Comfort

PDF Version:
AWA Weekly 240629 PDF

Taste and See (Psalm 34:8)

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

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

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
 

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

Filter

PDF Version:
AWA Weekly 240622 PDF

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.

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

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
 

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

> >

Unsung

PDF Version:
AWA Weekly 240615 PDF

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

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

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
 

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

> >

Persistent Pray-ers

PDF Version:
AWA Weekly 240608 PDF

Taste and See (Psalm 34:8)

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

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
 

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

> >

Connect the Dots

PDF Version:
AWA Weekly 240601 PDF

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

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
 

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

> >