Halbrook Philippine Report Apr. 9-12, 2014
April 12, 2014th Year of Our Lord
Dear family, brethren, and friends,
On Wednesday, April 9, Jack Jaco and I met at the airport in Manila for the 5:00 AM flight to Masbate City on Masbate Island. We had been concerned that an approaching typhoon might cause the flight to be cancelled, but it is slow moving and has weakened to a low pressure system. Greg Jumao-as was converted from the Baptist Church last year and has been steadily growing and maturing. He met us at Masbate City and guided us to Del Carmen where he preaches and where he has baptized many former Baptists meeting there.
Greg has preached in Del Carmen since 1983 and is well respected in the community. The church had been affiliated with a Baptist association which is trying to eject Greg from the property, but so far he has remained because the association did not provide funding to build this meeting house and has only a tenuous claim on it. It is not likely the association will take legal action to eject him because they do not have a strong case, but time will tell. It might be necessary to negotiate to purchase the property in order to avoid a long and expensive legal battle.
About 70 souls were gathered for our all day session with lessons on “New Beginnings in Christ,” “Modest Dress” (by request), “The Two Covenants,” and “How Sinners Receive Salvation.” Even though denominational “pastors” were present, there were only a few scattered questions in the open forum because the audience seemed to be satisfied they had heard the truth.
One of the main purposes of this gospel meeting is to edify and stabilize this new congregation of God’s people, but we also have a interesting opportunity. Mark Klynen from Belgium married a Filipina and moved to this area. He had little religious training or faith of any kind, but this is my third trip to this area and he has attended all three times. Finally, by the kind help of a brother in the Netherlands, I was able to present Mark a Bible in Dutch, his own language, with some additional teaching material. I noticed during the lessons that his wife was helping him locate the passages I covered. He greatly appreciated getting his own Bible.
It is summer here in the Philippines and is very hot with high humidity. My voice was weakened after spending all day in a hot room with our deaf mute brethren in Manila in spite of the fact I did not use my voice! Today the brethren gave me two coconuts with the tops cut off and a straw inserted to drink the fresh “buko” juice in fighting dehydration, which greatly helped in addition to Gatorade.
We stayed in a small hotel in Masbate City and drove about an hour to Del Carmen over bumpy roads. About 70 attended again on Thursday. The morning study was entitled “Back to the Bible” showing that it contains God’s plan for our salvation, the pattern for the original church of Christ, instructions for godly living, and principles necessary for family life. Jonathan Carino arrived today and he presented a thorough study on baptism. Next, I presented a detailed examination of the question, “Is instrumental music authorized in worship today?” In the open forum there were a few questions on baptism but many on instrumental music. No one really fought us, but they are working through many false concepts they have been taught for years. Several were nodding their heads to say they got the point as we went along. Mark Klynen continued to show good interest and he commented that he learned a lot from the studies.
Was Friday, April 11, the worst day or the best day of the trip so far? Originally, two days were scheduled for a gospel meeting in Masbate City proper, but a festival here complicated our plans and we were forced to reduce it to one day. The studies were scheduled to start at 9:00 AM and by 8:30 people were arriving. About 20 people coming from a distant rural area including our host were delayed by several travel headaches including a flat tire. It was 11:00 AM before we could begin, but delayed schedules is a typical feature of Filipino life. Americans fret over it while Filipinos take it in stride.
My first lesson was a study of “The Purpose of Our Life,” followed by Jonathan on “The Three Dispensations.” After a late lunch Jack Jaco preached on “The Seed Principle.” My final lesson was “Jesus Came to Seek and Save the Lost.” During the open forum there were several questions on baptism, because these denominational “pastors” were hearing the original gospel of Christ for the first time.
One very attentive “pastor” asked me to explain Acts 16:30-31 where Paul told the Philippian jailor to believe in Jesus Christ to be saved. I began turning to the passage and commented that we need to see the context to get the right meaning. Before I could say anything else, the man burst our laughing and said, “I just the read the verses which follow.” He was laughing at himself because as soon as he read those following verses, he immediately saw the answer to his own question! When Paul explained faith in Christ, baptism was included. Although I answered the question for the sake of other people in our audience, he had already been convinced just by reading the verses himself – a good sign of an honest heart.
Mark Klynen was present again and could not get enough. He admitted to me that he is already partly convinced, but he wants to read more of the Bible before making a commitment. As soon as the assembly was dismissed, the audience began to ask when we could return to teach them more. Three men asked if they could return this evening to ask follow-up questions. Of course, we welcomed them to do so. Jack, Jonathan, and I ate a late supper with these three men, discussing various topics as they asked questions, and then we pared off with each of them to give each man personal attention. Thus, these men received an additional two hours of teaching on a wide range of subjects.
Greg Jumao-as told me three had decided to be baptized as a result of the previous two days of preaching. Today Willie Pastor sent a text message that several more decided to be baptized in Bilibid Prison in Metro Manila in part because of the lesson I presented last Sunday. It is truly harvest time in this nation!
Worst day or best? Undoubtedly, one of the best days we have ever had! There is real potential to plant the Lord’s church in Masbate City if we can strike while the iron is hot.
The last two nights I have seen a half moon with a huge halo or circle around it, which means rains is coming according to the old timers. (I trust everyone is keeping an eye on the moon for me.)
Today, Saturday, we left the hotel at 5:30 AM to catch the flight to Manila. From there Jonathan returned to his home at Cebu City while Jack and I took another flight to Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte on Mindanao. Edgardo Parangan is the host for the series here on “The Home and Family,” but he had two strokes last week. He is recovering at home but is incapacitated at this time. In addition to local brethren who will step in to help, the following men traveled to be with us and to help in any needed capacity: Cyrus Gesulga, Jhun Carpentero, Leo and James Armada, and Leo Entroso. The classes will be taught by Jack, Rody Gumpad (arrival Monday), and myself. We thank God for safety in travel and look forward to a good week.
One thing is for certain. The great harvest of souls occurring in the Philippines is the work of God through the power of the gospel as He gives the increase. No one person is able to accomplish all the good work occurring, but the gospel is spreading through the faith, hope, and love of many dedicated Filipino brethren. It is a joy to work alongside them from time to time. They appreciate the fact that much work being accomplished is made possible by the love, attention, prayers, and financial help of U.S. saints. Above all, let us all give God all the glory for His great plan and purpose for our redemption!
In Christian love, Ron Halbrook
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