Frosty Days

Taste and See (Psalm 34:8)

Christian, remember the goodness of God in the frost of adversity. — Charles Spurgeon

Little reveals more about our trust in God than reactions to adversity. Remember the ten Boom sisters in the Nazi concentration camp, rejoicing over lice and fleas in their barracks? The vermin kept guards from entering their space, allowing them to share Scripture and pray more freely with other prisoners. Or consider Joseph viewing his brothers’ betrayal as the means to save his family, and Esther realizing her precarious position in a pagan kingdom was to preserve the Jews.

The entire nation of Sudan endured another horrific round of genocidal terror this week, making our challenges appear minuscule in comparison. Nevertheless, every “frosty” adversity, little or large, is an opportunity to consider the goodness of God. Learning to count it all joy while facing trials of various kinds (James 1:2-4) has grown easier as we age. We have experienced seeing God’s grace overcome adversity with blessings. We praise the Lord for His kindness to our family, a peaceful election day in CΓ΄te d’Ivoire, and His grace when life does not go as planned.

Come and See (Psalm 66:5)

251030_1925-14posts-marked-for-drilling-and-notching
Posts marked for drilling and notching
Verlin made slow progress on the ramp project this week due to several factors, including the weather and a lack of proper tools. Friends blessed again with help. We both took time to support our family during a granddaughter’s surgery at Vanderbilt. Verlin spent two days and a night in Nashville while Debbie spent four nights: a complication occurred after Chelsea’s surgery on Monday, causing the surgeon to reopen the site on Wednesday. Praise God, she recovers at home now, although she is saddened that the second cochlear implant could not be reinserted as all had hoped. Debbie finally kicks off a respiratory virus, and now begins to regain energy and feel relief. Eddie, her dad, grows weary of being in rehab and longs to go home. Both daughters make every way seemingly possible to support him.

The care led us to check out a new area of CHE instruction available on the Global CHE Network website: CHE for Seniors. Like our family, Christians everywhere strive to honor their parents and support them in their last years. Just like the disabled we mentioned a few weeks back, many cultures also view the elderly as a liability, not the blessing they are. Debbie begins digging into these lessons to glean knowledge that will help her with her dad and equip her to encourage others in similar circumstances. Resources are limited in many places worldwide, making the advice of these practical lessons valuable.

Prayer & Praise

  • πŸ™ Pray for the genocide to stop in Sudan. May government leaders put sanctions on the warring factions and otherwise use their influence to save hundreds of thousands of lives. Join us on Sunday, November 2, to pray for the persecuted church around the world.
     
  • πŸ™ Election day in CΓ΄te d’Ivoire passed peacefully. The current president was elected to a fourth term by a wide margin, though only 50% of the population voted. Major opposition parties contest the victory because their candidates were not permitted to run. Still, we rejoice that no blood was spilled.
     
  • πŸ™ We praise God for protecting Chelsea, our granddaughter, through two surgeries this week, despite a complication. Pray for her to adapt to the reality that the surgeon did not reinsert a cochlear implant on the left side. It was not the outcome we wanted, but we know our Father is always good, even in the frost of adversity.
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: IDOP, not IHOP
        - 251025 PDF

Prior Videos: Worth
        - Reflect & Rejoice

 
2024 Q1 Q2 Report: First Resort
  -  2024 Q1 Q2 Report 250906 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

IDOP, not IHOP

Taste and See (Psalm 34:8)

Prayer, study, and suffering make a pastor. — Martin Luther

The deeds of Christians who earned their place in history through suffering are many. You know the kind of people we mean: stoned to death (Stephen), burned at the stake (Polycarp, W. Tyndale), imprisoned (J. Bunyan, A. Judson), pierced by arrows (J. Elliot, N. Saint), hanged (D. Bonhoeffer), and beheaded (many currently around the world, including Nigeria). As Reformation Day, remembered on October 31st, approaches, we reflect on the start of the Protestant Reformation and on other brothers and sisters who gave their last ounce of energy for King Jesus. This lessens the distraction of Halloween —or at least gives it a more hallowed meaning. Remembrance puts life’s everyday challenges in perspective!

251025-IDOP-Myanmar
Open Doors link to IDOP
The International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church (IDOP) on November 2 is a crucial time for us to join thousands of Christians worldwide in prayer. Your prayers are a powerful support for those who currently suffer for their trusting faith in Christ. We provide a link to Open Doors, one of several organizations that offer resources for this more than 1,600-year tradition of prayer for persecuted believers. The guides highlighted appeal to pray for Myanmar strikes a chord with us. We have broken bread with brethren from that country and heard some of their stories. Open Doors provides a written prayer guide here.

Come and See (Psalm 66:5)

As Verlin works on the ramp project outside with a friend and Debbie finishes this update, the Ivorian presidential elections have been underway for about nine hours. We have regularly mentioned the election in past updates; perhaps it has seemed extraneous or tiresome. However, it is crucial to understand that much is at stake in the long term. This article from the Robert Lansing Institute for Global Threats and Democracies Studies explains the hazards. If the democratic process continues to weaken in West Africa, that only invites more persecution for Christians in the region.

On a positive note, the Ivorian network of CHE trainers (AISEC) plans a national meeting in Abidjan in mid-November. It has been several years since they met, given that each trainer works autonomously in his or her ministry and region. Joint meetings provide opportunities to share progress, exchange ideas, and receive encouragement.

Prayer & Praise

  • πŸ™ Pray with us for the thousands of persecuted Christians worldwide. Pray for M., especially, an Ivorian teen girl who received Christ about 15 years ago. Her family greatly persecuted her. We lost track of her when she was married off by her family and sent to Ghana, where she had no Christian connections. Other friends we know continue to suffer for their faith.
     
  • πŸ™ As we post this update today, Ivorian presidential elections are underway. The election will affect democracy across the region. Much more is at stake than who the future president will be.
     
  • πŸ™ An Ivorian national CHE meeting is planned for mid-November in Abidjan. Pray for good attendance and encouraging interaction among CHE trainers from all over the country.
     
  • πŸ™ Our granddaughter Chelsea’s exploratory surgery to see if a cochlear implant can be reinserted behind her left ear is on Monday. We will babysit little Wyn while big sis is at Vanderbilt.
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: Discarded Treasure
        - 251018 PDF

Prior Videos: Worth
        - Reflect & Rejoice

 
2024 Q1 Q2 Report: First Resort
  -  2024 Q1 Q2 Report 250906 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

Discarded Treasure

Taste and See (Psalm 34:8)

"I know why God has me living—it’s all for the advancement of His Gospel,” Joni said. “There have been seasons I’ve thought I might be close to the end of my days here on earth, but each time God has brought me back from the edge with a renewed sense of purpose to tell more people about Jesus. Especially families struggling with disability.—Joni Eareckson Tada (view a Christianity Today article, Oct. 2025)

This month, Joni Eareckson Tada turned 76 years old. That in itself is a miracle from the Lord. When she broke her neck at age 17, the doctors did not expect her to live for more than ten years. Instead, she has become one of the longest-living quadriplegics on record. Despite much pain and battling cancer recently, her joy in the Lord and strength of purpose to continue ministry are unwavering. Her outreach, Joni and Friends, and radio presence give hope to thousands of people, especially those with disabilities. Notice in the quotation that she believes the Lord extended her days on earth specifically to share the Gospel more widely, as she has done for decades! If her story is new to you, be inspired to view people with disabilities as the treasure they are here.

251018-CHE-Disability-Training
Che Disability Training
Joni’s story is almost unthinkable in third-world countries like CΓ΄te d’Ivoire. Typically, the disabled are discarded, killed, considered a curse from God, or, at the least, marginalized. To view the disabled as a gift from God, with much to offer the world, is genuinely a Christian perspective. Community Health Evangelism offers specialized training to equip trainers to minister to individuals with disabilities effectively, so they, in turn, can minister to yet others. We continue to pray that a group of Ivorians will be moved to focus CHE on these individuals in CΓ΄te d’Ivoire, just as a pastor CHE trainer in Liberia did this year, as described in this report.

Come and See (Psalm 66:5)

We were blessed with another week of felt progress, albeit slow on some fronts. Communications from Ivorians demonstrate that CHE work continues with vigor, although several trainers voice an eagerness for Verlin’s return. Landscaping to preserve the deck footings for the landings to accommodate the 40-foot ramp moves forward. Verlin works 8-10 hours a day, six days a week. He appreciates two friends who helped for several days. Debbie was home in Cookeville for three days. She completed our mission financial report and caught up on other mission paperwork and home duties. She returned to her dad on Friday to accompany him to the first nephrology (kidney doctor) appointment. He continues in rehab, trying to regain strength for daily life at home.

Prayer & Praise

  • πŸ™ Pray for the effective transfer of leadership on the CHE university team. The professor who initiated the project retires from public visibility, and other changes are also underway. Also, remember the same professor and team as they seek final legal paperwork for their vibrant ministry, which helps save marriages and cultivates biblical family dynamics.
     
  • πŸ™ Ivorian presidential elections are seven days away. Recently, opposition parties were denied the right to assemble peacefully, despite the current president holding rallies. Continue to pray for a peaceful outcome.
     
  • πŸ™ Pray with us that CHE ministries by people with disabilities develop in Cote d’Ivoire and grow in neighboring nations, where disabled people tend to be marginalized or discarded.
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: Pass the Baton
        - 251011 PDF

Prior Videos: Worth
        - Reflect & Rejoice

 
2024 Q1 Q2 Report: First Resort
  -  2024 Q1 Q2 Report 250906 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

Pass the Baton

Taste and See (Psalm 34:8)

Watching relay races in track is always a nail-biter. Will that small baton safely and quickly pass from one runner to another? Similarly, much of the Christian walk involves passing the baton to other people in the spiritual race of life. Future generations will not have the Gospel if we fail in this task. We think of Jesus perfectly training His disciples, Paul investing his life in people like Timothy and Epaphras, Elijah passing the prophetic mantle to Elisha, and Moses modeling leadership for Joshua. At the heart of Community Health Evangelism (CHE) is the key principle of passing the baton—multiplication. Every training completed is designed to multiply workers; every skill learned is not for selfish use, but intended to bless countless people.

CHE Internship contact page
One piece of evidence that passing the baton is effectively happening in CΓ΄te d’Ivoire is hinted at in the number of people who request to attend the CHE Internship Training in Ghana each year. A maximum of four Ivorians are preparing to participate in 2026, as was the case this year. Others want to attend, but there is a limit per country. Only trainers who are busily implementing CHE in their contexts are invited. Praise God for this evidence of much effort to develop transformational ministries!

A second indicator of passing the baton is that CΓ΄te d’Ivoire hopes to host the International Wholistic Missions Conference (IWMC) in 2028, just as the Albanians hosted this year. Many Africans cannot afford air flights to the United States or Europe for international meetings of CHE leaders. Having one conference on the African continent in an upcoming year would open possibilities for CHE laborers in that part of the world.

Come and See (Psalm 66:5)

Occasionally, we need to inform you of financial adjustments. Rarely do we discuss funding, except to say thanks, but we have promised to tell you about significant changes. Two dear friends were promoted to heaven this year. They gave monthly. Another beloved couple will not be able to contribute a large lump sum at the end of 2025, as they have done faithfully in past years. He retired earlier than expected. What a blessing to have partners who inform us of changes, which allows us to prepare! In total, we need to replace about $10,000 of yearly ministry income. Thank you for praying about it. We trust the Lord to provide, as He always does.

Prayer & Praise

  • πŸ™ You prayed for the Albanians who hosted the IWMC this year, and for people who needed visas. The Lord blessed the conference, and attendees were touched and encouraged by the CHE efforts in Albania. Americans obtained the necessary visas to attend. However, Ivorians learned too late that they would need to go through France to get a visa, because CΓ΄te d’Ivoire does not have diplomatic ties with Albania. Lessons learned on timing and pursuing visas much earlier!
     
  • πŸ™ Ask the Lord to provide the missing monthly income as we rejoice in the incredibly faithful friendship and ministry partnership of three people who can no longer contribute to CHE in Cote d’Ivoire.
     
  • πŸ™ Debbie’s dad is settling into a rehab facility to gain strength for a few weeks before returning home. He is grateful to be out of the hospital after a twelve-day stay.
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: Unseen Hand
        - 251004 PDF

Prior Videos: Worth
        - Reflect & Rejoice

 
2024 Q1 Q2 Report: First Resort
  -  2024 Q1 Q2 Report 250906 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

Unseen Hand

Taste and See (Psalm 34:8)

There is a hand, unseen by me,
That leads through ways I cannot see;
While going through this world of woe,
This hand still leads me as I go.


I’m trusting in the unseen hand
That guides me through this weary land.
And some sweet day I’ll reach that strand,
Still guided by the unseen hand.
A challenge of life is trusting our Savior’s unseen hand during times of change and crisis. Three weeks ago, we asked you to pray for an Ivorian CHE trainer who was struggling with life choices and needed direction for his future. The “unseen hand” answered him in recent days. He received an opportunity to continue working in the CHE leprosy outreach in a new location! His skill set and experience give depth to the team. He also learns to trust the Lord more during times of silence and waiting. Thank you for praying.

Come and See (Psalm 66:5)

Verlin continues to share this Sunday in Cookeville. On tasks to finish before departing, he gratefully accepted the help and fellowship of two friends on our property. One helped for two days as cement was mixed and poured for 16 of the 32 cement footings. Another friend who has farmed for decades gave excellent advice to improve several water drainage problems and also deepened a drainage channel on Saturday evening. This resolves one ancillary issue among others, while the cement footings cure, allowing the deck framing to begin next week and the construction to be completed within the month. When the deck is done, Verlin intends to book his ticket to leave the States.

Debbie spent the whole week with her father, as hospital staff continued to evaluate his health with procedures. A heart procedure clarified the extent of a leaky valve and showed a troublesome blood clot. One of his legs had two additional blood clots. A kidney biopsy explained other symptoms that will require other changes. Both his cardiologist and nephrologist from the hospital will continue his future care.

Prayer & Praise

  • πŸ™ Continue to pray for Debbie’s dad’s health and many adjustments.
     
  • πŸ™ The Lord provided a special answer to a prayer request from a few weeks back. Our Ivorian CHE trainer friend received specific direction in the offer of a job to continue fighting leprosy in central CΓ΄te d’Ivoire! Pray that this new endeavor will be as fruitful as that done in the first series of villages in southwestern CΓ΄te d’Ivoire.
     
  • πŸ™ Another Ivorian brother, who repairs and keeps our vehicle during our absences, traveled to Burkina Faso for his mother’s funeral. Pray for the family’s adjustments.
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: Worn Parts
        - 250927 PDF

Prior Videos: Worth
        - Reflect & Rejoice

 
2024 Q1 Q2 Report: First Resort
  -  2024 Q1 Q2 Report 250906 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

Worn Parts

Read on Blog:
Worn Parts

Taste and See (Psalm 34:8)

Dealing with worn parts has governed our family’s use of time this week. The casing on Debbie’s 3 y.o. laptop computer cracked on Monday, making the screen unliftable. Parts are on order, but Verlin gave more than a day’s work to open, evaluate the damage, make disk images, and prep a donated computer for her use. The computer Michigan ministry partners felt led to gift us was used for this update! The Lord’s timing remains impeccable. Our traveling lifestyle is hard on computers which we often set up and take down multiple times in a day. This is rough on units we aim to keep functional for five or more years. We always keep a backup unit. One time, hitting a pothole on an African road lost us years of CHE lessons that we have never recovered and ended the 5-year lifespans of two units.

A more sober evidence of worn parts surfaced in medical tests that Debbie’s dad, Eddie Payne, received.
Friday visit of
Cason's Family
Debbie took him to the ER on Thursday morning where they discovered the suspected pneumonia and surprisingly, a leaking heart valve. Eddie was diagnosed with a prolapsed mitral valve many years ago, maybe 40. He chooses to be grateful that weakness did not hinder decades of ministry as a missionary, college professor, or missions promotor and consultant. Another procedure next week will evaluate the severity of the heart damage. We appreciate you praying for decisions the family will need to make

Come and See (Psalm 66:5)

Verlin also made progress on the ramp project this week with the help of a friend, despite slowdowns for rain. Two more people plan to help next week. He fills in for a traveling preacher and deacon for the next two Sundays and continues talking with Cote d’Ivoire residents many mornings. Debbie expects to be by her dad’s side most of the upcoming week, especially to be a pair of “second ears” for all the medical procedures and reports.

Prayer & Praise

  • πŸ™ Thank the Lord for providing a computer when Debbie’s required repair. We are grateful for the many times He gives something before we know there is a need!
     
  • πŸ™ Continue to pray for Debbie’s dad, Eddie Payne, as he faces new diagnoses of atrial fibrillation and congestive heart failure, dealing with the entropy of former decisions to deal with important medical decisions now. We thank the Lord that Debbie can help for some weeks while he establishes a fourth “new normal” in life in the past nine months.
     
  • πŸ™ The Ivorian presidential elections are less than a month away. Keep praying! An African brother mentioned last week on the phone that Verlin should not schedule his return too close to the election period.
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: Choose Change
        - 250920 PDF

Prior Videos: Worth
        - Reflect & Rejoice

 
2024 Q1 Q2 Report: First Resort
  -  2024 Q1 Q2 Report 250906 PDF
2023 Budget:
CHSC-0118_ANDERSON-2023-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

Choose Change

Taste and See (Psalm 34:8)

It is no secret that the older we get, the harder it becomes to choose change. Our bodies and brains prefer old habits and routines. In that context, we marvel again when reading of Abraham and Sarah’s willingness to upend their ordered lives and trust God to lead them to an unidentified place. Archaeological excavations find that the homeland they left, including Ur of the Chaldees, was avant-garde for its time. Residents had access to hot and cold running water, a sewer system, paved roads, multi-story buildings, metal tools, temples, and a bustling trade. Imagine leaving those comforts in their 70s to wander like nomads for decades, passing through hostile territories where beautiful women were in danger of being abducted, and where finding water challenged everyone. Choosing change became the routine of Abraham and Sarah’s lives. Despite sinful missteps along the way, they learned to adapt. They found the Lord trustworthy, choosing change through flexibility and faith despite the trials faced. Trust lets structured change keep life and faith vibrant.

In a smaller way, we plan to make changes to our lifestyle and work in CΓ΄te d’Ivoire as CHE co-laborers and friends put their acquired knowledge into practice. In the last month, CHE trainings happened in Chad and Senegal. The fledgling group in Senegal has taken the challenge of hosting the French West African CHE gathering in 2026.
250913_Soap_of_Siloe
Soap of a pastor trained at UFHB
Others we’ve influenced or trained shared their experiences in making soap and dyeing cloth as enterprises, raising artesunate, which treats malaria, and adopting new methods in corn production with excellent results, supporting ministries, and fostering faith in God within church fellowships. They choose to change and expand their thinking so that the Gospel can spread and improve lives. The Lord honors their faithful and fruitful efforts.

Come and See (Psalm 66:5)

This week, the Lord answered our prayer about a decades-long land issue in Cookeville. Part of the property for which we’ve been responsible has been turning into a wetland. Water drainage ceased due to blockages on a neighbor’s land, where some extended family formerly lived. Verlin and our neighbor discussed the problem. An agreement was reached to let the water flow off our land through his property. Progress continues on our deck extension to facilitate the construction of a ramp. Two volunteers plan to help this coming week as Verlin finishes the footings that have required knee- or belly-to-the-ground work. He also sent funds to Cote d’Ivoire to cover expenses incurred there. Debbie will spend this weekend with her father and take him to his attending physician on Monday.

Prayer & Praise

  • πŸ™ Pray for visas needed for recognized CHE movement leaders to expand the Global CHE Network during conferences held in Albania during October. Ask the Lord to help someone in the approval process prioritize the value of the meetings to facilitate successful community improvement in their nation and around the world. No one can obtain their airline tickets until the visas are approved.

  • πŸ™ In the past month, two Michigan ministry partners experienced the death of their husbands after decades of marriage. Please pray for guidance and comfort for these two families.

  • πŸ™ Thank the Lord for two people who have offered to help Verlin one day this upcoming week with the ramp. Pray that we can bring the project to a successful completion without delay.
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: Silo Exit
        - 250913 PDF

Prior Videos: Worth
        - Reflect & Rejoice

 
2024 Q1 Q2 Report: First Resort
  -  2024 Q1 Q2 Report 250906 PDF
2023 Budget COMPLETED:
CHSC-0118_ANDERSON-2023-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

Silo Exit

Taste and See (Psalm 34:8)

The greatest revivals in Western history (the 1730s First Great Awakening and the 1800s Second Great Awakening) emerged during times of spiritual decline or societal turmoil. Now that the American Church experiences one of the greatest decreases of influence in a culture ever seen, laments and autopsies like that of Tim Keller's have diagnosed the killing disease without identifying what can change the situation. Someone must repent from doing wrong and then exercise personal fervor and cross-bearing to see spiritual awakening happen for others. For three generations, the anti-Christian bent of higher education has intimidated many believers to shelter in place. Still, it has always been evident to us that dialogue makes reformation possible. We have known this truth, whether testifying at universities and schools in CΓ΄te d’Ivoire or in the United States. People respond to ideas presented by people. We pray that the sacrifice forced on the Charlie Kirk family and Turning Point USA by ungodly misunderstandings of the pursuit of happiness marks the end of the American Church's decline. However, that depends upon how believers engage outside of the four walls of their churches.

250913-Erika-Kirk
Erika Kirk speech, courtesy AP News
Few believers run to battle like Charlie Kirk did. Few engage outside of talk within Christian silos. Courageous witness requires faith that anticipates God working beyond what one sees. Kirk’s assassination on Wednesday was horrific. We grieve for the family. We pray. Yet, we recognize that the life of a fearless lover of Jesus being shot down clarifies the situation for many. Promoting a Biblical worldview viewpoint is an offence many Americans now believe merits death. The greatest menaces to life and liberty inherent in the Christian faith are not China, Russia, Iran, or North Korea. It is the lack of common faith among us. It is time to double down, not retreat. Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson expressed it:

Charlie Kirk has been killed not for espousing extremist views – because he didn’t. He has been killed for saying things that used to be simple common sense. He has been killed because he had the courage to stand up publicly for reasonable opinions held by millions and millions of ordinary people both in the US and Britain. The world has a shining new martyr to free speech.

We trust the Lord to work all things out for good, and we continue to engage confidently by faith.

Come and See (Psalm 34:8)

Despite this week’s chilling news that pervaded our thoughts and prayers, the Lord blessed our daily efforts. Verlin completed some Michigan family business, reconnected with Ivorians, submitted expense reports, and made progress on the outside work that needs to be completed before he returns to Africa conscientiously. Debbie checked off several items from her list of activities for her father. After three more visits to the mechanic's shop, spanning four days of Debbie’s time, our primary long-distance vehicle appears to be running correctly. We anticipate greater productivity next week, by faith!

Prayer & Praise

  • πŸ™ Pray armies of hopeful youth continue to rise with bold tenacity to share the Gospel.
     
  • πŸ™ Lift up an Ivorian friend who asked for prayer. He needs an unwavering commitment to walk in Jesus’ footsteps, victory over some habits, and direction for his life.
     
  • πŸ™ Pray for our stamina and capacity to finish many projects before Verlin’s upcoming return to Africa.
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: First Resort
        - 250906 PDF

Prior Videos: Worth
        - 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