Looking Ahead
The elders have been giving consideration to bringing an additional man to serve as an elder in the congregation. In the next couple of weeks, the elders will submit that man’s name to the congregation. During the month of February, the congregation will have an opportunity to consider, ask questions, and talk with the elders. Nothing will be decided until the congregation has an opportunity to provide feedback. Besides responsibility for the doctrine taught in the congregation, elders have a duty to promote the unity of the church. We want to move ahead together.
The elders are also looking at bringing to the congregation a candidate to assume the preaching and teaching duties. Again, the congregation will have an opportunity to provide feedback. We will be having a congregational meeting to discuss things. A date has not been set yet.
Yes, we have changes coming. But let’s not lose our focus: “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2). Let’s stay on our mission: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19-20). And let’s do it together in love: “Love one another deeply, from the heart” (1 Peter 1:22). When in doubt, love, because “love covers over a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8).
Finally, remember whose church this is. It is Jesus’. He is the head of church. Trust him. – Mike
Ron Rayl Becomes an elder!
Congratulations to Ron Rayl on joining the eldership of Clark Avenue Church of Christ! We are lucky to have you helping guide us home!
David Binkley in the News!
David Binkley and his wife, Galina, have been missionaries in Russia and Ukraine. They are currently helping refugees fleeing the Ukraine into Poland. At a retreat center in the woods outside Warsaw, they have been working with Ukrainian Christians.
From CBS 4 in Gainesville, Florida:
North Central Florida couple helps children displaced by war in Ukraine
by Julianne Amaya Wednesday, April 27th 2022
The United Nations reports since the end of February, over five million refugees have fled Ukraine.
"The people of Ukraine are strong, they're independent-minded, and they don't want to be under the domination of any other nation," David Binkley said.
According to the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees, most refugees went to Romania, Slovakia, Hungary, or Poland.
"These people had all lost their homes from the various bombings that were going on among Ukrainian towns and villages. Just basically lost everything," David said.
David and his wife Galina flew to Warsaw, Poland, to help children and mothers find safety.
"We were just there to show the love of God to these people. That's what they need to see that we care, we love them."
Galina is originally from Ukraine. Her family still lives in a war-torn country.
"Constantly under bombing, but they are not going anywhere," Galina said.
The Binkley's grandson was able to flee Ukraine, but with a cost.
"He is eight years old. he still has nightmares."
They say he was leaving on a bus when he watched artillery hit the bus, killing most of the people on board.
"We were thankful to God that we were able to see them while we were in Poland," Galina said.
According to UNICEF, 4.3 million children have been displaced. That's more than half of the country's child population.
The Binkley's say the Ukrainian children still hold on to hope.
"The parents will try to tell the little children that we go traveling for fun. And children say, I don't want any more fun. I want to go see my daddy. It is so heartbreaking."
The Binkley's post stories of their mission work on a blog.
The married couple of 27 years plans to return to Ukraine to continue helping.
Ukrainian Missionaries
David Binkley and his wife, Galina, have been missionaries in Russia and Ukraine. They are currently helping refugees fleeing the Ukraine into Poland. At a retreat center in the woods outside Warsaw, they have been working with Ukrainian Christians.
David Binkley and his wife, Galina, have been missionaries in Russia and Ukraine. They are currently helping refugees fleeing the Ukraine into Poland. At a retreat center in the woods outside Warsaw, they have been working with Ukrainian Christians.