HRH
Like throngs of other people in September, we found some details of Queen Elizabeth II's passing and the subsequent regal commemorations fascinating. We appreciated hearing the Gospel message shared during her funeral broadcast worldwide. One humorous story recounted online about her life was of her pranking American tourists as she walked close to her Scottish castle in everyday clothes with a protection officer. The American visitors did not recognize HRH (Her Royal Highness), and she never informed them of who she was. When they asked if she lived in the area, she said she owned a nearby home. Had she ever met the Queen? No, but the policeman with her had. The visitors even had her take a picture of them with the officer!
In the same way, during Jesus' day, many people missed who was immediately before them. Someone Greater than Abraham, Jonah, Moses, Solomon, and angels lived in their midst. Yet, they carried on with life, oblivious to His presence! Are we not guilty at times of the same thing--not recognizing Jesus, King of Kings, who works in and around us? He weaves history according to His plan, delighting to guide and encourage us in our individual lives. Someone Greater than Queen Elizabeth abides here!! He accompanies us and beckons us to daily obedience if we rest alert to His signals. His power and resources remain available to us in each context of obedient allegiance. Truth illuminates reality when His grasped hand guides what we practice in life!
On August 10th, we happily arrived back in Cote d'Ivoire after one hundred days in the States for Verlin's reparative surgery and dental procedures. But, unfortunately, we spent less than a week at home. Then it was time to return to Abidjan for the yearly Community Health Engagement (CHE) exposition at the public health department at Université Félix Houphouët Boigny (UFHB video link).
The excitement was palpable as 18 CHE trainers from the nation's interior, the university, Nigeria, the USA, and France poured experience into 96 apprentices during the week. Participants in three levels of Community Health Engagement (CHE), separated into four classrooms, set records. As in previous years, people from villages learned in mixed classes with doctors, pharmacists, and other well-educated leaders. But, honestly, only in the context of an all-inclusive Biblical, heart-changing approach like CHE could such a combination of learners be imagined to implement changes in Cote d'Ivoire!
Here are some participant comments from the week:
- The training is of great quality and will help us perfect our community work; we appreciate the convivial atmosphere and passion of the trainers.
- For lasting community change, we must learn to do it for ourselves rather than have others do it for us.
- Today I am happy everyone agrees that changes must begin in the home.
- I learned that all actions in the community must take into account and involve the community itself. It is better to choose development from the naturally available resources than to resort to aid.
- I discovered that we must get at the roots of beliefs to resolve a community's problems.
- I learned that good health means more than not having a disease. It is being in harmony with self, others, God, and the creation.
- Today I learned that my "glasses" of perception are not the same as others. Another said, "I discovered that you have to look at things through other peoples' eyes."
- Today I learned that most diseases can be prevented through community health education.
- Today I discovered that community ownership corresponds to people voluntarily mobilizing to do their own development by their own initiative.
- The CHE program is a gold mine!
HE'S GREATER THAN PERSISTENT TRIALS
(see One of Those Weeks)
How wonderful that Someone Greater is in charge when life throws us curveballs. The week after the university training, Verlin and Debbie contracted malaria. Verlin recovered with treatments using papaya and bitter-leaf tea, and Debbie with Co-arinate. Next, Debbie succumbed to an asthma flare-up and bronchitis that we treated with steroids, antibiotics, inhalers, and a nasal spray since our typical complements in the north were not with us. As she improved, Verlin's right foot rebelled as before we had to leave the Abidjan accommodations because others needing the housing would soon arrive. He had been favoring the left knee for a few weeks. Finally, the lateral ligament of his May 2021 injury flared again, causing severe pain. Since Debbie does not drive with the supply trailer because driver's license permissions are different here, we needed another driver or more time. One or the other was necessary so Verlin could arrive home safely.
In the end, Debbie returned home on public transport, saving us some money in Abidjan, while Verlin rented a smaller space. He got some aerobic exercise crawling about the place, allowing his foot to recover quickly enough to hobble and drive within a few days. Debbie arrived in Bondoukou safely but promptly left her CPAP machine when she exited the taxi that took her the 5-minute drive home! That after guarding the unit carefully for ten hours on the bus! Typically, something unusual like that left in a cab would be deposited at the HQ of the taxi union. Instead, it appears someone decided it profitable to steal. After Verlin's return, we sleep in split shifts sharing his CPAP unit using the auto-adjustment setting. Thankfully, this week, the American medical equipment supplier agreed to let a family member pick up a new machine rather than requiring she be present to pick up her overdue replacement. (She could not get a unit in 2021 or this past summer of 2022 due to supply chain problems.) Thank you to those who prayed for this!
HE'S GREATER THAN POTENTIAL TOMORROWS
(see In & Out and Under the Wire)
It is a relief to know that future activities are also in the hands of Someone Greater. We prayerfully plan activities, and He brings them to fruition, or not, in His timing. Our next training is again in Abidjan, November 7-11. For the third cycle, it will be a joy to help equip a class of Ivorian missionaries as they begin their ministries with their Baptist group. In addition, other entities who trained at the university this year also consider CHE training in their locales. In western Cote d'Ivoire, the training to reach lepers continues regularly. Several FWB groups continue needing follow-up, and the agricultural project in Bondoukou is on hold for a time because of Verlin's foot. He will have to tromp in fields, wield a machete at times, and generally be on his feet for extended periods for that endeavor. Pray for us to have wisdom in planning and mentoring the various varied groups.
HE'S GREATER THAN PROBLEMATIC TIMES
(see Hidden Team)
These difficult financial times for many remind us to rely even more on Someone Greater for our daily needs. Since our savings took an enormous hit over the past 18 months, we know the same is true for many of you, faithful ministry partners. Thank you for giving generously and helping keep us afloat! You amaze us, and we pray the Lord rewards your commitment to His Kingdom in unexpected and concrete ways. Giving to our supporting CHSC #0118 account in all three quarters is less than the past two years, as is reasonable to expect. However, several individuals gave extra, one-time gifts that made a difference during some hard months. If there ever was a time when you wondered whether the Andersons needed help, in small or large ways, the answer is a resounding yes! So let us keep working frugally and trust Him to multiply the bread and fish we offer.PRAYER AND PRAISE
- 🙏 Thank the Lord with us for another excellent year of CHE training at the university that potentiates change in churches and other communities around the nation. Pray that those trained find vibrant ways to apply CHE in their varied settings. Also, ask the Lord to guide the university team in taking over every aspect of the planning and execution of the week-long training. We continue to phase out additional elements of leadership each year. However, the principal role of facilitating the presence of varied and experienced trainers remains valued.
- 🙏 Thank the Lord with us for His healing and provision. We are very grateful that the medical supply company agreed to let a family member pick up Debbie's new CPAP machine. Pray for Verlin's foot to heal completely.
- 🙏 CHE training in western Cote d'Ivoire continues regularly for ministry to lepers. Ask the Lord to give this team great medical success and spiritual fruit for their labors targeting 60 villages in upcoming years.
- 🙏 Several Ivorian CHE trainers work in challenging environments, physically and spiritually. Therefore, pray for wisdom and protection from our Father.
- 🙏 Our next CHE training is November 7-11 in Abidjan. Pray the details shared during the training equip Ivorian missionaries as they go out to their places of ministry.
- 🙏 Ask the Lord for abundant giving to end the year well. We will incur extra expenses next year for housing repairs to enable guests to return contentedly or possibly move to a house in better condition.
| Your Partners in the Gospel, |
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| Verlin and Debbie |
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Family pics taken since choosing to serve as missionaries.
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