Our Savior’s life perfectly exemplifies his wonderful words, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).  In learning to be unselfish like our Lord we become a greater blessing to the world and we experience greater meaning, fulfillment, and satisfaction in life.  There are many ways for us to experience this blessing and Help A Neighbor is just one avenue by which individuals can extend a helping hand to our fellowman.  Donations are tax deductible because the I.R.S. classifies H.A.N. as a charitable organization for tax purposes.  We do not solicit or accept donations from churches.

I am thankful to report that generous giving has greatly increased our ability to help those who help themselves.  When I visited General Santos City in southern Mindanao in the Philippines last August, I learned that the Lanton church was in danger of losing its building.  An agency sponsored by the government had granted land to Jolly Julom for the building in the 1990’s, but now the courts recognize a deed held by a woman claiming the land as her property.  Our brethren were served an eviction notice.

The 65 members who attend Lanton on Sundays are common laborers, vegetable vendors, and drivers of tricycles (small motorcycles with sidecars serving as taxis for a pittance).  They live below the poverty line and do not have the resources to raise the $9,000 the owner demanded.  After I sent out a notice about this tragedy, brethren sent funds to Help A Neighbor to help save the building or for other needs of Filipino brethren.  Some sent funds directly to Jolly.  I advised him to get a lawyer and to put all these funds into an escrow account until all legal issues are settled.  It appears this church building has been saved!

Since our November report funds have been sent to several Filipino brethren for benevolence needs (medical problems, burial of dead, etc.).  A brother’s wife suffered constant bleeding and other symptoms caused by cysts.  Also their small house and church building were damaged by flooding.  We sent $1,000 to help relieve their suffering.

Our primary emphasis has been helping Filipinos build church buildings.  While visiting the Ilocos Sur and Pangasinan Provinces in 2008, I saw three buildings brethren had labored to build for a couple of years.  All were mere shells of concrete block needing completion.  When my son David and I were there this February, I provided representatives of the two smaller churches with $1,000 and $2,000.  They report they can finish for about $1,500.  I plan to send this amount tomorrow and also start on the third one.

February 14-16 I visited Domie Jacob at Cordon, Isabela and saw the progress being made on reconstructing a church building which was rotting and crumbling.  They are building the outer shell of the new building over the old one.  They will dismantle the old one and reuse any good materials such as steel rods.  These brethren are helping themselves and we plan to help them until the job is completed.

Almost $30,000 has been donated since the last report and all but about $3,000 has been distributed.  By the time our readers get this report, most of the funds will be gone, but the needs continue. 

My next trip to the Philippines will be March 30-May 4.  Preacher training classes will be held in two places: at Tuguegarao City, Cagayan Province on Luzon Island (where Rody Gumpad preaches) and at Cebu City, Cebu Province on Cebu Island (where Jonathan Carino preaches).  We will give these men Bibles and study materials, and will conduct classes 8-10 hours each day.  Please pray for these efforts.

Make checks for $500 or more to Help A Neighbor and mail them to the address on the letterhead. All donors receive a receipt for tax purposes and also a financial statement.  Aren’t we thankful we have something to share with brethren who demonstrate great faith in the midst of great trials!  Isn’t it a joy to help brethren who help themselves!  Truly, “it is more blessed to give than to receive.”