Comfort

Taste and See (Psalm 34:8)

There is one political maxim which comforts me, "The Lord reigns."—John Newton


240629-Happy-4th
Thankful!
Happy Fourth of July! Perhaps, like us, you find John Newton's reminder a comfort, especially after this week's presidential debate (The link is to a reading engaging 3 Psalms; Click here for the read text.) In recent years, many have repeatedly wondered with us, can our nation not do better than either of these men? If it is any comfort, Ivorians suffer the same plight at election times, with much less money spent! How sad we've let the election of political leaders become such a costly, partisan affair. Still, we treasure the greater relative freedom and security we enjoy today in America, thanks to the prayers, blood, sweat, and tears of incredibly patriotic believers gone on before. May ours not be the generation that lets unparalleled blessings be lessened, even possibly snatched away due to sinful choices.

America! America!
God mend thine every flaw,
Confirm thy soul in self-control,
Thy liberty in law.

America the Beautiful by Katharine Lee Bates

Come and See (Psalm 34:8)

This week, we have quietly yet feverishly worked together while at home to organize receipts and expenses. We remain significantly behind in completing mission financial reports. Deb learns to work the system developed over two decades to accurately report to the penny expenses in three or four different monetary currencies. The challenge presents 'bugaboos' at times. Apart from some wonderful family and grandparents' time on the 4th and after, our job description will continue to be the same next week. Pray we make excellent progress with few interruptions while cherishing moments with family, too.

Prayer & Praise

  • 🙏 Pray for safe travels for our Ivorian brother Emmanuel, who travels in Europe.
     
  • 🙏 Continue to pray for a new venue for the CHE conference in Cote d'Ivoire this fall.
     
  • 🙏 Our granddaughter, Chelsea, will have ear surgery to implant a new cochlear device on July 10th. Although cochlear implants usually last a lifetime, hers dislodged unexpectedly. Pray that the Vanderbilt surgeon will succeed in this second surgery and that she has no complications.
Your partners in the Gospel,
Verlin & Debbie
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: Filter
        - 240622 PDF

Prior Videos: Simple Servants
        - Reflect & Rejoice

 
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

Filter

Taste and See (Psalm 34:8)

Isn’t it difficult at times to filter all the information that bombards us through the grid of Scriptural truth? Taking every thought captive in obedience to Christ (2 Cor. 10:5) is no easy task! With a deluge of negativity and outright lies in the news, how can we follow the Lord’s command to think about things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of good report (Phil.4:8)? In the past few years, we have walked through cognitive issues related to COVID and labored to spiritually transform our thought lives. There remains so MUCH work to do! In the process, we study Scripture, read numerous books, and filter through hundreds of sermons, podcasts, and interviews about cognitive processes and renewing the mind. Many ignore the spiritual and focus only on the mental. Others emphasize Scripture but ignore scientific evidence about changing thoughts using reflection and nutrition.


240622-Winning-the-War
Winning the War
Debbie recently discovered a Christian book that melds the two appropriately, though the author touches little on nutri-pharmaceutical processes. She is in a Bible study using the book Winning the War in Your Mind: Change Your Thinking, Change Your Life by Craig Groeschel. Pastor Groeschel speaks frankly about the lies he mentally believed and rehearsed that hindered his progress in Christ. He provides simple Biblical tools to learn how to mentally walk in Christ’s victory. His sermon series is available for free on YouTube, starting here. If you have struggled with how to escape the mental Ferris wheel of fear, worry, negativity, addictions, or other psychological and physical strongholds, perhaps the Lord may use this resource to encourage you as it has Debbie. While not agreeing on every detail of doctrine or church approach, Groeschel’s information is Biblically sound and immensely practical on this topic.

Come and See (Psalm 34:8)

Verlin returned safely home to Tennessee on Friday afternoon. His time in Michigan finished well, with new friends and ministry partners. During the week, he also spoke with one Ivorian CHE coworker, Emmanuel, about the upcoming CHE West African summit that Cote d’Ivoire will host this fall. Sadly, the location Emmanuel thought was reserved for the conference fell through. He begins a time-consuming and stressful search for a new location and lodging for the visitors who will come. Pray as our brother filters through choices. Debbie felt a slight improvement in her knee this week as she continues to address some of her parents’ needs.

Prayer & Praise

  • 🙏 We thank the Lord for Verlin’s safe travels back to Tennessee and good meetings in Michigan. Again, we are grateful to the friend who gave his airline points to pay for Verlin’s trip home! Such a blessing! We praise the Lord for other ministry partners who donated an oxygen machine that may be helpful for Debbie’s mother in the future.
     
  • 🙏 Debbie continues to work through some critical needs for her parents. Pray for wisdom and help with upcoming decisions.
     
  • 🙏 Pray that Emmanuel finds a new location for the West African CHE meeting that will happen in Cote d’Ivoire this fall. The place he had reserved fell through, so ask the Lord to provide. Continue to pray for the preparation for the university CHE training, too
Your partners in the Gospel,
Verlin & Debbie
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: Unsung
        - 240615 PDF

Prior Videos: Simple Servants
        - Reflect & Rejoice

 
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
> >

Unsung

Taste and See (Psalm 34:8)

A good father is one of the most unsung, unpraised, unnoticed, and yet one of the most valuable assets in our society...If there were no heaven and no hell, I would still want to be a Christian because of what it does for our homes and our families in this life.—Billy Graham

Happy Father's Day to some of the most unsung heroes in the world! Every time we return to the States, we are dismayed by the downward cultural spiral of minimizing and mocking the role of men—particularly fathers. Commercials, TV shows, and movies frequently portray men as buffoons, losers, or violent avengers rather than patient and loving God-fearers who build new horizons for new generations. The percentage is shocking. Although we do not want to discount the extraordinary number of women who largely succeed in rearing their children alone, the sociological and psychological data is clear: girls and boys need their fathers

240615-Verlin-and-his-dad
Father and son
We praise God that our two fathers shaped our lives by actively participating in homelife! Their devotion to Jesus shaped the family during our childhoods. The Lord gave the Church vibrant means to influence boys and girls in our families and communities: exemplary, loving, Godly male role models. The picture shows one of the last hugs Verlin and his father shared at an airport. Goodbyes were later shared at home as Earl's suffering through dementia sped his passage to Heaven in January of 2011. However, 'Dad' Anderson consistently did not say goodbye; he said, "See you next time." His lifetime patterns of godliness shone even in those last days when emotional drives overpowered confused reasoning circuits. We expect our "next time" will be a glorious reunion!

Come and See (Psalm 34:8)

Verlin continues to visit long-term ministry partners and make friends in Michigan. He heard a recurring theme this week during six visits. More than one pastor or church member expressed their desire for their fellowship not to get distracted by cycles of gimmicks to rope people into a church building for prospecting. Instead, leaders seek Biblical, Godly ways to impact families within their communities using Bible studies, like we use Discovery Bible Studies (DBS) in the context of Community Health Evangelism (CHE). Verlin anticipates rejoining Debbie next week in Tennessee as we work out continuing these emphases in Cote d'Ivoire in July while family needs are met.

Prayer & Praise

  • 🙏 Pray fathers recover knowledge and confidence in their inestimable, unsung worth in family life to see God's will be done on earth as in Heaven! May the Holy Spirit's power embolden more to step by faith and provide, protect, and prepare their offspring to live abundantly in this generation.
     
  • 🙏 Pray churches validate or shift their methods to reach people as needed so that moral values sustaining life are rebuilt. Ask the Heavenly Father to draw others to use powerful means, like Discovery Bible Studies, to equip men and women to lead their families with purpose and strength.
     
  • 🙏 A doctor's visit with x-rays revealed that Debbie's present knee and leg pain is due to an inflamed pes anserine bursa. Rest, massage, ice application, and heavy-duty anti-inflammatories have been recommended to regulate the problem within six to eight weeks.
Your partners in the Gospel,
Verlin & Debbie
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: Persistent Pray-ers
        - 240608 PDF

Prior Videos: Simple Servants
        - Reflect & Rejoice

 
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
> >

Persistent Pray-ers

Taste and See (Psalm 34:8)

240608-Gift-dishes
Still have the dishes!
Last Sunday, Debbie spoke with a Michigan friend who helped us get dishes and other essentials after we evacuated from Cote d'Ivoire in 2002 during a political crisis. This dear sister has personally experienced a loving team of persistent pray-ers, lifting her urgent health needs to the Lord over decades. She used the example of those persistent pray-ers as a witnessing tool in the hospital numerous times, fighting for her life. As she said to Debbie, she told doctors, nurses, and visitors about specific people worldwide (including our family) petitioning our Father for her healing. Now, we again join her other persistent pray-ers as she faces a grave heart condition and her husband fights a dangerous infection.

Isn't it strange that we pray as a last resort when we can do nothing else? The more Biblical approach is to pray before anything else. Why is being a persistent pray-er such a vital habit to develop? Here are just a few reasons we use to remind ourselves: 1) Prayer is commanded; obedience is at stake. 2) Prayer is a conduit God uses to accomplish His will on earth. 3) Prayer encourages the person prayed for and changes the person praying. 4) Prayer binds the forces of evil in Jesus' name. 5) Prayer helps us resist temptation. 6) Praying testifies about our confidence in God to others. 7) Prayer directs glory to God as we recognize Him at work, not ourselves.

Come and See (Psalm 34:8)

Debbie drove home to Tennessee on Wednesday, leaving Verlin in Michigan to connect with ministry partners and tend to family matters as much as possible. It is beautiful to see friends who have blessed and encouraged us as missionaries for over 24 years! Debbie also injured her knee last weekend (not sure how!) and has difficulty putting weight on her left leg. It reminds her of a meniscus problem in the other knee about ten years ago. She plans to pursue testing next week.

Prayer & Praise

  • 🙏 Thank the Lord for Debbie's safe travel home to Tennessee. Pray that she recognizes what is needed for her knee injury next week. Ask the Lord for strength as she reengages to help her parents with various issues.
     
  • 🙏 Verlin continues to visit ministry partners in Michigan. On Saturday, he and his siblings will catch up with their mother on any adjustments needed to maximize her and their thriving as Mom nears a ninth decade.
     
  • 🙏 Praise God for you, the persistent pray-ers in our lives! Thank you for decades of obeying, encouraging, binding the enemy, witnessing, and glorifying God through prayer. You inspire us and challenge us to persist in prayer. Pray for our Michigan friends with their health problems and several ministry partners recovering from surgery and cancer.
Your partners in the Gospel,
Verlin & Debbie
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: Connect the Dots
        - 240601 PDF

Prior Videos: Simple Servants
        - Reflect & Rejoice

 
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
> >

Connect the Dots

Taste and See (Psalm 34:8)

Don't you love it when the Lord connects the dots to provide information or meet a need unexpectedly? Tracing the finger of God that moves us along in life and stretches what we think we can bear is a phenomenon that both reassures us of His leadership and tests our hearts. In the past two weeks, the Lord provided information about services available to missionaries that may sharpen our developing locus of ministry. It may extend the touch of God through Community Health Evangelism (CHE) and Disciple Making Movements (DMM) to see the Holy Spirit call additional groups considered unreached in Africa. He also led our Ivorian brother to a connect-the-dots encounter in Phoenix. On Emmanuel's last Sunday in the US, Verlin took him to a church where friends who formerly attended our church in Tennessee now worship and serve. Lunch forged a new connection. This now stateside connection regularly lobbies members of the US Congress to continue PEPFAR funding to see lives physically saved in Africa, giving individuals and families more time to respond to God's offer of salvation.

Emmanuel learned of CHE strategy effectiveness and first met Verlin when overseeing a church-led hospital program that addressed AIDS in Cote d'Ivoire, using the approach first conceived for use at the medical work begun by Free Will Baptists in Doropo. The outreach was so stunningly successful that it drew the attention of the Ivorian government, the American embassy, and eventually, the WHO and UN. The program established there by Emmanuel in conjunction with Dr. Bernie Bledsoe (link is to a 2010 description in an AWA Update) touched the most people infected with AIDS nationally. Thanks to their witness established using CHE, that clinic program remained the number one recipient of PEPFAR funding and an example to many for years. Stories Emmanuel shared and left intending to share with our Arizona brother will provide excellent, providential examples to enhance his lobbying efforts. It was another connect-the-dots moment. God can use our US tax dollars to limit the spread of a feared disease while expanding the Kingdom of God's witness in our time.

Come and See (Psalm 34:8)

Family on Memorial Day
We traveled to Michigan last weekend for family visits and to check in with ministry partners as much as possible since visitation during Verlin's last stateside assignment was cut short by COVID in March 2020. After being exposed to a less feared COVID during the IWMC in Phoenix and overcoming some respiratory symptoms, we delayed travel until last weekend. We have already seen numerous faithful partners and shared some ministry updates. Verlin hugged his mother for the first time in over two years! Thursday, we video-conferenced with our mission's leadership to plan our steps forward in ministry. The encouraging discussion promises more fruitfulness in partnership.

Adjustments are frequently necessary when missionaries remain on the field for decades. Our situation has different needs, expectations, and responsibilities than when we arrived in Africa in our thirties with three elementary-aged children! Changes in health, family dynamics, aging parents, and ministry opportunities in Cote d'Ivoire call for recalibration to move forward excellently. Thankfully, the Christian Health Service Corps (CHSC) excels in helping missionaries like us connect the dots under God to find resources, counsel, and encouragement during transitions. It is a blessing beyond words!

Prayer & Praise

  • 🙏 Thank the Lord for a safe journey to Michigan and good meetings here! Pray for Debbie. She drives back to Tennessee this week to be available to help her parents. Verlin will stay in Michigan to satisfy his familial responsibilities and continue visiting ministry partners. Pray for connecting the dot moments with Michigan's old and new ministry partners.
     
  • 🙏 Thank the Lord for a helpful meeting with CHSC leadership on Thursday that discussed our health reports, future ministry desires, and ways to strengthen the ties that bind. We are blessed by their exceptional support and flexibility. This month, we expect to collaborate to establish a care plan. It will include planned support for COVID-related and other family adjustments, a tentative outline for weeks apart as Debbie works through time-sensitive issues for her parents, and investigating possibilities to retool with thoughtful training and counsel to spread saving faith in Christ in Muslim families.
Your partners in the Gospel,
Verlin & Debbie
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: Draw Near
        - 240518 PDF

Prior Videos: Simple Servants
        - Reflect & Rejoice

 
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
> >

Draw Near

Taste and See (Psalm 34:8)

240518-Verlin-and-Emmanuel
Emmanuel & Verlin in Phoenix
Last week, we were blessed to draw near to many brothers and sisters in Christ using Community Health Evangelism (CHE) strategies worldwide. We encountered fellow mentors and friends with whom we have exchanged mutual influence for decades. The Ivorian brother Emmanuel K. shared within several contexts at the International Wholistic Missions Conference (IWMC). Well-received, he described how CHE operates in Cote d’Ivoire, lamenting personally at the lack of W. Africans choosing to participate in the meeting.

Plenary speakers helped us and others to draw nearer to our freedom-giving King Jesus. Twice during worship, we jointly used a prayer app that guides users to pray for all who live in places considered unreached by the Gospel. (Check it out here.) Rosi Orozco challenged nonparticipants to move beyond talking about human trafficking and personally draw near to at least one person who rebuilds their life after being rescued. In addition, Dr. Os Guinness, in a stirring message about our Western culture living through a seminal moment (similar presentation here, starting at 7:25), urged us to draw near to God in repentance and work together to reclaim our nation(s)

Come and See (Psalm 34:8)

Besides the conference, we took the occasion to draw near former FWB missionaries Jerry and Carol Pinkerton, who live about one hour from where the meetings occurred. They warmly welcomed us to Cote d’Ivoire in 2000 and Carol again last week as Jerry endures an obscuring mental fog. We also visited three other friends engaged in pastoral ministry there, whom we knew from Nashville. Debbie returned to Tennessee Saturday, falling promptly ill with a fever. Verlin extended his stay until Monday, letting him host Emmanuel and help him attain his international flight gate. We let the harried and blest week slow our sending the update last Saturday until today’s prayer meeting!

Prayer & Praise

  • 🙏 Thank the Lord for the blessings and encouragement we provided and received while conferencing with aging colleagues and making younger ministry connections.
     
  • 🙏 Pray our trip to Michigan, beginning later this week, will provide similarly encouraging and blessed interaction with family and ministry partners there.
     
  • 🙏 Emmanuel safely arrived in Abidjan yesterday and is now home in Cote d’Ivoire. He will see his family for just a few days and then resume the distant-from-family efforts to grow the CHE leprosy program. He typically spends three weeks training and supervising the leprosy ministry each month and then one week at home. Pray for his safe travel and the family’s continued blessed advancement in school and society.
Your partners in the Gospel,
Verlin & Debbie
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: Priceless Privilege
        - 240511 PDF

Prior Videos: Simple Servants
        - Reflect & Rejoice

 
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
> >

Priceless Privilege

Taste and See (Psalm 34:8)

Early-parenting-years
Early parenting years when
first appointed as missionaries
--photo credit: Mark Cowart
This weekend, when our society honors the priceless privilege of being a mother, Debbie shares most of a letter Verlin wrote to her for Mother’s Day many years ago. This was probably when our older two offspring were teenagers. She keeps this note in her Bible as a reminder of the priceless privilege of Christian motherhood and her desire to grow exponentially into a more Godly influence as a woman and mother. He typed out all the Bible verses for his points, but we copy just one in each category to save space:

Being a mother is a position of privilege… (Gen. 24:60)
And they blessed Rebekah, and said unto her, ‘Thou art our sister, be thou the mother of thousands of millions, and let thy seed possess the gate of those which hate them.

Being a mother is a position of power…(Lev. 19:3; Lev. 20:9; Deut. 5:16)
Ye shall fear every man his mother, and his father, and keep my sabbaths: I am the Lord your God.—Lev 19:3

Being a mother is a position of recognition… (2 Chron. 20:31; Lk. 2:42)
And Jehoshaphat reigned over Judah: he was thirty and five years old when he began to reign…And his mother’s name was Azubah, the daughter of Shilhi.—2 Chron. 20:31

Being a mother is a position of responsibility…(Matt. 10:37; 2 Tim. 1:5-6)
When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also. Wherefore I put thee in remembrance...—2 Tim. 1:5-6

Thank you for studying to show yourself approved as a mother, a most dominating and influential person in our household for the sake of our Lord and His dominion.”

Come and See (Psalm 34:8)

Verlin arrived safely in Accra, Ghana, on public transport mid-week. As this update comes to you on Saturday, he leaves lodging to board an international flight to Phoenix. In a change of plans, Debbie will fly on Tuesday to join him for the International Wholistic Missions Conference (IWMC). We will return to Tennessee on Saturday and travel to Michigan a few days later. It will be a joy to see Verlin’s mother (she and Verlin have not been together in over 2 years) as we visit ministry partners there.

Prayer & Praise

  • 🙏 Pray for our Ivorian brother Emmanuel as he travels to the US for the conference in Phoenix. He knows just a few words in English! Pray for excellent outcomes at the conference.

  • 🙏 Praise God for the priceless privilege of motherhood! We rejoice in the example of our wonderful mothers, who love Jesus and His work and support us unwaveringly. Pray for mothers you know who struggle to fulfill their God-given roles in hard circumstances.
Your partners in the Gospel,
Verlin & Debbie
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: Longevity
        - 240504 PDF

Prior Videos: Simple Servants
        - Reflect & Rejoice

 
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

Longevity

Taste and See (Psalm 34:8)

A Christian friend in Bondoukou buried her father this week. He lived between 110-120 years! (His birthdate is unknown.) Talk about longevity! He avoided forced military conscription by colonizers during World War I as he was too young, though about 5 foot tall. As the French hunted for strong men to fight in World War II, he hid in the woods. When asked what contributed to his longevity, he reported eating natural foods like white yams and plant sauces, preferably accompanied by pork or chicken when available. He faithfully attended worship services at the local FWB church with his family.

Interestingly, the science of longevity now promotes that powerful lifestyle habits do not require much money. Dr. David Sinclair, a tenured professor in the Department of Genetics at Harvard, recommends
240504-Yard-grown-nutrition-mango-avocado-limes-tree_leaves
Healthy choices in yard:
mango skin, avocado
(skin and seed for tea),
tree leaves, and citrus.
a non-smoking lifestyle where you exercise most days for thirty minutes until you are out of breath, meditate, perform good oral hygiene, fast intermittently, eat a primarily plant-based diet, and evade inflammatory foods like white sugar, white bread, fried foods, alcohol, and seed oils. He takes a few supplements to correct for some lacking micronutrients, yet insists these are not “magic pills” and are of little use apart from healthy lifestyle choices.

In lectures, Sinclair adds that moral and social components encourage longevity, similar to what the Bible describes repeatedly. He refers to this as being ‘other-focused’ rather than ‘self-focused,’ making the world a better place and developing strong communal bonds (like CHE and church do). Note how good food choices mirror the diet of Daniel and his friends, who refused the king’s best fare. Consider how Scripture links long life with honoring and obeying parents while treating widows, orphans, and foreigners justly and kindly. Several Old Testament tribes incurred God’s wrath by refusing to allow the Israelites to peacefully pass through their land or to share water resources. It is more blessed to give than receive. As believers, we acknowledge these things in our heads but frequently fail to make them ‘to do’ tasks for life. Our bodies and souls pay the consequences as food corporations take advantage of addictive tastes and encourage our non-reflective activity. Since 2019, as a couple, we progress daily to improve nutritional and exercise choices. We also slow down and breathe, realizing that some poor habitual choices dominated our lives together for decades.

Come and See (Psalm 34:8)

Verlin finishes what he can in Bondoukou this week and travels to Ghana to return to the States. While errands and interactions remain to be done, he made significant progress. Debbie thanks the Lord for several people who blessed our lives concretely. One mechanic provided four hours of car repair and an alignment, only charging for the necessary part. Another couple donated their Southwest Airlines points that pay for the tickets to and from Phoenix for the International Wholistic Missions Conference. Like us, these kind friends learn to abound in practicing Biblical longevity principles that lead to blessing!

Prayer & Praise

  • 🙏 Thank the Lord for the generous friends who eased our paths this week. May the Lord bless them abundantly so they can continue blessing others.
     
  • 🙏 Pray for Verlin as he crosses borders on public transport for the May 11-12 international flight.
     
  • 🙏 Pray for the International Wholistic Missions Conference. May attendees encourage and equip one another in ministry while they connect with others engaged in CHE worldwide and the curious.
Your partners in the Gospel,
Verlin & Debbie
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: Mango Mush
        - 240427 PDF

Prior Videos: Simple Servants
        - Reflect & Rejoice

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

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AWA represents
Andersons Witness in Africa.
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