March 15, 2014th Year of Our Lord

Dear brethren,

With God’s help plans are in place for my 54th preaching trip to the Philippines April 1-May 1, after the first trip in 1995 with Jim McDonald.  The gospel is veiled to the lost who close their eyes “lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them,” but many Filipinos are seeking that very light (2 Cor. 4:4).  Lessons are planned to shine the gospel light into the hearts of souls who have never heard the truth and into the hearts of saints to strengthen their faith.

Many doors are open in Metro Manila and I plan to spend the first five days there (Apr. 3-7).  This will include a visit to Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City to preach to the inmates Willie Pastor is teaching.

On Tuesday, April 7, I plan to fly to Masbate Island to follow up on the new breakthroughs which have been made there.  We were there in December and again March 3-4.  Several denominational preachers have been converted in recent months such as Gregg and Ronnel Jumao-as at Del Carmen, where I will preach again on this trip.  Their members as well as denominational “pastors” will hear the pure and original gospel of Christ.  Rex Maga, “pastor” of a Fundamental Baptist Church, wants to gather men to hear.

Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte is scheduled for April 13-19.  After attending the series on “The Home and Family,” Edgardo Parangan requested these lessons be taught in Dipolog City for the sake of the young people as well as other members.  Several preachers will attend as well. Studies on the home are needed because Philippine culture is saturated with corruption, fornication, and adultery.

After finishing the classes at Dipolog City, I will travel east across northern Mindanao April 20-22 to preach in one-day gospel meetings at Oroquieta City, Ozamiz City, and Pan-ay, Clarin, all in the province of Misamis Occidental.  Lessons will be presented to increase the faith of the saved and to save sinners.

April 23-25 I will travel all day to reach Cagayan de Oro City, the capital of Misamis Oriental, and then spend one day working with Jhun Carpentero and one day with Cyrus Gesulga there.

Next, I plan to visit Laoag City, capital of Ilocos Norte on Luzon during April 26-29.  On Sunday I will work with Efren Ramos to encourage the good progress in the work at Nueva Era.  A visit is also planned with Mat Sibayan and his son Junior at the Ilocos Norte Provincial Jail, because many souls are being saved here.  Monday-Tuesday I hope to present a series of lessons on the theme “God’s Plan for Unity When Issues Divide Brethren,” gathering preachers in the area at the Laoag City church of Christ.

For several years I have asked Jonathan Carino to go with me in the Visayas and Mindanao because his skills are very valuable to the work I am doing.  Even now he is helping make preparations behind the scenes as usual but will not travel with me so much on this trip or future trips for a time, though he is able and willing. The Lord’s work on Cebu and nearby places has made quantum leaps in the past year, requiring his constant attention.  He holds weekly classes for newly converted preachers to ground them in the faith.  Also, he plans to start a part-time business to meet some debts.  Since we cannot break him into two or three pieces, he must concentrate on duties closer to home.  We will continue in close communication.

Jonathan will visit Leyte again March 15-22 to distribute benevolence entrusted to him.  I am still sending funds entrusted to me.  I have sufficient funds in hand at this time and am forwarding them portion by portion rather than all at once, so as to provide food.  Some is being forwarded for the repair of homes.  Sending all the funds at once creates dangers of temptation and waste.

Prayers and funds from churches and individuals will make this trip possible!  Individuals giving for church buildings and similar needs may write checks to Help A Neighbor for a tax deduction.  Write all other checks to Ron Halbrook. Mail all checks to 3505 Horse Run Ct., Shepherdsville, KY 40165-6954.  Donors receive financial reports (2 Cor. 8:21).

In Christian love, Ron Halbrook

Phone 502-955-1748 or 957-6726; e-mail halbrook@twc.com

P.S. There is a dire need for songbooks!  I can ship new or used copies very cheaply.