Before tendering this report, we want to deeply thank those who heartily contributed to the expenses for this trip. Several people and groups donated special funds for this trip. We only pray that the time and expense were well spent to the glory and honor of the family of YAHWEH Elohim. The Philippine brethren are a very beautiful people and it is our desire that all will soon be able to enjoy that sweet brotherhood and fellowship in YAHWEH’S wondrous kingdom.

On Monday, Jan. 26th Elders George Garner, Jerry Healan and Brother Bill Selman embarked on a journey to the Philippines in order to work out some existing problems and to visit and fellowship with the brethren. Elder Garner had to contend with freezing precipitation which delayed flights, but did make it to the rendezvous point at the Los Angeles International Airport in time.

Brother Bill Selman’s originally scheduled flight was also cancelled one hour prior to taking off, but other arrangements were quickly made so that he was the first to arrive. Elder Jerry’s schedule was perfect and was second to arrive. Upon Elder George’s arrival, they checked through security and went to eat. After calling home, we proceeded to our terminal of departure. The flight left at 10:35 p.m. About 15 hours later we landed in Hong Kong. Due to the International Date Line, a complete day was lost. It was 5:40 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 28th when we arrived.

We continued our journey departing from Hong Kong for Manila at 9:00 a.m. and landing there at about 10:40 a.m. our baggage was retrieved, we checked through immigration and customs and found our welcoming party consisting of Elders Blanquera, Togueño, Nevado, Sister Elena and others.

After obtaining airline tickets for the trip to Mindanao, dollars were changed into Pisos we traveled to our first destination in Quezon City. The greater Manila area (which includes many outlying suburbs) appears to be an area that is on the verge of imploding. We saw so many, many peoples living in extremely squalid conditions. One has to see with his own eyes the abject and extremely impoverished conditions that our fellowmen are living in. America, the western European nations, Canada, Australia, etc. should heartily bless and thank their Creator YAHWEH every day of their lives for the tremendous blessings that have been bestowed upon them. Were our peoples forced to live under such conditions it would bring the greatest of despair and depression. The conditions we saw these Philippinos living in are magnified greatly throughout the world. It certainly brings one to the realization for the desperate need of YAHWEH’S wondrous kingdom.

We arrived at our first destination tired and beleaguered, in need of a bath, food and rest.

DAY #2

We got together early Thursday for breakfast which consisted of eggs, rice and fried chicken. Elders Blanquera and Toqueño picked us up at 9:00 a.m. for a trip to Elder Blanquera’s home. We ironed out some seeming difficulties and Elder Blanquera served refreshments. After a lengthy discussion we proceeded to Brother and Sister Nadar’s home for lunch. She served rice, chicken, tuna and red beef. Elder Blanquera tearfully informed us of his wife’s ill health. We were moved to pray for her immediately. Her name is Rosa. We left the Nadar’s heading for Elder Toqueno’s residence.

Elder Toqueño and family live in Manila near the seaport. His wife is a school teacher. They and their four sons live in a small apartment which consists of 4 floors or levels. They live in the most populated area in the Philippines. Three of their sons are married and have children of their own.

It is quite a sight to see the poverty of the people. It was also quite an experience to travel the roads and streets. The roads are in such a sad state of disrepair. The traffic could be described as unorganized chaos at best. It may take an hour to go one mile. A 6 mile trip on open road can take anywhere from 2—6 hours. The people need organization and leaders who truly are concerned for the good of all.

DAY #3

We had Elder Nevado take us to his home where he and his wife served snacks. We talked about the disunity that exists in the assemblies in the Philippines and in the states.

Elders Blanquera and Toqueño accompanied us to the business place of Brother Jimmy Badinas where we ate lunch and discussed further the problems in the assembly. We retired in preparation for the Sabbath.

Day #4 (SABBATH)

On Sabbath, Jan. 31, Elder Toqueño picked us up for Sabbath services which are held at the Girl Scout Camp. Elder George Garner gave the first message about the Kinsman Redeemer. Elder Jerry Healan spoke on the Unity of the body. It was a most gracious meeting with a good number in attendance. After the messages three children were dedicated, one elder confirmed and three deacons also confirmed along with their wives.

Afterward, we visited the home of sisters Marlena and Elena. We had various topics of conversation, but they did speak of the hard times that they had under the Japanese in World War II.

We returned to our lodging where we ordered food when the Sabbath was past. As we were finishing our meal, three men approached us greeting us with a familiar greeting of "Shalom." A group numbering about 20 had traveled to meet with us. They were from the Manila area. They wanted us to bless them and lay hands on newly baptized members. They also desired that we speak to them for at least 20 minutes or so. We held a service right there on the street. Elder George Explained the importance of YAHWEH’S covenant and Law. Elder Healan explained what it means to be a saint, encouraging clean and pure living.

The faith of those brothers and sisters was a faith of excitement and zeal! YAHWEH poured His Spirit of love on us and them. It was so refreshing, so moving, so innocent and even childlike. We were oblivious to others passing by and to another group meeting right next to us. (A Catholic group, by the way.) It was a perfect capstone to the day.

DAY #5

We rose up early in the morning, ate our breakfast and happily checked out of our lodging. The place where we had been lodging was an apartelle. It was being used by various prostitutes to ply their trade as well as other couples, most very, very young. We were always shaking our heads in sadness when we saw these people coming in in a steady stream day and night.

We flew from Manila to Davao, Mindanao. Elders Togueño and Nevado accompanied us on the trip. Brother George Paña and family met us at the airport. We hired a taxi and proceeded to Elder Intong’s. He was surprised to see us arrive so early. He hadn’t been expecting us until around 5:00 p.m.

He sent us to a resort in order to obtain a cabin for our overnight stay. The resort was magnificent in beauty compared to what we had seen in Manila. We did receive a call from Sister Ana warning us that the MILF was in that neck of the woods. It is a Moslem group that kidnaps whoever they can, especially foreigners and holds them for ransom. But YAHWEH blessed and protected us.

That evening, Elder Intong and Deacon Dominguez came over and we discussed various issues. Elder Intong has been incorporating some of the teachings of the House of YAHWEH along with the fundamentals of faith of YAHWEH’S Assembly In Messiah and YAHWEH’S Evangelical Assembly. Elders Garner and Healan reasoned with him explaining that there are differences in belief that will not mix. He was informed that he can teach what he wants, but not to bring the names of YAIM and YEA into them if he was going to continue with other doctrines.

DAY #6

We arise in the morning and discover that even in the seemingly finest of places, there are problems. There is no water available for bathing. Elder Healan is happy that he bathed the night before. Eventually, the water does get turned back on and some can take care of their hygiene.

After coffee, we pack our bags and begin walking to the entrance to the resort which is some distance away. Elder Intong, Deacon Dominguez and Deacon Yayong arrive with a van that has been leased for the day. We traveled to Elder Intong’s in order to hold services and ordain 4 men. Deacons Dominguez and Yayong are ordained as elders and a couple of men are ordained as deacons. (Names not available.)

After services we enjoyed a meal and fellowship. We decide to rent the van so we can have it instead of taking public transportation which can be very difficult when toting all of the luggage that we had. We visited with Elder Intong for awhile in his ;living quarters and said our good-byes to him, but to our surprise he invites himself and his household to go with us on our trip throughout Mindanao. It was interesting trying to cram 16 people along with all of our luggage into the van, but where there is a will there is a way and we got it accomplished.

We went into Davao proper to visit with the Ybañez family. They had prepared a meal for us so we ate and visited with them for a couple of hours. We finally crammed ourselves back into the van and headed for Maramag which is about half way between Davao and Cagayan de Oro. Maramag is the residence of the Paña family.

We arrived at the Paña’s residence after about 5 hours of hard travel. His wife prepared food and afterward, due to a lack of space, we went to a local lodge where we retired for the night. The inn had some of the largest roaches we have ever seen. Bill and Elders Togueño and Nevado slept with the light on all night to try and keep the roaches away.

DAY #7

We went back to the Paña’s where breakfast was waiting for us. After a short delay, we held services in the chapel that George had erected. Elders Healan and Garner were asked to speak. They admonished the elders to care for and feed the flock. Afterward, Brother George Paña was ordained as an elder.

After lunch we bade our good byes to the Paña family and continued on our trip to Cagayan de Oro. We had four less bodies in the vehicle, but conditions were still somewhat crowded. The trip was rather long and arduous, but the scenery was very beautiful. The Philippine Islands have many mountainous regions since they are the result of volcanic and geologic activity. But there are also many open flat areas. We passed by so many, many fields of various crops, but the group gasped with amazement and joy when we began to see large fields of pineapple. At about sunset we began our descent from the mountains into Cagayan de Oro. It is a beautiful sight looking down on the city by the sea from the top of the mountains.

We traveled through much of Cagayan de Oro until we reached the residence of Blancaflor Jamorol, the sister of Elder Dominguez. Elder Healan called home and learned that his oldest daughter had given birth to his sixth granddaughter. Her name is Chloe Rene Cox.

DAY #8

We are saddened this morning that Elder Garner has decided to go back to the states. We have truly enjoyed his companionship and he will be greatly missed, but Elder Healan and Brother Selman decide to press on. Elder Garner’s primary focus was to iron out some difficulties with Elders Blanquera and Intong. This had been accomplished. Mrs. Jamorol had just lost her husband the previous month. While Elder Dominguez assured us that everything was OK, we could detect that Mrs. Jamorol was still in mourning. Elder Garner explained that he simply wasn’t able to impose upon people in this manner and had determined to return to the states.

Our clothes had been washed and were hanging out to dry. While Elders Dominguez and Yayong escorted Elder Garner to the airport, the rest of us waited for the clothes to dry. When they returned, we traveled to Elder Dagohoy’s residence to pay him a visit, but he and his wife were away. We returned to the Jamorol residence, packed our clothes and headed for Oroquieta. We passed through Illigan City and took the ferry to Osamiz City. We arrived at the Japay residence rather late. It is the residence of another of Elder Dominguez’s sisters.

DAY #9

We awake at 4:30 a.m., have coffee and some fruit, especially mango. Mango is in season and is quite plentiful. We have heard of the fruit called Durian which is called the "king of fruit." However, the Philippinos declare that this "king of fruit" smells like hell, but tastes like heaven. We have had a few chances to purchase this fruit, but have been told that it is too expensive. Brother Bill eventually did get to eat some, but it was out of season and overripe. It wasn’t as tasty as it is in season.

Elders Dominguez and Yayong go to pick up brother Ricky Inao and Roldan Go. Roldan Go desires baptism so we don the proper attire and head for the seashore which is very close at hand. The water is very beautiful and clear. The baptism is performed and we return to the Japay residence to load our baggage and head for Dipolog. We have decided to return to Luzon and travel to San Francisco, Isabella province in order to visit with and keep the Sabbath with the brethren there. Dipolog has an airport which is serviced by Philippine Airlines. We have tickets with Air Philippines, but find that they are not transferable. The flight is sold out which we are told is unusual, but we purchase stand-by tickets and pray that we will be able to fly out. We see that many of the seats are available because of non-shows, but at the time for departure gets closer, a steady stream of people are pouring into the airport making it look impossible for us to catch the flight. Finally, it looks like all of the seats are filled, but the call for the stand-by tickets is given and we surrender our tickets in hope. Sure enough, our whole party makes it on the plane and we head for Manila.

Upon arrival at the Manila airport, we tender our Air Philippines tickets for reimbursement and head for the bus station. We have only had the coffee and fruit for breakfast and some very light snacks on the plane so we order food while we await the departure. The bus leaves at 7:00 p.m. It will take 10 long hard hours to reach Elder Ortiguero’s home.

Day #10

We arrived at the Ortiguero’s home at 5:00 a.m. Sister Ortiguero made coffee and obtained some pan de sol (bread rolls) to hold us over while she prepared breakfast. After eating, Elder Ortiguero’s son took us to visit the family farm where he had spent the night. He is a very hard working, honest and upright man. The farm is very impressive and beautiful. His crop of rice was about one month away from being harvested. After a short visit, we left him to his chores and returned to the house to rest. We were provided rooms in his sons house which is very modern. It is almost like an American home.

Elder Ortiguero took off from his farm work early in the afternoon, loaded us into his jeepney and took us to visit several families in the area. He also took us to Roxas to visit with the Torres family. We returned from our visitations, ate supper and retired for the Sabbath.

DAY #11

This day is Sabbath, Feb. 7. We held services at the assembly building. Brother Bill Selman gave the sermonette and Elder Jerry Healan gave the sermon which was followed by comments from Elders Nevado and Ortiguero. We had a good crowd in attendance. After the Sabbath Elder Nevado and Brother Bill took a bus back to Manila. Elder Nevado needed to get back home and Bill has family in Manila that he wanted to visit with during the last part of the trip.

DAY #12

Elders Toqueño and Healan arose at 4:00 a.m. in order to eat breakfast and catch a bus for San Fabian, Pangasninan Province which is where the Blanqueras are staying while Sister Rosa recuperates from her stroke. The trip took about 8-1/2 hours. There was a lot of rough riding due to the roads being in disrepair. Elder Blanquera and family were ecstatic to see us. We are happy to see that his wife is much improved from her stroke. Her right side had been paralyzed but she was now moving her arm and leg.

Deacon Juan Gagute arrived to greet us and we discuss the various things that are going on which creates confusions among the believers.

DAY #13

We arose early in the morning and after breakfast, began to go on visiation to various neighborhoods. One family had previously been WWCG members. They promised that they would be in attendance on the Sabbath. We also visited Sister Ninfa Lim and husband where we discussed a need for leadership training in the assembly. We also visited a family that have been Mormons. They were interested in the truths concerning the names as well as the Sabbath. The lady of the house did attend Sabbath services. We were out until 8:30 p.m. visiting various peoples.

DAY #14

On this day Elders Blanquera, Togueño, Healan and Deacon Gagute traveled to Luna, La Union in order to meet with and discuss the Scriptures with a group of men there who are interested in the truth. Froilan Giron has coordinated this meeting. There are some very serious questions that they want to ask and desire answers to. We began our meeting after lunch. At first there were only two men there, but later another 4 men arrive. Elder Healan began the meeting answering questions and expounding on the Scriptures. Deacon Gagute also expounded on the principles found in Daniel chapters 2 and 7. Froilan’s Pastor had also arrived and was expounding on his groups interpretation of the Rapture, but Elder Healan was able to reveal that their interpretation was in error. We were able to make our point and many in the group were praising YAHWEH when they left even though they had been very skeptical in the beginning.

Day #15

On this day we visited the oldest brother of Elder Blanquera. His name is Marcus. Marcus had originally been a believer in YAHWEH, but had begun to study into the writings of Mohammed and other Islamic disciples. He prepared coffee and cookies for us and proceeded to inform us that Ishmael was the eldest son of Abraham and the birthright and blessings belonged to him. We disagreed with him, of course.

He then proceeded to tell us of a dream he had in which Mohammed appeared and bowed to him. His understanding was that Mohammed was passing his power to him. He spoke of another dream wherein he saw President Marcos bow to Aquino. His understanding of that dream was that Aquino would receive Marcos’ power. The dream came true.

He spoke of another dream wherein he saw a city being destroyed by the sea. Two days later a city was destroyed by a tidal wave. Elder Healan asked if he had tried to warn anyone. He replied in the negative.

He had another dream wherein two ships collided on the sea. In his dream he reached out to save some but couldn’t. Two days later two ships collided and many were lost. Again, Elder Healan asked if he had warned them. Again, the reply was negative.

He then went on to discuss the differences in the pronunciation of the Name. There is YAHWEH, YAHUWEH, YAHVAH, YAHVEH, etc. He declared that in one Philippine language YAHWAH is the devil. He then began to proclaim that Allah is the true name. He produced the YAHVAH Bible to show that Ahlah is Eloah which is equivalent to Allah.

At this point Elder Healan asked him, "Is my understanding correct that you were once a member of the Assembly of YAHWEH?" He replied, "Yes."

Elder Healan then told him that since he had received dreams of disaster and failed to try and warn the people, that according to Scripture the blood of those victims will be upon his own head. But if he had attempted to warn the people then their blood would have been on their own heads.

Furthermore, Elder Healan told him that if a prophet prophecies a thing and that thing come to pass, if he then urges the people to follow other elohim then the people are not to follow that prophet. He warned that he must repent and return to the body of the Messiah or suffer destruction. He warned him that he is playing around with Islam which sows destruction and evil. When the Messiah returns they will suffer what they have sown. He warned him that he will suffer the same destruction because he is now trampling on the Messiah. After having served this warning, we left without bidding him goodbye or shaking his hand.

We visited with others for the rest of the day, giving Bible studies, messages and exhorting them to repent and embrace the Scriptures.

DAY #16

On this day we traveled to Baguio. Baguio is a very beautiful city which is built on the mountain tops. It is also known as the city of the pines because of the many pine trees growing there. It is probably the most beautiful city of the Philippines. Fort John Hay is located there which was formerly an American Army post.

We visited with a cousin of Deacon Gagute’s, but the primary purpose of the trip was to shop for mementos for Elder Healan’s family.

DAY #17

Since this day was the preparation day for the Sabbath, we didn’t schedule much in the way of activity on this day. At 2:00 p.m. Deacon Gagute scheduled a Bible study for those in his neighborhood. We all took our turn teaching and studying various topics in the Scriptures. Elder Healan began the study followed by Deacon Gagute, Elder Blanquera and finally Elder Togueño. We hope that these seeds of truth will eventually germinate and bear fruit.

DAY #18

It is the Sabbath day. Services are to begin at 9:00 a.m. There is a standing joke about Philippine time. Philippinos are famous for not being punctual. Therefore when we set a time for something, the question is asked, "Philippine time or American time?" Services begin on Philippine time this day. We don’t really get started until a little after 10:00 a.m. Elder Healan gave the message and afterward there was a tremendous fellowship meal. The attendance for services was very good, around 50 people. Many of them were new and there for the first time. Deacon Juan Gagute was ordained as a teaching elder and Brother Michael Ramos was ordained as a deacon.

Later, Elders Blanquera, Gagute, Togueño and Healan traveled to Urdaneta in order to visit with the brethren of the Universal Assembly of YAHWEH. Their services had been completed and most of the brethren were gone, but some few remained. We stayed and fellowshipped with them for awhile.

DAY #19

Elders Togueño and Healan left for Manila at about 5:50 a.m. The bus ride takes about 5 hours. We finally arrived at the Togueño residence. His family was so happy to see us. Elder Togueño attempts to contact Elder Albuera so we could visit with him, but he is not able to be located.

DAY #20

Elder Healan and Brother Bill Selman meet at the airport at about 7:00 a.m. They say their good-byes and enter the airport for the trip home. They arrive at the LA Airport close to 12:00 Noon on Feb. 16, 2004. The trip has ended.

Brethren, we have a good number of video tapes which give a good view of the country side as well as many of the messages given by Elders Garner and Healan. If you would like to have a copy of these videos, please contact us and let us know. Call us at 903-796-7420 or write at YEA, P. O. Box 31, Atlanta, TX 75551. The video tapes are listed below:

4P0131 The Kinsman Redeemer by George Garner; Seeking Unity by Jerry Healan

4P0202 Philippine Trip Tape #1, includes messages given by George Garner & Jerry Healan

4P0207 & 4P0214 Working Together by Jerry Healan; The Waters of Idolatry by Jerry Healan

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