Dear family, brethren, and friends,

It is almost midnight on Friday, March 2, and I am finally at my house by God’s good providence.  My trip from Manila was delayed for a day because my original airplane was overbooked.  This trip has had more unusual twists and turns than any I can remember, but all is well that ends well.  When I feel a little frustrated over changes beyond my control, I just think how delighted Paul and the first Christians would have been if they could have had the facilities we have for travel.  What do I know about frustrations over changes in plans when I consider men like Paul:  beaten with rods, stoned, shipwrecked, floating in the ocean, and numerous other perils they experienced!

I arrived home to find Donna well, and our children and their families are all well.  There is no time to rest.  Tomorrow we will meet some brethren to load and store Bible study materials which have been donated for the Philippine work and which eventually will be shipped to Filipino saints.  Then I must get ready to preach on Sunday.

The blessings, privileges, and open doors provided by God on this trip far overshadow the trials which arose.  I can never forget the joy of meeting some of God’s 7,000 who have not bowed to Baal in England and France as well as the Philippines.  I hope I was able to encourage and edify them, and I know 100% for sure they encouraged me in the most holy faith.  Highlights in the Philippines included the first lectureship I have conducted in Quirino (we planned for 50 and 75 attended), studying the book of Revelation with the deaf mute saints in Sampaloc, and purchasing 530 Bibles in Filipino dialects to be shipped to many Filipino brethren.

These trips cause me to fall behind on correspondence, and once again I already have fallen behind.  I am not ignoring anyone, but there are only a certain number of hours in each day and I cannot stay at the computer when so many duties are waiting attention.  Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Thank you to every brother and sister who helps to make these trips possible.  Especially I thank our Filipino brethren for their love, hospitality, and encouragement as they press forward serving our Lord.  Above all, to God be the glory.  In the words of Psalm 107:8, “Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!”

In Christian love,
Ron Halbrook

To see good Bible study material, go to:
http://www.HebronChurchOfChrist.com
http://www.biblework.com
http://www.truthmagazine.com
http://www.CEIbooks.com