January 31, 2014th Year of Our Lord

Dear brethren,

God’s providence opened a door through Jim McDonald for me to preach in the Philippines in 1995.  My 53rd trip is now scheduled for February 18-March 6.  This is the shortest trip I’ve ever made because of its nature.  I will spend only 14 actual days laboring, much of the time involving the distribution of benevolence which is more tedious and exhausting than teaching.  Paul said, “But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints” (Rom. 15:25).  Facing difficult challenges, he asked the Romans to earnestly pray for him (vv. 30-31).  I request your prayers for the same reason.

The first few days (Feb. 20-23) will be spent teaching in Manila. On Sunday I will visit Willie Pastor and other saints meeting in the prison.  Willie may be released soon, but the prison work must go forward.

Monday the 24th I fly to the Visayas to visit again areas hit on November 8, 2013 by Typhoon Haiyan or Yolanda, the worst typhoon in recorded history.  The latest update lists 6,190 dead with 1,785 missing, 28,626 injured, 4,000,000 displaced from their homes, and about 16,000,000 affected in significant ways.  On December 14 I traveled to Leyte and will never forget the horrific devastation.  Trees, beams, and vehicles were twisted like pretzels.  Virtually every building was damaged or destroyed.  Many saints are among the victims.

Not only were homes and personal belongings swept away by this monster storm but also the means to make a meager living.  Animals were killed, coconut groves flattened, and shops and businesses crushed.

Jonathan Carino and Jack Jaco will guide me to brethren who are suffering.  During my December trip, funds were left with several congregations to provide food for about three weeks.  Harry Osborne has just returned from doing the same thing.  I can deliver funds again for food.  We are addressing the need to repair or reconstruct houses.  Churches and individuals asked me to act as a messenger in delivering funds, but all the funds could not be delivered instantly.  In a culture of poverty large amounts of money arriving all at once can create temptations for misuse.  Also, government and relief organizations buy up materials. I consult Filipino brethren and send bank wires, MoneyGrams, and Western Union wires as funds can be used.

Before sending additional donations, it is better for churches to wait for further notice until the funds on hand are delivered.  Individual donations are more flexible and can be used for damaged or destroyed church buildings, so they are fine.  Bibles in dialects are gradually being bought and distributed (about $6,000 worth in Dec.; more are needed).  I am packing large boxes with clothes, English Bibles, food items, personal care items, and songbooks to ship for about $125 per box.  Filipinos are always crying for songbooks, and now in the Visayas this need is especially critical-new or used, in virtually any condition (they patch them with duck tape).

News about Yolanda overshadowed needs created by storm damage on Luzon just ahead of Yolanda and on Mindanao just after it.  If previous donors will give permission for part of the funds on hand to meet some of these needs, or if anyone wishes to donate for such needs, it would be greatly appreciated.

Saints have reached out from the Philippines, U.S., Canada, Australia, Italy, and Nigeria to help the typhoon victims!  Some preachers who have relayed funds include Jim McDonald, Craig Thomas, Glendol McClure, Keith Greer, Harry Osborne, Steve Lee, and Filipinos such as Rody Gumpad, Lordy Salunga, Jonathan Carino, Jack Jaco, Edgar Samodal, Cyrus Gesulga, and others.  No one church is “the sponsor” and no preacher “the coordinator.”  Churches and individuals are simply choosing their own messengers and getting the job done.  God’s plan works if we work God’s plan!

Prayers and financial help 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).   “The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself” (Prov. 11:25).

In Christian love, Ron Halbrook

E-mail halbrook@twc.com

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