Verlin and Debbie Anderson

BIO

Life and ministry in Africa are not new to our family. We purposefully prepared for it. Saved as children, we met while completing our college degrees in Nashville (Verlin: BSN Nursing, 1994, and B.A. Pastoral Administration/Missions, 1987; Debbie: B.S. Secondary Education/English, 1987), married, and began raising a family. Responding to the Lord’s call in 1997, we joined our Baptist mission through whom we served 16 years in Cote d’Ivoire. We worked in church-planting efforts, but focused on introducing Community Health Evangelism (CHE) in as many venues as possible. Living through three armed conflicts convinced us even more that CHE is a tool that brings lasting transformation to individuals and communities. Many poor in Cote d’Ivoire languish without access to clean water, healthcare, education, and shelter. Malnutrition, AIDS, malaria, and other preventable diseases ravage daily life. We work in partnership with public and Christian groups throughout the country, facilitating Community Health Evangelism (CHE) teams. Daily ministry with Ivorians includes modeling disease prevention and good nutrition, demonstrating microenterprise and Farming God’s Way, and sharing Jesus in word and deed. Individual lives are changed physically, spiritually and socially by Christ. Local churches grow and show community transformation that endures and improves throughout generations. Our passion is to further fuel and equip West African CHE teams who strive to multiply hope in their neighborhoods, their country, and their continent.

Donations can be sent by mail to: Christian Health Service Corps PO Box 132 Fruitvale, TX 75127

ACST x2 = 1 God

Wilberforce’s 4-point description of any believing Christian’s responsibility to the Word of God stands relevant in 2021 as steadfastly as in his day. Transformation happens when we hear and obey God’s Word. The Word’s power reverberates in our hearts every time we hear reports from ministry partners who use Discovery Bible Studies (DBS) in their Community Health Evangelism (CHE) efforts. One facilitator shared …

Copying Dad

What do you do when you need help to learn a new skill? Few understand how to do well from lectures. Mentoring gets better and more work done. Jesus … mentors His disciples to do good.

Signs

Since returning to Cote d’Ivoire, Verlin has once again been struck by the abundant signs of spiritual openness that people living here provide. One example happened as he sat in a line waiting . . . Ramadan, the Muslim month of prayer and daytime fasting, is underway in Cote d’Ivoire.

King of Kindness

As we reflect with wonder of our King, we also perceive progress in Cote d’Ivoire and Tennessee. Verlin attended the funeral ceremony of Alfred, who demonstrated Jesus’ kindness in his repair business. Apprentices, family, and health-promoting co-laborers, along with church members and local leaders, . . .

Angel Bands

It is common in missionary circles to joke about days we cause hernias or overtime for the angel bands sent to protect and help God’s children! Over the years, we have experienced many days when it was apparent that the King’s security forces were dispatched for us. Verlin’s home office setup and renewal will slow and advance by attending two funerals. It is likely angel bands accompanied them one last time on their journey Home.

In, Like, With

To be in Christ is the source of the Christian’s life; to be like Christ is the sum of His excellence; to be with Christ is the fullness of His.

Pauses

Christian Health Service Corps is looking for volunteer elementary school teachers to help with missionary children’s education at many of our mission hospital locations. This is a fantastic opportunity for new and experienced teachers to volunteer for a year abroad in Africa and serve as a teacher on the mission field. Would you like to learn more? Contact Debbie via Facebook or use the website of healthservicecorps.org/volunteers/.

Travel Companion

Travel Companion is our title for this update for a specific reason. Daniel Kambou is an Ivorian Christian singer who gained prominence during the days of Debbie’s parents on the field. His song “Travel Companion” remains an Ivorian favorite, and speaks to our experience with God.

Blindsided

What happens if someone you trusted is found to be a deceiver? Many people are troubled and saddened by the recent, tragic, and posthumous confirmations that Ravi Zacharias, a prominent Christian apologist, was involved in sexual sin for over a decade. There are ways to be discerning, testers of spirits.

Snow Struck

As we finished visits and work in Michigan earlier this week, the snow and ice storm struck our home in Tennessee on Monday. When life gives you unexpected snowstorms, what do you do? Create a friendly family competition!

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BIO