February 25, 2016th Year of Our Lord

HALBROOK REPORT: 61th PHILIPPINE TRIP Feb. 9-25, 2016

Dear brethren,

By God’s good providence February 9-25 marks my 61st trip proclaiming the unsearchable riches of Christ in the Philippines since I first went with Jim McDonald in 1995.  It is a harvest time in that land and Filipino brethren are working hard to save the lost.  When many turned away from Christ, he asked the Apostles if they would also leave him. “Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.  And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God” (Jn. 6:68-69).  Like Peter, many Filipinos seek the words of eternal life.  I taught 49 times on this trip and 48 souls submitted to Christ in baptism along with one who was restored to Christ..
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Dear family, brethren, and friends,

Having just reached home tonight, I send greetings and love to all of you.  It is especially good to see Donna, my best friend, companion, and helper!

Though the trip is always long and tiring, it is a small price to pay for the privilege of laboring with faithful Filipino brethren in serving God.  My life has been richly blessed by these brethren for many years.  Their faith, hope, love, sacrifices, and service provide great lessons and inspiration to me.   My part in the work is very small in contrast to all of the good work they are doing day in and day out, but I thank God for allowing me to share with them even in the smallest ways.
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Dear family, brethren, and friends,

Saturday, February 20, brought us to the Bilibid Prison, the national penitentiary of the Philippines.  It is grossly overcrowded with a total population of over 20,000.  Over 100 men gathered today in a nice facility owned by a Presbyterian group which allowed us to use it.  In fact, Ely Ebuenga, who is an approved religious worker in the prison, is trying to convert the inmate who has authority over the facility.
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Dear family, brethren, and friends,

I have not been able to see the moon but only “the twinkle, twinkle little stars,” but I send my greetings and love to all anyway.  The past week has been a whirlwind of work with no time to send reports, but it was a fruitful week.

On Sunday, February 14, Samuel Paet drove me to the Sampaloc church of Christ in Manila where the deaf mute saints have worshiped for many years.  Tonyboy Hornedo has preached for them through the years using sign language because he also is a deaf mute.  It is always an humbling and uplifting experience to worship with these poor saints.  They are very attentive, signing to indicate they understand or do not understand point by point.  They sign to each other, seeking or giving clarifications as the teaching moves along.
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Dear family, brethren, and friends,

The New Year is moving rapidly as we press forward in our journey toward eternity.  My first Philippine trip for 2016 got underway February 9-10 (Tuesday-Wednesday).  The flights from Louisville to Atlanta to Tokyo, Japan and on to Manila were safe and generally smooth.  After 24 hours travel, I was exhausted and glad to hit the bed at the hotel in Manila.  You can well imagine how freezing cold I was in 78 degree weather! 🙂   It was in the low 20’s when I left Louisville.
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December 22, 2015th Year of Our Lord

HALBROOK REPORT: 60th PHILIPPINE TRIP Nov. 30-Dec. 21, 2015

Dear brethren,

Jim McDonald brought me to the Philippines in 1995 and my 60th trip is now complete by God’s grace.  Jim Barnett who preaches in Hope, NM and  Steven Saunders who preaches in Macon, MO made their second trip concentrating on fundamentals of music and song leading.  Our  great God is worthy of our highest praises.  Heaven and earth ring with praise to Christ saying,  “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing” (Rev. 5:12).  I taught 31 times on this trip and 46 souls were baptized into Christ.
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