On December 29, 2005 my dear friend and fellow gospel preacher, Cipriano S. Carpentero passed from this life. He preached the gospel in the Philippines for over 25 years. He worked tirelessly for God's kingdom in his country. A gospel preacher, skilled translator, able debater, peacemaker among God's people, wise counselor, and strong defender of the gospel of Christ, Brother Carpentero was 58 years old. He was married and the father of two children. His son is a gospel preacher. My heartfelt sympathy goes to his dear wife Linma, daughter Honeylyn, and son Jhun.

On my two preaching trips to the Philippines, I worked with brother Carpentero. He was an excellent translator. When he translated, nothing was lost in the translation! He often translated five or six times a day. He and another brother, Jonthan Carino, made our travel plans and arrangements for the stops we made. Cip was so thankful for the American brethren who were willing to come and spread the gospel in his country. He often remarked about how he thought the preacher training sessions done on these trips helped strengthen and mature the Filipino preachers.

The one thing I will always remember about Cip is how much he loved God's word. Many preachers often came to talk with us. Cip was always there to sort out the "chaff." Many times, the preachers were just not mature enough to handle discussing matters on their own. Watching him preach in the native language was a wonderful experience. Even though I could not understand the words, I could see the love he had for lost souls. He was fervent and zealous in his presentation of God's word. Cip could stand and discuss the gospel with any who opposed its teachings. He held several debates, and I'm told he did an excellent job of defending the truth. He was a good writer and often wrote in the magazine The Sword and Shield, edited by Lordy Salunga. This is the only paper printed in the islands by faithful brethren.

Lord willing, I'll be taking another trip to the Philippines in April of this year. My plans had included working with Cip. Yet, I do not weep for Cip, but for our loss. Our dear brother prepared for his departure, and he is now at rest. Like Paul in the long ago, he finished his race and kept the faith (2 Timothy 4:6-8). Cip worked under very trying and difficult circumstances, in a very poor country. Yet, he never wavered from his commitment to the Lord, His church, and his brethren. Working with brother Carpentero and others like him has strengthened my faith. May God grant his wife and children comfort and peace during these difficult days. Lord willing, this will only be a temporary separation until we one day gather around God's throne. May God cause men of Cip's caliber to increase everywhere in His kingdom. Farewell, my brother.