Dear family, brethren, and friends,

The Thursday, April 14, session of our preacher training program was productive as we observed the good progress of our participants.  I have been briefly reviewing the books of the Old Testament and their divisions before each class, and now I simply start them with Genesis and they name the books in unison on their own.

The segment on the preacher’s life and work concentrated on an evangelist’s duty to provide for his material needs.  This may include laboring to support himself, receiving individual donations, or being supported by churches – or a combination of these.  The Catholic priest and the denominational “pastor” often consider it beneath their dignity to do secular work to support themselves.  I spent about 40 minutes on the theme of the nobility of work as reflected in God’s perfect work of creation, Jesus’ training as a carpenter, and Paul’s occupation of tent making.  No preacher should be ashamed to sustain himself by engaging in honest labor if necessary.

We studied giving on the first day of the week as an act of worship in the series on basic Bible doctrine.  Divorce and remarriage was the focal point in the class on issues that divide brethren.  Jesus clearly taught that marriage means one man for one woman for life.  The only exception he gave is that if a person’s mate commits fornication, the innocent party may divorce the fornicator and marry a new mate (Matt. 5:32; 19:9).  I encouraged the men to emphasize the rule more than the exception and to try to save marriages even when fornication occurs.

Our last period was divided between map studies and a discussion of some factors in the preacher’s personal life.  A single man will face some unique challenges and when he looks for a wife he should concentrate on her moral and spiritual character.  A married preacher should value his wife and children, give attention to their needs, and communicate to them how much he loves and appreciates them.

The students are freely asking questions which reflect their good grasp of the material as they wrestle with making the proper applications of the truth they are learning.

Friday, our last day to teach, was an excellent day and everyone was in good spirits.  The preacher’s life and work hour was devoted to the lesson “Jesus Teaches Total Honesty,” stressing the imperative of integrity and transparency in the life of a Christian and especially an evangelist.  Duplicity and dishonesty in our work is a recipe for failure in this world and eternal punishment in eternity.  Preachers are as susceptible to this temptation as anyone else.

Our session on basic Bible doctrine emphasized the importance of prayer in a preacher’s life.  Prayer draws us closer to God who is our strength and our salvation.  Relationships thrive on communication.  Christians need to listen to God every day as He speaks to us in Scripture, and to speak to God each day in prayer.  Preachers cannot succeed without God’s providential care and guidance.

Today’s class on issues dividing brethren examined institutionalism.  Institutionalism centralizes the work of local churches through human organizations functioning as evangelistic agencies (missionary societies, Herald of Truth, World Bible School, etc.), edification agencies (church supported schools and colleges, camps, etc.), and benevolence agencies (clinics, hospitals, orphanages, retirement homes, etc.).  God perfectly designed the local church to do its own work with elders, deacons, and all the saints cooperating. The church is not authorized by Christ to donate funds to human agencies and organizations.

Next, we studied the so-called mutual edification faction which insists it is sinful for a church to engage a local preacher at a stipulated salary after elders are appointed.  They claim all male members must share the preaching duties.  The New Testament nowhere reveals such regulations – they are purely man-made traditions.  The working relationship between a local church and a gospel preacher are matters of local autonomy and expediency.

In the last session we reviewed a booklet giving guidance in how to prepare and deliver effective sermon outlines.  I closed by having us sing “Send the Light” and by praying that God will bless these men to have many years sending the light of the gospel of Christ into this dark sin-cursed world.  In closing remarks I tried to impress upon them that if they fulfill their ministry, precious souls will be saved in heaven for eternity through their labors.

As we leave tomorrow, Harry Osborne and Jonathan Carino will arrive to complete the classes planned for the next two weeks. We will be praying for the health and success of everyone involved, including Lordy Salunga who had a pacemaker implanted and who is recovering.

Rody and Tessie Gumpad have been most considerate and attentive to every need of Craig and myself for these two weeks.  Tessie’s skill and leadership in the kitchen with eight regular helpers resulted in the most nutritious and delicious meals a person could ever desire.  Imagine the challenge of feeding 33 men not including teachers for one month!  They are starting at 4:00 A.M. each morning with these duties.  We will miss them and pray for them as we proceed to our next appointments.

As I have walked these last two nights, I can see the moon getting larger and its smile broader.  Craig and I send our love and appreciation to all of you who are helping us with your prayers and even words of encouragement.  Though we are thankful for the privilege to engage in the work of the Lord here in the Philippines, we miss all of our dear family, brethren, and loved ones at home!  We are praying for you.

In Christian love,
Ron Halbrook