Missionaries Côte d'Ivoire Verlin and Debbie Anderson Biography

PRESENT MINISTRY
Verlin and Debbie Anderson were appointed in May 1997 as medical missionaries to Doropo, Côte d’Ivoire. When the medical center became a national church project, the planned yet un-started community health and evangelism program became their ministry priority. African nationals are being trained to do evangelism and church planting using the community development strategy of Medical Ambassadors International.

Debbie also plans to facilitate Bible teachers with reproducible Sunday school materials and translating of Church Training and Service (CTS) literature.

CONVERSION
Verlin converted to Christianity at the age of eight following a service led by his pastor, Raymond Riggs. He sensed the call to the mission field while a student at Free Will Baptist Bible College and prepared for overseas service.

Debbie, daugher of former missionaries to Côte d’Ivoire Eddie and Sandra Payne, was saved at the age of seven while her family was having supper with another Christian family in Africa. While the families were speaking of the Lord's return, Debbie's heart was gripped with fear because she realized she was not ready. She confessed her sins right then. She was baptized in 1976 at Airport FWB Church in Tulsa, Okla. She had a growing burden for missions throughout her teen and college years. She accepted her calling to missions during her days as a student at FWB Bible College.

EARLY MINISTRY
While at Bible college Verlin was involved in nursing home ministry and assisted at the Nashville Rescue Mission. He led children's church and choir at East Nashville FWB Church and later taught Sunday school at Donelson FWB Church in Nashville, Tenn.

Debbie has been active in children's church at Donelson for the last 10 years. She has also been active in drama and served in the woman's auxiliary and on the missions committee.

CHILDREN
Verlin and Debbie have three children: Cason Earl, born February 2; Cara Danae, born December 27; and Corbin Abel, born January 25.

HOME CHURCH
Verlin-Central FWB Church, Royal Oak, Mich.

Debbie-Donelson FWB Church, Nashville, Tenn.