Decision Valley

CHSC LINK: Decision Valley
 PDF Version: AWA Weekly 220430 PDF
While it seems that wrong-doers flourish and unjust causes dominate in our day, let us not forget the “multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision” (Joel 3). The Day of the Lord is coming. He will exercise the fury of His wrath on the unrepentant, with particular severity on those who harm His people and the innocent. Hopefully, this sober reality urges us to plead with everyone within our realm of influence. “Make peace with God while you can,” before the final valley of decision arrives when no choice remains.

Last week Debbie had the great joy of starting a Discovery Bible Study (DBS) in English with four teenage boys in Bondoukou. One young man, A., invited three of his friends to study the Bible with her. They arrived without an appointment, and she dropped her activities to meet with them. After quickly choosing the passage about Jesus calming the stormy sea, she discovered that two of the young men were of another faith. They walked through the DBS process and then posed many questions. One pointed question concerned the difference between Christians and those of another faith—do both groups not just want to serve God? She responded that one significant difference is the way each group views Jesus. For one group, He is one of many prophets; for the other group, He is God Himself. She shared a few words of testimony and encouraged them to practice the DBS process at home by reading through the Gospel of John. She urged them to ask God in prayer to reveal Who Jesus is. Each teen wanted to continue their study. Our closest Ivoirian co-worker has agreed to continue meeting with them during our absence. We expect these spiritually hungry youth to continue in Discovery Bible Studies (DBS) as others in the region have continued. Others make plans to grow their DBS activities. Pray these boys discover Who Jesus is in John and choose Him in their current valley of decision. For security reasons, no pictures were taken.

Come and See (Psalm 66:5)

Our Ivoirian brother, who spearheads the agricultural project, has faced his own rugged valley of decision in recent months. As president of a local parent-teacher association, he sets goals and signs for the disbursement of funds. He feels used by the Lord to have effectively built school courtyard walls for one-fifth of the estimated prices. Sadly, however, the treasurer refuses to account for funds spent. Hence, M. refuses to sign for more funds to be used until a small audit occurs. The situation was to go before legal authorities this week. Two hours after sharing the news with Verlin, M. was hit by a three-wheel motorcycle delivery cart that broke his arm. It was an unwitnessed ‘hit and run.’ Verlin visited him in the hospital and helped with some expenses the day we left Bondoukou. He undergoes a reparative surgery today. Pray that M. stand stands firm in integrity. Ask the Lord to resolve the funding issue without bribes and for the benefit of the students for whom the parent-teacher organization exists.

Prayer & Praise

  • 🙏
    Last-minute addition of
    dried     attieké for Cara
    Please pray regularly for the four young men who came to the impromptu Discovery Bible Study. Pray that they continue to study who Jesus is with our Ivoirian co-worker during our absence. In their current valley of decision, ask Jesus to reveal Himself to them as Lord.

  • 🙏 Our friend M. suffers from being hit by a motorcycle and from the decision to maintain integrity with joint funds of the local parent-teacher association. Pray for him to remain steadfastly honest and see his arm broken in two places healed quickly. His injury will also cause delays in the agricultural project..

  • 🙏 Our flight to the United States occurs on Monday. Pray for safe travels, smooth airport transitions, and opportunities to influence people in spiritual conversations as we mingle.
Your Partners in the Gospel,
TN_Homestead-VerlinDeb-20191214_103927.jpg
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: Time Crunch
        - 220423 PDF
Prior Videos: PA Come & Go
        - Cleanup Champs


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
No comments:

Time Crunch

CHSC LINK: Time Crunch
 PDF Version: AWA Weekly 220423 PDF
When confronted with a time crunch of deadlines and responsibilities, we humans can quickly lose focus of people around us and their problems. Impatience, self-focus, and lack of compassion to help others tempt or test us. Our magnificent Savior overcame these temptations! Hours before His crucifixion, He was not self-absorbed, even knowing the crucible He would endure. He prepared the disciples for His imminent departure at the Last Supper, washed their feet, and prayed for them and Himself. While He hung suffering, he offered salvation to the thief crucified beside Him and addressed His mother’s need for security. No time crunch in the world could divert Him from “having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end.” (John 13:1) May this be increasingly true of us all!

Come and See (Psalm 66:5)

Transitioning from one continent to another always creates a time crunch of activities. Are the following issues addressed: bills pre-paid; Community Health Evangelism (CHE) partners informed and prepped for our absence; car papers, insurance, and residency documents in order; dog food and treatments available for our guard dogs; the car guarded in a safe location; water leaks and appliances repaired, and proper goodbyes completed? Are resources and people prepared should we die on the trip? On the U.S. side, do we have a vehicle that can be safely driven after sitting for months, all doctor appointments in place, time for family, friends, and ministry partners planned, and homestead upkeep projects organized?

Verlin had an unexpected time crunch with the arrival of the two French trainers this week. A COVID-19 snafu delayed one trainer by a day. Due to scheduling, he delivered one trainer on Tuesday to Abengourou, a 3 to 6-hour drive depending on traffic, then returned to the Abidjan airport the same day and picked up the second trainer who had never been in Cote d’Ivoire. Verlin made the roundtrips quickly and safely, thanks to the prayers of many!! Never in the last year had he crossed Abidjan in less time thanks to the lighter-than-usual holiday traffic.

Jean-Marc & Josué
on DBS, DMM & CHE

The three-day Disciple Making Movement (DMM) training finished well. (Video material @ illadit.com.fr; YouTube site for English.) Verlin witnessed and served in various ways despite time challenges. Multiple participants from locations more than 600 miles away learned how to train youth in their churches to use Discovery Bible Studies (DBS). This will help CHE works grow. A representative of those trained in Bondoukou in 2018 shared he was struck that our united mission is to see God’s will done daily on earth as it is in heaven. He believes that DBS is the best way to get young people thinking that way. The new trainers left without incident. After helping Jean-Marc and Joshua return to France, Verlin returns home for one or two days. Then we both head to Abidjan later in the week for three days of meetings before our May 2nd departure. Pray that we love well as we fulfill our responsibilities.

Prayer & Praise

  • 🙏 Thank the Lord for a good week of DMM training. Pray that the participants will learn to greatly multiply disciples for Jesus with their newly-acquired tools.

  • 🙏 Our Ivoirian pastor’s wife continues treatment for her ulcers in Abidjan. The specialist said it would be a slow process. Pray for her complete healing. Ask that she and the family not be discouraged but persevere through the long treatments.

  • 🙏 Pray for a young man whose first name begins with A. He came to us wanting to practice speaking English. Although we could not commit to regular classes, he has started to feast on the Word of God. He and Debbie have had several spiritual conversations. She starts his training with friends in Discovery Bible Studies before we leave.
Your Partners in the Gospel,
TN_Homestead-VerlinDeb-20191214_103927.jpg
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: Clay Pots
        - 220416 PDF
Prior Videos: PA Come & Go
        - Cleanup Champs


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
No comments:

Clay Pots

CHSC LINK: Clay Pots
 PDF Version: AWA Weekly 220416 PDF

Taste and See (Psalm 34:8)

Bondoukou Clay Pot
Clay pots are on our minds. To demonstrate another way of increasing the production of healing herbs, spices, and other valuable plants in household courtyards, we just decorated our veranda with ten locally made pots. Similar pots are used in some pagan ceremonies. When we claim them for productive, Godly purposes, it helps a few people adjust their worldview. Today, the clay jars are plain, with only dirt, compost, and gravel inside. However, soon they will be adorned with color, bursting with plant life and usefulness. No wonder the Scriptures compare our lives to clay pots in II Cor. 4:7. We are just earthen vessels—fragile, easily cracked and broken, made for everyday use. BUT that makes the treasure of the Gospel we carry and the presence of Christ in us all the more glorious and evident. Any beautiful and valuable accomplishment clearly reflects the Treasure of God's image burnished within us. What a Savior we worship this Holy Week and every week! Because His body was broken and spilled out (links to song) on the cross, our sins are pardoned and repealed of impact! Because He rose from the dead, we have eternal life, which banishes fear and offers hope to the world! Enjoy a blessed Resurrection Sunday.

Come and See (Psalm 66:5)

In the Lord's service, over 530 lovely clay pots gathered for the women's national meeting on April 8-10 in Bondoukou. They marched through town, handled the business of electing new leaders, heard good preaching, and ministered to orphans. We offered hospitality and attended meetings one day. This next week Verlin travels to Abidjan to receive guests from France. Two men come to train or follow up with leaders during a Disciple-Making Movement seminar in central Cote d'Ivoire. Jean-Marc Fritsch (see Awake, Sleeper! about a previous meeting) has come before. Ivoirians find his experiences and explanations concerning Discovery Bible Studies and Kingdom-building very helpful.

Prayer & Praise

  • 🙏 Praise Jesus, our Servant King, who fills our jars of clay with the treasure of Himself when allowed! May His fragrance waft from us to redeem clay pots still empty of His presence.

  • 🙏 Pray for the seminar taking place next week. Verlin serves the Ivorian CHE Association by transporting the two French trainers and otherwise assisting them during the week..

  • 🙏 May 2 is our flight of return to the States. Ask the Lord to give us strength and clarity to finish the departure to-do list well as we plan other lists for our time in the USA.
Your Partners in the Gospel,
TN_Homestead-VerlinDeb-20191214_103927.jpg
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 Great Story
        - 220409 PDF
Prior Videos: PA Come & Go
        - Cleanup Champs


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
No comments:

The Great Story

CHSC LINK: The Great Story
 PDF Version: AWA Weekly 220409 PDF

Taste and See (Psalm 34:8)

Our world needs a great story today! As believers, we know the single great story that gives hope to every person. Yet, sometimes it daunts believers to understand how to share the big picture with others. Practical video tools exist for equipping believers to quickly, simply, and effectively share the scope of hope in Christ. Some excellent examples are prepared by Christian brothers and sisters in France. Like us, Jean-Marc and Martine Fritsch commit their lives to stimulating Disciple-Making Movements. (Links to a Final Command explanation first shared in Awake Sleeper! where we shared overviews of DMM, CHE, and DBS.) Our French friends' understanding of DMM is explained in the course of multiple training videos they produce via ILL'ADIT ('He said it' org resource page).

220409-The-Four-Fields-Great-StoryThe Four Fields video follows up on DMM expla-nations shared in Jehosaphat NOT Jumping! (Non-ILL'ADIT prior explanatory video shares of DMM we've made are linked here and here.) These convinced CHE strategy friends who also collaborate with RESCoF continue to produce helpful French videos that equip believers to reproduce wholly-obedient-to-the-Gospel disciples. Several of their explanations are translated into English. "The Great Story" (9'36" video lesson) we shared in Clean-up Champs explains the bedrock vision now used in Cote d'Ivoire to disciple others in the Gospel. It addresses the social elephants in the room: broken relationships. Each believer is called to a ministry of reconciliation (2Co.5:11-21 ESV). We celebrate with Easter that Jesus' coming, death, and resurrection make possible authentic restoration of each person's relationships with God, themselves, others, and with the Creation. In a word, Jesus brings peace, a.k.a. "shalom." (Would it not be great to see Russia and Ukraine cease-fire eternally due to genuine faith?) We use the adaptive and instructive schema during two to five-minute, maybe longer, conversational testimonies. ILL'ADIT (org resource page) content will be shared here from time to time. The links provide proven soulwinning strategies effectively used in African CHE ministries. Anglophones and Francophones who read can gain confidence to share their experience with God in their circles of influence (see Oikos video).

Come and See (Psalm 66:5)

Verlin's visits to more remote rural regions went well. Two pastors immersed in church planting and who successfully use Community Health Evangelism (CHE) strategies updated him in their efforts. Both excel at using what the Lord has given them in hand to grow the Kingdom. We rejoice that our efforts help them think through solutions to challenges and see their tangible progress! During the travels, he invited two pastors to help with the university CHE training in September. In addition, he spoke to one youth group. He then preached two times in another village church that investigates implementing CHE locally.

Verlin continued travels this week, going to Abidjan for a planning session with the CHE university team after connecting some pastors in the nation's political capital who envision using CHE. The September training event near Abidjan needs 20 trainers for the first time. He reported on trainers available and finalized details required to plan before our temporary return to the US.

Prayer & Praise

  • 🙏 Pray the university team gains added local financial support to coordinate and promote the use of CHE. The growing number of private and public agencies being coordinated requires effective communication.

  • 🙏 Thank you for praying for our missionary colleague in E. Europe. Carrie and the team at the Agape Center successfully moved several groups of disabled citizens to safer locations—sometimes 60 at a time. They continue to provide food and medicines to others in need..

  • 🙏 Remain in prayer for the ongoing April 8-11 national gathering for Women of the Good News (RCI’s version of the NAFWB WNAC). The event happens at the Free Will Baptist women’s center in Bondoukou. Around 1,500 women are expected. Ask for joyous, Spirit-filled meetings.
Your Partners in the Gospel,
TN_Homestead-VerlinDeb-20191214_103927.jpg
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: Welcome Mat
        - 220402 PDF
Prior Videos: PA Come & Go
        - Cleanup Champs


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
No comments:

Welcome Mat

CHSC LINK: Welcome Mat
 PDF Version: AWA Weekly 220402 PDF

Taste and See (Psalm 34:8)

The Scriptures have plenty to say about Christians rolling out the proverbial welcome mat of hospitality. Developing this virtue while obeying the command is often neglected in today's busy world. For example, Romans 12 instructs us to practice hospitality even to our enemies; Peter says to do it without grumbling (a good reminder when one has had to unexpectedly feed guests!); the author of Hebrews urges that we not neglect it because some have unknowingly entertained angels; and, both Timothy and Titus mention hospitality as required of overseers (pastors). In addition, pivotal events in the Old Testament revolved around people welcoming strangers: Abraham, Lot, and Samson's parents received heavenly visitors; Abigail fed David and his troops; and the Shunammite woman woman provided for Elisha, just to name a few.

CHE materials to share
Welcome mats await Verlin. Over five days, he travels more than 500 miles to visit Community Health Evangelism (CHE) trainers or interested parties in their relatively remote places. One visit lets him greet a brother who trains at the university with us. The next and most remote stop checks in with a minister who, when last seen, desires to start a CHE ministry when others nearer to him begin. Two more distant sites owe their initial growth to adapted CHE ministries. Lastly, a fifth stop will be a visit to another community which plans to start using CHE strategies. These latter ones have waited over a year for Verlin to follow up on a 2012 visit and their initial efforts of 2013-15 convincing them to organize and change their world. (Yes, we’re that busy with what seem to be more priority calls or efforts!) When you visit villages in Cote d’Ivoire, the people typically provide the best meals and lodging they can, even if it diminishes supplies for their own families. When culturally aware, it humbles out-of-town visitors to receive their generosity. Yet, most hosts would feel robbed if not granted an opportunity to be hospitable. If staying for more than one meal, we typically transport supplies that may be difficult for them to obtain in their varied settings. This time, Debbie spent more than 40 hours printing over 4,000 pages of CHE materials to encourage partners who live where photocopying is laborious or computer use untenable. Other lesson stacks go to the university and other trainers later in the year.

Come and See (Psalm 66:5)

While Verlin travels, Debbie remains at home, completing some initiatives before our trip to the USA. We purchased tickets to spend 100 days there, May 2-August 9. This is longer than our typical month for maintaining health insurance. Verlin needs surgery to correct a post-appendectomy hernia, time to recover, and must address his repeated ear infections caused by missing molars. So far, three doctor visits are scheduled, and the corrective surgery is set for May 13 in Dallas, Texas. Debbie pursues appointments for her regular check-ups, too. As Verlin recovers, we will see who we can. The priority is getting him physically fit to work in Farming God’s Way project fields without enlarging or reopening his abdominal hernia. Our welcome mat will be rolled out if you want to visit us in Cookeville in June or July!

Prayer & Praise

  • 🙏 Pray for Verlin as he travels to and from remoter places encouraging CHE trainers this weekend and early next week. The areas where he travels require alertness for safety and typically terrible roads.

  • 🙏 Debbie’s aunt (Nancy Medlin, her dad’s last sibling) entered eternity on March 15. Please pray for Phil (Nancy’s husband), Brian (her single son), and Angie (her daughter and family).

  • 🙏 April 8-11 is the national gathering for Women of the Good News (RCI’s version of the NAFWB WNAC). The event happens at the Free Will Baptist women’s center in Bondoukou. Around 1,500 women are expected. Pray for leaders as they complete their plans. Ask for joyous, Spirit-filled meetings. We will roll out the welcome mat for lodging as desired, needed, or sought.
Your Partners in the Gospel,
TN_Homestead-VerlinDeb-20191214_103927.jpg
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: Story Power 2
        - 220326 PDF
Prior Videos: PA Come & Go
        - Cleanup Champs


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
No comments:
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