January 29, 2015^th Year of Our Lord

Dear family, friends, & brethren,

Monday I flew to Detroit to meet Sean Rizor who shares the preaching duties at the Fremont, OH church of Christ. He took time off from his job as a policeman to join me on this trip to the Philippines. We flew safely to Japan and on to Manila by God’s grace. I sat next to a denominational preacher on the plane. In our conversation I drew a chart using Mark 16:15-16, Acts 2:38, and Acts 8:35-38 to show baptism is essential as a condition to receive salvation by the grace of God. I gave him my email address and hope to hear from him.

After our arrival Tuesday night, Elias Cruz met us the next morning at the hotel because we brought five boxes of Bibles and study materials to ship ahead to Negros Island for our upcoming work there. Elias often renders this valuable service. Next, we met with Ely Ebuenga to finalize arrangements to preach in the national prison on Thursday. Then Atoy Franco took us to the Makati area to purchase some supplies and to visit with Jimmy Battung, a Christiann who used to be chief of police in Makati. After supper, exercise, and study, I slept a good six hours.

Today (Thursday) Atoy took Elijah Sikat, and me to Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City about an hour from the hotel. Willie Pastor was an inmate 2010-2014 and he road a bus down from his home in Quirino Province to join Ely, Andrew Romero, and the rest of us for all-day preaching in the prison. Willie helped to baptize over 500 inmates during his stay with the help of his brother Kenneth who made many trips to the prison during those years.

We entered the Medium Security Camp this morning. I preached to a mixed crowd of about 100 souls in a building owned by the Presbyterians. Willie translated my lesson on “The Prison of Sin,” a textual study of 1 Peter 3:18-4:11. During th open forum I fielded typical questions about baptism and it soon became evident by the audience reaction they understood. Four souls responded to the gospel invitation. We finished at 12:00 noon and took our lunch break.

The afternoon service was scheduled at the section called Receiving and Diagnostics Center where all incoming inmates stay until they are assessed and assigned to their permanent location in the system. After Willie was released last October, Sonny Ibanez has continued to diligently teach God’s Word and he prepared for our coming. Our venue was a Roman Catholic chapel with many images at the front as Sean preached on overcoming fears that hinder people from being baptized. Again Willie translated.

Well over 100 men were jammed into the chapel and listening outside. At the invitation 34 precious souls came forward to confess Christ and be baptized. We left the prison about 4:00 P.M. tired but rejoicing with the angels of heaven. It is a privilege to work with faithful Filipino saints and to have a small part in helping them harvest the fruit prepared by their zealous work.

Two reminders: First, pray for Starla Halbrook (married to David) to have a safe delivery of a new daughter any day. Donna is there ready to help Starla recover. Second, watch for the moon. I saw it still smiling down tonight as a reminder my loved ones at home are smiling too. My prayers are with all of you.

In Christian love, Ron Halbrook