Spirit empowerment and guidance. The participants at the Ghana Internship met one of these heroes in disguise, a 26-year-old man the Lord chose. The Honorable Derrik showed the interns a village of more than 3,000 people transformed as he used CHE strategies. He coordinates as a Church of Christ witness involving other believers in five towns and three community committees. When he began with CHE, he walked to these sites. Later, a bicycle was donated for his work. Because of his learned and effective leadership, he became elected to represent the Ghanaian government district where he lives despite his youth. Like many others, his mentor is Dayo Obaweya, the director of the CHE Internship in Ghana.

Prayer & Praise

• 🙏 Pray for thousands more heroes in disguise in CHE ministries around the world! Ask our Father to use the interns trained in Ghana as they return home. Then, in heaven, we’ll hear many more histories of believers whom this world does not consider worthy of giving credit.
  
  

• 🙏 Ask the Lord to guide as the Farming God’s Way ministry steps forward this week from a meeting held in Bondoukou. Teammates started the phase of re-learning or learning to prep selected locations with composting.

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 Other Side
        - 220226 PDF
Prior Videos: PA Come & Go
        - Cleanup Champs

2021 Q4 Report: Prozac for the Soul
  -  2021 Q4 Anderson Report 220205 PDF

2022 Budget Info:
CHSC-0118_ANDERSON-2022-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