Halbrook Philippine Trip Apr 1-May 1, 2014
May 3, 2014th Year of Our Lord
HALBROOK REPORT: 54rd PHILIPPINE TRIP
APRIL 1-MAY 1, 2014
Dear brethren,
God blessed my 54th preaching trip to the Philippines April 1-May 1. By His providence the gospel penetrated the dark veil of sin as many Filipinos opened their hearts in a world where many close their eyes “lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them” (2 Cor. 4:4). Not counting presentations by faithful Filipino preachers, I presented 69 lessons, and 33 precious souls confessed Christ, desiring to be baptized.
After my arrival in Manila late on April 2, Elias Cruz came to the hotel to help me sort study material in boxes to send to places I was scheduled to preach. On the 4th about 20 souls gathered at the small church in Paranaque, Metro Manila in the home of Jimmy Battung to hear studies on “Simon Samaritan Sorcerer Saved” and “The Prison of Sin.” One grandson, Kyle, had already obeyed the gospel. Another grandson, Troy, struggled because his parents are adamant Catholics. Our study of Matthew 10:34-37 on putting Christ above family members helped lead Troy to baptism a couple of weeks later.
The next day found us at Vicas, North Caloocan City, Metro Manila where Ely Ebuenga preaches. Lessons on “Make Something Useful of Your Life: Serve God” and “Back to the Bible” were translated by Jhun Layusa and by Ely, resulting in two baptisms. Sunday we worshiped with Willie Pastor and 60 other inmates at Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City, Metro Manila. There are no guarantees, but Willie hopes to be released when his minimum sentence is finished this summer. Monday morning the Kapitbahayan church in Navotas, Metro Manila hosted a gospel meeting, and the afternoon was devoted to a discussion of the resurrection of Christ. Elias Cruz is an evangelist there.
Tuesday, Atoy Franco, Elijah Sikat, and I went to the Sampaloc church of Christ where Antonio “TonyBoy” Hornedo preaches in Manila for deaf mutes. Fifty people in a small room for the day saw PowerPoint charts supplemented by comments on a white board and six asked to be baptized.
April 9 I flew to Masbate Island where Jack Jaco, Jonathan Carino, and I worked with Greg Jumao-as, a converted Baptist preacher. He gathered 70 souls to hear first principle lessons for two days. Mark Klynen from Belgium lives in the area and was delighted to finally receive a Dutch Bible he can more easily read. On the 11th we preached in Masbate City proper for the first time. A “pastor” asked me to explain Acts 16:30-31, implying salvation by faith only. While I was turning to the passage, he burst out laughing at himself, and exclaimed, “I just read the next verses,” which include baptism!
The next day Jack and I flew to Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte on Mindanao. Edgardo Parangan hosted our series on “The Home and Family.” Rody Gumpad arrived to help with teaching duties. Also Cyrus Gesulga, Jhun Carpentero, Leo and James Armada, and Leo Entroso traveled far to join us. An audience of 50-60 heard presentations on Family Life: A Biblical Perspective (from L.A. Stauffer’s workbook), and Harmony in the Home (from Mike Willis’ workbook), “Man’s Leadership in the Home” (my outline), and “The Song of Solomon: A Celebration of Love” (my outline).
On the 19th we made a hard six-hour trip from Dipolog City to Ozamiz City, Misamis Occidental. Sunday we preached at Oroquieta City, where Ramon Villamin labors. The next day we held a gospel meeting with the Malaubang church in Ozamiz City, where Genesis Delos Santos labors. Both churches are emerging from a background of institutional liberalism. Both places I preached on “Two Attitudes Toward God’s Word: Conservative and Liberal.” The lessons were well received.
Another hard six-hour trip on Tuesday brought us from Ozamiz City to Cagayan de Oro City. The next three days found us in gospel meetings with the churches at San Simon, Camaman-an (Jhun Carpentero is the preacher), and Capisnon (Cyrus Gesulga is the preacher). Several were baptized.
April 27-29 found me in northern Luzon at Laoag City, Ilocos Norte. On Sunday I worked with Efren Ramos at two churches and with Mat Sibayan at the Provincial Jail. The final two days were devoted to lessons on “The Unity of the Spirit” using Mike Willis’ Passing the Torch as a guide. This review of false doctrines and factions was hosted by the Laoag City church where Mat Sibayan preaches.
I am forever indebted to all the saints who donate to make these fruitful Philippine trips possible!
In Christian love,
Ron Halbrook
P.S. Thank you to all who inquired about the financial deficit I face on this trip. I will respond when all the numbers are tallied. Since several inquired, I will try to suggest how the load can be spread and not put all the burden on any one source.
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