Follow Through

PDF Version:
AWA Weekly 250426 PDF

Taste and See (Psalm 34:8)

Guinea CHE training

Isn’t it encouraging when people follow through with commitments they make? KONAN Emmanuel traveled to Guinea to complete a CHE training, which represented the fruit of an initial training commitment made years ago. During the Francophone Regional CHE conference in September of 2024, the Ivorian and Guinean team leaders reviewed their activities and planned to complete this follow-up training. Côte d’Ivoire teams successfully integrate CHE into the public health sector in various ways. The Guinean effort focuses on the impact of a regional mission hospital established by an African missionary at a renovated, former UN crisis hospital that was abandoned and not appropriated for use by the government. The regular exchanges guard their motivation to train teams in their respective countries. (See a previous update, Imitation, for more details)

16 are CHE certified

Emmanuel Konan, the president of the AISEC CHE network in Côte d’Ivoire, facilitated the training in Guinea by himself. Usually, you want three or four trainers, but Verlin has also had to complete the work alone at times. He teaches each trainer to be prepared to do the same. Transportation costs within W. African nations and trips to neighboring nations often seem prohibitively costly when a vision is initially cast. Sometimes, providing transport, lodging, and food for a trainer, besides the needs of the participants, seems like a luxury compared to simply limiting lessons or extending the time together. On this occasion, we share from WhatsApp reporting that we are privileged to follow. Sixteen people participated, including midwives, nurses, lab technicians, and a surgeon. Praise God for the follow-through! Pray that the newly initiated quickly begin to put into practice what they learned by forming collaborative teams, patiently working through obstacles they will undoubtedly encounter.

Come and See (Psalm 34:8)

We were contacted this week by two Cookeville groups that donate their labor and/or materials to build accessibility ramps. A ramp is a present need for Debbie’s dad to consider our home as a future place to stay, temporarily or permanently. However, he still feels that other areas in Tennessee, or even Arkansas or Oklahoma, are a better fit for his future. His uncertainty on where to settle understandably prevents volunteer building groups from committing resources to help here. The step-challenged person must live regularly where they help. Pray that follow-through in decision-making occurs this week.

Prayer & Praise

• 🙏 Pray that the newly trained CHE trainers in Guinea integrate CHE into their daily practices as health professionals, as such continues to grow in Côte d’Ivoire. Ask the Lord to open many doors and give spiritual and medical success to their efforts.
   
• 🙏 Ask the Lord for uninterrupted times to get finances ordered to handle what is needed.
   
• 🙏 Continue to pray about the many other details related to housing, health, and other issues for Debbie’s dad. Pray for ministry partners and family in your circles of influence who face similar challenges in helping their parents.
  

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: Interlude
        - 250419 PDF
Prior Videos: Worth
        - 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

Interlude

PDF Version:
AWA Weekly 250419 PDF

Taste and See (Psalm 34:8)

This week provided us with a pleasant feel-at-home-in-America interlude. While we did reconnect with Ivorian church families and friends, submitting federal taxes and visiting rehab kept us active here. We traveled to Nashville on Thursday. Debbie met with funeral home staff to discuss possible burial markers for her mother’s grave to share with her father. Verlin identified and addressed a wasp problem at our older son’s house. The day and evening ended with us enjoying grandparent time with two beautiful girls and their parents!

As Debbie left her mother’s burial site, she listened to Alistair Begg share about Joseph of Arimathea. The rich member of the Sanhedrin provided the tomb for Jesus’ three-day burial. She reviewed the suffering and social costs that accompanied Jesus’ death by learning that crucified bodies were often left on the crosses to rot and be scavenged by wild animals. Some conjecture that the name Golgotha (i.e., place of the skull) might have been so named because it was the place where unclaimed crucified bodies were thrown. Imagine the relief of Jesus’ Jewish family and friends that His body was respectfully protected in a tomb. After the treachery, mockery, torture, and agonizing death endured for our salvation, Jesus’ body was guarded from further disgrace. Appearing before Pontius Pilate to request Jesus’ body likely did not lift Joseph's reputation, yet he did what he could. Maybe we cannot prevent catastrophes in friends’ lives, but we might be able to address social fallout with kindness, generosity, and bold action.

Come and See (Psalm 34:8)

Perhaps you had a hectic week with less time than usual to focus on Jesus’ death and resurrection. Easter greetings reconnected us with several Ivorian families via Skype and WhatsApp on Friday and Saturday.

Bunch daffodils, a.k.a. "Lent lilies"

The season also resurrected a habit of singing while at work, which remains a meaningful and quick way for us to turn thoughts toward Him, besides the blooming ‘Lent lilies’ in our yard. Below are just a few of the many Easter hymns we enjoy—from different decades in different styles. Have a blessed Easter!

Christ Arose; Man of Sorrows; Lamb of God; He Lives!; Because He Lives; The Easter Song; He's Alive; If That Isn't Love; and Christ the Lord is Risen Today.

He is risen indeed!
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: Real Deal
        - 250412 PDF
Prior Videos: Worth
        - 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

Real Deal

PDF Version:
AWA Weekly 250412 PDF

Taste and See (Psalm 34:8)

Unbelievers often express a view of Christians as ignorant, bigoted, and unhappy people. Is it deception from the Enemy or past experiences with Christians that taint their perspective? Perhaps they simply have never interacted with a “real deal” Spirit-filled follower of Jesus. This week, Debbie read a thought-provoking description of the Puritan preacher Matthew Henry. Biographer Charles Chapman described Henry in this way:

[Matthew Henry] possessed the desirable disposition and power of looking on the bright side of everything…There was a loveliness in his spirit, and a gladness in his heart, which caused others to feel ‘how happy a thing it must be to be a Christian.’ Though not given to indulgence he enjoyed the blessings of Providence with thankfulness…This cheerfulness…pervaded his entire life…One reason of the great power of his life over many who were not decidedly religious men, lay in the constancy of that happy spirit which they saw and coveted.” (quoted from the book Choosing Gratitude: Your Journey to Joy by Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth, p. 91—emphasis in bold is ours)

Come and See (Psalm 34:8)

True blue friends with Eddie

We have lived a two-week interlude of storm-watching with tornado warnings in Middle Tennessee, accompanied by some storms and flooding. None of our nuclear family was affected by wind or water. Verlin removed fallen limbs from near our drive and replaced some water-swept gravel, but that was all. Our hours were filled with taxes, prepping for financial reports, prayer meetings, a singular communication to Cote d’Ivoire, and making visits to help Debbie’s dad take advantage of his opportunities in the rehab facility. NHC in Cookeville has been a great experience with cheerful, professional workers. Eddie comments daily on the good treatment he receives. It helps that “real deal” friends visit when they can! Here he is with past missionary colleagues who made the trek from Nashville to see him on Friday

Prayer & Praise

• 🙏 Pray for Easter outreaches in Cote d’Ivoire as you pray for those in your area. Like Americans, African Christians also seek various opportunities to share Jesus during this season.
   
• 🙏 Eddie, Debbie’s dad, is working hard in rehab to regain strength. The therapists are pleased with his progress.
   
• 🙏 May the “real deal” fruit of the Spirit properly understood and lived in our daily lives draw people to the Savior instead of exhibiting this world's divisive, selfish, and anxious spirit.
   
• 🙏 Pray for emergency responders and medical personnel, including co-laborers in our mission CHSC, helping in war-torn and natural disaster areas. The fatigue and stress are high, but ways to share Jesus’ love abound.
  

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: Stretching
        - 250405 PDF
Prior Videos: Worth
        - 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

Stretching

PDF Version:
AWA Weekly 250405 PDF

Taste and See (Psalm 34:8)

Learning to stretch our bodies, spirits, minds, or opinions in new ways is never easy but becomes especially challenging as we age. Since we have entered our 60s, it is a bit amusing and frustrating to recognize how much longer some things take—memorizing Scripture, taking care of finances, changing eating habits, recovering from hard physical labor, etc. Yet, failure to stretch in various ways diminishes the quality of daily life. We practice learning to model changes that prove even old dogs can learn new tricks, rather than criticizing younger generations for not exercising, eating right, or developing spiritual disciplines.

This week, after his week-long stint in the hospital, Debbie’s father, Eddie, accepted the challenge to stretch his capacities at the NHC rehab center in Cookeville. We applaud his decision at age 85 to regain as much strength as possible for the next phase of life but recognize he will need coaching. Anyone who has helped care for a spouse, parent, or other person knows how you can neglect your health while being preoccupied with loved ones’ needs. Thank you for praying for his physical strength, suitable lodging, and our stamina in balancing health, ministry, and family service.

Come and See (Psalm 34:8)

At times, stretching entails taking on a project with less-than-ideal resources. As of last May, the CHE workers of Albania accepted the weighty responsibility of hosting the International Wholistic Missions Conference in their country in October. It will be the first time another country besides the United States hosts it. Having been heavily involved in participating, hosting, and planning CHE conferences in W. Africa, we are impressed by their commitment and pray for their efforts.

Outdoor children's DBS

Unabashedly using local resources is often one way CHE workers worldwide stretch and accomplish what appears to be impossible. So often, Westerners impose expectations when simpler materials work as well or better. Notice the setting in this December 2024 picture of a children’s Discovery Bible Study (DBS) that has continued for more than five years in Bondoukou. The simple weekly meeting still attracts 20 to 80 children who study God’s Word in the open air, where curious parents and passersby can observe.

Prayer & Praise

• 🙏 Rejoice with us that Eddie was able to get into the preferred rehab facility in Cookeville! Continue to pray for long-term solutions, especially for housing.
   
• 🙏 Pray for the children's ministry in Bondoukou. Ask the Lord to touch the hearts of numerous people to have classes for children around the city.
   
• 🙏 For the first time, the CHE holistic conference is going to be hosted somewhere other than the United States. Pray for the CHE workers in Albania as they take on the challenge this year in October.
  

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: Suffering
        - 250329 PDF
Prior Videos: Worth
        - 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