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.