Brother Ron Halbrook continues his journey here in the Philippines by preaching the Gospel of Christ. Fortunately, the congregations that we are preaching have been chosen as part of this trip. We are thankful to brother Ron for his commitment in helping the Filipino saints to grow and edify their faith by God's word.
On Monday morning, August 8, the Gospel was proclaimed in Padada church of Christ, Sikatuna St., Padada, Davao del Sur through brother Ron Halbrook. He preached 2 edifying lessons entitled, “Man Answers to God” (Ezek. 18:4) and “The Gospel Makes Us Right with God” (Rom. 1:16). We have a total attendance of 58 including some visitors that are invited by the brethren here in Padada.
I (Joshua A. Notarte), was one of the preachers in this congregation since 2010 after the family of sister Lourdes Cañada has been converted. They offered a portion of their house lot to build a church building. We are so thankful that a dear brother in the U.S. name Toney Russell donated funds to build a small but adequate church building for the saints meeting in Padada (Toney has since died). After that, sister Elisama Sardido (a widow) and her family join the congregation here because it is more accessible for them than attending in Digos City church of Christ as what they are doing for many years. Together with me who always preach here were brother Julie Divine A. Notarte, Joseph Notarte, Jonathan Notarte and several young preachers that we trained.
In the afternoon, we drove back to Digos City church of Christ, Roxas Ext., Zone 3, Digos City where my father, Julie Divine A. Notarte, preaches for many years. We had a total attendance of 120 where majority are preachers of the Church of Christ from remote areas. Most of them suffered multiple tragedies including a long drought and attacks and killings by bandits and rebels. Just 2 days ago, my father, Julie Notarte, received the news that two brethren were murdered by bandits. Many brethren die in remote areas of Mindanao at the hands of roving bandits, communist rebels, and Muslim rebels.
Brother Ron Halbrook selected 2 topics to encourage and strengthen our faith in God. He taught on “God’s Weather Forecast” (Gen. 8:22) to counter man’s arrogant claims about human’s endangering the earth by “global warming” – God not man controls the weather. The next lesson was entitled “When Good People Suffer Bad Things” (Ps. 22:1). We do not have all the answers about suffering, but we know sin introduced it into the world and we know God sustains His people in the face of every trial. I (Joshua Notarte) was requested again to translate the lesson (sentence by sentence) since many of those who attended could not understand English well.
In the evening, brother Frank Isla continue the bible lectures by preaching the lesson about "Godhead." Many questions were raised and help the brethren learn more. This class will continue tomorrow as brother Ron prepares more edifying lessons.
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