Run Toward

Taste and See (Psalm 34:8)

240727-NAFWB-free-resources
Great resources at NAFWB site like
https://nafwb.org/site/graphics/
As dedicated athletes run toward victory during the next two weeks in Paris, we will enjoy hearing inspiring stories of perseverance—especially those who recognize the glory due to Jesus. Frankly, though, we were deeply moved by the accounts Prime Minister Netanyahu shared during his address at a joint session of Congress this week. While the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) are renowned for their unwavering determination and bravery, few can demonstrate it as Lieutenant Avichail Reuven. He is the IDF soldier of Ethiopian descent (check out why East Africans are such great runners here) who grabbed his rifle and ran toward danger--eight miles on foot to the frontline established with Hamas on October 7, 2023! There, he engaged heroically in the battle. We wonder if Israeli soldiers regularly quote their warrior King David as they go into combat: "Blessed by the Lord my strength who teacheth my hands to war and my fingers to fight (Ps. 144:1).

Thankfully, most people do not anticipate enduring the horror that occurred last October 7 or the need to run toward actual battle as Reuven did. Still, the stakes remain even higher in the spiritual battles waged for personal and Kingdom of Heaven victories. Eternal ends get set. May the Lord "teach our hands to war" appropriately while contending for the faith (Jude 3). Our Savior desires to teach humble souls His eternal life-saving skills for our daily use.

Come and See (Psalm 34:8)

Verlin returns to Cote d’Ivoire this Tuesday. He runs toward a host of errands and details to click off while preparing personnel, material, and space for the university's Community Health Engagement (CHE) training. Despite last week's mobility concerns, he spent three days at the FWB convention in Tampa. After exercising on his knees last Saturday morning because of foot pain, he successfully combined heat, cold, and anti-inflammatories to recuperate and spend Sunday on his feet, packing and traveling to Tampa that night! Debbie stayed home to catch up on additional financial reports further. Working together, we have about two-thirds of that work done.

Prayer & Praise

  • 🙏 Thank the Lord! Verlin connected by phone with an Ivorian on the CHE university planning committee this week. He checked on progress and got the ball rolling on several issues. Pray Tuesday's flight to Cote d'Ivoire arrives safely and that planning sessions with the university team yield no unsurmountable surprises before he drives to our home in Bondoukou about a week later.
     
  • 🙏 Thank you, incredible ministry partners, for faithful giving during slow months. Although our monthly mission-giving totals remain a little low, May, June, and July of 2024 were higher than last year during the same timeframe. We are grateful for all you do, so we do not fixate on fundraising.
     
  • 🙏 Ask for the Lord's wisdom as Debbie concentrates on family needs with her parents for the next few months.
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: In our Stead
        - 240720 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

In our Stead

Taste and See (Psalm 34:8)

240720-hymn-words
Words and music to hymn
O Jesus, Lord, Thou stoodest in my stead:

God's holy wrath was poured upon Thy head;

For me Thou once wast numbered with the dead—

For me, O Lord, for me.


(from the hymn O, Jesus, Lord by A.J.H. Brown, 1944)

Recently, we attended a Philippians 2 Bible study led by our firstborn, Cason, at church in Nashville. Beyond the text illuminating Paul's incredible capacity to rejoice vis-à-vis his reality in a Roman jail, the discussion focused on the passage describing those lesser-seen but faithful helpers like Timothy and Epaphroditus. The apostle regularly sent beloved co-workers in his stead to church plants needing correction or encouragement, often at the cost of Paul's comfort and needs.

Several persons illustrated the need to act in the stead of others during last Saturday's attempt to kill a former president (video of witnesses). The event showcased valiant men and women willing to take bullets in the stead of a political candidate or when shielding a wife and daughters. Secret Service agents and Corey Comperatore give inspiring examples of disciplining ourselves to react instinctively due to training in duty, respect, and love. Much more remarkable is the condescension of Jesus, who willed Himself to die in our stead--even for betrayers and enemies. Communion commemorates His act for our repetition. It recalls that our bodies are set aside for inglorious voluntary sacrificing of solitary self-interests when occasion demands, even to death, so God's will be done in our lives with others to find peace and goodwill on earth. Jesus' path to the cross was no spontaneous self-mutilation for vain glory nor an intuitive thought to save close family. His decision was made in prior millennia. His crucifixion on that day did not surprise Him. Imagine having earthly years to contemplate and dread our end! He died in our stead so that we might live in His stead by the Holy Spirit's power so the Creator's will is done. Jesus remains the ultimate example to inspire lives well lived!

Come and See (Psalm 34:8)

Verlin invested hours this week interacting with CHE colleagues mutually committed to helping at the university training in September. A West African trainer from Togo agreed to participate for the first time in ten years. He will teach lessons in Debbie's stead since she will stay in the States to continue handling some matters for our parents. Verlin continues to consider who can assist in tackling the 100+ hours of secretarial duties surrounding the week-long training under Debbie's increasing purview since 2016. We submitted three financial reports to our mission during the week, with a fourth readied for Verlin to review and dispatch after he finishes two more. All transpired in the context of Verlin's taking a break from walking, which contributed to an apparent gout flare-up in his left foot. Yesterday, walking became so painful that travel plans to attend the NAFWB are threatened!

Prayer & Praise

  • 🙏 Verlin intended to attend part of the national convention in Tampa this upcoming week, but his participation is uncertain because of his foot pain. Pray that his efforts for quickened healing work.
     
  • 🙏 Pray for continued progress on financial reports and preparations for Verlin to leave for Cote d'Ivoire on July 30. As always, there's more in vision to do than can be done, so we must choose priorities and trust the Lord's guidance that we complete what is necessary.
     
  • 🙏 Ask the Lord to continue providing all the volunteers necessary for the CHE university training and CHE conference scheduled right after the university. Give thanks to God for the two experienced international workers who participate for the first time and the return of numerous experienced Ivorian trainers and a French trainer. Pray for people to tackle the secretarial duties Debbie typically handles.
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: Ears to Hear
        - 240713 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

Ears to Hear

Most Christians don't hear God's voice because we've already decided we aren't going to do what He says. — A. W. Tozer

Taste and See (Psalm 34:8)

Tozer's ageless, blunt assessment reminds us of the times that Jesus told those having "ears to hear" to put what He said into practice. A typical human failing remains hearing but not processing to obey from faults of will, dissonance, or preconceived ideas. As an aging couple who recognizes that the battle against our selfish selves continues, we reinforce habits that started years ago. The initiator asks the spouse to repeat critical details of conversations to ensure the message was received with understanding! Just because people physically have "ears to hear" does not mean their ears are used effectively physically or spiritually. That certainly is obvious to the parent, pastor, or teacher who remembers wrongly assuming that their listeners have heard, understood, and will change their behavior(s) accordingly!😄

Our understanding of these concepts matured more when our miracle-girl, hearing-impaired granddaughter was adopted. Sound waves with information bounce all around her ears. Auditory messaging is futile if she cannot sign, read lips, or use newfangled cochlear implants. During night visits at our house, we still remind ourselves that noises will not bother her! Similarly, God still speaks into our world--through Creation, His Bible, and His Spirit convicting sinners and guiding believers. If we do not hear from Him, the problem is on our end. The sin(s) of others or ourselves limits our communication channel(s), like wax in an ear. If we do not slow ourselves to hear, receive, and obey what He says, we do not progressively become more useful to Him and others.

Come and See (Psalm 34:8)

Image from 2023 UFHB
We issue a big "Thank you, friends!" to those who prayed for Chelsea's ear surgery this week. The defective cochlear implant was removed, though with difficulty. Her body needs an extended time to heal. Otherwise, we continue making progress in submitting financial reports to the CHSC. Important details related to the university's Community Health Engagement (CHE) training mount and press from a "ToDo" list yet incomplete, previously expected to be done before Verlin returns to Cote d'Ivoire later this month. (See video from last year’s university training here.) Debbie expects to remain in Tennessee for an again extended timeframe to assist her parents.

Prayer & Praise

  • 🙏 Give thanks that our granddaughter made it safely through surgery that removed a defective cochlear implant. Pray she will heal during the upcoming months in such a way that no additional surgical interventions will be needed. That will be another miracle!
     
  • 🙏 Debbie thanks the Lord that the pes bursa inflammation in her knee area seems to be slowly healing. She can walk most of the day without pain. Stairs and specific exercises remain a challenge.
     
  • 🙏 Pray we connect with available workers for the September CHE training at the university. Also, pray that the planning team gets the letters of invitation to the trainers quickly. Several trainers need to ask their employers far in advance for the week off.
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: Not About Us
        - 240706 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

Not About us

Taste and See (Psalm 34:8)

Isn’t it lovely to meet people who believe the Lord gives skills to develop that are “not about them?” Our granddaughter, Chelsea, and we met some new friends Thursday night during the Cookeville fireworks show (drone recorded). A couple kindly agreed that we share a small grassy island in a parking lot. Hearing their story of moving from New York four years ago to settle in rural Tennessee blessed us, as they gave the Lord glory for leading them from the pastorate to live a humbling, sustainable life from nature. Best of all, as with Community Health Evangelism (CHE), they know their hard-earned knowledge is “not about them” but a tool to bless others for building interdependent communities.


We look forward to exchanging more with them in the future as each retains or develops health-giving flora on the land(s) we steward for future generations. Part of the joy of living daily with Jesus is His connecting us with people in the most unexpected places!

Come and See (Psalm 34:8)

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Chelsea with one Grandpa
We made much joint progress during the first three days of the week in preparing receipts and accounting. It’s good to be working together. All entries and receipts are ordered to finalize ten months of financial reports. After the 4th celebration with family in Nashville, Chelsea, our granddaughter traveled home to stay with us for two days. We rarely have that blessing, so we invest this time to make helpful memories every minute we are together. She enjoyed the fireworks, a small park with water spouts, helping Grandpa in the yard with maintenance, and learning to ferment foods with Grandma by helping to make sauerkraut.

Prayer & Praise

  • 🙏 With grateful hearts, we ask you to intercede for Chelsea's upcoming surgery on Wednesday, July 10th. Pray the Vanderbilt surgeon skillfully identifies the means to proceed with her ear so that the cochlear stays in place, that no further complications arise, and that this proves to be her final cochlear-related surgical intervention.
     
  • 🙏 We missed Friday’s prayer time with partners coordinating with Ivorian CHE teams who work in western Cote d’Ivoire to identify lepers and teach communities how to eradicate the disease to prevent future cases. Pray teams effectively facilitate public health works as the Lord gives increasing daily opportunities to share Christ in those contexts.
     
  • 🙏 Pray for new Christian Health Service Corps (CHSC) missionaries attending orientation next week in Texas. These are important times for vision casting and preparing for effective long-term service. Pray their planned medical interventions potentiate others coming to Jesus and becoming disciples.
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: Comfort
        - 240629 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
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