Dear brethren,

Rody and Tessie Gumpad started laboring in the gospel in the Cagayan Province in northern Luzon in 1984.  Through their efforts in cooperation with other faithful brethren, there are over 100 local churches within driving distance of Tuguegarao.

In past years I participated many times in teaching intensive preacher training classes arranged by Rody at Tuguegarao.  About 30 students of mixed ages were enrolled each year in a one-month program and sit-in students joined us every year.  As a result the gospel spread rapidly in this province and surrounding provinces.  These classes were extremely effective.  Numerous other American brethren joined us in teaching these classes from year to year until they were closed.

The classes were dropped about 10 years ago because of changing economic conditions plus the loss of a substantial financial supporter of the classes.  We greatly regretted the end of these classes and have often discussed the need to renew them.

As a new generation arises and new souls are being converted to Christ, Rody decided it is critical that we should conduct these classes again.  They will be held April 20-May15.  Craig Thomas, evangelist for the Westside church of Christ in Bloomington, IN, will join me to teach during the first two weeks.  Harry Osborne and Lordy Salunga will teach during the second two weeks.  Among early enrollees are a 16 year old and also a 72 year old former Pentecostal preacher. Available slots are already filling up as word gets out.

Classes will include how to study the Bible, survey of every book in the Bible, basic Bible doctrine, the New Testament church, the life and work of a preacher, church history, issues which have divided churches, Bible geography, preparation and delivery of sermons, and learning to use Bible study tools (a reference Bible, a Bible concordance, and a Bible dictionary).  Time will be devoted each day to prayer and memorization of Bible passages.

Rody estimates he will need about $14,000 for his expenses in housing the men and providing their needs for one month.  Imagine the challenge of Tessie and her helpers getting up at 4:00 A.M. every day to prepare three simple meals for these students!  Providing Bibles and study materials will cost at least an additional $3,500.  By the time travel and hotel expenses are included, we will need close to $20,000.

Is it worth the time and money to be invested?  All of us who have taught in past classes and observed the results answer with a resounding, “Yes!  It is worth every effort, every moment, and every penny.”  Of course, only God can measure the eternal consequences of our labors in the gospel.  As Paul said, “I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase….For we are labourers together with God” (1 Cor. 3:6, 9).

Here are ways to make a donation:

(1) If no tax deduction is needed, send a check made out to Ron Halbrook and designate “preacher training program.”  Mail it Ron Halbrook, 3505 Horse Run Ct., Shepherdsville KY 40165-6954.

(2) Individuals needing a legal tax deduction should make a check to Help A Neighbor, designate “preacher training program,”  and mail it to Ron Halbrook, 3505 Horse Run Ct., Shepherdsville KY 40165-6954.

(3) Send a donation by PayPal to halbrook@twc.com (the account is Richard Halbrook) and be sure to indicate “sending to a friend” NOT “pay for item or service.” Include a note indicating the money is for “preacher training program.”  If a tax deduction is needed, state “Help A Neighbor, for preaching training program.”

(4) Of if you prefer to communicate with Rody directly about making a donation, feel free to contact him at rodycg1958@gmail.com and he will be glad to correspond with you.

Please include this effort in your prayers.  “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much” (Ja. 5:16).

In Christian love,
Ron Halbrook

To see good Bible study material, go to:
https://www.hebronlane.com
https://biblework.congregateclients.com
https://truthbooks.com
https://www.truthmagazine.com

Dear family, brethren, and friends,

The devastation caused by the 5 earthquakes plus over 3,000 aftershocks in southern Mindanao since October is staggering, but God’s love and mercy is being poured out through the sacrifices of His saints in many places who are sending benevolence funds to relieve the suffering of the saints.  Two reports are reproduced below which you may have time to scan.  Faithful Filipino brethren are still relaying the benevolence to our brethren who are in need of help.

Meanwhile, Filipino evangelists also continue to utilize opportunities to preach the pure and simple gospel of Christ.  Poverty and suffering often humble people and cause them to seek God and salvation.  The result is that many have submitted to Christ in baptism for the remission of their sins through the blood of Christ.
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Dear brethren,

Brethren and news agencies are reporting another severe earthquake hit the same area of Mindanao again Sunday.

“A magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck parts of Mindanao at 2:11 p.m. Sunday, the strongest of the series of powerful quakes in the last two months.”

“It was the fifth quake above Magnitude 6 that jolted Mindanao between October 16 and December 15: Magnitude 6.3 on October 16; 6.6 and 6.1 on October 29; 6.5 on October 31 and 6.9 on December 15” (mindanews.com/top-stories/2019/12/6-9-quake-hits-mindanao-shoppers-employees-feared-trapped-as-shopping-center-in-padada-collapses/).
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