Slippery Slope

PDF Version:
AWA Weekly 230708 PDF

Taste and See (Psalm 34:8)

Wherefore now let the fear of the LORD be upon you; take heed and do it: for there is no iniquity with the LORD our God, nor respect of persons, nor taking of gifts.

—II Chron. 19:7

We appreciated the time on July 4th to contemplate God-given freedoms to do right that Americans enjoy. Still, we soberly note via various news sources that many freedoms become increasingly limited as ungodly ones get trumpeted. Warning signs have been ignored or unrecognized on the historical slippery slope that US citizens increasingly recognize (i.e., androgyny, gender confusion, monuments, non-biblical gynocentrism). The verse addresses three issues that trip many: not respecting (fearing) God as Lord in the world and our lives (as THE Law-Giver), showing partiality or favoritism to specific persons or groups of people, and giving or taking bribes. The verse is concrete and practical. Is it relevant? Consider the news that preoccupies US media. How many relate to twisted views concerning these issues? Sadly, the beloved US slides further down the slippery slope as leaders of all stripes pass laws endorsing sinful practices for gains of money, power, or notoriety. Still, we rejoice that individuals and organizations stand up to protect “liberty for all,” often at great personal sacrifice.

Debbie learned firsthand an example of the slippery slope existing in Cote d’Ivoire during recent trips by taxi. In our town, orange taxis take you where you want to go for 200 francs (about 40 cents). On several trips, she noticed the driver stopping to give police or gendarmes 1,000 francs and a notation made on paper. She asked one driver about it. If taxis have not passed inspection, drivers give officials 1,000 francs daily to keep their vehicles in service. Most of the nearly 300 taxi drivers have no money for repairs or to pass inspection, so close to 300,000 francs (around $545.00) is collected daily. How is that $16,000.00+ per month used, she wondered aloud. The driver just laughed, indicating his thoughts that the cash gets used corruptly. If taxis avoid the town center to pay the fine, they are hunted down by license plate and made to settle their account by day’s end. This explains why many taxis appear held together by a shoestring and a prayer!

Come and See (Psalm 66:5)

Worldview Evangelism tool developed
 by Verlin for use in W. Africa

Verlin has begun walking miles per day, rebuilding strength after the COVID vaccine reaction of last year. Last Sunday, a neighbor one street away who sells yams asked him to sit and chat. Verlin shared spiritually with him (and three of his Muslim friends) for over an hour. The door is open for further conversations, so pray. The search continues for another CHE trainer at the university. We received a “no” response from two more people that Verlin contacted, as he finished two financial reports. (Just three left!) Debbie completed the first walk through the Level 2 CHE lessons for the university.

Prayer & Praise

• 🙏 Thank the Lord that Debbie made it through the first edit of Level 2 (~TOT2) for the university setting! Pray that Verlin can evaluate and correct the work promptly.
   
• 🙏 Pray for the neighbors who listened intently to Verlin’s spiritual conversation so another DBS begins.
   
• 🙏 Pray that Ivorian believers courageously do not succumb to bribery or partiality in their workplaces. This is common and perpetuates the costly corruption most observe and accept as normal.
   
• 🙏 Ask the Lord to help our Ivorian brother working diligently to have his property rights legalized. Government offices still stall in giving him appointments and the paperwork needed.
  

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: Restarts
        - 230701 PDF
Prior Videos: Reflect and Rejoice
        - The Great Story
 

2023 Q1 Report: Go, Stay, Give
  -  1st 2023 Report 230513 PDF

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