Halbrook Philippine Trip Update December 5-9, 2015
Wednesday, December 9, 2015th Year of Our Lord
Dear family, brethren, & friends,
Having finished the first series of classes in Navotas, Metro Manila, we packed up on Saturday the 5th and flew to the Ilocos region in northwestern Luzon for the next series. Our flight was smooth when we finally got up in the air (almost all flights from Manila are delayed because the airport cannot handle all the traffic – little by little more people are flying in the Philippines than ever before, giving the buses real competition). After arriving in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte, we immediately began preparing for the start of the classes on Monday.
Sunday, December 6, was devoted to visiting churches. To reach more congregations, each of us went different directions for Lord’s Day services–Steven with Mat Sibayan, Sr., Jim with Vic Domingo, and myself with Rex Bayaca. Rex drove me into the foothills of the mountains to the Cacafean church of Christ, Marcos, Ilocos Norte where Angel Pascua preaches. Rex translated my lesson entitled “Why Saints Assemble,” a textual study of Hebrews 10, because many of the people in this area are not well educated. Three precious souls decided to submit to Christ in baptism. It is not too far to the Elizabeth East congregation where Rex preaches and it was good to see these saints also.
In this rural area most of the saints are poor and live at a subsistence level, sometimes eating one or two meals a day, but they rejoice for the truth’s sake. The preachers who come to work with these churches and the ladies who come to teach the children share whatever they can with these saints in deep poverty, but their resources are limited. It would be a great blessing is some generous soul could provide $50-$75 per month to help the ladies with their expenses in teaching the children.
Jim and I met at Vic Domingo’s house next to the church building at Escoda, Marcos, Ilocos Norte. This church numbers about 200 and Jim preached here at the morning service. The Domingo’s always provide delicious meals and the lunch was excellent. After a short rest at the Domingo’s home, Rex accompanied me to the Santiago church of Christ, Marcos, I.N. where Fredy Pascua preaches. It was a blessing to see also the saints of the Elizabeth West church where Remigio Vicente preaches. Since our arrival in the Philippines the temperatures have ranged from the high 80’s to the low 90’s and the humidity is also high – we are freezing to death (smile!). The afternoon sun was hot and made the church building feel like an oven as we studied “Why Saints Assemble.”
Another four stepped forward to obey the gospel, and we took them to the stream where hundreds of people have been baptized through the years.
On December 7, Monday, the three days of singing classes began at 10:00 A.M. with about 100 people assembled including ladies. Men of all ages were present and showed great interest in the instructions given by Jim and Steven. Some older men who had never attempted to lead songs took their turns standing before the audience for the first time ever to lead a song. In the Philippines it is not unusual for visitors who hear about such sessions to come, so we sang an invitation song at 4:30 P.M. This church building has three floors, with a baptistry on the third floor, so we took one precious soul up to be baptized. My topic was the affirmation of Jesus in John 8:58, “Before Abraham Was, I Am,” and “Reverence in Worship” (Eccl. 7:1-5).
Though some instruction was given on Tuesday and during the half day on Wednesday, the emphasis was on exercises involving the participation of the men in actually leading songs. Several young men had their first experience in standing before an audience and announcing the song properly plus getting the right pitch, but everyone was also encouraged to see an elderly retired college professor take his turn for the first time in his life. The old adage, “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks,” was proven false! Anyone can learn who puts his mind to it.
Jim and Steven commented that they were quite impressed at how quickly this group of men caught on and improved. They hope to return in future years for follow-up lessons, but they emphasized that the most important thing these men can do in the meantime is to practice, practice, practice.
In the late afternoon on Wednesday, we said our good byes to Vic Domingo, Mat Sibayan, and all the saints who had gathered, and we boarded our plane to Manila. We arrived at 10:00 P.M. and had no trouble sleeping! Our next destination was scheduled for Davao City on Mindanao.
The moon has been waning since we arrived in the Philippines and I have not been able to locate it, but I am sending my messages of love with confidence they will bounce off the moon and reach every one of you!
We constantly remember all who help and encourage us in this work, and we thank you for your prayers. We could not be here without you and you are likewise in our prayers.
In Christian love,
Ron Halbrook
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