Soldiering on

PDF Version:
AWA Weekly 230826 PDF

Taste and See (Psalm 34:8)

Soldiering on will take on a new context for the group of Ivorians with us this week as the CHE university events get underway. The university will host its third related Scientific Congress on Thursday and Friday using the theme “Determinants of Health and Community Development” (French Website Link). This event lets CHE practitioners report and publish how their soldiering on efforts in using Community Health Engagement throughout the country impact themselves and their neighbors. Some CHE ministries in remote places and many medical professionals using CHE activities will be represented.

Black Soldier Fly
A second event will occur on Saturday, September 2, at the Christian marriage center of Arc-en-Christ (translates to Alliance for the Restoration of Marital Happiness in Christ). The ministry has effectively saved marriages for nearly 30 years and was founded by Professor Luc Kouadio and his wife, Deborah. Volunteers who they trained have hosted and served the CHE trainers since 2015. This year, they will also sponsor an all-day seminar on raising Black Soldier Flies (BSF) as a protein feed that diminishes costs while improving the resulting animal product(s). Tope Obaweya, a dear Nigerian friend, will lead the seminar. Using BSF for feed is a remarkable, cost-saving method that improves several forms of animal husbandry. Ivorians involved in CHE are eager to learn the BSF method of soldiering on (yes, pun intended!) to improve poultry, chicken, and pork production.

During the third event, composed of five Training of Trainers (TOT) classes, Tope’s husband, Dayo, will again oversee the Level 3 Micro-Enterprise Development (MED) course for the CHE training Sept. 4-8 at the UFHB Science Center. Dayo has been a good friend for years and serves as president of the Global CHE Network advisory council and regional CHE leader serving with Medical Ambassadors International.

Come and See (Psalm 66:5)

Verlin has been soldiering on with his slow-to-heal foot as carefully as possible despite days full of lesson revisions, calls, activities, and meetings. The foot is bearable and better but not healed. Taking three days off of it slowed set-up operations but let him drive by Thursday. On Wednesday, we will move from a missionary guest house to be lodged by our Ivorian hosts for two weeks.

Please join with us in praying for the upcoming events listed below:
  • • August 31–September 1: CHE Scientific Congress at the university

  • • September 2: Black Soldier Fly seminar at Arc-en-Christ

  • • September 2: Political elections in Cote d’Ivoire (mayoral and regional councils)

  • • Sept. 4-8: 5-day CHE training at the University FHB (2 or 3 classes of TOT1, one TOT 2, plus a CHE MED TOT). We await some trainers to confirm if 18 or 20 will lead the lessons.

Prayer & Praise

  • 🙏 Pray for the Scientific Congress this coming Thursday and Friday at the UFHB Science Center, where people using the CHE strategy give reports of their successes and challenges. Pray for good attendance at the Saturday CHE seminar on using the Black Soldier Fly (BSF) as animal and fish protein feed, too.

  • 🙏 Give thanks for lodging graciously provided during the training by the Christian marriage ministry of people we thankfully know as friends, Luc and Deborah. They and those volunteering serve all the CHE trainers with humility, generosity, and excellence. (Most of the leaders have been CHE trained.)

  • 🙏 Debbie’s mom, Sandra Payne, will have a cancer spot removed from her face this week. Pray for a smooth Moh's procedure on Tuesday and no recurrence of the basal cell carcinoma.
     
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 - specifying Verlin and Debbie Anderson in the optional Memo.
 
Prior: Hidden Among us
        - 230819 PDF
Prior Videos: Reflect and Rejoice
        - The Great Story
 
2022 Budget Info (Completed):
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:

Hidden Among us

PDF Version:
AWA Weekly 230819 PDF

Taste and See (Psalm 34:8)

As we walk through this world, many people's spiritual and physical needs are visible to discerning eyes. However, at times suffering souls are hidden among us. We traveled from Bondoukou to Abidjan on Thursday and ate lunch with a highly engaged Ivorian CHE trainer. He gave a report stunning the concerned medical community. It related to findings and progress of the CHE endeavors that screen and initiate leprosy treatment in western Cote d'Ivoire. When the first screening was completed, they identified 6 leprosy cases in 1,500 people. One leper in a population of 100,000 is considered an infected area that merits screening, training, and treatment. Indeed the local population was shocked to learn of so many lepers hidden among us in their communities. Once an individual with leprosy is identified, the whole family needs preventive treatment. The findings of that one screening provided an earthquake of awareness in the whole area. It now motivates the entire population to be tested and treated.

One of the vast blessings of the situation is how the CHE teams engaged with God to help people. Their careful advertising of the service and promoting health teaching about leprosy removed the shame and guilt associated with the disease. This approach that our joint efforts facilitated encouraged all village members to be tested. In addition, the established local CHE committees renew defunct health committees now responsible for following up with lepers and their families. These overseers ensure that affected community members continue their treatments and report any problems. As proven in generations of CHE-initiated projects, this local locus of control dramatically increases participation and the probability of success. Praise God for this beautiful beginning to help the suffering lepers hidden among us in Cote d'Ivoire! CHE strategies put into use continue growing in impact around the country.

Come and See (Psalm 66:5)



At times, the hidden among us are not the suffering sick. They are saints endowed with specific skills not always used. The Lord provided such a person to us this week! Knowing Verlin would risk further damage to an injured foot by driving the 7 hours to Abidjan, we sought an experienced Ivorian driver licensed to pull a trailer. Such people are rare here, but it "just so happened" that a faithful brother of the FWB church we attend was a driver of a United Nations transport for years. The brother made himself available.
Truck on delivery to one site, see fb
He safely took us to the outskirts of Abidjan Thursday evening after spending 8 hours during two days driving around Bondoukou learning from Verlin to safely drive a smaller vehicle towing a trailer. On the trip to Abidjan, he stepped down to visit an uncle; Verlin drove the last hour to the guest house. The Lord's provision continually impresses us!

Prayer & Praise

  • 🙏 Thank the Lord with us for a safe trip to Abidjan. We are so grateful He provided an experienced driver so Verlin's foot could rest. In addition, Verlin's foot condition improves, albeit staying sore due to much activity. Pray the pain continues reducing due to alternating warm and cold water foot soaks each morning and evening over the next two weeks.
     
  • 🙏 Continue to pray for the CHE groups in western Cote d'Ivoire, providing leprosy screening and treatment in villages. The CHE committees follow up with those stricken with the disease to make sure they and their families faithfully take the free medication provided.
  • 🙏 Verlin was mercifully enabled to quickly replace our broken printer on Friday! We now have the means to patch in and cover any last-minute printing required for materials during university events we and fellow CHE team trainers facilitate.
     
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 - specifying Verlin and Debbie Anderson in the optional Memo.
 
Prior: Fair Warning
        - 230812 PDF
Prior Videos: Reflect and Rejoice
        - The Great Story
 
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:

Fair Warning

PDF Version:
AWA Weekly 230812 PDF

Taste and See (Psalm 34:8)

Our Heavenly Father gives fair warning that his children should expect trials in their Christian walk. Jesus repeatedly prepared His disciples to expect troubles, trials, and persecution but to remain of good cheer: He already had overcome the world! (John 16:33) Paul similarly gave fair warning about persecution and imprisonment while living through it! All believers can expect many obstacles while following Jesus, though thankfully, our trials have been fewer compared to other believers.

Last Sunday at church, members of the congregation gave testimonies. One brother had experienced a distinct fair warning about an upcoming trial. Thursday was his day to fast per our church’s assignment to members of days to pray and fast. During the week, this man received a call from a friend warning him that someone would try to ruin his name. Taking this as a possible message from the Lord, he decided to fast the week, not only Thursday! On Sunday, he received an angry phone call from an unknown man. He accused this believer of having an illicit relationship with his wife because he had found a piece of paper with our brother’s phone number in his wife’s possession. He attempted to assure the jealous husband that he did not even know the woman but to no avail. The man convoked him to the police station that week.

The police agent heard both men’s stories and finally helped the jealous husband see reason. There was no proof in our brother’s phone or the wife’s that they had ever spoken to one another. Our brother added that if they were trying to have an affair, wouldn’t his wife have hidden the number instead of leaving it in plain sight? The policeman then asked our brother if he wanted to register a complaint or seek compensation since he was falsely accused. Instead, he shared a short testimony and forgave the husband. In church, he praised God for the fair warning of trouble coming and the deliverance the Lord provided. As to where this woman got the paper with his number, he presumed that it might have been on a scrap piece of paper at a photocopy shop where he made copies for work. Only God knows.

Come and See (Psalm 66:5)

Numerous times in the past, we have received fair warning that the Enemy was not pleased with an upcoming Community Health Evangelism (CHE) training. All sorts of obstacles could have hindered the spread of the Gospel and good health practices, but they did not succeed. Those included conflicts, vehicle problems, sickness, computer crashes, and even the deaths of beloved CHE trainers who left grieving widows and children. One was killed on the street by a vehicle just hours before a university training week began.

This year is no different as we leave Thursday for Abidjan as preparations for the university CHE training continue. Just two days ago, Verlin reinjured his left ankle doing side planks, making it difficult to put weight on it. Even being in a seated position hurts. (Praise the Lord, however, there are elastic ankle supports available in Bondoukou now as the market size has grown!) Debbie can drive to Abidjan but not pull the trailer as needed for this trip. Her Ivorian driver’s license does not permit it. (Also, The slower pace and risk due to lack of experience on the road might also give Verlin a heart attack.) Even Ivorian truck drivers with the needed license rarely know how to drive smaller vehicles safely with an attached trailer.

Prayer & Praise

  • 🙏 Pray for our travel to Abidjan on Thursday as we begin the two weeks of preparation before the CHE university training. With Verlin’s reduced ankle mobility, ask the Lord to provide people to help in various capacities along the way. We trust the Lord to get the HiLux with trailer safely to Abidjan. Pray for solutions to all obstacles that complicate a smooth training session.
     
  • 🙏 Thank the Lord that Verlin’s chest infection continues to heal. Pray for supernatural help with his pain level in the ankle and chest.
     
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 - specifying Verlin and Debbie Anderson in the optional Memo.
 
Prior: Pros and Cons
        - 230805 PDF
Prior Videos: Reflect and Rejoice
        - The Great Story
 
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:

Pros and Cons

PDF Version:
AWA Weekly 230805 PDF

Taste and See (Psalm 34:8)

The Lord directs the life decisions of His children in various ways. The Creator speaks a clear word behind us saying, This is the way; walk in it. (Isa. 30:21). (Deepen by consulting a commentary.) On other occasions, His direction on the Way seems less precise because of some ignorance on our part, leaving us to consider the pros and cons of specific choices with fervent prayer. The prayers lead us to trust that Jesus orchestrates the outcome of our work for good.

Screenshot of 07/29/23 meeting
Shared with permission
For overseas missionaries, complex topics surround evaluating the pros and cons of means to educate their children. What is the best solution in their unique setting to rear productive, well-adjusted adults who love Jesus through life? Sometimes the diverse opinions of family, friends, and coworkers complicate decisions. Last Saturday, with the support of our mission's Member Care Coordinator (Joy Vonk), Debbie gladly led the discussion during a recorded Zoom call about various options for educating missionary kids (MKs) overseas. Since many Christian Health Service Corps (CHSC) families struggle with this decision, the session was designed to equip and encourage them in making decisions upon shalom. (i.e., Which decision best enables peace with God, self, others, and the Creation now?) Discussing and evaluating the pros and cons of using national, international, boarding, or home schools helped. This session is part of an ongoing ministry to CHSC missionaries entitled 'MK Moments,' a forum to share information and encourage dialog.

Come and See (Psalm 66:5)

This week, Verlin paused intense exercise, rested, and took some meds to see his infection begin to heal! Last Sunday, considering the pros and cons of appropriate oral antibiotics versus training his gut's microbiome, he decided the pros 'for' outweighed the cons 'against.' He outlined details for a Care Plan and started treatment. For now, the choice seems wise. We appreciate not having to travel for an opinion. Also, he connected with another person while seeking the desired CHE trainer for the university. We should know by next weekend if a brother from Burkina Faso can come to observe and teach using LePSAS lesson plans.

Prayer & Praise

  • 🙏 Thank the Lord that God heals our infections! Pray that no complications develop.
     
  • 🙏 Pray that missionaries facing choices while rearing their children overseas gain wisdom in dealing with schooling issues and finding healthy friendships. Also, pray a solution arises for the slowed Internet connection that hinders video conferencing like Debbie facilitated.
     
  • 🙏 Ivorian elections will occur during the week of the CHE university training. Although this one is not a presidential election, there are still often areas of unrest during the voting. Pray for a peaceful election process.
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 - specifying Verlin and Debbie Anderson in the optional Memo.
 
Prior: Every Breath
        - 230729 PDF
Prior Videos: Reflect and Rejoice
        - The Great Story
 
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
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