Reverse the Curse

Taste and See (Psalm 34:8)

During the week's series of devotions from a group we've been evaluating for more than a year, a Lectio 365 meditation described Pentecost as God's way to "reverse the curse of Babel." God caused language confusion to separate people and facilitate their obeying His command to fill the earth and exercise dominion. That reality is a bane to spreading the Gospel worldwide since missionaries and other Christians encounter language barriers; however, the same language challenge is a blessing in that the cross-cultural perspectives enrich understanding of God's Word. Ask anyone in a church service where the sermon is translated into several languages! Imagine the wonder of the international visitors at Pentecost hearing the truth about Jesus simultaneously in their own languages from mostly uneducated Jewish men! A significant chunk of our missionary time in the past 27 years has been spent in activities intended to reverse the curse of Babel by enabling others to obey God's interests rather than their own. Cote d'Ivoire has around 69 languages with which to contend inside its borders.

240420-IWMC-Rosi-Orozco
Speaker Rosi Orzoco
Verlin will continue the effort to reverse the curse's difficulties while attending the International Wholistic Missions Conference (IWMC) on May 15-17 in Phoenix with our Ivorian CHE brother Emmanuel. While they will hear from excellent speakers like Dr. Os Guinness and Rosi Orozco ("Mexico's leading anti-human trafficking activist"), most attendees will relish the opportunity to network and learn from each other during roundtable discussions. Many participants will be Community Health Evangelism (CHE) workers from around the world. Emmanuel pays his way as a first-year member of the CHE Global Council, which provides direction to the member service team. He will make connections and share what the Lord is doing in Cote d'Ivoire with help from Bernie, Dayo, Verlin, and other friends. He will also lead a DMM workshop.

Come and See (Psalm 34:8)

Verlin submitted our 2023 tax return on the day of the deadline and made progress in balancing our books to submit expenses for validation and reimbursement. We had a large backlog of receipts to input and prepare, and the entries balanced within a dollar on the first try! Preparing financial reports with receipts in different languages and of three different currencies (U.S. Dollar, Ghanaian Cedi, ECOWAS Franc) requires hours regularly of us. He also continued addressing local ministry issues and provided training resources to a group preparing to market-test a new micro-enterprise. More on that next week.

Debbie was pleased to be with her parents for part of the week. She continues informing other entities of the financial power of attorney so that she and her sister can better assist them. She addressed two instances of credit card fraud on the phone. Eddie and Sandra have the common hearing issues of octogenarians, making it difficult to handle some of these challenges. Debbie also rejoices at the progress her mother celebrates in learning to manage her congestive heart failure.

Prayer & Praise

  • 🙏 Pray for the Bible translation efforts underway for hundreds of unreached people groups. May every ethnic group in the world have the joy of hearing the Holy Scriptures in their own language.
     
  • 🙏 Ask the Lord to help international participants who prepare to go to the United States for the IWMC. Getting legal documents in order, like visas, can often be tricky.
     
  • 🙏 Thank the Lord for the progress in Debbie's mother's health. The edema related to her congestive heart failure is much reduced. If Sandra continues to manage her CHF so well, the home health nurse will finish her visits in April. We are grateful for this progress!
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: The Quiet Ones
        - 240413 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
>
>

The Quiet Ones

Taste and See (Psalm 34:8)

There is a saying when dealing with people that you have to worry about “the quiet ones.” The personalities of serial killers and mass shooters may fall into that category. Still, we prefer to think of amazing, quiet ones we have the privilege to know as friends and coworkers! You know the kind of people we mean—background heroes who energetically engage to accomplish great things. People who sometimes speak before thousands,but can also be seen scrubbing toilets. Friends who do not need their names emblazoned on plaques or in print but who faithfully serve others. Debbie was blessed by kind, quiet ones in Cookeville this week, while Verlin heard an encouraging report from one in Africa.

240413-Side-mirror-woes
Side mirror woes
Did you know that some car paints, like that for an older F150 truck, can cost up to $1,000.00 per gallon? Debbie learned that intimidating fact from a seasoned mechanic in Cookeville. She was looking for a used side-view mirror for our 2005 Toyota Avalon, having allowed a small branch to break the driver’s side mirror as she backed out of our driveway during a heavy rain. Thankfully, our regular mechanic directed her to a cheaper alternative, even though that meant he would not get our business this time. She ordered the part secondhand. Although the gray paint may not match perfectly, it will be close in color and save us several hundred dollars. In a world where some mechanics take advantage of those ignorant of car repair, we are grateful for a quiet one who knew that sending us elsewhere would increase long-term loyalty. In addition, Debbie was blessed by other quiet ones who offered rides to and from the repair shop and a good pair of loppers given to us years ago that allowed her to clear the bothersome branches overhanging the driveway!

Come and See (Psalm 34:8)

On another continent, Verlin received an encouraging report from a quiet one in Bondoukou during a brief visit. We trained this retired teacher to use Discovery Bible Studies (DBS) some years ago. He has been sharing DBS with rural village Christians without churches or where some have closed their doors. As he conducted Bible studies, he trained interested attendees to lead DBS and join him in training others just as he trained them. In an area where many small but growing Baptist churches formerly helped to surround Bondoukou, DBS became another local leader’s primary means of evangelism. Numerous people have been saved, with more decisions for Christ than have been seen for years. Further, a high school student he trained has started other studies among college students. Praise the Lord for this man faithfully working in hard places, receiving little to no public recognition for the labor.

Prayer & Praise

  • 🙏 Thank the Lord for the kind help of quiet ones who helped Debbie with car issues this week. She is grateful for the many people available to help when we spend time apart for ministry.
     
  • 🙏 Pray for the CHE university team as they continue developing their village programs and plan the CHE training week scheduled for September.
     
  • 🙏 Intercede for our brother, who works in villages surrounding Bondoukou using Discovery Bible Studies to reach people with the Gospel. Pray that the people he has trained to lead studies will, in turn, continue reaching out to many others for Christ.
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: Backup
        - 240406 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
> >

Backup

Taste and See (Psalm 34:8)

It impresses us how many plans and backup plans federal and state governments put into place to accommodate crowds expected for the total solar eclipse on Monday, April 8th. States of emergency orders in some areas will help handle crowd control. Elaborate plans exist to backup food, water, and electricity. All is done to manage anticipated crowds during a natural phenomenon that lasts just minutes! It testifies to how people groups whose ancestral habits were changed when obeying God's Word in the past prepare for demonstrations of His wondrous works today. This brouhaha should pale when compared to what must be our more rigorous, determined, and thorough preparation to stand before Jesus for judgment, but does it? Do local churches faithfully prepare their communities for Jesus' unannounced return date? Will our neighbors be surprised when Christ displays His rule over all Creation in person again? As we reflect on these questions, we look forward to the testimony of His ascension by a national holiday in Cote d'Ivoire this Sunday and in the four after that. Preparations for the solar eclipse over the US remind us that neighbors need our help to prepare for the greater astronomical and cataclysmic certainty of Jesus' return.

Come and See (Psalm 34:8)

When growing up in Africa, our children heard ad nauseam as Verlin taught them to make backup plans for any activity—and backup plans for the backup plans! That mental planning for contingencies saved our bacon on numerous occasions! This week, he briefly chatted with a CHE trainer who visited unannounced.
240406_0959-fibrous-mangos-near-time-for-us-to-learn-making-Aam-Papad
Another micro-biz to glorify God,
support His work --Make aam-papad

In the past, this Ivorian, like others, leaned heavily on outside funds to do ministry. (It is considered an honor to ask you for help in their cultural milieu.) He expected our help early this year with training. Upon our failure to return in February as projected, he did not grow discouraged. He instead proceeded with CHE agricultural and microenterprise projects using a backup plan. He even roped in another trainer who was inactive and lived elsewhere! Thankfully, whether a benefactor is present or absent, his commitment and trust in the Lord persists. That is a measurable change that he acknowledges. He joins a crowd of Ivorians who gain confidence to make do with what God has placed in their hands because of our service here.

Verlin spent most of his time submerged in arranging finances for bills, accounting for months of work and absence, and preparing to submit US income taxes. He made good progress. We also changed our travel dates to conform more closely to our present reality. The resulting lowered airfares let the changes happen with nearly no fees! Debbie continues with family responsibilities and ministry partner contacts as enjoined by Verlin. She wrestles with a stomach virus while striving to regulate blood pressure with medication changes. Verlin discovered that eating lots of sardines and honey with little fiber during a week stimulated gout symptoms in his feet, believed to be the culprit of several years of suffering. Now, he knows lifestyle and nutrition changes to find relief.

Prayer & Praise

  • 🙏 Thank the Lord that through flight changes, we only incurred a charge of $25 for one ticket and none for the other two. Give thanks that we learn to resolve lesser health issues than others we have confronted and overcome in our past adventures.
     
  • 🙏 Continue to pray for calm on Cote d'Ivoire's northern border with Burkina Faso.
     
  • 🙏 Pray for the Ivorian CHE trainer ramping up his agricultural and microenterprise outreach.
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: Fear Robber
        - 240330 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
> >

Fear Robber

Taste and See (Psalm 34:8)

During this week of prayerful reflection on Jesus’ death and resurrection, a recurring theme of fear robber came to Debbie’s mind in reading Scripture and Easter hymns. Applying the truths of the resurrection to our hearts does assuage internal fears about many topics. Hebrews 2:14-15 declares that Jesus’ death allowed Him to conquer the one who held the power of death, the devil, and free us from the slavery of being afraid of death. Praise be to Jesus, our fear robber! Many of the Ivorian FWB churches tomorrow will sing a favorite Easter hymn, “A Toi la Gloire(written by a Swiss Protestant minister, Edmund Budry, music by Handel, with a similar English translation by Richard Boyle as “Thine be the Glory”). The third, triumphant verse directly from the French version says:

Should I still be afraid? He lives forever,
He whom I adore, the Prince of Peace;
He is my victory, my mighty support,
My life, and my glory: no, I fear nothing!
Thine be the glory, O Risen One!
Yours is the victory for eternity!

Come and See (Psalm 34:8)

240326_1330-FR-Greeting-from-Bondoukou
Greetings to Debbie
Verlin arrived safely at our home in Bondoukou on schedule. The dogs were overjoyed to see him! He accomplished several essentials this week, but discussions with Debbie and our mission changed his plans. As Debbie still deals with issues regarding her blood pressure (the new medication is not working well), adjustment problems with her CPAP machine, and the ongoing needs of her parents, the idea of our returning as a couple to Cote d’Ivoire on April 16th is unrealistic. In addition, we have not finished discussions with our mission leadership about physical and psycho-social testing nor concerning the significant ministry changes Verlin anticipates pursuing over the next two to five years.

As a result, Verlin will stay in Cote d’Ivoire until May 9th, when he returns to Ghana to board his May 11th flight. In the meantime, he holes up to complete financial reporting and taxes for a few weeks while renewing local connections. He also expects to interact with the Abidjan University FHB team as they plan the September CHE training while encouraging and checking on several CHE trainers in their ministries. Thirdly, he expects to assist Emmanuel K. during the International Wholistic Missions Conference (IWFM) scheduled for May 15-17. Verlin’s flight change from the initial April 2nd return to Nashville for a May 12th arrival in Phoenix will let him receive Emmanuel and share there. Debbie may join them, depending on doctor visits, etc. We then plan to spend the last weeks of May devoted to interactions with our mission. We both like this schedule change, believing we can do more in life and the ministry we have been given while on two continents for a few weeks.

Prayer & Praise

  • 🙏 Praise Jesus, our fear robber, Who did everything necessary to save us from fear! Our son, Cason, wrote a great article posted to Substack on Good Friday concerning His deliverance from our fears.
     
  • 🙏 Thank the Lord for Verlin’s safe arrival in Cote d’Ivoire and all being well at home, except for a few minor repairs. Praise God that we could make schedule changes with the blessing of mission leadership, allowing us to manage ministry and health issues better. Pray for substantial progress in financial reporting and for timely medical visits for Debbie.
     
  • 🙏 Pray violence that erupted between Ivorian and Burkina Faso troops in northern CI this week remains contained. However, it indicates the ongoing tension in villages near the border.
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: Inspiration
        - 240323 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
>
>

Inspiration

Taste and See (Psalm 34:8)

Testimonies about skills the Lord develops in ourselves or others can inspire people we have never met. We frequently experience this truth when CHE trainers share experiences on social media or in meetings. A person wholly unrelated to them or their circles of influence can open a link and hear a testimony that leads to an “aha” moment of understanding. Verlin met such a person at the African Internship Center (AIC), pursuing CHE as a way to inspire the witness of youth in his denomination.

240322_1433-Ollo-Kambou-AIC
Verlin & Pastor Ollo
Ollo Kambou, a Lobi participant from Cote d’Ivoire at the West African CHE Internship, experienced the inspiration to pursue Community Health Evangelism (CHE) from videos. One he cited and shared with three participants from France and the Ivorian CHE Association president was the testimony of an Ivorian FWB pastor. A few years back, CHE trainer Benjamin made a video in which Pastor Kobenan shared how apiculture impacted a neighboring village that enlarged Gospel witness in his sector. Learning how to raise bees and sell honey served with other CHE-developed opportunities to inspire some young people to stay in their rural areas instead of seeking jobs in big cities. Pastor Ollo heads up youth ministry amidst the Assembly of God denomination in Cote d’Ivoire. He lives in a town that is considered the equidistant center of the nation and seems eager to train youth to use CHE nationwide.

In another example, the NGO using CHE strategies to identify and distribute care for lepers provides inspiration and hope to many more communities than anticipated. Instead of targeting around 60 villages, as initiated three years ago, the outreach now targets 160 communities! The successful strategy attracts the attention of additional agencies of the government's public health administration as 100 communities currently see firsthand reasons to adopt CHE models. The approach integrates ordained and lay people in witness that touches every community’s courtyards.

Come and See (Psalm 34:8)

The West African CHE Internship training finished today, and Verlin participated in distributing certificates of completion. After visiting more of the 20+ local sites using CHE approaches in the North Tongu District today, participants begin returning to their home countries on Sunday. Pray that safe travel, wisdom, and determination let each put into practice what they have learned. Verlin again shared during class periods this week. He and our Ivorian CHE brother Emmanuel demonstrated and led participants to practice using Discovery Bible Studies on Thursday, Friday, and this morning. He, Emmanuel, and Ollo will leave Ghana on Monday by public transport to enter Cote d’Ivoire by nightfall. Emmanuel plans to travel to the US for meetings during the International Wholistic Missions Conference (IWMC), being held May 15-17 in Phoenix, AZ. He expects to pick up his passport and visa next week.

Prayer & Praise

  • 🙏 Verlin travels by bus to Cote d’Ivoire from Accra, Ghana, on Monday. He, Emmanuel, and Ollo will discuss changes and plans during the trip. He returns to Accra on April 1st to leave for the US on April 2nd.
     
  • 🙏 Debbie’s mother experienced significant improvement in her cardiac health this past week with the prescribed medication changes. Keep praying as she adjusts to the reality of congestive heart failure, which requires continual evaluation and adjustments.
     
  • 🙏 Pray for the rapidly expanding leper ministry via Raoul Follereau in Cote d’Ivoire. Instead of 60 or 100 villages, Christian NGO leaders now target 160 villages.
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: Unimpeded
        - 240316 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
> >

Unimpeded

Taste and See (Psalm 34:8)

On Monday, March 11, millions of Muslims began Ramadan, their dawn-to-dusk fasting month, hoping to gain unimpeded access to God and His blessings. Of course, we know from God’s Word that no amount of fasting can take away their sins or ours. Sadly, their credo, context, culture, and community pressure make a change to follow Jesus unthinkable to many of them. Yet despite these obstacles, thousands of Muslims worldwide ARE coming to the Good Shepherd Who laid down His life for us all. In the process, they experience their first unimpeded communion with our heavenly Father!

Every year, we spend extra time during Ramadan, joining other believers who pray for Muslims to come to Christ. Specific faces of dear friends come to mind, but we do not want to put them in danger by listing names. Thank you for praying with us.

Come and See (Psalm 34:8)

As Verlin settled into the West African CHE Internship location this past week, we had hoped for an unimpeded Internet connection like in years past. Instead, an
240316-Verlin-teaching-in-Ghana
Verlin teaching in Ghana
underwater cable in the region reportedly broke, affecting coverage for several nations, including Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire. So much for easy communication! He was not able to edit or add details to this update. As a result, you will experience Debbie’s limited capacity to get pictures properly situated in HTML format! Nevertheless, Verlin had a productive and blessed week. He enjoyed teaching some sessions and getting to know the participants. The Lord provided a good connection for future CHE ministry in Cote d’Ivoire. Next week, he expects an even busier schedule. Because some of the attendees work in areas hostile to the Gospel, we will not share photos of them without permission.

Prayer & Praise

  • 🙏 Muslims worldwide began Ramadan, their month of dawn-to-dusk fasting, on March 11. Pray that many people encounter our Savior through the testimony of Christians, exposure to God’s Word, and dreams of Jesus. Pray for friends we have who need the courage to follow Him.
     
  • 🙏 Continue to pray for the West African CHE Internship. Since Verlin’s capacity to communicate via the Internet is limited, our updates may have formatting glitches (Debbie apologizes in advance!) or not arrive when you usually expect them. We will do the best we can.
     
  • 🙏 Debbie’s mother, Sandra, continues to struggle with heart issues. Pray that three medicine changes this week will give her relief. She is not a candidate for surgery at this time. Debbie returns with her to the cardiologist on Monday.
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: Made Whole
        - 240309 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

Made Whole

Taste and See (Psalm 34:8)

Do you want to be made whole (John 5:6)? That seems like a strange question for Jesus to ask the man at the pool of Bethesda, who had been infirm for 38 years. Why else would he stay at the location where supposedly one could be healed by entering the water first after an angel stirred it? Yet, Jesus’ question was valid and crucial for this man’s healing. In reality, many invalids do not want to be made whole, at times, whether the challenge is spiritual, emotional, or physical. Perhaps we become accustomed to others taking care of us. Or the feeling may develop that the established habits are impossible to overcome or too risky for us to accept ultimate responsibility. Some attitudes may become so ingrained that the dependent person feels guilty about past choices, unworthy of being forgiven or helped, and justly punished by God. Others may simply prefer to wallow in bitterness and revenge toward benefactors or perceived wrongdoers rather than forgive. Jesus’ solution for this passive, “woe is me” man was provocative. He challenged the invalid to take immediate action by faith, commanding him to rise, take up his bed, and walk.

People who wholeheartedly engage in Community Health Evangelism (CHE) seek Jesus’ healing for themselves and others. To be made whole, trainers must have the confidence to dare belief and to exercise faith in God’s orchestration of life to overcome any incapacitating doubt. The journey of seeing personal and community transformation is typically long and arduous until faith overcomes self and communal naysaying.

Nevertheless, seeing the real and the metaphorically infirm take up their beds and walk is incredible! Thank you for helping us ask Jesus’ pertinent question(s) in W. African communities. People here, as there, tend to believe God will bless their traditions and perspectives rather than honor trust in His revealed Word enough to discover faith in practice that is ever more sound for living life abundantly. The West African CHE Internship gathers people who want to be made whole and help others gain wholeness. It’s a privilege to participate in this seminal yearly training.

Come and See (Psalm 34:8)

Verlin: NJ to DC
The Ghana visa did make it on time! Yes, Verlin safely embarked on his trip Friday morning as planned to exit the 737-Max in Accra Saturday morning. As Debbie wrote this update Friday morning, Verlin collaborated on the writing between the Newark and Dulles airports. He stays at a Baptist guesthouse in Accra, Ghana, for two nights before continuing to the Internship site late Monday afternoon. While he arrived safely and established local phone service, which is far less expensive, a local ATM confiscated one of the three ATM cards he uses during travels to obtain cash as it remains the medium of exchange for the vast majority of W. African goods and services.

Prayer & Praise

  • 🙏 Thank the Lord that Verlin’s Ghanaian visa arrived on time and that he left Nashville without problems. Thank the Lord for loving family members who will check on our small Cookeville place during our absences.

  • 🙏 Pray that leaders, trainers, and students who arrived at the CHE internship location are open to new experiences for themselves. Pray that Spirit-filled sessions and mutual encouragement guide the learning. May Verlin quickly readjust to the West African heat!

  • 🙏 Ministries all over the world prepare for focused outreach during the Easter season. Pray that many people will hear the Gospel and respond.

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: Safe Travels
        - 240302 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.
It is also a brand of bottled water in Cote d'Ivoire where we serve.

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