Help A Neighbor Inc

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2501471/Philippines-Typhoon-Haiyan-Bodies-piled-streets-makeshift-mortuaries-overrun.html

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November 14

11-13-2013 Update on Typhoon Haiyan Victims

Dear brethren,

Thank you for all of the messages and calls seeking information about our Filipino brethren who are affected by the worst typhoon on record which hit the Philippines on Friday, November 8.

Much news about the devastation caused by typhoon Haiyan (named Yolanda in the Philippines) is appearing in the media, but concrete information from our brethren is only dribbling out because lines of communication were damaged and destroyed. The storm surge 15-20 feet high sent tsunami-like waves 45 feet high crashing to shore in some places! Ships were left sitting in city streets! Especially hard hit areas include the island of Samar, Tacloban City on Leyte, and northern Cebu island. Surrounding islands in the central Visayas such as Panay and Bohol were heavily damaged, and also Oriental Mindoro and northern Palawan to the west as the storm headed back out to sea toward Viet Nam.

The number of dead bodies located keeps climbing as it passes 2,200 with many areas still inaccessible. In places like Tacloban City mass burials have been necessary because of the health risk with bodies decaying in the rubble and standing water. The airport there served as a makeshift morgue. Homes, crops, and trees were leveled by winds of 150-200 mph and the land was inundated with torrential rainfall. Nearly ten million people were affected and 600,000 displaced.

Pictures of the devastation can be seen at:

The Philippine government, U.S. military, other governmental bodies around the world, and international relief agencies are trying to get supplies to the devastated areas, but much of the infrastructure is destroyed. Supply trucks have been waylaid. In some cases, people foraging for food, water, and medicine are looting markets, grocery stores, and pharmacies in desperation. Mobs in Tacloban City attacked a rice warehouse and the walls collapsed killing and injuring more people. The Philippine military is trying to restore order.

Saints are scattered all through the regions hit by the storm. We are getting some news from saints on the island of Cebu. Jonathan Carino and other Filipino brethren in company with Harry Osborne were able to survey the damage at Bogo City in northern Cebu. Gil Suico who preaches there sent me a message that homes, fruit trees, and crops were severely damaged, which means the suffering will extend for weeks and months to come. A large percentage of the buildings in Bogo City were flattened and nearly all structures were damaged.

I received a report from brethren in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental, that they suffered no major damage. There is word from Jack Jaco in the western part of the island, Negros Occidental, that brethren suffered damage there.

Regarding Leyte, Jonathan and Harry have been trying to get to Tacloban City but cancelled their plans because of the breakdown of peace and security. The New Peoples Army (Filipino communists) are flexing their muscle with raids because the government can hardly function. Brother Nilo Zabala fled the city after NPA’s invaded his home and threatened him with death if he did not provide them with supplies. His family is camped in a damaged bus terminal. It is now Thursday in the Philippines and Jonathan and Harry will take a ferry boat from Cebu City on Cebu Island to Ormoc City on Leyte. They hope to establish contact with brethren and assess their needs, and return to Cebu on Friday.

In view of the destruction of the infrastructure and communication, it is very hard to get a concrete assessment of our brethren’s needs, and also very hard to deliver funds and supplies when assessments can be made. We know immediate needs are the most basic items such as food, water, and medicines. Homes are destroyed. Church buildings collapsed and blew away. Bibles and song books were ruined and swept away.

Little by little with God’s help, we will begin to hear more and more definite information from the saints. Harry will come home Saturday, so it is too late to send funds to him in the Philippines. Those who want to help can communicate with Jonathan Carino (jrcarino2@yahoo.com) on Cebu Island and Jack Jaco on Negros (sigualdo@yahoo.com). Lordy Salunga (lordys2005@hotmail.com) and Rody Gumpad (rodyc.gumpad@gmail.com) plan to make a trip from Luzon and deliver whatever benevolence they can raise. Funds can be sent to Filipinos via MoneyGram, Western Union, and similar services. Also, Keith Greer and I are scheduled to be in the Philippines December 2-20 and we are willing to help get funds to the saints who are suffering.

The difficulty of getting definite news in hand has delayed my reporting to many brethren who are asking for information. I regret the delay but the reason should be obvious from the report itself. I will do my best to provide follow-up reports when possible. Let us fervently pray for these dear saints, send whatever financial help we can, and commit ourselves not to forget their needs in the weeks and months ahead.

In Christian love,

Ron Halbrook

To see good Bible study material, go to:

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November 14

Philippines Hit by Super-typhoon Haiyan

Super-typhoon Haiyan (Philippine name Yolanda) is likely the strongest typhoon or hurricane on record with sustained winds of 195-199 mph and gusts up to 235 mph. The storm itself was 300 miles wide and created additional cloud cover over nearly the whole Philippine nation. It was equal to a Category 5 hurricane. Category 5 hurricanes include Hurricane Camille which hit the U.S. with winds up to 190 mph in 1969, Katrina which hit with 175 mph winds in 2005, and Wilma which hit the Caribbean Sea with 185 mph winds in 2005.

The same type storms are called “hurricanes” in the Atlantic and Northeast Pacific, “typhoons” in the Northwest Pacific, and “cyclones” in the South Pacific and Indian Ocean.

Haiyan hit the Visayan Islands in the central Philippines with the greatest concentration on Samar and Leyte. Damage is still being assessed but over 100 people are known to be dead. In spite of great devastation, many people were evacuated to places of relative safety.

We are beginning to get reports of widespread damage to the homes of brethren at Tacloban City and Ormoc City on Leyte, and at Bogo on Cebu. While waiting for more information, let us pray for our brethren as well as alien sinners who are suffering from the typhoon in many ways at this time.

To see good Bible study material, go to:

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November 14

Philippine Preaching Trip Dec 2-20, 2013

November 7, 2013th Year of Our Lord

Dear brethren,

By God’s grace Jim McDonald took me to the Philippines in 1995 and my 52nd preaching trip to that distant land is scheduled for December 2-20. Opportunities are planned to edify faithful saints, to preach the gospel to Catholics and denominational folks, to study with denominational preachers, and to teach brethren who use instrumental music in worship. Many people who profess to worship God do not know the right way to worship Him. Jesus taught the difference between true and false worship, and said, “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth” (Jn. 4:24). Keith Greer, faithful evangelist from Harrodsburg, KY, will join me as we emphasize what it means to worship God “in spirit and in truth.” Having been several times before, he is well equipped for this work.

Keith and I will fly from Louisville to Detroit and on to Japan and Manila, arriving late at night. On December 4 we hope to preach to inmates in the Bilibid Prison at Muntinlupa, Metro Manila. Willie Pastor has been incarcerated there since 2010 and will complete his minimum sentence in July 2014, unless he gets an early release. It is tragic that he was sent to prison for killing in self-defense, but what a great blessing he has been to hundreds of inmates as he has preached the gospel and baptized them. Three congregations are meeting in different sectors of the prison. Willie’s brother Kenneth who lives in the Manila area has been working alongside his brother. Many inmates are very uneducated and our sermons must be translated. At most venues the audience understands English and needs no translation.

In cooperation with Jonathan Carino (Cebu City) and Gil Suico (Bogo City) on the island of Cebu, both Harry Osborne and I have preached in Bogo City a number of times. This year there has been a breakthrough with many conversions. As denominational preachers are being converted, doors are opening in all directions. For years I have been invited to the island of Masbate but have not been able to work it into my schedules, but now preachers from that island have been baptized as a result of the open doors at Bogo City. Jonathan has been conducting followup classes for the new converts. Harry visited Masbate in November, and Keith and I plan to teach there December 5-6.

On the 7th we will travel to Cebu City and preach at the place of brother Ahl Bufral at Talamban, Cebu City. A late night ferry will take us to the island of Leyte, arriving at Ormoc City at 4:00 A.M. After spending Sunday with brethren there, all-day classes will be conducted Monday through Friday especially for preachers from churches of Christ using instrumental music. They received us well in August and requested more study. Some were convinced of the truth and hopefully others will be this time. The classes will cover all four volumes of Robert Harkrider’s Basic Bible Doctrine . The men will receive copies of these workbooks along with additional study materials. Lordy Salunga, evangelist for the church in Angeles City on Luzon, will join Keith and me as teachers. Cyrus Gesulga, a former premillennial preacher, helped to open this door and will also be with us. Jack Jaco will lead songs.

December 14-17 will be devoted to the province of Misamis Occidental in northern Mindanao. Such places as Ozamiz City, Oroquieta City, Clarin, and Pagadian City have churches which need edification and encouragement. We will then travel back to Manila for a day of work before going home.

My heart overflows with thanksgiving for saints who pray for these efforts and provide financial help! Individuals giving $500 or more for church buildings and similar needs can 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).

In Christian love, Ron Halbrook

Phone 502-955-1748 or 957-6726; e-mail halbrook@twc.com

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

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September 11

Halbrook Report: 51st Philippine Trip July 31- Aug. 29, 2013

August 29, 2013th Year of Our Lord

Dear brethren,

God’s good providence blessed my 51st preaching trip to the Philippines (and 5th trip to New Zealand) with safety and success July 31-August 29 . Jim McDonald has been my mentor since he first took me in 1995. Knowing the united efforts of Christians would bring many souls to him, Jesus prayed to the Father for his Apostles and for future saints to be united and sanctified “through thy truth: thy word is truth.” (Jn. 17:17-21). The Bible contains that truth in its entirety. It was a privilege to join hands with faithful Filipino saints again, and to labor with Mark Mayberry (Adoue Street Church of Christ, Alvin, TX) and Harry Osborne (84th St. Church of Christ, Oklahoma City, OK). I presented 53 lessons sowing the seed and we know of 25 baptisms as God gave the increase. Till Jesus returns we plead with the lost, “Back to the Bible!”

Mark and I left home July 31st, arrived the next day in Manila, shipped books ahead and conducted a study on August 2nd, then Saturday worked with Ely and Larry Ebuenga in an all-day gospel meeting at Vicas, North Caloocan City. About 65 souls heard my study on “The Purpose of Our Life,” Mark on the plan of salvation, and Rody Gumpad’s introduction to the one true church. Two souls responded.

On Sunday Mark went with Rody to the new Edsa-Pasay church. Atoy Franco brought me to the national Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa to work with Willie & Kenneth Pastor. Willie was incarcerated almost 3 years ago and our prayers for his release may be answered soon. Mark and Rody preached later in the day in other parts of the prison, and 11 submitted to the gospel on this Lord’s Day. About 500 have been baptized in the prison work since Willie first started it! I also visited the small new church meeting at the home of Jimmy Battung in Paranaque. My topic was “Back to the Bible.”

August 6-11 Cyrus Gesulga, Jonathan Carino, Lordy Salunga, Jack Jaco, Mark, and I went to Ormoc City on Leyte to teach classes on “How to Study the Bible” and “The Authority of Christ” to a group of preachers from churches of Christ using instrumental music. One of them asked to present the case for instruments. After he spoke, Mark and I answered him. The exchange was conducted in good spirits and bore fruit. Four Catholic visitors at the classes were baptized. On Sunday Mark and I spoke to the church nearby at San Vicente and they repented of using the instrument.

Mark, Jonathan, Jack, and I took an all-night ship from Ormoc City to Cebu City on Cebu Island. From here Mark flew to Manila to meet Rody Gumpad for 10 days work together. Harry Osborne had been preaching in the Manila area for a couple of days and joined us at Cebu City to preach two days at Bogo City. Denominational preachers have welcomed Harry and me there in the past. Jonathan and Gil Suico have converted several, and they gathered again with additional friends to study more. Three more were baptized including one who has attended in the past and who tried to counter Bible teaching on baptism on Tuesday.

On the 15th Harry proceeded to Luzon to work with Lordy and I traveled to Auckland, New Zealand to work for 6 days with the Meadowood church of Christ meeting in Ronnie Salunga’s home. This group of 8 saints managed to gather 11 visitors for the series on “Building a Godly Home.” This church includes 4 young people ranging up to 23 years of age, and they appreciated the opportunity to study this important theme while they are still unmarried. Visitors included people from the liberal church, from denominations, and one professing Jew. Since this church began in late 2010, dozens of people have heard the pure gospel and these saints refuse to relent in their efforts. They are truly an inspiration to keep on keeping on!

God’s providence is marvelous. A few years ago Atoy Franco was visiting a son in Lakeland, FL, met Don Hastings, and was converted. He returned to the Philippines and converted his close friend, Jimmy Battung, a former police chief. Last May I baptized Jimmy’s son-in-law, Ric Halnas, and his daughter Melaine and their two children. Ric works in Timaru, South Island, New Zealand. August 22-25 Ronnie Salunga and I went to Timaru where Ric gathered Filipino co-workers to hear the gospel for the first time. The lessons were so well received that I urgently hope to find resources to send Lordy Salunga to follow up with teaching in their dialect. God knows how to open doors to spread the gospel in marvelous ways!

My last day in Manila I spent $1,500 to send 200+ Bibles to waiting hands in the Philippines & N.Z.

All of our work and service is in God’s hands. He touches the hearts of saints who have yielded to Him to make these preaching trips possible. To all who help in any way, thank you, and God bless you!

In Christian love, Ron Halbrook

To see good Bible study material, go to

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August 31

Home again by God’s grace

Dear family, brethren, and friends,

By God’s good grace and providence I arrived home safely after completing this 51 st preaching trip to the Philippines (5th trip to New Zealand). I left the hotel in Manila on Thursday, August 29, at just past 4:00 AM (Philippine time) and pillowed my head at home at 1:00 AM Friday (U.S. time), for a total of 33 hours. It was a long and tiring trip home, but I am thankful to report all went well.

Every time I make these trips I am reminded of the faith, hope, and love of saints on the other side of the globe who sacrifice to serve God. My efforts in those places are just occasional and temporary, while their efforts are constant day in and day out – they are the heroes of faith like the men and women recounted in Hebrews 11. Their zeal and dedication is an inspiration! What a great privilege it is work with all of you! I am also reminded of precious souls lost in sin and darkness, and the power of the gospel to save them, which is a great motivation for us to continue doing our best to spread the gospel.

I am also thankful and inspired to know saints who sacrifice to make these trips possible. Without your prayers and financial help, these efforts would fail and stop.

If you are trying to communicate with me, please be patient. Not only am I far behind on many emails, but also I leave Saturday for a week of gospel preaching in another state. Therefore, the delays will be continued because the work is always pressing. Thank you for your understanding.

May God bless and keep each one of you.

In Christian love,

Ron Halbrook

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August 30

Halbrook New Zealand Report August 22-28, 2013

August 28, 2013th Year of Our Lord

Dear family, brethren, and friends,

I have seen the full moon a couple times from Timaru, South Island, New Zealand, and so I know you all are still there on the other side of the earth! Whew, I was beginning to wonder if you fell off over there! Though a little tired as the trip winds down, I am so thankful for all the Lord teaches me through my association with His saints on this side of the globe, and also thankful to everyone who helps to make this work possible by your support and prayers.

On Thursday, August 22, Ronnie Salunga and I flew from Auckland, North Island, New Zealand to Willington, N. I., where we caught a flight on to Timaru, South Island. Often flying gives me time to nap and catch up on sleep, but the scenery was too beautiful to miss as we skirted the blue-green ocean waters on one side and tremendous snow-covered mountain ranges on the other. South Island is a little over 1,500 miles from Antarctica.

We got to our rooms at the Grosvenor Hotel (built in 1875) about 4:30 P.M., met Ric Halnas for supper at 6:00, and then gathered in the house he rents with four of his Filipino companions. I baptized Ric on my last day of preaching in Manila last May while he was home visiting his family, and he is the reason I came here. Filipinos literally circle the globe to find work and end up in far-flung places like Timaru. Ric with Boy, Nino, Edwin, and Greg are working on a construction project for a company that provides internet access. Their religious backgrounds include Roman Catholic and denominations such as “Jesus Is Lord” (J.I.L.) and Iglesia ni Cristo (meaning church of Christ but they deny the deity of Christ).

These men were very attentive as we studied an overview of the Bible entitled “The Message of the Bible: Salvation in Jesus Christ.” They asked no questions which is typical ofFilipinos meeting an American for the first time. Though Ric is new to the faith, he already has been trying to teach what he knows and he assured me the men will begin asking their questions at tomorrow night’s session.

The church at Auckland is covering our expenses for this leg of my trip which is a great relief. The cost of living in N.Z. is higher than most places in the U.S. This morning I had an omelette, bacon, a muffin, an orange, with juice and hot tea for breakfast for $25.

Since the men are working, after I study my lesson and catch up on email tomorrow morning, Ronnie and I want to see some of the gorgeous scenery. Daytime temperatures are in the 40’s, but the ocean air is so refreshing a light jacket is sufficient. Timaru is a seaport with snow-covered mountains visible in the distance.

After my study was finished Friday morning, Ronnie and I drove to see the beautiful emerald water of Lake Tekapo which is fed by the Tasman Glacier. Then we drove on to Mt. Cook and climbed a trail which turned into a cascade of large rocks in order to reach a site from which we viewed the Tasman Glacier and its icebergs floating below us. Surrounded by snow-covered mountains all day, we could not fully grasp all the grandeur of the terrain proclaiming the glory of God!

After the men returned from work, the evening study focused on “God Created All Things” (Gen. 1) as we considered God’s wisdom, power, and love. He is a God of order and patterns, which prepares us to understand His work in the plan of salvation. One of the men asked a question on behalf of all which was, “Why are there so many different religions?” Including their comments and follow-up questions, we spent an hour discussing this inquiry. I gave them several simple examples of how men have changed the original teaching of Christ, which results in all sorts of doctrines and religions not found in the Bible. I emphasized that by going back to the original teaching of Christ and his Apostles in the Bible we can find the truth and escape all these false systems. Jesus said, “Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (Jn. 8:32). This was well received, but it will take time and thought for them to absorb the full impact of the truth.

Most of Saturday morning was spent preparing materials for the afternoon meeting, but Ronnie and I found time to walk for a while on the beach (Timaru is on the south side of the South Island). I found a few shells to add to my collection (and a few extras for Frani Smith).

The men worked a half day. They rushed home and ate a quick lunch, and additional Filipino friends of Ric arrived from an hour away. There were 12 of us present when everyone arrived. The meeting started a little past 2:00 P.M. and continued until 7:00 P.M. with a 30 minute break for snacks. Our first lesson was “The Purpose of Our Lives,” stressing that our lives are complete only when we find and serve God.

Next, we studied “Jesus Came to Seek and Save the Lost,” explaining what it means to be lost and God’s plan to save us. Our final theme was “How Sinners Receive Salvation” (Rom. 10:1-17), which clarified that “calling on the name of the Lord” refers to submitting to Christ in water baptism (see Acts 22:16). The open forum included more attention to why there are so many religions and why the Catholic Bible is different.

Overall the men indicated they were satisfied with the lessons. I emphasized the importance of obeying the gospel without delay when it is understood, but I also urged them to study and meditate rather than making snap decisions. I urged them to count the costs and to know they must abandon their sins and also expect opposition. I also challenged them to realize they could help plant a true church of Christ here where none exists. I was asked who is authorized to baptize them, and I pointed out from Matthew 28:18-20 that any Christian can do it including Ric who was baptized only three months ago.

Twelve of us attended the Lord’s Day morning service. Ronnie Salunga led the songs and Ric Halnas helped him in serving the Lord’s service. All of this was new to these men who had never attended a worship service conducted by the New Testament pattern. The first lesson was “The Gospel Makes Us Right with God” (Rom. 1:16-17). To be right with God we must know the right God, the right Savior, the right gospel, the right baptism, the right church, and the right life. Some had to leave to meet with immigration officials but the rest remained to complete the day’s study.

After lunch we studied “When Peter Confessed Christ” (Matt. 16:13-19), “True Repentance” (2 Cor. 7:9-11), and “Back to the Bible” (Jn. 17:17-21). During the open forum, the questions included what happens when we die, why is there so much suffering and poverty in the world, and will God save a person who constantly prays to Him?

I again urged them to obey the gospel because it was evident that the truth was sinking into their hearts, and I reminded them of the brevity and uncertainty of life. I also urged them to study the Bible for themselves and to make a decision based on pleasing God alone. There were no immediate conversions, but the iron is definitely hot! In order to strike while the iron is hot, I would very much like to find a way to send Lordy Salunga from the Philippines to do follow-up teaching in their dialect. Some of these men are near the kingdom and we must maximize the opportunity to save them and to help them begin a church of Christ in Timaru. If anyone would be interested in helping make this proposal a reality, please let me know ASAP!

August 26-27 , Monday-Tuesday, were travel days. Ronnie and I flew from Timaru to Willington and back to Auckland on Monday, arriving about 4:00 P.M. Our parting was bitter-sweet: We rejoiced for God’s blessings on the work of the past ten days yet regretted separating to labor in our respective fields. Tuesday’s flights from Auckland to Sydney, Australia and on to Manila required a long day, starting at 4:00 A.M., but the travel was safe and the time was used to study and to rest on the plane.

Today, Wednesday , was scheduled for visiting the Philippine Bible Society to ship over 200 Bibles to various parts of the Philippines and to Timaru, N.Z. Atoy Franco was my faithful driver and assistant all day, and we met Rody and Tessie Gumpad at the P.B.S. The “resting” scheduled was jettisoned because it took us from 10:30 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. to make the round trip downtown to the P.B.S. and to take care of all the necessary details in purchasing Bibles in various dialects and arranging for their shipments. It was a day well spent when we consider the good that will be accomplished by those Bibles when they reach the hands and hearts of the recipients. As funds may become available in the future, I will continue to do my best to send Bibles to many who are still waiting.

It is hard to realize today ends my 52nd trip, but I miss everyone at home and it is time to return home tomorrow morning. If all goes well, I should be home late Thursday night. I will be eternally grateful to everyone who has any part in making these trips possible, especially my patient wife, Donna, because these trips would be impossible without that help. Obviously, I cannot reward the sacrifices of all these saints, but God knows who you are and He receives all faithful service in His kingdom as “a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing” to Him (Phil. 4:18; NIV).

In Christian love, Ron

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August 28

Halbrook New Zealand Report August 16-21, 2013

August 21, 2013th Year of Our Lord

Dear family, brethren, and friends,

Greetings from New Zealand, the land so far “down under” that you can almost see Antarctica from here!

On Thursday , August 15, the plane left Manila at 9:00 P.M. bound for Melbourne, Victoria in Australia. Fortunately, I was able to sleep for about five hours, and then after changing planes the next morning I slept another couple of hours on the four-hour flight to Auckland, New Zealand. The plane landed in a bowl of soup – rainy, misty, sloppy weather! This is winter because N.Z. is south of the equator, and the temperatures are running in the 40’s (though it feels colder with the rain and wind). This is a shock to the system after enduring the 80’s-90’s with high humidity in the Philippines!

Ronnie Salunga brought me to his house and we arrived about 6:30 P.M. Over a year ago they converted a detached garage into living quarters to accommodate preachers who come to help the Meadowood church of Christ. Ken McDaniel and I helped the Salunga family begin a new congregation in their basement in November-December 2010. A few months later the Randy Cabrillas family joined the new work, increasing the number from 5 to 8. They are Ronnie, Nina, Roanna, Angela, and Ron Salunga, and Randy, Krisel, and Azel Cabrillas.

Upon my arrival Friday at the Salunga’s, there was barely time to eat, shower, and get set up to begin teaching. I learned a Jew from South Africa was coming with a Filipina Catholic he wants to marry. I quickly changed the topic in order to discuss “The Message of the Bible: Salvation in Jesus Christ.” I explained our week’s theme is “Building a Godly Home” and every lesson would be based on the Bible and Bible principles. Therefore, we should first know the overall message of the Bible to better understand how our theme fits within its context. Eleven attended this first night.

After the study there were good questions about how God delivered and protected the Bible so that the message has been preserved and not corrupted. The Jewish man was very attentive but asked no questions. We dismissed about 10:45 P.M., but everyone was visiting and talking, so I sat down with him and had a long conversation getting acquainted. Finally, I asked him if he had any questions about our study. He responded, “Actually, I think you told me everything I needed to know in the presentation.” They said they wanted to return later this week and I learned they are planning to come early to have time for a private study.

By the diligent efforts of this small church, the seed is definitely being sown in Auckland, though we can never predict the results. I got to bed about 2:00 A.M., exhausted but very thankful and happy to be here again!

Saturday about 10:00 A.M. a dozen people were gathered in the Salunga’s basement ready to continue our study of the theme “Building a Godly Home.” The day’s first lesson was “God Created All Things,” a verse by verse study of Genesis 1, to show that God rules the universe and all things in it including all activities of mankind. Next we studied “The Purpose of Our Life,” which is to be companions and servants of God. Our relationship with God on earth can be better understood by the blessing of marriage as we experience the unique fellowship of husband and wife in keeping with His instructions.

After the lunch break, we focused on “Marriage: God’s Gift to Man and Woman.” This unique gift of God helps to improve and mold our character while also perpetuating the human race. The open forum typically runs 30 minutes-1 hour here at the Meadowood church, and sometimes the questions are quite challenging. For instance, a young girl asked something I had never heard before: “You mentioned God is a great King. If God is our King, does He have a Queen?” I explained God has authority over all things as a King, but He does not need to marry as we do! I had mentioned at one point how Donna and I taught our children memory verses. The mother of this young girl asked me to email the list of verses to her. She received them the next day and emailed me back to say they have started immediately learning these verses.

The meeting broke up about 6:00 P.M. The Salungas wanted me to join them in going to the grocery store (where the food was stacked to the rafters, literally!), and then we had a McDonald’s angus burger for supper. I so rarely visit McDonald’s in the U.S., I had to travel 15,000 miles to taste my first angus burger! When we got home, I walked about 50 minutes, studied, and then slept a good 7 hours, which refreshed me for the Lord’s Day activities (although I was still adjusting to the 4 hour change in time zones from Manila to here).

Our Lord’s Day A.M. service was attended by the 8 faithful members of the Meadowood church. Because there are four young people in their teens and early 20’s, I presented two lessons on “Selecting a Mate: The Lord Builds the House.” Our study first considered how God does His part in providing a mate, and then how we must do our part in finding a mate. It is all based on living by faith in God. Otherwise, we make terrible mistakes which result in great pain and injury to everyone involved. If we act by faith in God, His blessings are abundant in marriage.

After lunch our attendance rose to 12 as we studied “Solomon’s Song of Marital Love.” After a summary of The Song of Solomon, the lesson focused on things which can be learned and applied from this book to cultivate our love in marriage. Again, the Q & A session lasted for an hour with all sorts of questions about how God wants us to conduct our marriage and family life.

Several commented that this series is coming at the right time so that these young people can explore issues relating to the home before they marry, and thus hopefully act by faith in God and avoid many mistakes. The adults also said the series is helping them to see ways to strengthen their family life. God’s Word never loses its power to bless us in so many ways: “More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward” (Ps. 19:10-11).

Monday while the Salungas were at work and at school, I studied, caught up on email, took a walk for exercise, and prepared for our evening service. I am always amazed at the faith, zeal, and persistence of the saints here. In addition to their regular services, they conduct a Friday night Bible study throughout the year and constantly invite friends and contacts to come. Over time dozens of people have come and the seed of the true gospel has been planted. The same thing is true when I or others come to preach and teach. In fact, this time they printed very attractive flyers which they gave to friends, posted where possible, and distributed door to door. There have been a couple of baptisms over time, but the people fell away. The brethren notice that because of the strict Bible teaching and practical application, some who show an initial interest gradually turn away.

But here is what is outstanding about these saints: They are undaunted! They have learned by hard experience that many people who appear interested in the truth turn away from it when they begin to hear and understand because they are unwilling to yield to God’s will. Yet, they are not weary in well doing – they continue working just as hard now to spread the gospel as they did from the start in spite of all the people who have disappointed them. They have remarked how they have come to appreciate what Jesus meant when he said, “Few there be that find it.”

Pursuing the theme “Building a Godly Home,” tonight I began a three part series on “Harmony in the Home.” All 8 members of the church were present. In addition a lady form the liberal church who often visits and shows great interest in the truth joined us. Also, a young Korean lady in her 20’s who has attended when I was here in the past came and showed great interest. Our service started at 7:30 P.M. The lesson was finished shortly after 8:30, but the questions continued until 10:00 P.M.

Actually, I used the first 30 minutes of the Q & A to ask the audience to discuss how the points we studied about Christian character help to promote reconciliation and harmony in families when there are disagreements, disappointments, and disruptions. Their answers were quite perceptive and proved they were attentive listeners. Then the floor was open for them to ask questions for the next hour. The questions ranged from how to convert unbelieving mates to how to resolve specific conflicts with people to the woman’s role in the home and in the church. It is exhausting but exhilarating to conduct these sessions and to see the hunger of these precious souls to learn and to grow!

It rained off and on Tuesday as it has every other day, typical of N.Z. winters, but the day flew by as I studied, answered email, and prepared for tonight’s lesson. The Jew and Filipina who wanted to tonight are an hour away and called to say they have no gas money, so an effort was made to find them a ride but it failed. Meanwhile, another man named Keil from the Philippines who attended during my past trips came again. A Filipino brother from the liberal church also came, so our attendance was 11.

After the second lesson on “Harmony in the Home” and before the Q & A, I again challenged the audience by presenting difficulties in family life and asking them how the principles we had studied might apply. As on the previous night, their insights and comments were excellent, showing they got the point. Then the open forum further enriched our session with good questions about proper conduct in the home, at work, and with friends.

After dismissal, everyone stayed in the basement talking. Angela Salunga and I discussed at length with Kiel until about 10:00 P.M., then the discussion moved upstairs to the dining room table. The ground we covered included fallacies of atheism and evolution, the chaos and pain caused by sinful conduct, and errors of Catholicism and denominationalism. Kiel’s background is Roman Catholic, as is true with 80% of Philippine citizens, but he has a sharp mind and a searching heart. He and his mother were already concerned after reading that bishops must be married and have families in 1 Timothy 3, because Catholic clergy must be celibate. Much of what we covered was new to him but he obviously found the study interesting and compelling. He did not leave until 11:30.

Again the Meadowood church is unrelenting in their efforts to sow the seed of God’s kingdom – God will surely give the increase according to His will and power. “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).

Today, Wednesday, was our final day in the work here in Auckland. The rains were stronger today and almost constant even into the night and water began to seep into the Salunga’s basement. The Jewish South African and his Filipina friend came early to have a private Bible study. They have so little background in the Bible that we spent over an hour considering very basic information about God, man, sin, and salvation. I emphasized that there is only one true God and He has revealed only one perfect plan of salvation for all men. When I pointed out how Jewish and Catholic traditions depart from God’s plan, they were very open and receptive – they clearly saw the point. They were quite attentive to the lesson which followed.

As others arrived for our regular assembly, there were 13 in attendance to hear part 3 of “Harmony in the Home.” This was followed by the discussion period where I ask the audience to explain how the Bible principles presented apply in family life, and then there was another open forum. After dismissal everyone stood around talking about God’s Word until we finally went upstairs for light snacks and continued discussions. Everyone left by 11:00 P.M., but Roanna Salunga asked questions until midnight.

The Meadowood church composed of 8 souls managed to bring 11 visitors in six days, several of whom came multiple times. I highly commended them for their diligent efforts! How many congregations are able to produce more visitors than members for a gospel meeting? There were no conversions but the seed was sown. If they keep up these diligent efforts, souls will be saved sooner or later. May God bless these dear brethren in their tireless efforts to proclaim and uphold the gospel of Christ!

Tomorrow Ronnie Salunga and I will fly 600 miles to Timaru on South Island to edify Ric Halnas and to teach his friends in the hope of planting a new congregation there.

I miss everyone at home and am counting down the days until my return on the 29th, God willing.

In Christian love, Ron

To see good Bible study material, go to: