Dear family, brethren, and friends,

During my last lesson yesterday I had another large floater (substance behind the retina which breaks off or pulls away and appears to float in the field of vision).  These are often harmless but can tear the edge of the retina and do serious damage.  That happened shortly before this trip, but it was corrected by laser surgery.  The doctor said if I had another large one, it is critical to get an examination to see whether the retina was damaged.  Severe damage untreated can result in the loss of sight.  Attempts were made to contact three retina specialists here in the Philippines, but they are all away (Labor Day is a long weekend holiday here extending through Monday).  Dr. Teresa Toreja urged me to end my trip and go home immediately to see a specialist rather than risk losing my sight in my left eye.

I must express regret to Ely Ebuenga who made a full schedule of preaching for me covering Sunday and Monday including a visit to the inmates at the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City.  Also, I express regret to the brethren needing Bibles.  I was scheduled to visit the Philippine Bible Society on Tuesday to purchase those Bibles to be shipped to various locations.  While I truly regret postponing these plans, I am so very thankful for God’s providence which allowed me to complete all of the other appointments through this month before the floater developed.

I humbly solicit your prayers for my safe return, and also that the examination will show there is no tear of the retina.  I am scheduled for cataract surgery on both eyes during May and hope this plan will proceed without complications.

We will patiently trust in God as David expressed his faith in Psalm 27:14, “Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.”  God will bless each one of us in the way He knows is best at the time He knows is best.

I am again greatly indebted to all of the Filipino brethren who have given me opportunities to work with them and for helping me in numerous ways for the past month.  Above all, I thank God for the privilege to labor in His kingdom with these dear saints in the Philippines.  We rejoice for the six souls who were converted to Christ by the power of the gospel during this month.  May God bless us all as we press forward serving Him day by day.

In Christian love,
Ron Halbrook

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