Discarded Treasure

PDF Version:
AWA Weekly 251018 PDF

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.

Che Disability Training

Joni’s story is almost unthinkable in third-world countries like Côte 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 Côte 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

• 🙏 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.
   
• 🙏 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.
   
• 🙏 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

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.

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