Squeeze

PDF Version: AWA Weekly 221105 PDF

Taste and See (Psalm 34:8)

Romans 12:2 talks about not letting the world squeeze us into its mold, a temptation for all believers. Last week, M., the CHE trainer who initiated the Bondoukou mushroom project, gave a stirring example of this principle. Some time ago, an Ivorian friend came to talk with M. He admitted to M. that he paid one million francs (about $1,800 then) to grease the palm of a teacher so his son would pass his high school graduation exam. Despite the cash paid, his son still failed! M. then confronted this father, a professing Christian, with the truth of Romans 12:2 and advised him to repent immediately, which the man did. The following year, the teen re-took the exam. This time, he passed—no bribes involved! This experience represents a huge spiritual victory whenever it happens in our environment. Bribes are considered requisite to get anything done.

(Such payments are not considered ‘corrupt’ by many living here. The cash given gets regarded as a fee recognizing the reality of a person’s authority. As God’s revealed law against bribes has never been adopted culturally, such payments supposedly recognize a God-ordained power structure. Nation-state ideas defining such ‘gifts’ as ‘bribes’ among equals get reconsidered for cultural relevancy. Modern mission theory on the subject is divided mostly into two masses of opinion. Still, measured economic realities indicate that poverty remains deepest where bribes are most practiced. Rest assured that God never changes his Word uttered since before time in the Garden. He consistently reinforces that widespread cultural blessing follows collaborative obedience to Him, not simply a desire for more. This remains historically and presently demonstrable in the rise and fall of nations. If you like, deepen your knowledge later by perusing this PDF link of links.)

Dried Mushrooms

In addition, M. gave a progress report on the mushroom project that surprised us. Over 180 people from several villages now collaborate in this agricultural endeavor. They experienced several failures in their first efforts but persevered. They recently harvested kilos! As their products and clientele grow, M. knows two significant aspects lacking for their group to solidify long-term success. One step is to gain formal recognition by the government as a viable agricultural entity. Paperwork is now in process to accomplish that. Once granted this approval, he plans to host a CHE micro-enterprise training locally, anticipating around 600 participants.

M. learned the second needed aspect recognized at the CHE micro-enterprise training he attended at the university in September. Millions of businesses fail globally, where dishonesty, laziness, and the misuse of funds like bribes abound. The squeeze of the world’s system that focuses each on self-centered gain and protection suffocates desired progress. Earnest progress grows from focused pursuits of shalom by integrating principles of honest interpersonal exchange on raising an enterprise from humble beginnings. M. shared what he learned in the CHE micro-enterprise sessions about the necessity of honesty and work. The 180 who now collaborate in the project knew from experience and observation that what he reported to them was true. As a result, ALL agreed (including Muslims and many other unsaved) to participate in Bible-based studies where they can learn these God-given principles! This week we gave him 50 copies of the Discovery Bible Study sheets to facilitate enlarging the ongoing process that he has been developing for over two years.

Come and See (Psalm 66:5)

November 7-11, we will squeeze as much information as possible about Community Health Evangelism (CHE) and Disciple-Making Movements (DMM) into the lives of 15-25 newly-trained Ivorian missionaries. This is the third CHE training we have led (the fifth facilitated) for our General Baptist friends in Cote d’Ivoire. Leadership wants CHE in the ministry toolbox of these missionaries before they embark in service.

Prayer & Praise

• 🙏 Pray for a great CHE training November 7-11. We are grateful that other CHE trainers assist us so we can better know God’s grace now touches others through them. Another cost-reducing blessing for the Training of Trainers 1 (TOT1) is that we can stay at the home of missionary friends in Abidjan.

• 🙏 Pray for government recognition of the mushroom project entity. If the project becomes recognized, it will simplify future steps, and some government funds may be available. Pray for the unsaved who will be exposed to the Gospel in Bible studies via the mushroom project.

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 - specifying Verlin and Debbie Anderson in the optional Memo.

Prior: Flock
        - 221029 PDF
Prior Videos: Reflect and Rejoice
        - The Great Story

2022 Q2 Report: Someone Greater
  -  2022 2Q Anderson Report 220521 PDF

2022 Budget Info:
CHSC-0118_ANDERSON-2022-Budget.pdf
 
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