January 26, 2013th Year of Our Lord

HALBROOK REPORT:

48th PHILIPPINE TRIP NOV. 27-DEC. 20, 2012

 Dear brethren,

This 48th Philippine preaching trip since Jim McDonald took me in 1995 was unique: Jim Barnett (Artesia NM) and Steven Saunders (Clarence, MO) taught singing classes! Also, several Pentecostal preachers obeyed the gospel! Satan takes souls “captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ” (Col. 2:8 NIV). Souls freed from bondage to sin and error sing their Savior’s praises (Col. 3:16). Preaching and singing truly are allies in serving God and defeating Satan. The singing classes were a great blessing and boon to Filipino saints. It was my privilege to teach 48 times and to see 23 souls step forward to submit to Christ in baptism.

Jim, Steven, and I reached Manila late November 28 and began immediately the next day at the Kapitbahayan church of Christ, Navotas, Metro Manila. Jerry Toreja and Wilfredo Gonzales are elders, and Elias Cruz an evangelist there. Jim and Steven provided material on singing and gave pitch pipes to song leaders. Selecting lessons to augment singing classes, I spoke on “The Purpose of Our Lives,” “Before Abraham Was, I Am,” “Reverence in Worship,” “Holy in Worship & in Life,” “I Will Sing Unto the Lord,” and “Instrumental Music in Worship.” Eight men traveled a great distance from Palawan Island to participate.

Sunday Jim and Steven preached at Kapitbahayan and I preached in Muntinlupa City at the Bilibid Prison with Willie Pastor. We continue praying for his release, but by God’s providence he keeps preaching the gospel to the inmates. About 35 attended our worship and five asked to be baptized. Willie’s brother, Kenneth, is an approved religious worker in the prison and helps the growing work. Over 200 have been converted during Willie’s confinement for almost three years.

Sunday evening we flew to Cebu City for singing classes December 3-5 at the Cebu City church of Christ on Cebu Island where Jonathan Carino preaches. Men came from the Visayan Islands and northern and southern Mindanao to this central location. The training included Bible studies along with musical notes, rhythm, sight reading, and song leading. Ramon Carino was the oldest student at 88, and he took his turn in the practice session. The strongest typhoon on record to hit Mindanao barely missed us during the week. Some of you prayed for us at that time. Since getting home I’ve worked to get relief to many suffering saints.

Next, we flew to Manila and on to Tuguegarao, Cagayan Province in northern Luzon for classes December 6-9. Rody Gumpad registered 30 men to receive the handbook and other materials, but many more attended. Tessie and her assistants prepared good food for the attendees. Voice trouble knocked me out of two days work, but I was able to preach to 100 souls at Tabuk, Kalinga Province with Ben Vistro Saturday. Sunday after worship at the Metro church, we scattered to visit area congregations at Alibagu, Maddarulog, Maguirig, Lingu, and Minagbag. Steven managed to finish the day in spite of fighting a sinus infection and weakened voice.

Our Monday flight to Manila could not land because of the clouds (the airport has no radar), so Rody loaded us into two vehicles for a long and arduous journey to Manila. We arrived on the 11th just in time for Jim and Steven to catch their early morning flight back to the U.S. Thank God, they reached home safely.

I flew to General Santos City in southern Mindanao to work with Rudy Tampon, Jolly Julom, and other saints. Denominational preachers joined us December 12-15 for 13 lessons on How to Study the Bible, my six-lesson series on “The Authority of Christ,” and other topics by Jonathan Carino, Jack Jaco, Juanito & C.B. Balbin, Cyrus Gesulga, and Jolly Julom. Fifteen people obeyed the gospel. Sunday we worshiped with Aguilardo Untal, a recently converted denominational preacher, where their new sign says Church of Christ. Area “pastors” are accusing this man and other converts of joining a cult.

During the last year the Balite church in General Santos City lost their elders and preacher to death, but C.B. Balbin has been coming from Davao City to help them. Tuesday 38 souls gathered for a gospel meeting. Jack Jaco and I preached and C.B. led the singing. The brethren were greatly encouraged.

My 24-hour flight home turned into 40 hours because of mechanical problems with the plane in Manila and weather problems in Detroit. I was diverted to Chicago and Memphis but arrived safely home filled with joy and thanksgiving for the united work of U.S. and Filipino saints by God’s grace.

In Christian love, Ron Halbrook