November 14

11-13-2013 Update on Typhoon Haiyan Victims

Dear brethren,

 

Thank you for all of the messages and calls seeking information about our Filipino brethren who are affected by the worst typhoon on record which hit the Philippines on Friday, November 8.

 

Much news about the devastation caused by typhoon Haiyan (named Yolanda in the Philippines) is appearing in the media, but concrete information from our brethren is only dribbling out because lines of communication were damaged and destroyed.  The storm surge 15-20 feet high sent tsunami-like waves 45 feet high crashing to shore in some places!  Ships were left sitting in city streets!  Especially hard hit areas include the island of Samar, Tacloban City on Leyte, and northern Cebu island.  Surrounding islands in the central Visayas such as Panay and Bohol were heavily damaged, and also Oriental Mindoro and northern Palawan to the west as the storm headed back out to sea toward Viet Nam.

 

The number of dead bodies located keeps climbing as it passes 2,200 with many areas still inaccessible.  In places like Tacloban City mass burials have been necessary because of the health risk with bodies decaying in the rubble and standing water.  The airport there served as a makeshift morgue.  Homes, crops, and trees were leveled by winds of 150-200 mph and the land was inundated with torrential rainfall.  Nearly ten million people were affected and 600,000 displaced.

 

Pictures of the devastation can be seen at:

 

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2501471/Philippines-Typhoon-Haiyan-Bodies-piled-streets-makeshift-mortuaries-overrun.html

 

The Philippine government, U.S. military, other governmental bodies around the world, and international relief agencies are trying to get supplies to the devastated areas, but much of the infrastructure is destroyed.  Supply trucks have been waylaid.  In some cases, people foraging for food, water, and medicine are looting markets, grocery stores, and pharmacies in desperation.  Mobs in Tacloban City attacked a rice warehouse and the walls collapsed killing and injuring more people.  The Philippine military is trying to restore order.

 

Saints are scattered all through the regions hit by the storm.  We are getting some news from saints on the island of Cebu.  Jonathan Carino and other Filipino brethren in company with Harry Osborne were able to survey the damage at Bogo City in northern Cebu.  Gil Suico who preaches there sent me a message that homes, fruit trees, and crops were severely damaged, which means the suffering will extend for weeks and months to come.  A large percentage of the buildings in Bogo City were flattened and nearly all structures were damaged.

 

I received a report from brethren in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental, that they suffered no major damage. There is word from Jack Jaco in the western part of the island, Negros Occidental, that brethren suffered damage there.

 

Regarding Leyte, Jonathan and Harry have been trying to get to Tacloban City but cancelled their plans because of the breakdown of peace and security.  The New Peoples Army (Filipino communists) are flexing their muscle with raids because the government can hardly function.  Brother Nilo Zabala fled the city after NPA’s invaded his home and threatened him with death if he did not provide them with supplies.  His family is camped in a damaged bus terminal. It is now Thursday in the Philippines and Jonathan and Harry will take a ferry boat from Cebu City on Cebu Island to Ormoc City on Leyte. They hope to establish contact with brethren and assess their needs, and return to Cebu on Friday.

 

In view of the destruction of the infrastructure and communication, it is very hard to get a concrete assessment of our brethren’s needs, and also very hard to deliver funds and supplies when assessments can be made.  We know immediate needs are the most basic items such as food, water, and medicines.  Homes are destroyed.  Church buildings collapsed and blew away.  Bibles and song books were ruined and swept away.

 

Little by little with God’s help, we will begin to hear more and more definite information from the saints.  Harry will come home Saturday, so it is too late to send funds to him in the Philippines.  Those who want to help can communicate with Jonathan Carino (jrcarino2@yahoo.com) on Cebu Island and Jack Jaco on Negros (sigualdo@yahoo.com).  Lordy Salunga (lordys2005@hotmail.com) and Rody Gumpad (rodyc.gumpad@gmail.com) plan to make a trip from Luzon and deliver whatever benevolence they can raise. Funds can be sent to Filipinos via MoneyGram, Western Union, and similar services.  Also, Keith Greer and I are scheduled to be in the Philippines December 2-20 and we are willing to help get funds to the saints who are suffering.

 

The difficulty of getting definite news in hand has delayed my reporting to many brethren who are asking for information.  I regret the delay but the reason should be obvious from the report itself.  I will do my best to provide follow-up reports when possible.  Let us fervently pray for these dear saints, send whatever financial help we can, and commit ourselves not to forget their needs in the weeks and months ahead.

 

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

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September 11

Halbrook Report: 51st Philippine Trip July 31- Aug. 29, 2013

August 29, 2013th Year of Our Lord

 

Dear brethren,

 

God’s good providence blessed my 51st preaching trip to the Philippines (and 5th trip to New Zealand) with safety and success July 31-August 29 .  Jim McDonald has been my mentor since he first took me in 1995.  Knowing the united efforts of Christians would bring many souls to him, Jesus prayed to the Father for his Apostles and for future saints to be united and sanctified “through thy truth: thy word is truth.” (Jn. 17:17-21).  The Bible contains that truth in its entirety.  It was a privilege to join hands with faithful Filipino saints again, and to labor with Mark Mayberry (Adoue Street Church of Christ, Alvin, TX) and Harry Osborne (84th St. Church of Christ, Oklahoma City, OK).  I presented 53 lessons sowing the seed and we know of 25 baptisms as God gave the increase.  Till Jesus returns we plead with the lost, “Back to the Bible!”

 

Mark and I left home July 31st, arrived the next day in Manila, shipped books ahead and conducted a study on August 2nd, then Saturday worked with Ely and Larry Ebuenga in an all-day gospel meeting at Vicas, North Caloocan City.  About 65 souls heard my study on “The Purpose of Our Life,” Mark on the plan of salvation, and Rody Gumpad’s introduction to the one true church.  Two souls responded.

 

On Sunday Mark went with Rody to the new Edsa-Pasay church.  Atoy Franco brought me to the national Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa to work with Willie & Kenneth Pastor.  Willie was incarcerated almost 3 years ago and our prayers for his release may be answered soon.  Mark and Rody preached later in the day in other parts of the prison, and 11 submitted to the gospel on this Lord’s Day.  About 500 have been baptized in the prison work since Willie first started it!  I also visited the small new church meeting at the home of Jimmy Battung in Paranaque.  My topic was “Back to the Bible.”

 

August 6-11 Cyrus Gesulga, Jonathan Carino, Lordy Salunga, Jack Jaco, Mark, and I went to Ormoc City on Leyte to teach classes on “How to Study the Bible” and “The Authority of Christ” to a group of preachers from churches of Christ using instrumental music.  One of them asked to present the case for instruments.  After he spoke, Mark and I answered him.  The exchange was conducted in good spirits and bore fruit.  Four Catholic visitors at the classes were baptized.  On Sunday Mark and I spoke to the church nearby at San Vicente and they repented of using the instrument.

 

Mark, Jonathan, Jack, and I took an all-night ship from Ormoc City to Cebu City on Cebu Island. From here Mark flew to Manila to meet Rody Gumpad for 10 days work together.  Harry Osborne had been preaching in the Manila area for a couple of days and joined us at Cebu City to preach two days at Bogo City. Denominational preachers have welcomed Harry and me there in the past. Jonathan and Gil Suico have converted several, and they gathered again with additional friends to study more.  Three more were baptized including one who has attended in the past and who tried to counter Bible teaching on baptism on Tuesday.

 

On the 15th Harry proceeded to Luzon to work with Lordy and I traveled to Auckland, New Zealand to work for 6 days with the Meadowood church of Christ meeting in Ronnie Salunga’s home.  This group of 8 saints managed to gather 11 visitors for the series on “Building a Godly Home.”  This church includes 4 young people ranging up to 23 years of age, and they appreciated the opportunity to study this important theme while they are still unmarried.  Visitors included people from the liberal church, from denominations, and one professing Jew.  Since this church began in late 2010, dozens of people have heard the pure gospel and these saints refuse to relent in their efforts.  They are truly an inspiration to keep on keeping on!

 

God’s providence is marvelous.  A few years ago Atoy Franco was visiting a son in Lakeland, FL, met Don Hastings, and was converted.  He returned to the Philippines and converted his close friend, Jimmy Battung, a former police chief.  Last May I baptized Jimmy’s son-in-law, Ric Halnas, and his daughter Melaine and their two children.  Ric works in Timaru, South Island, New ZealandAugust 22-25 Ronnie Salunga and I went to Timaru where Ric gathered Filipino co-workers to hear the gospel for the first time.  The lessons were so well received that I urgently hope to find resources to send Lordy Salunga to follow up with teaching in their dialect.  God knows how to open doors to spread the gospel in marvelous ways!

 

My last day in Manila I spent $1,500 to send 200+ Bibles to waiting hands in the Philippines & N.Z.

 

All of our work and service is in God’s hands.  He touches the hearts of saints who have yielded to Him to make these preaching trips possible.  To all who help in any way, thank you, and God bless you!

 

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

Category: Reports | Comments Off on Halbrook Report: 51st Philippine Trip July 31- Aug. 29, 2013
August 31

Home again by God’s grace

Dear family, brethren, and friends,

 

By God’s good grace and providence I arrived home safely after completing this 51 st preaching trip to the Philippines (5th trip to New Zealand).   I left the hotel in Manila on Thursday, August 29, at just past 4:00 AM (Philippine time) and pillowed my head at home at 1:00 AM Friday (U.S. time), for a total of 33 hours.  It was a long and tiring trip home, but I am thankful to report all went well.

 

Every time I make these trips I am reminded of the faith, hope, and love of saints on the other side of the globe who sacrifice to serve God.  My efforts in those places are just occasional and temporary, while their efforts are constant day in and day out – they are the heroes of faith like the men and women recounted in Hebrews 11.  Their zeal and dedication is an inspiration!  What a great privilege it is work with all of you!  I am also reminded of precious souls lost in sin and darkness, and the power of the gospel to save them, which is a great motivation for us to continue doing our best to spread the gospel.

 

I am also thankful and inspired to know saints who sacrifice to make these trips possible.  Without your prayers and financial help, these efforts would fail and stop.

 

If you are trying to communicate with me, please be patient.  Not only am I far behind on many emails, but also I leave Saturday for a week of gospel preaching in another state.  Therefore, the delays will be continued because the work is always pressing.  Thank you for your understanding.

 

May God bless and keep each one of you.

 

In Christian love,

Ron Halbrook

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August 30

Halbrook New Zealand Report August 22-28, 2013

August 28, 2013th Year of Our Lord

Dear family, brethren, and friends,

I have seen the full moon a couple times from Timaru, South Island, New Zealand, and so I know you all are still there on the other side of the earth! Whew, I was beginning to wonder if you fell off over there! Though a little tired as the trip winds down, I am so thankful for all the Lord teaches me through my association with His saints on this side of the globe, and also thankful to everyone who helps to make this work possible by your support and prayers.

On Thursday, August 22, Ronnie Salunga and I flew from Auckland, North Island, New Zealand to Willington, N. I., where we caught a flight on to Timaru, South Island. Often flying gives me time to nap and catch up on sleep, but the scenery was too beautiful to miss as we skirted the blue-green ocean waters on one side and tremendous snow-covered mountain ranges on the other. South Island is a little over 1,500 miles from Antarctica.

We got to our rooms at the Grosvenor Hotel (built in 1875) about 4:30 P.M., met Ric Halnas for supper at 6:00, and then gathered in the house he rents with four of his Filipino companions. I baptized Ric on my last day of preaching in Manila last May while he was home visiting his family, and he is the reason I came here. Filipinos literally circle the globe to find work and end up in far-flung places like Timaru. Ric with Boy, Nino, Edwin, and Greg are working on a construction project for a company that provides internet access. Their religious backgrounds include Roman Catholic and denominations such as “Jesus Is Lord” (J.I.L.) and Iglesia ni Cristo (meaning church of Christ but they deny the deity of Christ).

These men were very attentive as we studied an overview of the Bible entitled “The Message of the Bible: Salvation in Jesus Christ.” They asked no questions which is typical ofFilipinos meeting an American for the first time. Though Ric is new to the faith, he already has been trying to teach what he knows and he assured me the men will begin asking their questions at tomorrow night’s session.

The church at Auckland is covering our expenses for this leg of my trip which is a great relief. The cost of living in N.Z. is higher than most places in the U.S. This morning I had an omelette, bacon, a muffin, an orange, with juice and hot tea for breakfast for $25.

Since the men are working, after I study my lesson and catch up on email tomorrow morning, Ronnie and I want to see some of the gorgeous scenery. Daytime temperatures are in the 40’s, but the ocean air is so refreshing a light jacket is sufficient. Timaru is a seaport with snow-covered mountains visible in the distance.

After my study was finished Friday morning, Ronnie and I drove to see the beautiful emerald water of Lake Tekapo which is fed by the Tasman Glacier. Then we drove on to Mt. Cook and climbed a trail which turned into a cascade of large rocks in order to reach a site from which we viewed the Tasman Glacier and its icebergs floating below us. Surrounded by snow-covered mountains all day, we could not fully grasp all the grandeur of the terrain proclaiming the glory of God!

After the men returned from work, the evening study focused on “God Created All Things” (Gen. 1) as we considered God’s wisdom, power, and love. He is a God of order and patterns, which prepares us to understand His work in the plan of salvation. One of the men asked a question on behalf of all which was, “Why are there so many different religions?” Including their comments and follow-up questions, we spent an hour discussing this inquiry. I gave them several simple examples of how men have changed the original teaching of Christ, which results in all sorts of doctrines and religions not found in the Bible. I emphasized that by going back to the original teaching of Christ and his Apostles in the Bible we can find the truth and escape all these false systems. Jesus said, “Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (Jn. 8:32). This was well received, but it will take time and thought for them to absorb the full impact of the truth.

Most of Saturday morning was spent preparing materials for the afternoon meeting, but Ronnie and I found time to walk for a while on the beach (Timaru is on the south side of the South Island). I found a few shells to add to my collection (and a few extras for Frani Smith).

The men worked a half day. They rushed home and ate a quick lunch, and additional Filipino friends of Ric arrived from an hour away. There were 12 of us present when everyone arrived. The meeting started a little past 2:00 P.M. and continued until 7:00 P.M. with a 30 minute break for snacks. Our first lesson was “The Purpose of Our Lives,” stressing that our lives are complete only when we find and serve God.

Next, we studied “Jesus Came to Seek and Save the Lost,” explaining what it means to be lost and God’s plan to save us. Our final theme was “How Sinners Receive Salvation” (Rom. 10:1-17), which clarified that “calling on the name of the Lord” refers to submitting to Christ in water baptism (see Acts 22:16). The open forum included more attention to why there are so many religions and why the Catholic Bible is different.

Overall the men indicated they were satisfied with the lessons. I emphasized the importance of obeying the gospel without delay when it is understood, but I also urged them to study and meditate rather than making snap decisions. I urged them to count the costs and to know they must abandon their sins and also expect opposition. I also challenged them to realize they could help plant a true church of Christ here where none exists. I was asked who is authorized to baptize them, and I pointed out from Matthew 28:18-20 that any Christian can do it including Ric who was baptized only three months ago.

Twelve of us attended the Lord’s Day morning service. Ronnie Salunga led the songs and Ric Halnas helped him in serving the Lord’s service. All of this was new to these men who had never attended a worship service conducted by the New Testament pattern. The first lesson was “The Gospel Makes Us Right with God” (Rom. 1:16-17). To be right with God we must know the right God, the right Savior, the right gospel, the right baptism, the right church, and the right life. Some had to leave to meet with immigration officials but the rest remained to complete the day’s study.

After lunch we studied “When Peter Confessed Christ” (Matt. 16:13-19), “True Repentance” (2 Cor. 7:9-11), and “Back to the Bible” (Jn. 17:17-21). During the open forum, the questions included what happens when we die, why is there so much suffering and poverty in the world, and will God save a person who constantly prays to Him?

I again urged them to obey the gospel because it was evident that the truth was sinking into their hearts, and I reminded them of the brevity and uncertainty of life. I also urged them to study the Bible for themselves and to make a decision based on pleasing God alone. There were no immediate conversions, but the iron is definitely hot! In order to strike while the iron is hot, I would very much like to find a way to send Lordy Salunga from the Philippines to do follow-up teaching in their dialect. Some of these men are near the kingdom and we must maximize the opportunity to save them and to help them begin a church of Christ in Timaru. If anyone would be interested in helping make this proposal a reality, please let me know ASAP!

August 26-27 , Monday-Tuesday, were travel days. Ronnie and I flew from Timaru to Willington and back to Auckland on Monday, arriving about 4:00 P.M. Our parting was bitter-sweet: We rejoiced for God’s blessings on the work of the past ten days yet regretted separating to labor in our respective fields. Tuesday’s flights from Auckland to Sydney, Australia and on to Manila required a long day, starting at 4:00 A.M., but the travel was safe and the time was used to study and to rest on the plane.

Today, Wednesday , was scheduled for visiting the Philippine Bible Society to ship over 200 Bibles to various parts of the Philippines and to Timaru, N.Z. Atoy Franco was my faithful driver and assistant all day, and we met Rody and Tessie Gumpad at the P.B.S. The “resting” scheduled was jettisoned because it took us from 10:30 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. to make the round trip downtown to the P.B.S. and to take care of all the necessary details in purchasing Bibles in various dialects and arranging for their shipments. It was a day well spent when we consider the good that will be accomplished by those Bibles when they reach the hands and hearts of the recipients. As funds may become available in the future, I will continue to do my best to send Bibles to many who are still waiting.

It is hard to realize today ends my 52nd trip, but I miss everyone at home and it is time to return home tomorrow morning. If all goes well, I should be home late Thursday night. I will be eternally grateful to everyone who has any part in making these trips possible, especially my patient wife, Donna, because these trips would be impossible without that help. Obviously, I cannot reward the sacrifices of all these saints, but God knows who you are and He receives all faithful service in His kingdom as “a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing” to Him (Phil. 4:18; NIV).

In Christian love, Ron

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August 28

Halbrook New Zealand Report August 16-21, 2013

August 21, 2013th Year of Our Lord

 

Dear family, brethren, and friends,

 

Greetings from New Zealand, the land so far “down under” that you can almost see Antarctica from here!

 

On Thursday , August 15, the plane left Manila at 9:00 P.M. bound for Melbourne, Victoria in Australia.  Fortunately, I was able to sleep for about five hours, and then after changing planes the next morning I slept another couple of hours on the four-hour flight to Auckland, New Zealand.  The plane landed in a bowl of soup – rainy, misty, sloppy weather!  This is winter because N.Z. is south of the equator, and the temperatures are running in the 40’s (though it feels colder with the rain and wind).  This is a shock to the system after enduring the 80’s-90’s with high humidity in the Philippines!

 

Ronnie Salunga brought me to his house and we arrived about 6:30 P.M.  Over a year ago they converted a detached garage into living quarters to accommodate preachers who come to help the Meadowood church of Christ.  Ken McDaniel and I helped the Salunga family begin a new congregation in their basement in November-December 2010.  A few months later the Randy Cabrillas family joined the new work, increasing the number from 5 to 8.  They are Ronnie, Nina, Roanna, Angela, and Ron Salunga, and Randy, Krisel, and Azel Cabrillas.

 

Upon my arrival Friday at the Salunga’s, there was barely time to eat, shower, and get set up to begin teaching.  I learned a Jew from South Africa was coming with a Filipina Catholic he wants to marry.  I quickly changed the topic in order to discuss “The Message of the Bible: Salvation in Jesus Christ.”  I explained our week’s theme is “Building a Godly Home” and every lesson would be based on the Bible and Bible principles.  Therefore, we should first know the overall message of the Bible to better understand how our theme fits within its context.  Eleven attended this first night.

 

After the study there were good questions about how God delivered and protected the Bible so that the message has been preserved and not corrupted.  The Jewish man was very attentive but asked no questions.  We dismissed about 10:45 P.M., but everyone was visiting and talking, so I sat down with him and had a long conversation getting acquainted.  Finally, I asked him if he had any questions about our study.  He responded, “Actually, I think you told me everything I needed to know in the presentation.”  They said they wanted to return later this week and I learned they are planning to come early to have time for a private study.

 

By the diligent efforts of this small church, the seed is definitely being sown in Auckland, though we can never predict the results.  I got to bed about 2:00 A.M., exhausted but very thankful and happy to be here again!

 

Saturday about 10:00 A.M. a dozen people were gathered in the Salunga’s basement ready to continue our study of the theme “Building a Godly Home.”  The day’s first lesson was “God Created All Things,” a verse by verse study of Genesis 1, to show that God rules the universe and all things in it including all activities of mankind.  Next we studied “The Purpose of Our Life,” which is to be companions and servants of God.  Our relationship with God on earth can be better understood by the blessing of marriage as we experience the unique fellowship of husband and wife in keeping with His instructions.

 

After the lunch break, we focused on “Marriage: God’s Gift to Man and Woman.”  This unique gift of God helps to improve and mold our character while also perpetuating the human race.  The open forum typically runs 30 minutes-1 hour here at the Meadowood church, and sometimes the questions are quite challenging.  For instance, a young girl asked something I had never heard before: “You mentioned God is a great King.  If God is our King, does He have a Queen?”  I explained God has authority over all things as a King, but He does not need to marry as we do! I had mentioned at one point how Donna and I taught our children memory verses.  The mother of this young girl asked me to email the list of verses to her.  She received them the next day and emailed me back to say they have started immediately learning these verses.

 

The meeting broke up about 6:00 P.M.  The Salungas wanted me to join them in going to the grocery store (where the food was stacked to the rafters, literally!), and then we had a McDonald’s angus burger for supper.  I so rarely visit McDonald’s in the U.S., I had to travel 15,000 miles to taste my first angus burger!  When we got home, I walked about 50 minutes, studied, and then slept a good 7 hours, which refreshed me for the Lord’s Day activities (although I was still adjusting to the 4 hour change in time zones from Manila to here).

 

Our Lord’s Day A.M. service was attended by the 8 faithful members of the Meadowood church.  Because there are four young people in their teens and early 20’s, I presented two lessons on “Selecting a Mate: The Lord Builds the House.”  Our study first considered how God does His part in providing a mate, and then how we must do our part in finding a mate.  It is all based on living by faith in God.  Otherwise, we make terrible mistakes which result in great pain and injury to everyone involved.  If we act by faith in God, His blessings are abundant in marriage.

 

After lunch our attendance rose to 12 as we studied “Solomon’s Song of Marital Love.”  After a summary of The Song of Solomon, the lesson focused on things which can be learned and applied from this book to cultivate our love in marriage.  Again, the Q & A session lasted for an hour with all sorts of questions about how God wants us to conduct our marriage and family life.

 

Several commented that this series is coming at the right time so that these young people can explore issues relating to the home before they marry, and thus hopefully act by faith in God and avoid many mistakes.  The adults also said the series is helping them to see ways to strengthen their family life.  God’s Word never loses its power to bless us in so many ways: “More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward” (Ps. 19:10-11).

 

Monday while the Salungas were at work and at school, I studied, caught up on email, took a walk for exercise, and prepared for our evening service.  I am always amazed at the faith, zeal, and persistence of the saints here.  In addition to their regular services, they conduct a Friday night Bible study throughout the year and constantly invite friends and contacts to come.  Over time dozens of people have come and the seed of the true gospel has been planted.  The same thing is true when I or others come to preach and teach.  In fact, this time they printed very attractive flyers which they gave to friends, posted where possible, and distributed door to door.  There have been a couple of baptisms over time, but the people fell away.  The brethren notice that because of the strict Bible teaching and practical application, some who show an initial interest gradually turn away.

 

But here is what is outstanding about these saints: They are undaunted!  They have learned by hard experience that many people who appear interested in the truth turn away from it when they begin to hear and understand because they are unwilling to yield to God’s will.  Yet, they are not weary in well doing – they continue working just as hard now to spread the gospel as they did from the start in spite of all the people who have disappointed them.  They have remarked how they have come to appreciate what Jesus meant when he said, “Few there be that find it.”

 

Pursuing the theme “Building a Godly Home,” tonight I began a three part series on “Harmony in the Home.”  All 8 members of the church were present.  In addition a lady form the liberal church who often visits and shows great interest in the truth joined us.  Also, a young Korean lady in her 20’s who has attended when I was here in the past came and showed great interest.  Our service started at 7:30 P.M.  The lesson was finished shortly after 8:30, but the questions continued until 10:00 P.M.

 

Actually, I used the first 30 minutes of the Q & A to ask the audience to discuss how the points we studied about Christian character help to promote reconciliation and harmony in families when there are disagreements, disappointments, and disruptions.  Their answers were quite perceptive and proved they were attentive listeners.  Then the floor was open for them to ask questions for the next hour.  The questions ranged from how to convert unbelieving mates to how to resolve specific conflicts with people to the woman’s role in the home and in the church.  It is exhausting but exhilarating to conduct these sessions and to see the hunger of these precious souls to learn and to grow!

It rained off and on Tuesday as it has every other day, typical of N.Z. winters, but the day flew by as I studied, answered email, and prepared for tonight’s lesson.  The Jew and Filipina who wanted to tonight are an hour away and called to say they have no gas money, so an effort was made to find them a ride but it failed.  Meanwhile, another man named Keil from the Philippines who attended during my past trips came again.  A Filipino brother from the liberal church also came, so our attendance was 11.

 

After the second lesson on “Harmony in the Home” and before the Q & A, I again challenged the audience by presenting difficulties in family life and asking them how the principles we had studied might apply.  As on the previous night, their insights and comments were excellent, showing they got the point.  Then the open forum further enriched our session with good questions about proper conduct in the home, at work, and with friends.

 

After dismissal, everyone stayed in the basement talking.  Angela Salunga and I discussed at length with Kiel until about 10:00 P.M., then the discussion moved upstairs to the dining room table.  The ground we covered included fallacies of atheism and evolution, the chaos and pain caused by sinful conduct, and errors of Catholicism and denominationalism.  Kiel’s background is Roman Catholic, as is true with 80% of Philippine citizens, but he has a sharp mind and a searching heart.  He and his mother were already concerned after reading that bishops must be married and have families in 1 Timothy 3, because Catholic clergy must be celibate.  Much of what we covered was new to him but he obviously found the study interesting and compelling.  He did not leave until 11:30.

 

Again the Meadowood church is unrelenting in their efforts to sow the seed of God’s kingdom – God will surely give the increase according to His will and power.  “So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.  Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour” (1 Cor. 3:7-8).

 

Today, Wednesday, was our final day in the work here in Auckland.  The rains were stronger today and almost constant even into the night and water began to seep into the Salunga’s basement.  The Jewish South African and his Filipina friend came early to have a private Bible study.   They have so little background in the Bible that we spent over an hour considering very basic information about God, man, sin, and salvation.  I emphasized that there is only one true God and He has revealed only one perfect plan of salvation for all men.  When I pointed out how Jewish and Catholic traditions depart from God’s plan, they were very open and receptive – they clearly saw the point.  They were quite attentive to the lesson which followed.

 

As others arrived for our regular assembly, there were 13 in attendance to hear part 3 of “Harmony in the Home.”  This was followed by the discussion period where I ask the audience to explain how the Bible principles presented apply in family life, and then there was another open forum.  After dismissal everyone stood around talking about God’s Word until we finally went upstairs for light snacks and continued discussions.  Everyone left by 11:00 P.M., but Roanna Salunga asked questions until midnight.

 

The Meadowood church composed of 8 souls managed to bring 11 visitors in six days, several of whom came multiple times.  I highly commended them for their diligent efforts!  How many congregations are able to produce more visitors than members for a gospel meeting?  There were no conversions but the seed was sown.  If they keep up these diligent efforts, souls will be saved sooner or later.  May God bless these dear brethren in their tireless efforts to proclaim and uphold the gospel of Christ!

 

Tomorrow Ronnie Salunga and I will fly 600 miles to Timaru on South Island to edify Ric Halnas and to teach his friends in the hope of planting a new congregation there.

 

I miss everyone at home and am counting down the days until my return on the 29th, God willing.

 

In Christian love, Ron

 

To see good Bible study material, go to:

www.HebronChurchOfChrist.com

www.biblework.com

www.truthmagazine.com

www.CEIbooks.com

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August 20

Halbrook Philippine Report August 12-15, 2013

August 15, 2013th Year of Our Lord

Dear family, brethren, and friends,

It is a joy and a privilege to report on events which have occurred during the work we have done on Cebu Island.

On Monday we took Mark Mayberry to the airport to fly to Manila where he will begin working with Rody Gumpad on Luzon. Today Harry Osborne was scheduled to fly from Manila to Cebu City so that we can work with Jonathan Carino and Gil Suico in Bogo City. Because a typhoon passed near Cebu and headed toward Luzon, both flights were cancelled early in the day. By God’s good grace, the danger passed so that they both were allowed to fly. Harry and I met with Jonathan Carino late this afternoon to discuss our work together.

Jonathan took me to an optometrist who made some temporary glasses I can use until returning home to get new glasses. It is embarrassing to know that such blessings are freely available to most Americans while many of our Filipino brethren do not have access to the same blessings. I often bring used glasses which they are delighted to get.

Harry and I have visited Bogo City separately in the past and we planned to join hands for two days of follow-up work there, August 13-14. Bogo City is a good two hours to the north of Cebu City if all goes well. In spite of leaving at 7:00 AM, our van did not reach Bogo City until 10:AM because of several delays. At one point the highway was blocked by a tree that fell across the road and had to be cut up and carted off.

About 100 were present at the hotel function room rented for our meeting, and Gil Suico was teaching when we arrived. Harry then preached on the inspiration of the Scriptures. Afterward my series on “The Authority of Christ” began by emphasizing his authority is expressed exclusively in Scripture.

After lunch Harry studied the plan of salvation emphasizing the role of baptism, followed by two additional presentations by myself on the authority of Christ.

Questions during the open forum focused mostly on baptism. A Baptist preacher tried his best to defend salvation by faith only, but Harry showed that context of the passages offered taught salvation by faith – not salvation by faith only. Harry pointed out we agree salvation is by faith because the bible plainly says it is, and he asked the preacher if he agreed that “baptism doth also now save us” as is so plainly stated in 1 Peter 3:21. After several attempts to dodge, he finally agreed that is what the Bible says but could not explain what it meant. The audience saw the point. This man has attended our preaching in the past and promised to come again tomorrow. He was very respectful though he felt the force of the truth.

Our drive back to Cebu City took 3 hours. There was a delay because one of the buses which run these roads like tornados had collided with a truck. Thank God, we made it back safely tough exhausted.

And, I finally got a glimpse of the moon through the heavy clouds which have persisted since the typhoon passed our area. It was just a sliver, but it announced greetings from all of you there in the U.S.A.!

 

Today, Wednesday , I had hoped to return to Bogo City. When we finished there yesterday, my voice was fading because I preached in the path of air from an air condition unit blowing straight on me. That usually dries me out and cuts my voice. By the time we completed the long trip back to Cebu City, it was virtually gone. I hoped overnight sleep would restore it. I got up at 6:00 AM, ate breakfast, and went down to meet the brethren at the van. My voice might be slightly better but not enough to preach – if I tried I would completely strip my gears. So, I did something very painful – I let Harry and the Filipino brethren go without me. Everyone agreed that was my only choice. When I sent a text to Dr. Teresa Toreja describing the symptoms, she immediately put me on some medicine because there are signs of infection. I will rest today and start the journey to Manila and on to New Zealand tomorrow, God willing.

Harry and the other brethren had a fruitful day at Bogo City. The Baptist preacher who questioned us yesterday admitted today we are teaching the truth – he said he knows he must obey the gospel but is counting the cost before making the commitment. Three precious souls obeyed the gospel!

For several years we have been visiting and preaching in Bogo City without much result. It is uplifting to see how much the cause of Christ has advanced this year in this area. Gospel preaching requires persistence. Not only in Bogo City, but everywhere throughout the world.

I am sending this report on the 15th . I God’s grace, I am now safely in Manila and preparing for the eight-hour trip to Australia, and then on to New Zealand. My voice is gradually coming back. I hope to sleep on the plane during this night trip which also should help my voice. I look forward to seeing our brethren in New Zealand and working with them again.

Thank you for your prayers and the various notes of encouragement several of you have sent. I miss Donna, and all the family, and all the saints back home. May God bless and keep you all!

 

In Christian love, Ron

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August 15

Halbrook Philippine Report August 6-11, 2013

August 11, 2013th Year of Our Lord

Dear family, brethren, and friends,

By God’s good grace a door was opened to us on the island of Leyte. Cyrus Gesulga has had contact with preachers on Leyte associated with churches of Christ using instrumental music, churches known as Christian Churches in the U.S. Ben and his son Lucas Pitogo are associated with these churches. They agreed to help Cyrus gather preachers to study for five days on “How to Study the Bible” and on “The Authority of Christ.” We began those classes today, August 6, with 42 in attendance. At the day’s end time was set aside for an open forum, but everyone was satisfied and no questions were asked. The applications will become more pointed tomorrow, so it will be interesting to see the reaction.

Along with Mark Mayberry and myself, our team of teachers include several Filipino preachers: Cyrus, Lordy Salunga, Jonathan Carino, and Jack Jaco. After breakfast and an early morning devotional lesson, formal classes begin at 9:00 AM and end at 7:30 PM.

On Wednesday our participants were very attentive as we discussed various themes involved in how to study the Bible. Lessons were presented on proper and improper attitudes, rightly dividing the truth, the two covenants, context, taking all the Bible says on a subject, word studies, and translations. In a natural way these topics accommodate application of Bible principles to such issues as instrumental music in worship, the proper use of the church treasury, and other issues. I especially emphasized the application to instrumental music. Everyone paid attention well with no apparent negative reaction. During the open forum, we had only two questions but none on instrumental music. It will be interesting to see what reactions we get for the next couple of days!

The next day Mark and I taught lessons completing the workbook on “How to Study the Bible.” Mark’s study of divine silence provided a good opportunity to show that instrumental music is not authorized in New Testament worship. I gave the participants a six-page worksheet reviewing how to study the Bible and we spent two hours working through it. This included exercises in analyzing passages in their context. Mark taught several mixed topics including a detailed study of the works of the flesh in Galatians 5:19-21 to add a strong moral emphasis to our series.

 

The questions during the open forum were wide ranging, but one was especially important. It focused on whether people who obey the original gospel and then worship in churches which use instrumental music are Christians. I pointed out that when people obey Matthew 28:19, they are united with the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit – they are Christians. But worshiping with instruments deviates from Matthew 28:20 regarding the necessity to follow “all things” taught by Christ. This must be corrected. One of the leading preachers asked if he could have 30 minutes tomorrow to present his case defending instrumental music. We welcomed him to do it, knowing this would give us the opportunity to focus on the specific arguments he considered strongest.

Mark and I are walking 30-40 minutes each night for exercise and to maintain our stamina. During tonight’s walk, we turned at a dark corner and a small black pipe caught my shoe, causing me to fall. Our pace was fast and the fall somewhat propelled me forward in a prone position. Somehow my glasses ended up in my hands and took the impact of my sliding forward on the street. The lenses are badly scarred. Donna contacted my optometrist, who emailed the lenses’ prescriptions, and Jonathan took a fastcraft ferry to Cebu City on Cebu Island to get the lenses replaced. He visited four optometrists who specialize in making lenses, but they said my prescription could not be made in the Philippines. So, I will just make out as best I can with the glasses as they are. This is a reminder to count our blessings as citizens of America!

 

Friday I began two days of lessons on the theme “The Authority of Christ.” The first two lessons included material demonstrating Christ authorized singing in worship but not instrumental music. From 11:00 to 11:30 AM, Lucas Petigo presented two contradictory approaches in defense of instrumental music: (1) It is optional, not commanded, and (2) it is commanded by the Greek word psallo in Ephesians 5:19 (“making melody”). He first argued instruments are not commanded but also not prohibited. In response it was pointed out that when God authorized gopher wood for the ark, all other woods were automatically prohibited, just as the command to “sing” automatically forbids instruments. No specific prohibition is necessary.

Regarding psallo, the claim is made that it referred to singing to the accompaniment of instruments. I pointed out that if instruments are commanded by the use of psallo, the command is to all Christians, meaning all of us must play instruments. Those who cannot and do not play instruments cannot worship properly. Ephesians says to psallo on the h-e-a-r-t NOT on the h-a-r-p! In reality, psallo in the first century meant simply to sing and that is how it is translated in all standard Bible translations including those in Filipino dialects. Everyone listened well and no one became angry. The seed was sown.

I taught two additional lessons on the authority of Christ showing how Roman Catholicism arose by departing from the New Testament pattern of faith and practice. Instrumental music was one of the departures. Mark preached a whole lesson dismantling numerous arguments used to defend instruments. The audience was again attentive and in good spirits.

During the open forum, there were no questions on instrumental music, but there were questions about the proper role of women in the church, the work of the Holy Spirit, and Holy Spirit baptism.

On Saturday the five days of classes with men from instrumental churches were concluded. Our audience was reduced by the fact that one of their churches about ten kilometers away at San Vicente had its annual thanksgiving service – such services typically involve singing, preaching, and prayers of thanksgiving that the church has survived another year. Both Mark and I were invited to speak at this church tomorrow and we will include it on our schedule.

Meanwhile, four Roman Catholics who have attended several services at the sound church where Willie Pelino preaches and who attended our sessions decided to be baptized. After we dismissed the classes, we all rode to the ocean on tricycles (motorcycles with sidecars used as taxis). Willie baptized these four precious souls.

Lucas Pitogo who preaches at San Vicente has already invited us to return to teach again and even offered us the use of their large church building. He has been trained at a Christian Church Bible school here in the Philippines, so it is significant that he is so open to us. His influence is wide, and if he will be converted, this is sure to open many more doors. We must sow the seed and let God give the increase which is according to His will.

On Sunday Jonathan Carino went with Willie Pelino to preach for the church in Ormoc City. Mark, Cyrus Gesulga, Jack Jaco, and I traveled ten kilometers to reach a church at San Vicente . We started in an old beat-up van which broke down, so we hailed a tricycle and finished the trip. This was originally a conservative church but began using the instrument in 1999. Often churches of Christ in the Philippines using the instrument are still very conservative in many ways, and open to study. That was the case at San Vicente.

Mark began with a sermon on “The Pattern” and used the Lord’s Supper to illustrate the importance of strictly following God’s instructions for worship. I followed him with a study of “New Beginnings in Christ:” a new covenant, a new kingdom, and a new birth. I emphasized that the old covenant including instrumental music in worship has “vanished away” (Heb. 8:13) now that the new covenant is in effect. Cyrus urged the brethren to make a decision to remove the instruments from their worship.

When we opened the floor for questions, two of the leading men said the lessons presented during the previous week were very clear and there were no more questions. They promised to let their instruments “vanish away.” I stood, walked over to them, shook their hands, and assured them we can work in unity now that the wedge of division was repudiated. Cyrus led us in prayer on behalf of these brethren and this congregation at San Vicente.

This has been a good and profitable week by God’s grace!

We planned to travel to Cebu City tonight via the fastcraft ferry to begin the next segment of our work. A low pressure area stirred up stormy waters and it was cancelled. A large ship can ply the waters, so we got tickets for the all-night journey.

We thank God for opening the way for us to travel to the Philippines and we thank our brethren who sacrifice to provide the necessary financing for our work! The sky has been cloudy today, so we may not be able to see the moon, but if you can see it there, be sure to smile at the moon for us.

In Christian love, Ron Halbrook

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August 9

Halbrook Philippine Report July 31-August 5, 2013

August 5, 2013th Year of Our Lord

Dear family, brethren, and friends,

By the grace of God Mark Mayberry and I left our homes on July 31 and met in Detroit, MI. From there we safely continued our trip to Manila , arriving late on the night of Thursday, August 1.

The next day we met with some brethren who took 3 large boxes which needed to be shipped by air cargo to Cebu and to Leyte. For a couple of hours we also studied with them about some details regarding the resurrection of Christ which had disturbed some of our brethren. Mark and I pointed out that miracles are beyond human explanation and that we must confine ourselves to what is specifically revealed. The study was recorded. That evening the brethren who were disputing over the matter gathered, listened to the recording, discussed their differences, and then reconciled, agreeing to stop disputing.

On Saturday we left the hotel shortly after 7:00 A.M. and traveled two hours to the church at Vicas, North Caloocan City to work with Ely and Larry Ebuenga in an all-day gospel meeting. About 25 of the 65 who attended were Roman Catholics. I began with “The Purpose of Our Lives” and Jimmy Bobis was the translator. Mark Mayberry had a very simple and effective lesson on the plan of salvation, showing God’s part and man’s part. Rody Gumpad gave an overview of the Bible and church history to show God ordained only one true church.

Mark spoke after lunch and I followed him with a lesson on “New Beginnings in Christ,” then Rody gave the invitation by emphasizing the steps necessary to receive salvation. A young man was baptized and a lady was restored. A visitor came forward to ask if she could be baptized on behalf of her baby, but Rody pointed out she needed more study. This is the first time I had heard such a request, but it well illustrates how little people understand the truth and how much they need to hear it.

On Sunday Mark went with Rody to the new Edsa-Pasay church while Atoy Franco brought me to the national Bilibid Prison to preach to an overflow crowd in the Catholic chapel we borrowed. It is located in Muntinlupa in Metro Manila. Willie Pastor was incarcerated here almost three years ago and he immediately began preaching the gospel there with the help of his brother Kenneth who lives in the Manila area. My lesson was a verse by verse study of Ezekiel 18 entitled “Man Answers to God.” One man asked to be baptized into Christ.

After the lunch hour Mark and Rody arrived to enter two additional sections of the prison to study with inmates and baptized ten more. Meanwhile, I visited the small new church meeting at the home of Jimmy Battung in Paranaque. My topic was “Back to the Bible.” Jimmy’s son-in-law Ric Halnas is in Timaru, New Zealand and he joined our study via Skype. I baptized him in May while he was home visiting his family and now he has no place to worship in Timaru. I will go there later on this trip.

On August 5 Mark and I flew to Tacloban City on the island of Leyte, very near to where General Douglass MacArthur landed when he returned to the Philippines to liberate the people from the Japanese during World War II. A van brought us to Ormoc City where we began classes today which will continue through this week.

Many prayers of thanksgiving go up to God for all the saints who make these trips possible and for all of you who are praying for us.

In Christian love, Ron Halbrook

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July 8

Halbrook Report: 50th Philippine Trip Apr. 9-May 27, 2013

July 4, 2013th Year of Our Lord

 

Dear brethren,

 

With God’s help my 50th Philippine trip was completed April 9-May 27.  I thank God and Jim McDonald for introducing me to this work in 1995.  Isaiah prophesied, “And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it” (Isa. 35:8 ).  Many Filipinos are seeking The Way of Holiness leading to heaven!  This trip involved visiting churches, preaching to the lost, teaching a weeklong series on the home and family, and training preachers.  The latter classes were conducted with the invaluable help of Steven Deaton from the Hebron Lane church of Christ here in Shepherdsville, KY and Lordy Salunga from the Southside church of Christ in Angeles City, Pampanga Province.  I taught 127 lessons and 23 confessed Christ, asking to be baptized.

 

I flew from home to Manila and immediately on to Escoda, Marcos, Ilocos Norte to join Vic Domingo’s training classes for young preachers.   April 13-15 I taught a series on “The Authority of Christ,” providing each student my booklet by that title.  About 50 attended including a Catholic priest converted in December.  At 82 years of age Vic is still very active with the help of men such as Rex Bayaca, Jensen Pascua, and others.  On Sunday, the 14th, about 200 souls attended worship including dear sister Lingling from the distant mountains where saints are in need of basic necessities.  It was also good to see Sherwin Vizcarra, faithful preacher whose wife suffers from myelogenous leukemia (help is needed for treatments).

 

On Tuesday the 16th about 200 people of all ages but especially young people attended the Laoag City church of Christ where Mat Sibayan, Sr. has preached for many years.  They heard lessons entitled “How Shall the Young Secure Their Hearts?” and “The Purpose of Our Lives.”

 

Wednesday was spent working with Egdon Sabio, preacher for the Cabugao, Ilocos Sur church .  He is a manager at an electric cooperative, and took me to two sites to speak to employees on “Christ Teaches Total Honesty.”  At Edgon’s house preachers gathered for a morning of study. During the open forum, the questions centered on how to work for reconciliation when brethren are alienated.  On the 18th Warner Macusi brought me to the small rural church at Pacifico, Marcos, I.N.  where 50 souls gathered under a tarpaulin stretched between two houses. Friday Efren Ramos brought me to the Binacag Banna church of Christ, Nueva Era, I.N. , a rural church which has grown through the years.  After preaching we went to a canal to baptize five precious souls who confessed their faith in Christ.  I usually help brethren with expenses in these meetings, but Efren refused any help explaining that they wanted to do this for themselves.  It is a joy working with brethren who are determined to help themselves.

 

Next, I flew from Laoag City to Manila and on to Cebu City to work with Jonathan Carino and other brethren on Cebu Island. Sunday we went to the village of Libjo Tabogon where Gil Suico preaches for a new church meeting in a house rented by a member.  Normal attendance is 25-30 but 66 attended.  The saints need their own meeting place because the owner plans to drive them out.  We returned to the area again to preach in Bogo City at a hotel function room to an audience of 110 including about 40 denominational “pastors” gathered by Gil Suico and Felix Cantulan.  After two days of intensive study, the “pastors” insisted I return ASAP to teach them more.  I will try to do so.

 

April 24 was devoted to the small congregation of Baptists where Benjie Labura preached before his conversion during my last trip.  This is at Sacred Homes, Cansojong, Talisay City in Metro Cebu.

 

The next segment of the trip took me to the island of Mindanao in the southern Philippines.  Saturday the Lagao church of Christ in Balite, a suburb of General Santos City, hosted a one-day gospel meeting. Romeo Dela Cruz, who lives here but preaches in a remote area, joined us. Delfin Allas does much of the preaching at Balite. C.B. Balbin from Davao City helps once a month. Many young people heard lessons on “Attitudes Essential in God’s Kingdom,” “Purify Your Souls,” “Total Honesty,” and “True Repentance.”  April 28-29 I worked with Aguillardo Untal at Bula, General Santos City. He was converted from the Pentecostal religion last fall and we are trying to help him convert his congregation.

 

Three were baptized Tuesday in an all-day meeting at Kitakal, Malungon, in the Sarangani Province. Rene Sandoval preached here before his death; the church including his wife Sel is still very active.

 

May 1-6 found me in northern Mindanao at Cagayan de Oro City, the capital of Misamis Oriental Province. It is home to Cipriano Carpentero, Jr. and Cyrus Gesulga.  Cyrus  hosted the Home and Family series with the cooperation of Cipriano. Our classes met in the building of the church at Buntong Camaman-an where Cipriano preaches, but the men slept at the Capisnon building where Cyrus preaches.  Jonathan Carino from Cebu and Jack Jaco from Victorias City in Negros Occidental helped me teach the lessons. The men repeatedly sang “Where Love Is In the Home” and “God Give Us Christian Homes” with feeling and fervor.  They were as attentive as any group we have ever taught!

 

On my birthday, May 7, I flew from Cagayan de Oro City on Mindanao to Manila on Luzon.  Seeing my birth date on my passport, the hotel sent a small birthday cake to my room.  Thursday and Friday were devoted to preaching at the Bilibid Prison where Willie Pastor has been incarcerated for about three years as a result of killing someone in self-defense many years ago.  While his family prays and works for his release, Willie and his brother Kenneth who lives in Manila have been proclaiming the gospel of Christ to the inmates! Saints now meet in various sections of the prison.  Ely Ebuenga also helps with the prison work.

 

Willie, like Joseph in Genesis, is a highly trusted inmate who is given much flexibility in his efforts to teach God’s Word.  He works in the Receiving and Diagnostics Center (RDC) where all new inmates are processed for a couple of months. He begins teaching them as soon as they arrive.  He could not join us when we preached in the Medium Security facility, but Kenneth and Rody Gumpad helped with the teaching.  Five precious souls responded to the Lord’s invitation.  Friday was a good day at the RDC sector with Kenneth and Willie, Ely Ebuenga, Rody, and Atoy Franco. 100 souls attended and three responded to the gospel invitation. The prison harvest continues!

 

Next, a two-day gospel meeting was conducted Saturday and Sunday with the new Edsa-Pasay church of Christ in Manila. Rody Gumpad alternates with his sons and sons-in-law in traveling from Tuguegarao to Manila to work with this church.  The church meets in the CYA Building, located at a central point accessible to many Filipinos who come from the provinces to work in Manila. This church is off to an excellent start.  I focused on “The Authority of Christ,” discussing the Bible plan of salvation including the New Testament church and various departures which formed the Roman Catholic Church.  Steven Deaton arrived from the U.S., and joined us on Sunday.  We had a full house.

 

May 13-24 was devoted to preacher training classes at the Kapitbahayan church of Christ, Navotas, in Metro Manila. Elias Cruz is an evangelist there; Jerry Toreja and Fred Gonzales are elders.  The students ranged from age 9 to the 30’s with one man in his 70’s. They slept on pasteboard and mats at the second floor of the building. A room was set up with handmade wooden tables and plastic chairs so the students could open their Bibles, books, and notepads. Steven Deaton, Lordy Salunga, and I taught classes surveying every book in the Bible, The New Testament Church by Roy E. Cogdill, denominational doctrines, issues dividing brethren historically, the preacher’s life and work, church history, and Bible study tools (Strong’s Concordance & the Zondervan Bible dictionary).  This group constantly asked questions, even approaching us after the lessons and cutting into the lunch hour.

 

I preached on Sunday at the new Edsa church again.  Jimmy Battung expressed his desire to place membership.  His daughter Malaine and her husband Ricky Halnas with their two children had been studying since they first heard me preach about six years ago. They compared what we teach with Catholic and denominational teaching. Ricky works in New Zealand and planned to arrive in Manila on Saturday, May 25.  They requested I delay my return from May 25 to May 27 to study further with them.

 

After the last classes at the week’s end at Kapitbahayan, each student spoke on what they had learned, and expressed appreciation for the teachers and for the U.S. brethren who provided their Bibles and other study materials.  Only God can measure the potential these young men will have as they give their talents to the service of God!  Steven returned home the next day.

 

After Rody and I preached on Sunday, May 26, the entire Ricky Halnas family confessed their faith in Christ. Ricky had just arrived from New Zealand and they wanted to obey the gospel immediately. There is no church in Timaru, N.Z. where Ricky works on the south island.  I told him we would do our best to find a way to help him. Through Filipinos, the gospel is spreading around the world!

 

No words adequately express my appreciation for donors who make this work possible, but God knows who you are and will reward you.  May God be glorified as He gives the increase!

 

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

Category: Reports | Comments Off on Halbrook Report: 50th Philippine Trip Apr. 9-May 27, 2013
June 1

Home from the Philippines May 27

Monday, May 27, 2013th Year of Our Lord

Dear family, brethren, and friends,

By the mercies and providence of God I arrived home about 5:00 PM today after a safe flight from Manila via Japan and Detroit.  It is always a special joy to see Donna’s kind and loving face at the airport after these long trips – it was six weeks this time.

Once again it has been my privilege to work with Filipino saints and to see their faith, hope, love, and talents in serving God.  Our brethren and sisters there in the Philippines work day and night serving the Lord and zealously spreading the gospel.  It is always a boost and an inspiration to my faith to work side by side with them.  I thank God for all my Filipino brethren who help me in so many ways when I have a small part in the great work they are doing.  On this trip we saw 23 precious souls respond to the gospel call.  In addition to presenting lessons designed to edify saints and to save sinners, preacher training sessions and a special series on the home were conducted.  I will send a more complete report soon.
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Category: Reports | Comments Off on Home from the Philippines May 27