Dear brethren,

By the mercies of God I reached home after more than 24 hours of travel from Manila to Japan to Detroit, Michigan to Louisville, Kentucky by plane and then by car to Shepherdsville.

My heart overflows with thanksgiving for the patient prayers and also financial support which made this trip possible.  It was uplifting to work with saints in the Philippines and in New Zealand again.  Twelve precious souls submitted to Christ by faith, repentance, confession, and baptism.  “Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account” (Phil. 4:17).

Of course, I am only a temporary visitor in each place striving to strengthen and encourage the local saints who labor in God’s kingdom by faith, hope, and love.  The local saints labor day-in and day-out, trusting in God for the results.  “So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.  Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour” (1 Cor. 3:7-8).

I leave a part of my heart there in the Philippines and New Zealand with our beloved brethren.  Let our prayers daily ascend on their behalves.

God willing, I will get a final report out soon.  Meanwhile, I am far behind on email and must ask for your patience and understanding.  Now that I am home, I must give attention to my family and to the local work. It is so good to see Donna again.  Her dedication, efforts, and patience behind the scenes make all of my labors possible, but I truly miss her when I am gone from home.  I daily thank God for such a virtuous and faithful wife.

May God bless you all to have a safe and enjoyable holiday season with your loved ones and to have a profitable New Year serving God.

In Christian love,
Ron Halbrook

To see good Bible study material, go to:
http://www.HebronChurchOfChrist.com
http://www.biblework.com
http://www.truthmagazine.com
http://www.CEIbooks.com