Fishing for Filipino souls July 29-Aug. 28
PLEASE SHARE THIS LETTER ON GOSPEL PREACHING IN THE PHILIPPINES!
July 3, 2014th Year of Our Lord
Dear brethren,
God’s good providence involved me in the Philippine work when Jim McDonald took me in 1995, and now my 55th trip is set for July 29-August 28. In Luke 5:1-11 Jesus told Peter to launch his boat into the deep waters of the Sea of Galilee and drop his nets. Though he had fished all night and caught nothing, Peter said, “At thy word I will let down the net.” It took two ships to bring in the tremendous catch of fish! Jesus then promised to teach Peter to “catch men.” McGarvey commented, “Disciples are fishers, human souls are fish, the world is the sea, the gospel is the net, and eternal life is the shore whither the catch is drawn.” At Christ’s word we still cast the gospel net, catching souls for eternal life.
Much work remains to be done in Metro Manila’s population of 12 million souls. The first few days will be spent there laboring with small congregations (Aug. 1-3). This will include a visit to Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City to preach to the inmates Willie Pastor has been teaching (we are hopeful he may be released before my arrival). Please pray for the Pastor family. His wife is trying to manage the needs of their four children by running a small shop and receiving some limited help, but she really struggles financially. Willie’s mother just got out of the hospital, which means more bills and worries. They need our prayers!
On Monday, August 4, I plan to fly to Masbate Island where we are establishing a beachhead in Masbate City, a city of nearly 100,000 people. Jonathan Carino, Jack Jaco, and I were on this island in December, March, and April preaching in outlying areas, but the last trip included one day in the city proper. Our visitors showed good interest and urged us to return ASAP. Gregg and Ronnel Jumao-as are Baptist preachers converted last year in the outlying areas and they have solid contacts in the city. I have just learned we have three brethren somewhere in the city who have been struggling along with very limited success. It will be a real breakthrough for the future of this work if they can coordinate with Gregg and Ronnel.
From Masbate we will travel to Cebu City on Cebu Island where Jonathan lives so that we can travel north to preach in Bogo City August 7-8. Gil Suico has been laboring there with great success, and Rupert Ramiriz who was converted last year has been baptizing his denominational members and teaching others.
The island of Leyte was devastated by typhoon Yolanda last November and many brethren have sent benevolence there. Saturday and Sunday, August 9-10, we will visit churches at Sogod (a flourishing new work) and Candadam-Baybay, as well as other brethren as time allows. The main purpose is to preach.
August 11-15 Jack Jaco, Rody Gumpad, and I will teach on The Home & Family in Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur in northern Mindanao. Ramon Carino has labored here for many years. He will be 90 on August 24 but is still quite sharp and active. The local saints have sacrificed and saved for years to construct a building; it is under way with some help from U.S. saints. Funds are still needed to finish it.
The final leg of this trip, August 16-25, will take us to General Santos City in southern Mindanao. I plan to work with preachers who have done stable work for a number of years in the city and surrounding areas. Lessons are planned to edify saints and to convert sinners. The schedule includes the congregations where the Julom brothers labor including Jolly, Johnny, and Jerry. Two days will be spent preaching up in the mountains at Lake Sebu where stable men are helping to revive the work. Another two days will be spent teaching men from the institutional background who have indicated a willingness to study with Rosalito Nardo. I will work with Carlito Abella and Nestor Francisco, longtime faithful evangelists. After Rene Sandoval died in August of 2010, his widow Sel continued to serve the Lord in the Kitakal church with the help of faithful men. I will spend a day teaching there, God willing.
Without the prayers and donations of the saints, I could not make these trips. Individuals giving for church buildings and similar needs may write checks to Help A Neighbor for a tax deduction. Write all other checks to Ron Halbrook. Mail all checks to 3505 Horse Run Ct., Shepherdsville, KY 40165-6954. Donors receive financial reports (2 Cor. 8:21).
In Christian love, Ron Halbrook
Phone 502-955-1748 or 957-6726; e-mail halbrook@twc.com
P.S. There is a dire need for songbooks! I can ship new or used copies very cheaply.
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