In our Stead

PDF Version:
AWA Weekly 240720 PDF

Taste and See (Psalm 34:8)

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

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
 

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.

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