Circuit-Riding

PDF Version:
AWA Weekly 231028 PDF

Taste and See (Psalm 34:8)

A colorful and important part of American Christian history is the story of circuit-riding preachers. Although the Methodist movement was likely the most highly organized and documented, Baptists and other groups also used traveling preachers to share Christ. Hundreds of thousands of early Americans were saved, blessed, and comforted by these sacrificial servants of God. Foreign nations and regions just coming under the influence of the Gospel often take a similar approach of circuit preaching—although the method of travel is most often a small motorcyle , bicycle, or on foot. FWB Ivorian preachers usually have a circuit in their region, since there are far more small groups meeting than pastors available. Some endure the conditions of American circuit-riders, but none we know cover 200 to 500 miles of territory.

Verlin enjoys pointing out that American circuit-riding nurses often followed in the tracks of the preachers to help with the medical needs of remote populations. In early days of settling America, judges also would travel circuits for work, among other professionals. The lessons learned and examples set by circuit-riding workers prove very helpful in Community Health Evangelism (CHE) ministries around the world. Primarily, they demonstrate the importance of taking the truth locally to the people, rather than expecting poor, rural populations to come for centralized help.

Come and See (Psalm 66:5)

Verlin completed his own version of circuit-riding this week. Tuesday through Saturday he made a circle from Abidjan up through western Cote d’Ivoire and back across and down to Bondoukou. The aim of his visit to several different towns, conversing with both individuals and groups, was to encourage current CHE trainers at work and to reconnect with several entities considering adopting CHE or who want training. We seek facilities scattered around the nation to host regular CHE trainings. Three locations are already in place, and this trip fanned the flame for six other potential sites. One CHE leader who attended the CHE Internship in Ghana earlier this year shared how what he learned is helping in ministry. He has connected with around 25 other pastors in his area who plan to collaborate on some CHE endeavors. Another pastor in a large city looks ready to host a training next year.

Prayer & Praise

• 🙏 Thank the Lord for His hand on Verlin’s trip and encounters as he traveled in remote areas of western and central Cote d’Ivoire! He arrived home late Saturday night.
   
• 🙏 Pray for a new Discovery Bible Study (DBS) being led by an Ivorian brother here in Bondoukou.
   
• 🙏 Pray for the family of a FWB pastor who died last week, Pastor Danso. An elderly man in his 80s, his death occurred only weeks after the National Association recognized his retirement and years of service.
   

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: Alert
        - 231021 PDF
Prior Videos: Simple Servants
        - Reflect & Rejoice
 

2023 Q2 Report: Pruning Priorities
  -  2nd Q 2023 Report 230722 PDF

2022 Budget 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

Debbie's Facebook Page

 

Verlin's Facebook Page

Alert

PDF Version:
AWA Weekly 231021 PDF

Taste and See (Psalm 34:8)

During our travels to Abidjan to expose Community Health Engagement/Education/Evangelism (CHE) training for community leaders at the university some weeks ago, we mentioned hiring and training a Christian brother to drive our vehicle with a trailer since Verlin’s foot remained weak. Paul drove excellently, having learned defensive driving while engaged by the UN during their peacekeeping mission. We noted his efforts to stay alert. We stopped halfway to meet, stretch, and eat, but he declined a full meal and drank a little so he would not get groggy. He sought to keep his senses on high alert. On reflection, his discipline reminded us that distractions can be deadly. When a child learns to walk here, they must now observe traffic and look for snakes after dark in Africa. We must monitor our puppies as they explore the yard lest they fall prey to Parvo from known risks or get stuck somewhere. (Debbie got soaked this week in a thunderstorm while searching for one missing puppy that could not find its way out of the cage.) These are just a sampling of daily things humans naturally do in the physical realm to avert dangers to life and liberty.

As followers of Christ, we know the Apostle Peter characterizes Satanic opposition as a prowling lion threatening our life and liberty. Many neglect the need to stay alert in spiritual realms. All know of lives destroyed by “harmless” online friendships, sampling recreational drugs, dabbling in the occult, or rationalizing small thefts or entertainment distractions that form sinful habits. No wonder Scripture warns us to “keep our heart with all diligence” in Proverbs 4:23. Verlin exchanged experiences with a collegial friend this week who sought others experienced with exorcisms when Satanic traps take prisoners. The stakes are high when our walk with the Lord grows careless.

On the side of positive outcomes, opportunities to serve and witness abound whe we remain alert. Last Sunday, Debbie chatted with some church leaders about the university opening in Bondoukou in January. They agreed that Discovery Bible Studies (DBS) would be an excellent outreach opportunity for believers who think ahead and prepare to engage with students. Verlin planned Community Health Evangelism trainings this week because of prior astute observations during a funeral and while walking to regain strength. Most readers have experienced how kindness or responding to a distressed stranger can lead to spiritual conversations. We must stay alert and maintain some outward focus, not only inward ones.

Come and See (Psalm 66:5)

Thankfully, the Lord allowed Verlin to stay alert as he drove Wednesday night to Abidjan. This last trip plans meetings, obtains supplies, and connects believers in ministry before we leave. His meeting with the CHE leader who arranges three consecutive weeklong CHE trainings was profitable. Verlin will miss being able to assist the training accommodating succession for a large denomination by raising a second generation of CHE leaders in their ranks. However, he provided names of alternative trainers and suggested approaches while hoping to help in follow-up trainings next April, since we have followed with this group since 2007. He continues his travels to north-central Cote d’Ivoire to visit other pastors using or considering using CHE strategies. At his return to Bondoukou next week, we will focus on prepping for 3 months in the US.

Prayer & Praise

You never know what you'll
see driving. This vehicle had
bad springs, shocks, & tires.

      
• 🙏 Pray for Verlin’s travel and visits to CHE trainers/pastors this weekend and early next week.
   
      
• 🙏 Thank the Lord that Verlin was able to connect an Abidjan missionary with a Lebanese friend with hopes of future outreach to some of the over 600,000 Lebanese in Cote d’Ivoire.
   
• 🙏 During more than 16 hours of online testing and assessment, Debbie stayed alert this week. Verlin will complete these and other assessments while in the States, a part of our “head to toe” check-ups recommended by our mission.
   

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: Resolute
        - 231014 PDF
Prior Videos: Simple Servants
        - Reflect & Rejoice
 

2023 Q2 Report: Pruning Priorities
  -  2nd Q 2023 Report 230722 PDF

2022 Budget 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

                                                                                                       

Debbie's Facebook Page

 

                                                                                                       

Verlin's Facebook Page

Resolute

PDF Version:
AWA Weekly 231014 PDF

Taste and See (Psalm 34:8)

"For the Lord God will help me…therefore, have I set my face like a flint." (Isa. 50:7)

Amidst the horror and carnage that began in the Gaza Strip one week ago causing headaches around the Resolute Desk, we observe with gratefulness the resolute nature of the Israelis. The entire world watched them seamlessly segue from "Rachel weeping for her children" (Jer. 31:15) to a formidable, unwavering adversary counting on the LORD to "train their hands for war" (Ps. 144:1). Of course, we realize that Palestinians are equally resolute in their belief that the Gaza Strip is theirs. After all, they resided and exercised political control over all of Palestine during much of the last two millennia, with little of the Promised People present until the British Empire got politically forced to observe the Balfour Declaration and give the Jews a home after World War II. Politics aside, though, we again see the descendants of Jacob and Esau, the grandsons of Abraham, clash as prophesied in the Bible (Gen. 16:10-12). In joining those who pray for peace, help for the hurting, and the conflict to be contained, we also pray for the Church. May we resolutely engage in our generation's spiritual battles concerning family security, freedom to worship publicly, and stewardship of the Creation. May we evade distraction or complacency, setting our faces like flint to find peace (shalom) using truthful faith.

Come and See (Psalm 66:5)

In the Ivorian context, we gratefully pray for CHE workers who ignore naysayers and resolutely continue to implement CHE strategies at home, at work, and in their ministries. Verlin spoke by phone this week with several. One who we first trained eighteen years ago runs an NGO. This nurse received an award in Abidjan from the nation's President for his successful medical work in northeastern Cote d'Ivoire while we did the 2022 UFHB CHE Training that he attended to refresh his knowledge in 2018. He thanked Verlin for teaching him to apply CHE principles he daily inculcates and facilitates through his work to save many physically. Praise God!

Example of snail farming

In a second communication, we learned of CHE team activities within a denomination we initiated training in 2007 and at large in 2017. Their groups of Baptist theological origin or influence investigate different local resources to supervise using micro-enterprises. One newer project is growing snails. This same CHE leader intends to connect Verlin with a Bible Institute later this month to discuss hosting annual CHE trainings. He also asked us to complete three CHE trainings in their growing ministries. Praise God for this faithful brother's hard work despite his cardiovascular health concerns!

Prayer & Praise

• 🙏 Pray for Verlin's travels, taking him to Abidjan and maybe Man. Ask for a good exchange with Bible Institute leaders so that a 4th regional CHE training center develops.
   
• 🙏 Pray for recently trained CHE workers who begin projects and ministries in various places. Continue to intercede for the ongoing efforts to save lepers in western CI.
   
• 🙏 We leave for the States in just one month with many activities to complete before the flight. Pray for extra strength and wisdom extended to us in the present flurry of activity
   

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: Frail Children
        - 231007 PDF
Prior Videos: Simple Servants
        - Reflect & Rejoice
 

2023 Q2 Report: Pruning Priorities
  -  2nd Q 2023 Report 230722 PDF

2022 Budget 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

Debbie's Facebook Page

 

Verlin's Facebook Page

Frail Children

PDF Version:
AWA Weekly 231007 PDF

Taste and See (Psalm 34:8)

Frail children of dust, and feeble as frail,
In Thee do we trust, nor find Thee to fail;
Thy mercies how tender how firm to the end,
Our Maker, Defender, Redeemer, and Friend.

—Robert Grant

We love the old hymn "O Worship the King" (fourth verse above). Frankly, the truths in the song resonate more now than when we sang it as children. Maybe it is because we feel more aches and pains from passing decades of being "frail children of dust." Or perhaps we are just more in tune with our human limitations and His infinite grandeur and capacities. Either way, the shoe fits!

The past two years have been busy, and the busyness seems to increase as we age. We also encounter challenges from the COVID-19 era that need addressing to engage for the next eight to fifteen years confidently. Debbie continues to deal with suspected long COVID effects from her second bout in December 2022. As Verlin started walks to get to over 8 miles several days a week now, (less than half of his 2019 walk capacity in a day), he endured foot and knee injuries. It is also possible that passing symptoms related to his reaction to the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine received in early 2022 still dog him, though  unrecognized. As the Ivorian CHE ministry continues to thrive and our presence still stokes the fire or fans ember to flame, we want to verify that there is nothing to keep us from spending the next decade serving King Jesus with increasingly vibrant health and energy. Due to Debbie's verbalized concerns last time in the States, mission leaders at Christian Health Service Corps asked us to get a Stateside battery of "head-to-toe" tests to investigate and address potential issues. Since Verlin missed his mid-year physicals in '22 and '23, taking this time seems reasonable as a checkpoint. His other 'oscopies' are past due by five years, as well.

In all cases, diet and activity changes enacted post-COVID appear to boost our well-being, longevity, and usefulness. Debbie’s skin has never been smoother; Verlin’s tongue and nailbeds never more pink. So, we return to the States in mid-November, projecting our return in early February after getting our stateside exams done. Thanks for praying with us through the process. The downside is a possible slowing of activity here; the upside is confirmation of wellbeing to vigorously continue work. A blessed side benefit will be a rare chance to see family, friends, and ministry partners during Christmas rather than July!

Come and See (Psalm 66:5)

Thankfully, recognizing our status as frail children does not hinder but strengthens our Father's work through us. In fact, Paul reminds us that when we are weak, we get stronger (2 Cor. 12:10). We gain experiential understanding as Verlin has seen others step into the void COVID and our slowness brought. We thank God for Paul's example to "take pleasure" and "be content" in infirmities, reproaches, and distress. These experiences are part of our Maker and Defender's plan.

Verlin returned home on Tuesday night after non-stop 17-19 hour days for eight weeks. As he finished in Abidjan, the Lord gave him many opportunities to encourage the faithful and make ministry connections. He needs to make two more trips out of town before our travels to the States. The whirlwind of activity and contacts for us to complete in the next month and a week will continue to swirl. The UFHB time stoked it. We want to prioritize well to get the essentials done.

Prayer & Praise

• 🙏 Thank the Lord for a good finish in Abidjan. Verlin made

  

  Washer with no leak!

  it home and installed replacements for 23-25 y.o. (or older) appliances made possible by a generous ministry partner. We now have a washer that does not leak on the floor and a certain way to dry clothes in the rainy season.
   
• 🙏 Pray for efforts related to setting up a regular CHE training site at a Bible Institute in western Cote d'Ivoire. Pray that the two new pastor contacts in Abidjan who desire to pursue CHE training to use the strategy add to the overall national effort.
   
• 🙏 Pray for the many details we must cover in the next few weeks before our trip to the States. Pray our 'mountain' priorities remain preeminent over the proverbial 'molehills'; that we experience the grace to get the necessary done.
   

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: Au Secours
        - 230930 PDF
Prior Videos: Simple Servants
        - Reflect & Rejoice
 

2023 Q2 Report: Pruning Priorities
  -  2nd Q 2023 Report 230722 PDF

2022 Budget 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

Debbie's Facebook Page

 

Verlin's Facebook Page