April 25, 2014th Year of Our Lord

Dear family, brethren, and friends,

The previous report summarized activities in the Ozamiz City area. On April 22, Tuesday, our drive across the Misamis Occidental Province from Ozamiz City to Cagayan de Oro City took six hours. It would have been eight hours, but we took a ferry across a gulf when we left Ozamiz City and cut out some travel time. We had to contend not only with roller coaster and bumpy roads but also with heavy traffic, road construction, and police and military checkpoints passing through part of Lanao Province which is heavily populated with Muslims who at times become violent. Our driver, Dondon Mabasa, did a good job negotiating all these twists and turns, and we thank God for our safe trip.

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April 19-21, 2014

Dear family, brethren, and friends,

Having finished our work in Dipolog City, we began our trek eastward in northern Mindanao on Saturday, April 19. Two vehicles were loaded with Jhun Carpentero, Bobby Entroso, Jack Jaco, Rody and Tessie Gumpad, and myself. Jhun drove one and Rody, Tessie, and I rode with a fine young couple named Rolando “Dondon” and Melina Mabasa who came all the way Pagadian City to be with us these next several days.

The trip from Dipolog City to Ozamiz City, Misamis Occidental took several hours, but I slept several times and missed some of the scenery. I was awakened when the roller-coaster road dipped so sharply that my head banged on the roof of the car, but, thank God, the trip was completed safely and without any breakdown. Ozamiz City will be our base for the next few days. In all my years in the Philippines I have stumbled onto Dr. Pepper very rarely, but the little café in the hotel here has it – so all is well that ends well!

After traveling over an hour Sunday morning, sometimes on roller-coaster roads again, we reached Oroquieta City, Misamis Occidental, where Ramon Villamin preaches. It seems in past years this church was under some liberal influences, but in recent times they have been open to hear conservative preachers and are moving away from institutional liberalism. Over 100 brethren met in a large room at a high school where one of the members teaches. At the morning service I spoke on “The Resurrection of Christ” and Rody gave an overview of God’s plan for man’s salvation in Scripture and in history.

During the afternoon service Jonathan Carino preached on obedience (he arrived by taking an all-night ferryboat from Cebu) , then I spoke on “Two Attitudes Toward God’s Word: Conservative and Liberal.” Passages such as Jeremiah 6:16 and 2 Timothy 1:13 teach us to have a conservative attitude of strictly adhering to God’s standard of truth. The lesson shows the difference between conservative and liberal attitudes toward Scripture in relation to these applications: Revelation Authorizes VS Silence Authorizes, Local Church Action VS Centralization of Local Church Work, Spiritual Work VS Social-Recreational Work, Church Benevolence to Saints VS Benevolence to Sinners, and Preaching All God’s Word VS Worldly Weakness in Preaching.

The audience was very receptive to our lessons today. Rody closed with a lesson designed to invite sinners to obey the gospel. Four were baptized.

When in the Philippines, expect the unexpected. The meeting today, Monday, was planned to start at 9:00 AM at the Malaubang church of Christ here in Ozamiz City where Geneses Delos Santos preaches. A vehicle bringing many visitors had a flat, so we waited until after 10:00 AM to start to give them time to arrive. The local church has only a handful meeting in a building that could seat 250 (built by liberal brethren some years ago), but today 87 attended including brethren from churches at Libinay and Clarin. Fifteen Catholics from the area attended as well. Brother and sister Ramon Carino rode a bus from Pagadian City to be with us today – he is 90 and still mentally alert and quite active.

My first lesson was on “Simon Samaritan Sorcerer Saved,” followed by Rody’s overview of the plan of redemption. He extended that lesson after lunch, then I taught “Two Attitudes Toward God’s Word: Conservative and Liberal.” When Rody was about half way through his first presentation, there was a citywide brownout (temporary loss of electricity), so the projector could not be used any longer. Fortunately, a whiteboard was at hand which both of us used during the rest of the day.

Brownouts are fairly common from time to time in the Philippines, especially in Mindanao. President Ferdinand Marcos served from 1965-1986 and was farsighted in building up the infrastructure of this nation including power plants, but because of pressure from environmentalists not one power plant has gone online since he resigned in 1986. This is one major reason the Philippines is so far behind in economic development. This brownout today lasted four hours – how can businesses rely on such an unstable power system? This is a city of about 140,000 people!

After returning to the hotel, I have been following a route on three streets to reach the city hall where there is a small paved sidewalk for walkers. I have been making several rounds there, then returning to the hotel. Shortly after dark I was almost ready to return from walking and another brownout occurred. Every light went dark including the street lights (except for a few businesses with generators), and I had an adventure getting back to the hotel because I could not see the surface where I was walking. Vehicle lights only served to blind me even more. I know, I know, I can hear some of you saying, “You should not be out like that at night,” but previously I did fine because the street lights on these main streets gave sufficient light.

In the Philippines, expect the unexpected. But, I had a Dr. Pepper again with supper – so, again, all is well that ends well!

The two days of preaching in this area have been productive in confirming the convictions and the desire of these churches to take a more conservative biblical stand. The main issue that impacts Filipino churches is whether to distribute benevolence from the treasury to saints as was done in the New Testament pattern, or to include sinners after the manner of Catholicism and denominationalism. There are also some liberal churches sponsoring social and recreational activities, but few have funds for such activities. Sunrise Christian College at Butuan City on Mindanao receives support from churches, and there are Filipino liberals supported by sponsoring churches in the U.S. So, liberal influences are very much present over here and must be countered by teaching brethren to respect “the form of sound words” or “the pattern of sound teaching” found in the New Testament (2 Tim. 1:13 KJV; NIV).

I thank God for opening the doors for all of these opportunities, and I thank all of my brethren who make it possible for me to come take advantage of such wonderful opportunities to teach souls who are seeking the truth.

In Christian love, Ron Halbrook

To see good Bible study material, go to

www.HebronChurchOfChrist.com

www.biblework.com

www.truthmagazine.com

www.CEIbooks.com

April 18, 2014th Year of Our Lord

Dear family, brethren, and friends,

On the Lord’s Day, April 13, we worshiped with the Dipolog City church of Christ where Edgardo Parangan preaches. Though he suffered two strokes last week, Edgardo attended the services today. He moves slowly and awkwardly but is showing improvement. I preached on “The Prison of Sin” and then Cyrus Gesulga preached on God using us as His people in the ministry of reconciliation, i.e., to spread the gospel. The church building was full and appeared to hold around 50-60 people.

In the afternoon we drove out into the countryside to the Diwan church of Christ where Chito Calimpong preaches. About 50 people crammed into the little bamboo and nipa hut with a dirt floor, which serves as their meeting place. (Nipa is dried palm tree branches.) My lesson was on “Simon Samaritan Sorcerer Saved.” There were many high school and college age young people present who could understand my English, but Cyrus summarized the sermon in the local dialect for the sake of the older people in the audience.

Many of these younger people want to attend the classes on “The Home and Family Life” this week in Dipolog City, but they will have to get up early to take care of the farm animals and go home each day to put the animals up.

Today, Monday, at 2:00 PM we began the series in a function room at The Top Plaza Hotel in Dipolog City for five days on “The Home and Family Life.” If the first day starts in the morning, participants coming from a distance arrive all along during the morning, and the audience is not complete until after lunch. This means the late comers miss part of the series and there are constant interruptions as they enter. We avoid these problems by starting at 2:00 PM the first day, and we dismiss the last day at noon, which allows an afternoon of rest at the completion of the series.

Over 50 people came today, which is a good sized audience with which to work, though only 40 received workbooks. As an outline or framework, we follow the lessons in L.A. Stauffer’s Family Life: A Biblical Perspective, and Mike Willis’ Harmony in the Home. About half the audience appears to be under the age of 30, which is a good time for them to have these studies. Though the Philippines has a family oriented society, there is much immorality and corruption beneath the surface and Christians are affected. Jack Jaco, Rody Gumpad, and I are teaching the series. Cyrus Gesulga gives early morning devotional type lessons.

The lessons on this first day gave an overview of marriage and of the importance of love in the home. Tony Boy Hornedo, the deaf mute preacher in Manila, informed a friend of his in Dipolog City about our meeting, and she came today.  Since she cannot hear, a special seat was reserved for her at the front so that she could clearly see each of the PowerPoint charts as they were put up on the screen.  She is a Jehovah’s Witness, so I gave her some additional study materials to take home with her.

On Tuesday our attendance went up to 60 including three more deaf mutes. Everyone was focused and attentive as we covered material on the roles of husbands, wives, and children. As well we studied the duty of discipline, honor for parents, and selecting a mate. I taught two very basic lessons on marriage, divorce, and remarriage. Thirteen lessons were discussed in a day and a half, completing the workbook on Family Life. Our participants have enjoyed learning and singing “God Give Us Christian Homes” and “Where Love Is in the Home.” Both songs are sung several times each day during our series.

“Harmony in the Home” was Wednesday’s theme as we used Mike Willis’ workbook by that name as a guide. Different kinds of sins which have a destructive impact on family life were studied as “works of the flesh” and “the old man” of sin. Then, attention shifted to the new life in Christ and principles in the Sermon on the Mount which have a constructive impact on family life. At the end of the day there was a 30 minute Q & A period which was productive with questions from young and older alike.

On Thursday, April 17, our rented function room in the hotel was full again and everyone was very attentive as we finished teaching the series on “Harmony in the Home.” I again made applications to home life from the Sermon on the Mount dealing with things like patience in adversity, prayer, and the Golden Rule.

The whole afternoon was devoted to “Man’s Leadership in the Home,” a four-part series I developed several years ago. Rody, Jack, and I used Joshua 24:15 to underscore the importance of men fulfilling their duty to be spiritual leaders in the family. We discussed a man’s personal spiritual growth which prepares him to lead his wife, his children, and the family unit as a whole.

Friday morning I taught four lessons covering every chapter and verse of the Song of Solomon, “A Celebration of Love.” The story of the courtship and marriage of Solomon and his Shulamite bride is everyman’s story. God blessed mankind with the experience of passionate love within the context of marriage, which is pictured in the love story told in this book.

Muslims attack this book as pornographic when they claim the Bible has been corrupted, though they claim to believe it. Pornography is not an expression of the healthy and wholesome passion of love in marriage but rejects God’s gift for a cheap, empty, destructive counterfeit. There is not one pornographic line or word in the Song of Solomon but rather it celebrates passionate love as God intended it within the confines of marriage.

The Song of Solomon teaches husbands and wives to cultivate the garden of marriage by giving attention and affection to each other. When these lessons are applied, we will have harmony and happiness in our homes – we will have Christian homes. This is the remedy to much of the rampant sin and immorality engulfing the world today!

By God’s grace, Edgardo Parangan, our host, regained enough strength and agility to sit in with us during today’s session. We hope and pray he will fully recover from the two strokes he suffered two weeks ago.

As is customary in the Philippines, a certificate of completion is given to each participant at the end of a seminar or series of lessons like this one. The students expressed their appreciation for the teachers’ work and the teachers expressed appreciation for the good participation of the students.

Tomorrow, Saturday, we start our journey eastward across northern Mindanao toward Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental, preaching a few days along the way. A week from tomorrow, Rody Gumpad and I will journey to Laoag City, Ilocos Norte to present a series at the Laoag City church of Christ on “God’s Plan for Unity When Issues Divide Brethren.” Then, before we know it, May 1st will arrive, and I will fly home, God willing. Please continue to pray that the trip will be safe and successful to the end.

When I have taken my walk on the boulevard at night next to the ocean, I have enjoyed seeing the moon come to its full phase, and know that someone at home is observing the same moon. My family, the saints at the Hebron Lane church of Christ, and the brethren who help to make this trip possible are never far from my mind. I thank God for you, one and all!

In Christian love, Ron Halbrook

To see good Bible study material, go to

www.HebronChurchOfChrist.com

www.biblework.com

www.truthmagazine.com

www.CEIbooks.com

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

To see good Bible study material, go to

www.HebronChurchOfChrist.com

www.biblework.com

www.truthmagazine.com

www.CEIbooks.com

April 8, 2014th Year of Our Lord

Dear family, brethren, and friends,

My flights on April 1 from Louisville to Detroit to Nagoya, Japan to Manila went well. I was exhausted when I fell into the bed at the hotel about 2:00 AM on Thursday (Filipino time). Elias Cruz met me later that day to sort and pack teaching material I brought in four large boxes on the airplane. Then, he sent them via air cargo and the bus to the places I will distribute them on this trip. I spent the rest of the day studying, answering email, and preparing for the next days’ work.

Friday, April 4, a service was held at the home of Jimmy Battung, the retired police chief who was converted by Atoy Franco a few years ago. He adapted his garage as an open-air meeting place. It was a pleasant surprise to see Rick Halnas home on vacation from his job in New Zealand. He was here for his daughter’s high school graduation-she was valedictorian and plans to study medicine. About 20 souls met with us to hear lessons on “Simon Samaritan Sorcerer Saved” and “The Prison of Sin.”

The open forum included a question faced by a grandson of Jimmy. He has learned the truth and wants to be baptized, but his parents are fanatical Catholics and promised to put him out if he obeys the true gospel. We studied Matthew 10:34-37 about putting Christ above family members. That can be especially hard in Philippine culture which is still quite patriarchal. Pray for this young man to have the faith and courage to obey Christ.

Saturday’s appointment was at Vicas, North Caloocan City, Metro Manila where Ely Ebuenga preaches. After driving over an hour, we waited 1 ½ hours at a rendevous point because of some miscommunication with the men sent to meet us. The people were patiently waiting and singing when we arrived. It was past 11:00 AM when my lesson began on “Make Something Useful of Your Life: Serve God.” Though the people understand English, Ely wanted to be sure they got every point, so the lesson was translated by Jhun Layusa, finishing at 1:00 PM.

After lunch I preached on “Back to the Bible,” translated by Ely. During the invitation song, two young ladies who had been attentive came forward to be baptized into Christ.

Fearing the traffic would be heavy, we did not stay longer, and sure enough it took 2 ½ hours to get back to the hotel. Atoy Franco is my faithful driver and companion in going out to preach in Metro Manila. He was converted by Don Hastings several years ago and has proven himself to be a faithful servant of the Lord, always ready to help in any possible way.

I try to force myself to take some exercise every day no matter how tired I am, which boosts my stamina. When I get back to the hotel in the evenings, I eat, take care of details necessary to the work, and then take exercise. Fortunately, this hotel has an exercise room, and I have been going about 10:00 PM, which is much later than I prefer. In other towns I often look for a safe place to walk. By the time I shower and get to bed, I am exhausted and fall asleep almost instantly! (Those who may think these trips are vacations are welcome to join the “vacation” anytime they do not need a lot of rest 🙂 ).

On Sunday Atoy drove me to Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City, Metro Manila where we worshiped with Willie Pastor and 60 men gathered with him. Rennie Frazier from the U.S. preached here yesterday, so they had studies for two days with American preachers. My lesson was entitled “Make Something Useful of Your Life: Serve God.” Including Willie’s translation, it took two hours to teach the lesson, so we studied the first part during the Bible study period and completed it during the worship hour. After dismissal we sat with several men for an hour answering questions on baptism and the undenominational nature of the New Testament church. As a result of these efforts, two men asked to be baptized shortly after we left.

We drove straight from the prison to Jimmy Battung’s home to join this small church in worship. I taught the same lesson, but there was no need to have it interpreted to this audience. One of Jimmy’s grandsons, Kyle Halnas, led the singing, and he has a natural voice for it. It is almost 1:00 AM as I write this report, so I will sleep well, just not enough.

All day Monday was spent with the saints at the Kapitbahayan church in Navotas, Metro Manila. The morning lessons were designed for a general audience as we studied “Make Something Useful of Your life: Serve God” and “Simon Samaritan Sorcerer Saved.” About 100 attended.

The afternoon was set aside for elders and preachers in an effort to settle a controversy which has brewed off and on for a year. Did Jesus raise himself from the grave, or was he helpless and dependent on the Father’s power to raise him like any other man? I began by presenting a verse by verse study of Mark 16 on “The Resurrection of Christ” to emphasize it is the foundation of our faith in him as the Savior. Next, I pointed out that in such miracles as the creation and the resurrection of Christ the Godhead collaborated and acted in perfect harmony. We cannot dissect the inner workings of the Godhead but are dependent on what is revealed, nothing more, nothing less.

We know there are passages referring to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit working in the resurrection of Christ. Further than what is revealed, we cannot explain this miracle or any miracle, but we cannot deny Jesus affirmed his power to lay down his life and to take it again (Jn. 10:17-18).

Next, we all grow in knowledge and understanding, and this growing process does not make us false teachers (2 Pet. 1:5-7). All the parties to this controversy affirm the resurrection of Christ, and yet all can grow in understanding this great doctrine-thus, not all differences constitute false doctrine.

The discussion continued for two hours without anyone getting angry or out of sorts. The brethren who differed seemed satisfied, and we pray now the saints will be more united in their efforts to serve God.

Today, Tuesday, Atoy Franco, Elijah Sikat, and I went to the Sampaloc church of Christ where Antonio “TonyBoy” Hornedo preaches here in Manila. They have been meeting for many years in a small room at the back of a building, reached by an outside passageway barely wide enough for two people to pass if they turn sideways. About 50 souls including saints and sinners were packed in this room like sardines. This is the deaf mute church in Manila.

There was no one present who could hear and interpret in sign language, but a brother signed as he read each PowerPoint chart I presented, and I wrote additional notes on the blackboard as we went along. My first lesson was “The Resurrection of Christ” followed by “The Prison of Sin.” The process moved slowly, but the audience was greatly attentive and constantly signing to each other and to the brother helping me to clarify the points. The heat and humidity were sweltering so that Elijah and a few others went outside for fresh air a couple of times to avoid heat exhaustion, but they returned to follow the lessons.

During the open forum there were questions by visitors about marriage, divorce, and remarriage. I showed Matthew 5:32 and 19:9 on PowerPoint charts and gave a simple exposition of each passage. After quite a bit of signing to each other, they all indicated they understood the rule of one man for one woman for life, and the one exception allowing an innocent mate to marry a new mate after divorcing a fornicator.

After a review of the plan of salvation and the one true church, six came forward asking to be baptized. We left exhausted by the heat but rejoicing for the souls who responded. There were many expressions of appreciation by smiles, hugs, handshakes, thumbs-up, and sign language. Spending the day in silence watching these people sing, pray, study, and communicate by signing made us reflect on the value of the gifts of hearing and speech! And we greatly admire people who seek and serve God in the absence of these gifts!

At all of these places I distributed books, booklets, and tracts for further study.

Without the love, prayers, and financial help of many saints, the work reported here would not have been done. Thank you, brethren! And, yes, I’ve managed to see the moon a couple of times, so be sure to keep it in your sights.

n Christian love, Ron Halbrook

To see good Bible study material, go to

www.HebronChurchOfChrist.com

www.biblework.com

www.truthmagazine.com

www.CEIbooks.com

March 6, 2014th Year of Our Lord

HALBROOK REPORT: 53rd PHILIPPINE TRIP

Feb. 18-Mar. 6, 2014

Dear brethren,

By God’s gracious providence my 53rd Philippine trip was completed February 18-March 6. The main focus was to relieve saints suffering from typhoon Yolanda which struck November 8.  10,000 people died, 550,000 homes were destroyed, and it will take five years to fully recover according to Filipino officials.  All in all, 38 lessons were taught, 7 were baptized into Christ, and benevolence was distributed to hundreds of brethren on Leyte, Samar, and Negros.

February 20 Elias Cruz met me in Manila to ship benevolence items, Bibles, and study material ahead.  Friday I met Cyrus Gesulga and Rody Gumpad to study various aspects of premillennialism.  Cyrus lives in Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental Province, on Mindanao but had come to Manila for a few days.  He gave up the premillennial system in 2011 but is still puzzled about a few passages, which we are studying little by little.  Saturday the three of us conducted a gospel meeting north of Manila at Santa Cruz, Santa Maria, Bulacan Province with 35-40 in attendance.  During the open forum which followed questions ranged from the Sabbath Day observance to the proper use of the church treasury.

Atoy Franco took me on the Lord’s Day to Bilibid Prison, Muntinlupa City, Metro Manila, where Willie Pastor has been incarcerated since 2010.  Trusting God’s providence, he has persistently taught the gospel, baptizing 500.  Three churches now meet in the prison and Willie’s brother Kenneth works with them.  Willie hopes to be released this summer and return to his wife Kathy and their precious children.  They struggle financially in his absence, though compassionate brethren are giving some help.  In the afternoon we went to the home of Jimmy Battung, where a church of 15-20 meets.  After the lesson, questions about the plan of salvation and our existence in the hadean realm were discussed in an open forum.

February 24-26 was dedicated to benevolence work in the Visayan Islands.  Jonathan Carino and I took an early morning ferry Tuesday to Ormoc City, Southern Leyte.  We rented a van with the driver for the day to visit area churches.  Funds for food were delivered to churches at Baybay, Candadan, Ampihonon Caibu, Mahaplag (two churches), San Vicente, and Ormoc City. The next day we returned to Leyte to bring funds to the saints at Tacloban City, Northern Leyte where brethren from Samar also met us to receive help.  I gave a short lesson on “Benevolence” to show it expresses God’s love for us and our love for each other, it meets a temporary emergency, and it tests our honesty in handling church funds.

The devastation caused by Yolanda is startling.  Decomposed bodies are still being discovered.  An estimated ten million people have been seriously affected by the typhoon.  Much of the damage to homes and other buildings still has not been repaired.  Construction materials are scarce and expensive for the average Filipino.  Electricity is still not generally available. Many school buildings are so severely damaged they cannot be used at all.  The mind can hardly comprehend what the eyes see!  Most of our brethren are among the poorest peoples and they suffer the most. The brethren who received benevolence expressed their thanksgiving and love again and again to all the saints who donated the funds.

February 27-March 2 I visited churches on Negros Oriental with the help of Jonathan Carino and Jack Jaco.  Friday-Saturday our circuit included Buenavista, Santa Bangkal, JonobJonob, Escalante City proper, Drier, Old Poblacion, Balintawak, Amparo, Japitan, Bago, Sagay City, Toboso, Tinabuan, Pur. Dalia, Narra, Complex Cadiz City, Minaposok, Kawayanan, Kapisan, and Victorias City.  972 saints on Negros received benevolence.  They feel so small and ignored in this world that their spirits are greatly uplifted by our coming to bring help from saints so far away.

Jonathan, Jack, and I flew March 3 to Masbate Island for a gospel meeting March 3-4.  Former Baptist preachers Greg Jumao-as and Edgar Diaz invited contacts who were curious to understand why they left the Baptist faith.  I presented a series of lessons on “The Authority of Christ.”  The open forums were lively especially regarding baptism and instrumental music, but the audience was receptive.  One was converted.  The great joy of the Philippine work is seeing the hunger of souls to learn God’s Word!

The next day I went to Manila to buy 1,112 Bibles in several dialects to ship throughout the Philippines, especially to brethren affected by the typhoon.  Thursday I had a safe trip home to Louisville.

I rejoice for the love of saints who make this work possible and for God’s providence in it all!

In Christian love, Ron Halbrook

To see good Bible study material, go to

www.HebronChurchOfChrist.com

www.biblework.com

www.truthmagazine.com

www.CEIbooks.com

Dear family, brethren, & friends,

Under God’s gracious care I arrived home safely from the Philippines about 6:00 PM Thursday.  I rushed to eat something, change my clothes, and arrive at the Hebron Lane church of Christ where our gospel meeting is ongoing.  I am beginning to rest and to make plans for the next trip.  Meanwhile, our dear Filipino brethren and friends are always in our thoughts and prayers.  Especially at this time we remember those who are suffering the tragic effects of the super typhoon Yolanda. It is a blessing to see their faith, hope, and love expressed in many sacrifices in serving Christ.  My small part in the Philippine work could not succeed without the constant love, talents, and help of Filipino saints!   It is a great privilege to work with them.

I apologize for many emails I have not been able to answer because of the hectic schedule and because internet connections were not strong this time as I traveled in the Philippines.  I will do my best to answer when time permits, but there will be further delay because I must go to California to preach the funeral service for brother Olen Holderby who passed away on March 4.

Meanwhile, may God bless each and every one of you as you “press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 3:14).

In Christian love,

Ron Halbrook

To see good Bible study material, go to

www.HebronChurchOfChrist.com

www.biblework.com

www.truthmagazine.com

www.CEIbooks.com

March 5, 2014th Year of Our Lord

Dear family, brethren, and friends,

The trip has gone well to the last day, but, I must issue this alert! The end time is near! On February 27, the flight Jonathan Carino and I took from Cebu City to Bacolod City, Negros Oriental left ahead of schedule and landed 30 minutes early! This is a first in all my 53 Philippine trips. It may be a first in Philippine aviation history. Of course, we must factor in the fact that this flight originated in Cebu City and not in Manila which is constantly congested, but this is still a significant milestone. Neither Jonathan Carino nor I could remember ever having had this experience.

Jack Jaco and Shem Tagapan met us at the airport and brought us to the hotel for a good night of rest to prepare for the rigors of another very challenging and rewarding day ahead. And, I was counting just one more week till I can see precious Donna and all our loved ones at home!

Friday our circuit visiting churches began just after 7:30 A.M. and we arrived back at the hotel at 9:00 P.M., tired but uplifted by the day’s events. The typhoon Yolanda took its toll on hundreds of Christians in Negros Occidental not so much because of damage to houses, though there was some, but more because of damage to sources of income. This region grows sugarcane and many brethren are day laborers in the cane fields. When the crops were destroyed, their source of income was destroyed. Jobs have been lost and workers displaced. Hunger has been their greatest enemy.

The fields now are becoming active again, but our poor brethren can ill afford the income losses they suffered and many remain out of work. They openly rejoiced at our coming with the benevolence representing the love of God and of brethren from afar. They profusely expressed appreciation although the amount given per person was significantly less than what was given on Leyte because the number of people helped was far greater here on Negros. Some people kept coming back and shook my hand 3-4 times, overcome with joy and thanksgiving.

Benevolence was given in the following areas. These are included in the wide geography of Escalante City: 1. Buenavista (24 members; Jessie Isitan, evangelist). 2. Santa Bangkal, JonobJonob (43 members; Addy Sorbeto, evangelist). 3. Escalante City proper (20; Arnold Garcia, evangelist). 4. Drier, Balintawak (25; Danny Alquiza, evanelist). 5. Old Poblacion (29; Roger Eson, evangelist). 6. Balintawak (84; James Berden, evangelist). 7. Amparo, Mabini (87 members; Morito Panadero, evangelist).

Other churches which received benevolence included Japitan (43 members; Arnel Tayactac, evangelist), Bago, Salvador Benedicto (57; Vicente Alquiza, evangelist), Sagay City (63; Jerry De Erio, evangelist), and Toboso (25; Jun Anonas, evangelist).

The total number of saints who received help today was 491. Ten times today I presented the short lesson on “Benevolence” before giving the funds to the churches. Brethren patiently waited for us during the day because it was not possible to schedule our time due to the travel conditions. We left Bacolod City on good roads but as we got into the countryside filled with sugarcane fields the roads quickly deteriorated. Roads are generally poorly built in the Philippines, but their roads here in this area groan under the constant pressure of huge trucks loaded and overloaded with cane. Also the trucks drop so much cane that the roads ride like washboards. In some places we ran out of pavement and drove on dirt roads. At one place the road ended and we got out and walked some distance to the church building.

There was no time to take a lunch break, and if there had been time, I do not know where we would have found food safe to eat. At a couple of places the brethren cut coconuts open and offered us the meat and milk, both of which are tasty. I drank the coconut milk both times because it is far more effective in counteracting dehydration than the Gatorade we normally drink. I survived fine on the snacks Donna packed such as peanut butter crackers and raisins.

Our morning schedule on Saturday, March 1, was delayed while we tried to find MoneyGram and Western Union agents who open before 10:00 A.M. in order to receive additional funds needed for today’s benevolence. We succeeded but service was so slow we still did not get out of town until 10:15. We call this “operating on Filipino time.” This was another busy day as we traversed the large Sagay City region of Negros Occidental. Funds were delivered to the following churches:

1. Tinabuan, Magdalena Extin., Paraiso, Sagay City (Jessie Isitan, evangelist; 34 members). 2. Pur. Dalia, Brgy. Puey, Sagay City (Jordan Cabras, evangelist; 108 members). 3. Narra, Tinampaan, Cadiz City (Jessie Isitan, evangelist; 28 members). 4. Complex Cadiz City (Jessie Isitan, evangelist; 51 members). 5. Minaposok, Calatrava (Jordan Cabras, evangelist; 11 members). 6. Kawayanan, Taloc, Bago City (Shem Tagapan, evangelist; 51 members). 7. Kapisan Village, Vesta Alegre, Bacolod City (Shem Tagapan, evangelist; 26 members).

The distribution made today reaches another 309 saints who are victims of Yolanda. Arrangements are being made to help another 170 saints in the Negros Occidental Province, bringing the total of recipients from this one effort to 972. This provision was made for food. Additional funds will be sent to address needs for repairing houses. All of this is being made possible by the love and sacrifices of saints around the world, especially in the U.S.

Again today I presented my short lesson on “Benevolence” at each place we visited to give the Bible foundation for this kind of work. Jack has given me more insight into the importance of this benevolence work. He says the amount received in each place is not nearly as important as the encouragement the brethren receive just from seeing us come from afar to show the love and concern we have for them. They feel so small and ignored in this world that their spirits are greatly uplifted by our coming to bring benevolence from saints so far away, regardless of the amount.

On Sunday, March 2, our drive to the Vicotrias City church of Christ where Jack Jaco preaches took less than an hour. When I first visited here in 1999 with Steve Curtis, the church met in a small public chapel. As the church has grown through the years, Jack has extended the space in his house to accommodate their services. This morning that extended room overflowed with more than 100 people packed like sardines in a can, with being forced to stand outside.

My lesson was on “The Prison of Sin” (1 Pet. 3:18-4:11). Six visitors responded to the Lord’s invitation and confessed Christ – I missed the baptisms because I had to hurry to the airport. At the end of the service, I gave the short lesson on “Benevolence.” There was again much joy and thanksgiving.

The islands hit by typhoon Yolanda are having many conversions to Christ. This is not due to the occasional benevolence, because brethren do not advertise it, but people in times of suffering are humbled and often begin to seek God during times of disaster. It is sad to know that tragedy forces people to recognize God when we all ought to be so thankful for every moment of life and every blessing of life that it would win us to God in thanksgiving! Especially when we consider that He gave His Son to die for our sins, which we can never earn, deserve, or merit!

Sunday afternoon I flew to Manila to spend a short night. It was necessary to get up at 3:45 A.M. to catch a 5:00 A.M. flight to the island of Masbate where I preached in December. Many denominational preachers have been converted and have been busy baptizing their members into the church of Christ. Now other denominational preachers are willing to study, so I prepared to teach the series of lessons on “The Authority of Christ,” and Jonathan and Jack could help with other basic subjects.

3:45 A.M. came in a hurry on Monday, but Jonathan, Jack, and I made it to Masbate by 6:00 A.M. Greg Jumao-as, a preacher converted from the Baptists last year, met us and guided us to a church where he had helped to convert a friend, Edgar Diaz. This new brother was also a former Baptist and he had invited contacts who were curious to understand why he had left the Baptist faith. We traveled on asphalt paved roads, concrete roads, and dirt and gravel roads to reach Dimasalang and begin preaching about 10:00 A.M.

My first lesson was a detailed study of “The Great Commission” as recorded in Matthew 28:18-20. There were 70 in attendance representing all ages – a group of young people sat near the front and paid close attention. Building on the same passage, I began teaching “The Authority of Christ.” This material was entirely new to our audience, but it was clear that many were absorbing the point as various applications were made.

After two of these lessons, the floor was opened to questions. The questions clarified that the collection should be every Sunday but not every time there is a meeting during the week, and God does not bind tithing today. As always, several questions focused on baptism, whether it is essential for salvation, and whether people baptized into a denomination should be baptized again.

One “pastor” was quite defensive of the doctrine of salvation by faith alone, but when we dismissed he said he learned new things today and he would definitely return the next day. His wife and children are with him. A man from Belgium married to a Filipina attended in December and was here today for the whole day. He brought 15 people in his pickup truck. He has no particular religion though he received Catholic sprinkling as an infant, but his face showed the gospel is touching his heart. The great joy of the Philippine work is seeing the hunger of souls to learn God’s Word!

On Tuesday, March 4, we again traveled an hour and a half to reach Dimasalang. The day began with two lessons contrasting the doctrine of Christ with the faith and practices of the Roman Catholic religion and the Protestant denominations. These lesson include historical information on how these religious groups developed as a result of departures from the authority of Christ. In the afternoon I spoke on the restoration plea and its proper application. Jonathan preached on “Obedience” and on “Baptism.”

The open forum included questions about tithing, the two covenants, and especially instrumental music. Jack Jaco exhorted the audience to obey the gospel, and one precious soul did! There will certainly be others to follow, but we do not expect large numbers of baptisms when most of the audience have been saturated in denominationalism for many years, and then they hear the original gospel for the first time. We will patiently trust in the power of the gospel to do its work in the souls of men who open their minds and hearts to hear it.

The Belgium man was back again for the full day. He has become very attentive. During lunch I discussed his doubts that the Bible has been accurately preserved which seemed to help him. One of the “pastors” who fought us on baptism yesterday and on instrumental music today is pleading for me to let him gather many other “pastors” who are his friends to hear what we are teaching. Truly, the fields are white unto harvest!

Today, Wednesday, at last we have reached our last day of work on this trip. We got up at 5:15 A.M. to catch our flight to Manila. When we arrived, I thanked Jonathan and Jack for their great help and we parted company. Jimmy Battung brought Terry Parchman to the hotel and I studied with him for an hour. Terry moved from the U.S. to Manila. His background is in the church of Christ, among liberals, but he has graduated to the ecumenical denominational concept of Christians in all denominations and he works with an interdenominational group. He had begun circulating among our brethren in Manila, saying he was a member of the church of Christ.

I started with Mark 16:15-16 to show Jesus teaches that only people who first believe the gospel and then submit to Christ in baptism receive salvation or forgiveness of sins through the blood of Christ. People in denominations have not submitted to this plan of salvation and are therefore lost. Terry said that Jesus did not mean in this passage that men must be baptized to be saved, but we erroneously read it that way! Terry explains it can also mean a person who believes is saved and can be baptized later. It is clear we do not believe and practice the same thing, but the discussion was held in a healthy manner.

As soon as this study was finished, we left to go downtown to the Philippine Bible Society where I purchased 1,112 Bibles in several dialects. These will be shipped to the waiting hands of saints on Luzon, on Mindanao, and especially in the Visayas where typhoon Yolanda swept away Bibles and church buildings, not to mention almost 10,000 lives. Many who read these reports made this order possible by the grace of God and by generous giving. It is by far the largest number of Bibles I have ever bought. Only God knows how gratefully they will be received and how effectively they will work in the hearts and lives of people who will use them.

As this trip now ends, my heart overflows with thanksgiving for God’s providence in making it possible and for all the prayers and financial contributions of the saints of God.

In Christian love,

Ron Halbrook

To see good Bible study material, go to

www.HebronChurchOfChrist.com

www.biblework.com

www.truthmagazine.com

www.CEIbooks.com

February 27, 2014th Year of Our Lord

Dear family, brethren, and friends,

God continues to bless our efforts with safety and success. On Monday, February 24, I had a safe flight from Manila to Cebu City, Cebu, preparing to do benevolence work in the Visayan Islands.

When Jonathan Carino met me at the airport, a pleasant surprise was waiting: His parents were here finishing a short vacation. It is always encouraging to see brother and sister Ramon Carino. Brother Ramon is still mentally sharp and very active at 89, though he cannot travel widely as he did in past years. The church in Pagadian City, Misamis Oriental, on Mindanao where he preaches has made a major stride after many years: They are constructing a church building on their lot little by little as funds become available.

A few minutes past 4:00 A.M. Tuesday, I arose from sleep so that we could go to the dock to catch the SuperCat fastcraft to Ormoc City, Southern Leyte. (Ferryboats of all kinds are common in countries with many islands. SuperCat is a word formed by joining “super” and “catamaran,” which is a vessel with two parallel hulls. This design results in less drag and therefore faster speed.) After nearly three hours travel, our fastcraft arrived safely in Ormoc City. It was instantly obvious that recovery from Yolanda is painfully slow. We rented a van with the driver for the whole day, ate breakfast, and then began traveling to visit area churches.

Benevolence funds for food were delivered to churches at Baybay, Candadan, Ampihonon Caibu, Mahaplag (two churches), San Vicente, and Ormoc City. On three occasions I presented a short lesson on “Benevolence” to show that it expresses God’s love for us and our love for each other, it meets a temporary emergency, and it tests our honesty in handling funds from church treasuries. We returned to Ormoc City about 5:30 P.M. to catch the 7:00 P.M. SuperCat back to Cebu City. It was late, so we arrived back in Cebu about 11:00 P.M.

Having first witnessed conditions in the Visayas last December, it still is startling to see the devastation caused by the Super Typhoon Yolanda which hit Leyte on November 8, 2013. The body count is now about 8,000 with nearly 2,000 still missing. Decomposed bodies are still being discovered especially in remote areas. An estimated ten million people have been seriously affected by the typhoon. Much of the damage to homes and other buildings still has not been repaired. 550,000 homes were destroyed! Construction materials are scarce and expensive for the average Filipino. Electricity is still not generally available because hundreds of power lines and poles were destroyed. People with sufficient prosperity to purchase a generator have power, but the average citizen does not.

We passed school after school which suffered such severe damage that many buildings cannot be used at all.

The mind can hardly comprehend what the eyes see!

Most of our brethren are among the poorest peoples and they suffer the most. At our last stop I saw the little house of a widow which would have easily fit into our living room but which had been demolished to the ground. It was located in extremely cramped quarters surrounded on every side by squalor. How in the world do I have the gumption to complain about physical and material problems? Ever! Because of the generosity of saints back home, I was able to leave 1,000 pesos ($20) to help her start rebuilding. Most of the money I have with me is being used to provide food.

At this last stop I cautioned brethren about the danger of fire when using candles and lamps. Some parts of Ormoc City proper have power but there was a brownout while we were waiting in the ferry terminal. The reason was soon apparent. A huge building near the terminal became engulfed in flames which angrily shot up well above the city skyline. I went outside to take a picture and could feel the heat though we were a short block away. Destruction and sorrows do not end after such a terrible typhoon passes.

On Wednesday, February 26, after three hours sleep, it was time to get up about 4:15 A.M. to go to the airport for a 35 minute flight to Tacloban City, Nortern Leyte, but, alas, the flight was cancelled at the last minute. We rushed to the SuperCat ferry dock for another three hour trip to Ormoc City, where we got a ticket to ride a public van for almost three hours crossing Leyte to Tacloban City. So, a 35 minute trip became a six hour adventure, typical for Philippine life. But, again, how dare I complain when my situation is contrasted to the situation of the poor saints affected by Yolanda!

As we traveled across Leyte the devastation is still pronounced everywhere, but clean-up efforts are progressing. As an example of how serious the devastation is, consider that hundreds upon hundreds of thousands of coconut trees were so severely damaged in the storm’s path they will never bear fruit again. In many cases the tops where all the branches grow were literally cut off and blown away, and in many cases the trees were flattened to the ground like so many toothpicks thrown on the floor. This affects people who made a living directly and indirectly from this major Filipino crop: the branches, the shell, the meat, the milk, and the oil all produce income. Newly planted trees take 7-10 years to begin producing mature coconuts! The Philippine government sets the poverty line at $120 per month, and in such poverty every peso counts!

Nilo Zabala met us and guided us to his place where several brethren gathered representing congregations in need which we could not reach (and there are yet many more we have not been able to reach). The membership lists were reviewed and funds were divided in hopes of providing food for about three to four months. Churches receiving benevolence in the province of Northern Leyte included the Scandinavian Village church in Tacloban City and the Abuyog church. Churches receiving benevolence from the province of Western Samar on the island of Samar included San Voaquin, Binaliw, and Cagnipa, all in the Calbayog City region.

After my short lesson on “Benevolence,” we hurried to our taxi to go to the airport, hoping the afternoon flight to and from Cebu City was not cancelled. As we entered Tacloban City, traffic was snarled and we had a long wait. The streets have been mostly cleared but debris and rubble from destroyed houses and businesses are still being cleared away. I saw 5-6 body bags at the side of the road – cadavers are regularly being discovered in the clearing process. No one paid attention to these bags filled with human remains, awaiting to be picked up by the proper authorities.

We began to wonder if we could reach the airport at all when the police appeared leading a United Nations relief agency convoy. Since the way was opened for the convoy, our taxi joined the convoy which was headed to the airport – we made it with 10-15 minutes to spare!

The brethren who are receiving benevolence express their thanksgiving and love again and again to all the saints who donated these funds. And we are reminded again and again, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

There was no time to eat today under the constrains of time, but I would not want to eat in the environment of Tacloban City anyway. Fortunately, my sweet wife packs snack foods so I nibbled on peanut butter crackers and raisins until getting to supper in Cebu City. All is well that ends well.

We fly to Bacolod City in the province of Negros Occidental on Negros Island in a couple of hours to distribute benevolence there.

My words are not adequate to thank all of you who are praying for us – and watching the moon, too.

In Christian love,

Ron Halbrook

To see good Bible study material, go to

www.HebronChurchOfChrist.com

www.biblework.com

www.truthmagazine.com

www.CEIbooks.com

February 23, 2014th Year of Our Lord

Dear family, brethren, and friends,

By God’s good grace the trip from Louisville to Manila went smoothly on Tuesday, arriving Wednesday about 10:30 PM (Feb. 18-19). By the time I passed through customs, got to the hotel, and got to bed it was 2:30 AM on the 20th. The nice thing about being exhausted is the good sleep that follows!

I brought four additional boxes filled with Bibles and study materials, clothes, food, and personal items. Elias Cruz met me at the hotel to repack the contents to send the boxes ahead via air cargo, which is much cheaper than checked bags. He left here at 3:00 PM, so I ate a late lunch, studied, and exercised in an effort to offset the exhaustion created by the 12 hour time difference.

Friday I met Cyrus Gesulga and his wife for an all-day study. Rody Gumpad joined me. Cyrus lives in Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental Province, on Mindanao but had come to Manila for a few days. For years he was a leading preacher among premillennial churches of Christ but came to hear me preach in December 2010. In the months which followed we had an extensive study via email reviewing passages he thought taught the premillennial system. He repented in August 2011 for helping to create and perpetuate a faction among God’s people. The Guardian of Truth Foundation later published a tract by Cyrus affirming the simple Bible doctrine of Christ’s return, the resurrection, and the Final Judgment.

Our studies today further confirmed his faith and better equipped him to teach about 70 preachers who have been associated with him. We discussed plans for me to teach on the book of Revelation and to present more detailed lessons on errors of premillennialism. He is anxious for me to do that. It was a very profitable day.

On February 22, Saturday, I left my hotel about 7:00 AM to join Cyrus and Rody to travel two hours north to Santa Cruz, Santa Maria, Bulacan Province, where Cyrus has contacts for a day of preaching. Our audience numbered about 35-40 for this gospel meeting. My first lesson was on “The Purpose of Our Lives.” Rody then gave an overview of Bible history and of the one true church. After lunch my topic was “The Gospel Makes Us Right with God (Rom. 1:16-17).” During the open forum which followed questions ranged from the Sabbath Day observance to the proper use of the church treasury.

Atoy Franco picked me up on the Lord’s Day to travel to Bilibid Prison, Muntinlupa City, Metro Manila. This is the national prison where Willie Pastor has been incarcerated since 2010. He has trusted God’s providence in these difficult circumstances like Joseph and has persistently taught the gospel, resulting in some 500 baptisms. Inmates are rotated from Willie’s sector where they first arrive to other sectors and there are now three separate congregations meeting in the prison. Willie’s brother Kenneth held services for the other two today, so I did not get to see him.

My topic today was “Jesus Came to Seek and Save the Lost,” which I broke into two lessons in order to explain basic concepts in more detail for these unlearned men and also to give Willie time to translate the lesson. There were 65 present and over 30 of them have already been baptized. They paid excellent attention and expressed appreciation for the studies.

The Philippine President has been very strict and hesitant about giving pardons or early releases because of past abuses in the system. Willie is qualified on both grounds, but it appears he will serve out his minimum sentence and be allowed to go home in July or August. His wife Kathy and their precious children continue to struggle financially in Willie’s absence, though compassionate brethren are giving some help.

In the afternoon Atoy took me to the home of Jimmy Battung. His garage has been converted as a meeting place and a church of 15-20 meets here. After presenting the lesson “Jesus Came to Seek and Save the Lost,” I conducted an open forum where we discussed at length the plan of salvation for the sake of an attentive visitor, and questions about our existence in the hadean realm.

The next segment of my trip is in the Visayan Islands where the super-typhoon Yolanda hit.

I saw the moon and remembered that loved ones back in the U.S. are looking at the same moon. Thank you all for your thoughts, prayers, and financial help which makes these trips possible.

In Christian love,

Ron Halbrook

To see good Bible study material, go to

www.HebronChurchOfChrist.com

www.biblework.com

www.truthmagazine.com

www.CEIbooks.com