January 8

Halbrook Report:Philippine Trip Nov. 29 – Dec. 19, 2011

Dear brethren,

By God’s grace and providence my 44th preaching trip to the Philippines (5th to New Zealand) was successfully completed November 29-December 19, 2011. I am forever indebted to Jim McDonald for taking me with him in 1995. It was a joy to work with Steven Deaton (Hebron Ln. church of Christ, Shepherdsville, KY) and Jesse Flowers (Pruett & Lobit Sts. chuch of Christ, Baytown, TX). Filipino brethren expressed appreciation for their good work. In addition to their lessons, I presented 38 lessons, and 15 were baptized by our joint efforts (most when Steven and Jesse worked with Rody Gumpad).

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August 27

Halbrook Report:Philippine Trip July 22-Aug. 19, 2011

Dear brethren,

God richly blessed  my 43rd preaching trip to the Philippines July 22-August 19.  By His providence Jim McDonald introduced me to this work.  Filipino brethren exiting premillennialism reminds me of Acts 18 when Apollos learned more perfectly “the way of the Lord.”  An Australian lady has hung onto her faith meeting in her home for eight years.  I was privileged to teach 58 times and see 55 respond to the gospel.

The first Sunday I joined Atoy Franco, Lucio Centeno, and Kenneth, Willie, and Kathy Pastor in the prison in Muntinlupa, Metro Manila. Willie is there by a miscarriage of justice, but like Joseph he serves God trusting His providence. In the past year he has seen over 100 souls obey the gospel.  At services in two units of the prison I studied Genesis 1:1-2:3, “God Created Everything,” building the prisoners faith in God while showing them the value of their souls.

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July 2

Halbrook Report:Philippine Trip April 7-May 20, 2011

Dear brethren,

By God’s grace April 7-May 20 I completed my 42nd Philippine preaching trip, which focused on teaching young people.  As Timothy learned “the holy scriptures” from childhood, it is imperative that we sow the seed of the kingdom in the hearts of young Filipinos (2 Tim. 3:14-15).  A total of 90 lessons were taught and 25 people were baptized (another 15-20 young people obeyed the gospel as a result of follow-up studies).  I thank God that Jim McDonald invited for me to join him for my first trip in 1995, and for all  saints who have provided financial help for these trips through the years.

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March 13

Halbrook Report:Philippine Trip Jan. 31 – Feb. 25, 2011

Dear brethren,

By God’s grace and the help of His saints I completed my 41st Philippine trip January 31-February 25.  Paul said, “For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries” (1 Cor. 16:9).  On the first trip with Jim McDonald in 1995 it was impossible to envision what a great door was opening or how many adversaries might arise–41 trips have fortified my faith in God’s providence.  This open door has now led me to New Zealand four times.  It was my privilege to present 72 lessons and nine were baptized as “God gave the increase” (1 Cor. 3:6).  Most of the time was devoted to preacher training.   January 27-30 was spent working with Olen Holderby at the Alameda, CA church of Christ.  In an effort to reach biblically illiterate Asians here, we emphasized the Bible as “God’s Only True Word,” and “Only One True God” in three persons:  the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.  Over 900 fliers were distributed, yet none came.  We must keep trying in the U.S. but the door is open wider in the Philippines.

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January 9

Halbrook Report:Philippine Trip Nov. 29 – Dec 20, 2010

January 6, 2011th Year of Our Lord

HALBROOK REPORT: 40th PHILIPPINE TRIP Nov. 29-Dec. 20, 2010

Dear brethren,

As Jonah grieved for his shade vine, God grieved for the wayward Ninevites.  As God sent Jonah to save them from destruction, He sent us to save a lost world destined for eternal torment in hell.  God opened a door for me to preach in the Philippines when Jim McDonald first took me there in 1995, and now I have safely returned from my 40th trip (Nov. 29-Dec. 20).  Steve Wallace (St. Leon, IN Church of Christ) and Travis Pyle (Ashley Heights Church of Christ, Charleston, SC) were able companions as we joined hands with many Filipino saints.  I presented 52 lessons.  Travis’ labors with Rody Gumpad on Luzon yielded 44 baptisms, and 40 were baptized and 6 restored as Steve and I labored on Mindanao.

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September 6

Halbrook Report:Philippine Trip July 22-Aug 25, 2010

Dear brethren,

Jeremiah lamented Judah’s fall, “Is there no balm in Gilead; is there no physician there?” (Jer. 8:22) Many Filipinos accept God’s balm for sin-sick souls. By God’s grace, my 39th Philippine trip was safely completed July 22-August 25. I worked with Phil Martin (Jere Whitson Road Church of Christ, Cookeville, TN) August 6-19 and Harry Osborne (84th St. Church of Christ, Oklahoma City, OK) the 18th -24th. Thank God, Jim McDonald of Lufkin, TX introduced me to the Philippine work in 1995! I presented 97 lessons on this trip. Several souls were restored and 64 baptized as God gave the increase.

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September 25

36th Phillipine Trip

Help A Neighbor began in 2007 in the spirit of Matthew 22:39, “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself,” and Acts 20:35, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”  This is an avenue for individuals (not churches) to help those who help themselves.  Our main focus is the Philippine Islands. Resources may be used to build church buildings, to extend medical aid, to build or repair domiciles, or to give other forms of humanitarian and charitable aid.  Funds given to H.A.N. are tax deductible under the IRS code. 

My 36th trip to the Philippines will be October 30-November 22, concentrating on meetings with denominational preachers.  I will make a six-day side trip to Auckland, New Zealand to help a Filipino family start a new congregation.  No sound churches exist in that land, but Ronnie Salunga will gather his family and other contacts to make a start.  This adds expenses to my trip but the urgent need justifies it.

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March 18

Brethren at Lanton

Our Savior’s life perfectly exemplifies his wonderful words, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).  In learning to be unselfish like our Lord we become a greater blessing to the world and we experience greater meaning, fulfillment, and satisfaction in life.  There are many ways for us to experience this blessing and Help A Neighbor is just one avenue by which individuals can extend a helping hand to our fellowman.  Donations are tax deductible because the I.R.S. classifies H.A.N. as a charitable organization for tax purposes.  We do not solicit or accept donations from churches.

I am thankful to report that generous giving has greatly increased our ability to help those who help themselves.  When I visited General Santos City in southern Mindanao in the Philippines last August, I learned that the Lanton church was in danger of losing its building.  An agency sponsored by the government had granted land to Jolly Julom for the building in the 1990’s, but now the courts recognize a deed held by a woman claiming the land as her property.  Our brethren were served an eviction notice.

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