Dear family, brethren, and friends,

After leaving my house about 5:00 AM on Thursday, February 16, I flew through Atlanta, Detroit, and Tokyo to reach Manila.  Bad weather in Japan caused delays.  By the time I got to bed in my Manila hotel room, it was 3:00 AM Saturday, about 33 hours after leaving Louisville.  Though it was a little tiring, it is better to be thankful for the safe trip and the privilege to serve Filipino saints than to complain about travel problems.  “ Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!” (Ps. 107:8).

Saturday morning Sammy Paet met me at the hotel to help repack six boxes of Bibles, songbooks, and study materials I brought on the plane.  He took them to a bus station to ship them ahead so that I can distribute them along the way as I travel and teach.  I then took care of some housekeeping duties like visiting a moneychanger and picking up a few necessary supplies.  There was also time to review some lessons and quickly check email.  I squeezed in some time for exercise in order to boost my stamina, which I will very much need to finish this trip.

Beginning Sunday my schedule takes me to Tuguegarao, Cagayan Province to visit as many provinces as possible in central and northern Luzon which suffered the effects of super typhoon Lawin back in October.  Many people in these areas are still struggling to recover and our brethren are among the poorest.  Benevolence funds have been sent by loving brethren to try to relieve some of the physical suffering, but this trip is designed to preach lessons to encourage and lift the weary spirits of our brethren rather than to merely distribute funds.  The schedule is full and rigorous in an effort to see as many saints as possible in these far-flung areas.  I will surely need the prayers of faithful saints to succeed.

Today, the Lord’s Day, I flew from Manila to Tuguegarao because I had asked Rody Gumpad to be my driver and take me to as many provinces as possible where saints are still striving to recover.  My flight was safe which put me at the Gumpad’s table at noon where Tessie provided a five-star lunch.  Then we drove out into the countryside to attend the worship at Marguirit.  84 precious souls were present to worship God.  My lessons was “Take Job as an Example” (Ja. 5:10-11).

Many years ago when I visited here, I met a sister whose husband had just been buried – he died from a poisonous snakebite because he was trying to catch snakes to feed his wife and small children.  It was uplifting to see her again and to know of her steadfast faith.

We drove back to Tuguegarao, loaded the vehicle, and traveled several hours to reach Santiago City, Isabela Province so that we can join Willie Pastor for all day preaching at nearby Cabarruguis, Quinio Province on Monday.  I know Rody was exhausted, but he got us safely here.  Though I was wiped out, I forced myself to walk about 45 minutes because the main street is safe here at night and I hope to gain strength and stamina for tomorrow’s work.

I am going to attach my itinerary to this report as a means of inviting Filipino brethren near and far to join us at any place along the way if possible.  There is a Filipino custom of preachers personally inviting other men to attend gospel meetings, but lack of time absolutely prohibits me from doing so.  All brethren are automatically welcome at any time.  Some lack transportation expenses and therefore I understand why they can only pray for us but cannot join the activities.  And I have no transportation fund to help them.  I hope no one will be offended because I did not send everyone a personal invitation, and I assure everyone I am not offended when some cannot join us.

In Christian love,
Ron Halbrook

Feb 19 (Sun) Leave Manila 10:00 AM, arrive Tuguegarao 11:30AM;
PM preach at Maguirig Church with Rody Gumpad

Feb 20 (Mon) Travel to Cabarruguis, Quirino, preach with Willie Pastor

Feb 21 (Tue) Travel to Bliss church, Ilagan City, Isabela, preach with Edgar Licodini;

Feb 22 (Wed) AM Preach at Gobgob church with Ben Vistro; PM at Tagapan with Rolando Agpoon

Feb 23 (Thur) AM Preach at Piat church, Aquib Norte, Cagayan with Dennis Yuson;
PM at Bauan with Robert Pader

Feb 24 (Fri) AM Travel & preach at Ballesteros, Cagayan with Fidelfin “Jun” Miranda
PM preach at San Carlos church of Christ, Apayao with Sammy Vargas

Feb 25 (Sat) AM Preach Dubeng, Bidduang, Pamplona, Cagayan with Robinson Pulveras
PM preach Sitio Pukel, Sanchez Mira, Cagayan with Elpidio Tiene

Feb 26 (Sun) Preach Laoag City church with Mat Sibayan, Sr.

Feb 27 (Mon) Preach at Escoda, Marcos, I.N. with Vic Domingo

Feb 28 (Tue) Preach at Nueva Era with Efren Ramos

Mar 1 (Wed) AM Preach at Cabugao, Ilocos Sur with Egdon Sabio;

Mar 2 (Thur) AM Preach at Caba, La Union with Carlos Domingo
PM Preach at Rosario, La Union with Rodel Baagin

Mar 3 (Fri) AM Preach at Ambiong, Baguio City with Rosendo Gumpad;
PM at Cypress with Joemark Bayado

Mar 4 (Sat) Travel to Manila

Mar 5 (Sun) Worship & preach at Edsa-Pasay church with Rody Gumpad & Samuel Paet

Mar 6 (Mon) Order Bibles at Philippine Bible Society, Manila

Mar 7 (Tues) Ron leave Manila and travel back home in the U.S.