From: Ron Halbrook <RonHalbrook@compuserve.com>
To: Roger Wanasen <rmw-fcss@mozcom.com>,
"Rody C. Gumpad" <rodycg@cag.pworld.net.ph>,
Steven Locklair <locklair@deltech.net>,
STEVEN DEATON <105043.1716@compuserve.com>,
Lordy Salunga <lsalunga@hotmail.com>,
"Connie W. Adams" <cwadams123@aol.com>
Cc: "Jim Mc Donald (E-mail)" <jim_mc@juno.com>,
"David Amos (E-mail)" <daamos@earthlink.net>,
"Daniel Halloway (WL) (E-mail)" <dlh10ac@juno.com>,
"Bill Gunn (E-mail)" <bgunn@tez.net>,
"Dan Peters (E-mail)" <danielj.peters@pcnet.ro>,
"Dale Smelser (E-mail)" <DalSmelser@aol.com>,
"Jeff Smelser (E-mail)" <JSmelser@erols.com>,
"James M. Whitt (E-mail)" <jamawhit@POP1.cbu.skyinet.net>,
"Donald Hamilton (E-mail)" <dwhamilton@juno.com>,
"Don R Wison (E-mail)" <donrwilson@jps.net>,
"David Dyer (E-mail)" <dyerdw@saprc.isl.net>,
"David Dyer (E-mail)" <dyerdw@sparc.isl.net>,
"Ney Rieber (E-mail)" <ney@interpath.com>,
"Roderic MacArthur (E-mail)" <thoughtful@juno.com>,
"Rod Rutterford (E-mail)" <TFTWORLD@aol.com>,
"Ken Guthery (E-mail)" <kenguthery@juno.com>,
"Keith Greer (E-mail)" <kteach0254@aol.com>,
"Joe Fitch (E-mail)" <fitchj@webwide.net>,
"Wallace H. Little (E-mail)" <whlittle@snakebite.com>,
"Steve Rudd (E-mail)" <srudd@bible.ca>,
"Ron Halbrook (E-mail)" <ronhalbrook@compuserve.com>
Date: Fri, 12 Nov 1999 01:04:29 -0500
Subject: Edification or Clergy?
Message-ID: <199911120104_MC2-8CB9-FC31@compuserve.com>

Dear Roger,
Since your message complains against Rody Gumpad buying a new vehicle, I wonder why you sent your message to brethren who did not give money for that purpose. You are simply promoting envy and strife (Ja. 3:13-18). Your message is actually a complaint against brethren who wished to give money for that purpose. The brethren who gave for that purpose had a right to do so. It is their right to decide how to use their money (Acts 5:4). If brethren wish to give some money to a brother for a scriptural purpose (to buy a vehicle), the brother has a right to use the money for the designated purpose. Your message promotes envy and strife regarding the right of brethren in such matters of judgment. Your message suggests that extending financial help to Filipino brethren creates dependence. When Lydia extended repeated hospitality to Paul, did she create dependence? No, she was increasing his freedom to spread the gospel (Acts 16). When the brethren at Philippi supported
Paul "once and again," and when "other churches" provided support, did they create dependence? No, they increased his freedom to spread the gospel (Phil. 4:15-17; 2 Cor. 11:8). When faithful brethren in the U.S. help faithful brethren in the Philippines, it does not create dependence but increases the freedom of faithful Filipino preachers to spread the gospel.

The implication of your message is that some brethren are trying to control other brethren by making them dependent. Such implications are false. Your message promotes envy and strife regarding efforts to increase the freedom of Filipino brethren to spread the gospel. Rody has played a role in informing U.S. brethren of the needs of many Filipino brethren from time to time, including poor farmers and others, including those who suffer from diseases, accidents, natural disasters, and other calamities. Your message creates the impression that he seeks to supply his own needs while ignoring the needs of others. The implication is false. On the one hand, you charge Rody does not seek help for needy Filipino brethren, but, on the other hand, it is clear from
your message that when he seeks help for needy Filipino brethren, you will then accuse him of trying to create "dependence" and force his brethren to "heel." According to your message, there are still Filipino brethren needing help at this time. If the help could be sent in response to your message, would it be proper to charge that you are trying to create "dependence" and force your brethren to "heel"? So, when Rody makes efforts to help needy brethren, you will charge him with trying to create
"dependence" and force brethren to "heel," but when you make efforts to help needy brethren, you do not wish to be charged with such spiritual crimes. "The legs of the lame are not equal" (Prov. 26:7). Your message provides no edification but only promotes envy and strife. Your message charges that Rody is part of a "gifted minority" who is trying to bring a "less gifted majority to heel." Your charge is false. Rody and those of us who work with him from time to time "fight the good fight of faith" by appealing for people to obey God's Word (1 Tim. 6:12). Nothing more or less than the weapons of truth in God's Word are
used. "The weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds" (2 Cor. 10:3-5). Your message with its false charges is carnal and promotes nothing but envy and strife. Satan himself is the accuser of God's people and you are doing his work by sending out your message.

I plead with you to repent of your envy and strife, your biting and devouring (Gal. 5:15).
In Christian love, Ron Halbrook

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