Unexpected

PDF Version:
AWA Weekly 240120 PDF

Taste and See (Psalm 34:8)

In our day and age, we spend much time and resources to evade or soften the effects of the unexpected. Think of the warnings and scenarios explored by meteorologists last week when anticipating snowstorms. Empty shelves in grocery stores abounded after shoppers bought in bulk. Billions of dollars are spent yearly on tests like mammograms and colonoscopies to preserve life. We even teach CHE community planning strategies for trying times or catastrophes like Ebola. Such warnings help us prepare for difficult situations.

However, is our generation less stressed, better prepared, and more trusting in the Creative Word Who made it possible? Thanks to technology like medications, social media, and 24/7 news, our environments tempt us to feel inappropriately self-sufficient instead of relying on God. Our reactions to unexpected daily life situations tell us what or in whom we genuinely trust. In this linked article, Jon Bloom (a teaching cofounder of the "Desiring God" website) uses Jesus' parable of a neighbor seeking bread to help us accept and prepare for the unexpected. It is a 'good read' to evaluate our trust capacity.

Reading through a Tyndale Chronological Bible this year, Deb finishes the book of Job in January. Has a man ever been more bombarded with so many unexpected terrors in a single day? There were no warnings and no preventions to take. Still, Job did not curse God to die; he refused to deny that his Redeemer lived. "Though he slay me, yet will I trust in Him..." (Job 13:15). His example encourages us all to react rightly.

Come and See (Psalm 34:8)

Monday's porch view

A regional snowstorm covered our property with pristine beauty. Getting up the icy hill from our driveway was challenging, but Verlin's confidence in the Lord's provision of means and knowledge let us keep two medical appointments. He thankfully experienced an unexpected recurrence of severe pain in his right foot last week—the one he hurt when doing a side plank in August of 2023. Monday's x-ray at local urgent care did not reveal a broken bone, though that will get re-evaluated for a possible hairline fracture in 9 more days. Based on the divergent places where he hurts, the theory is tendonitis and plantar fasciitis with or without a bone break. However, Verlin's treatment for a flare-up of gout provides the most significant pain relief. The high ingestion of sardines, salmon, and organ meats associated with Vitamin A and niacin supplements, combined with cortisol-reducing ashwagandha supplements, less sweating, and decreased water intake likely caused his system to succumb. He now drinks more water, increases his vitamin C and fiber intake, and wears an orthopedic boot when walking or mid-calf work boots when driving if necessary.

Online news and a call to a CHE leader on Thursday show how unexpected geo-political events or wars affect distant countries like Cote d'Ivoire. The Ivorian government recently announced that the exportation of about 20 food products will cease for six months. Importing grains like rice has become more complex, and leaders want to guard adequate food for the population and visitors to the African Cup of Nations.

Prayer & Praise

• 🙏 We connected with Ivorian co-workers on Monday and Thursday. All is okay at home with the dogs! Also, plans progress for the regional Francophone CHE meeting in September after the university training.
   
• 🙏 PTL, Verlin's foot injury resurfaced this past week, allowing a detailed exam to see what has hindered his movements in Cote d'Ivoire for one to six weeks each of the last three years. When active, he wears an ortho-boot and a regular boot for two weeks and has started exercises to prevent tendonitis and plantar fasciitis. In addition, he makes temporary diet adjustments. The most painful part of the problem is gout symptoms showing up because of activity and lifestyle changes related to our return to the US during winter.
   
• 🙏 Pray that Cote d'Ivoire's cessation of food exportation for six months will be enough to overcome international shipping, war, and pressures on local food supplies.
  

Your partners in the Gospel,
Verlin & Debbie

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: Golden Opportunity
        - 240113 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
 
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Andersons Witness in Africa.
It is also a brand of bottled water in Cote d'Ivoire where we serve.

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