Wednesday, April 29, 2009

WORD OF THE DAY - Wednesday 29 April 2009 from Kiev, Ukraine


"These things I have spoken unto you, that in me you might have peace. In the world you shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

Almighty God, our Most Holy and Kind Father in Heaven ~ Thank you for this new day that appears with new hopes and possibilities. Encourage us in our task to share the Good News of peace in Christ with all people in the world. Help us to remain joyful even in the presence of so much evil and suffering as we contemplate life under the peaceful King of Kings. In Jesus name, Amen.

Photo: DB is having a discussion with L.T. Gurganus and Sergey Sergiyenko at Obolon Church of Christ in Kiev. “LT” is presenting lectures on the books of Daniel and Revelation and much necessary background material for a good understanding of these books. Sergey interprets these lessons each night. Sergey and Evgeny Shevchenko share most of the preaching duties at the Obolon church. They both work in the business world and donate much time to the church. This congregation has been self-supporting for several years and uses their resources to spread the Gospel in other parts of Ukraine. This church has suggested for me to consider helping launch a new church in the southern city of Nikolaev on the Black Sea. It is about a 7 or 8 hour drive by car. We plan to leave Kiev at 05.00 Thursday morning with our brother Nikolai. Nikolai is a physician who does some work with prisoners in helping with their rehabilitation. He has met several people in Nikolaev that are waiting to hear me preach the Gospel. Please keep us in prayer about this new work.

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

WORD OF THE DAY - Tuesday 28 April 2009 from Kiev, Ukraine


"'Should you then seek great things for yourself? Seek them not. For I will bring disaster on all people, declares the LORD, but wherever you go I will let you escape with your life.'" (Genesis 45:5 NIV)

Dear LORD, our Righteous and Kind Father in Heaven ~ Thank you for granting and preserving our lives with your thoughtful providential care. Help us not to concern ourselves with easy and luxurious living. Instead, give us wisdom and courage to give up our personal pursuits and live with faith in Christ where all true blessings are found. In Jesus name, Amen.
Photo: The Children’s Bible Class at Obolon Church of Christ in Kiev meets on Sundays in the 9th floor apartment where we are staying. The church owns this apartment that they make available to visiting missionaries. Their meeting place is used daily and is located on the first floor. We left some small gifts for the children before we left to go across the river to the East Bank area on Sunday. We found these sweet notes from the kids when we returned home Sunday night. One child said simply: “come to Ukraine”.

Monday, April 27, 2009

WORD OF THE DAY - Monday 27 April 2009 from Kiev, Ukraine


Did that which is good, then, become death to me? By no means! But in order that sin might be recognized as sin, it produced death in me through what was good, so that through the commandment sin might become utterly sinful. (Romans 7:13 NIV)

Our Dear Heavenly Father ~ Thank you for the extraordinary gift of life on this new day on which we are blessed with a renewed sense of purpose as we consider your great plan for all people. Help us not to become callous to sin and minimize the horrible consequences of sinful living. Strengthen the faith of believers so that we will stand strong against all the detestable sins that society as a whole is beginning to accept as normal. In Jesus name, Amen.

Photo: Visitors at the Lisova Church of Christ yesterday (Sunday) here in Kiev. Marina and Olga with G & D. These young women are university students interested in the English language and learning more about God.

Sunday, April 26, 2009

WORD OF THE DAY - SUNDAY 26 April 2009 from Kiev, Ukraine


Then God said, “Take your son, your only son, Isaac, whom you love, and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about.” (Genesis 22:2 NIV)

Almighty God, Most Holy and Gracious Father in Heaven ~ Thank you for the precious gift of life on this new Lord’s Day. Help Christians around the world as they struggle to obtain the simplest meeting places for worship even when some meet in grand temples. Give us courage, strong faith and wisdom so that we will be obedient to your Word and not try to second guess your grand plan for all humanity. In Jesus name, Amen.

Photo: Saturday we were at the main square in downtown Kiev – the capital city of Ukraine as demonstrators were setting up tents and preparing to camp out. Even this public display calling for a new revolution shows that people have many freedoms they never had during the Soviet era. It is possible to speak to people on the street about any subject including matters of faith.

Saturday, April 25, 2009

WORD OF THE DAY - Saturday 25 April 2009 from Kiev, Ukraine


Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. (2 Timothy 4:2 NIV)


All Wise and Merciful God, our Father in Heaven ~ Thank you for the well of blessings that is constantly overflowing because of your love. Give us wisdom and courage as we prepare ourselves through constant study of the Word so that we will be able to direct people to Christ where they can find forgiveness and eternal life. In Jesus name, Amen.

Photo: Heading out from the apartment in Kiev where we are staying thanks to the generosity of the Obolon Church of Christ. We stay on the 9th floor directly above. The sign on the building behind me indicates their place of work and worship activities. There is something going on here all the time. We walked a few blocks to catch the subway that took us across the Dneiper River to the Lisova district of Kiev. We met with Sasha Petrenko who preaches for the small congregation that meets in that area. They meet in a very small apartment that is very expensive. Due to the struggling economy, the rent is dropping on such places. Hopefully they will be able to locate a more suitable space. Last night we received a phone call from a doctor who has been working tirelessly to help start a church in a large city of Ukraine where there is no Church of Christ. He heard that I was in Kiev from brothers at the Obolon church. His English is fairly good, and my Russian is mediocre, so Galina was involved in this phone conversation that lasted over two hours. He was strongly urging and pleading with me to come there and help with this work. He agreed to find a meeting place and he guaranteed that he would personally get people to come hear me preach the Gospel. We may be on the road again soon – that is just the kind of call every evangelist is waiting to receive. Your fervent prayers are helping us. Thank you.

Friday, April 24, 2009

WORD OF THE DAY - Friday 24 April 2009 from Kiev, Ukraine

If the ministry that condemns men is glorious, how much more glorious is the ministry that brings righteousness! (2 Corinthians 3:9 NIV)

O LORD God Almighty, our Father in Heaven ~ Thank you for the radiant splendor of life that breaks through every hint of darkness on this new day. Help us to find satisfaction and the highest joy in work that leads humanity to what Christ did on the cross to save sinners. In Jesus name, Amen.

Photo: Kiev, Ukraine 06.00 in morning from 9th floor of apartment owned by the Obolon Church of Christ. The chestnut trees - a symbol of Kiev are in full bloom.Alexander Petrenko who works with the struggling Lisova congregation, and Sergey Rassolov who works with the Kharkivska church, met us at the airport yesterday at 09.00 AM, and escorted us to the apartment where we are staying for this time in Kiev. We spent three productive hours with them going over how we can work together this time in Kiev to lead lost souls to Christ. Both these young men are graduates of the Sunset Bible Institute in Donetsk. Later we went with them by subway to take care of some other business. Today at 12.00 we meet with Alexander to and go with him by subway to the apartment where the Lisova Church of Christ is meeting. This is where we plan to begin our work here in Kiev. We finally came back to the apartment last night around 8.00 after stopping at a little market to buy a few vittles. It helps to have local currency with you. We had to put lots of stuff back when we remembered that we had treated various people to lunch and transportation during the day. We'll do better today about that. The first order of business this morning is to go for a walk around the area near where we are staying in Obolon and see if I can find an internet cafe to send this e-mail. Later today around 05.00, we have a meeting planned with Evgeny Shevchenko who is one of the leading brothers at the Obolon Church of Christ that is letting us stay in this nice apartment while we are working in Kiev. Thank you for the prayers!

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

WORD OF THE DAY - Tuesday 21 April 2009


Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord. Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged. (Colossians 3:20-21 NIV)

Most Holy God, our Father in Heaven ~ We praise you on this new day for the very breath of life that comes complete with myriads of blessings to sustain our lives in this temporal sphere. Help children to be submissive to their parents as the parents submit to Christ. Give us more homes where your perfect will is part of the daily food. Help parents to make whatever sacrifices necessary in order to develop a new generation of faithful Christians. In Jesus name, Amen.

Photo: Binkley boys - Andrew, Nathan, Benjamin with Grandpa in Cedar Key.

Monday, April 20, 2009

WORD OF THE DAY - Monday 20 April 2009


“Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?” (Luke 6:46 NIV)

All Wise and Merciful God, our Dear Heavenly Father ~ Thank you for granting us another day of this life that comes with an abundance of blessings and opportunities. Forgive us when we do not live up to the Christian name that we wear. Give courage and wisdom to all world leaders so that they will no longer be ashamed to recognize Christ as the only true and reigning Monarch of all people. In Jesus name, Amen.

Photo: The Kremlin - Moscow, Russia the Red Square, Lenin's tomb under repair.

Sunday, April 19, 2009

WORD OF THE DAY - Sunday 19 April 2009


Therefore, God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:9-11 NIV)

Most Holy and Reverent God, our Father in Heaven ~ Thank you for the precious gift of life on this new Lord’s Day. Bless Christians around the world as we assemble in sweet communion in honor of our risen Savior. Help us to be diligent in telling lost souls about Christ so that they too can willingly confess their faith in Him. In Jesus name, Amen.

Photo:An early Lord's Day morning in Cedar Key, Florida

Friday, April 17, 2009

WORD OF THE DAY - Friday 17 April 2009


Praise the LORD, all you nations; extol him, all you peoples. For great is his love toward us, and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever. Praise the LORD. (Psalm 117 NIV)

Most Holy God of all people, our Dear Heavenly Father ~ Thank you for the exciting opportunities on this new day. Arouse us from our lethargy and indifference toward other people and help us to remember that Christ came to be the Savior of all humanity. Give us wisdom and courage as we assist others in becoming familiar with our great Master. In Jesus name, Amen.
Photo: The bus station in Donetsk, Ukraine. Too many people want to ride this bus with us back to Slavyansk. We often stand with others on these packed rides. October 2008

Thursday, April 16, 2009

WORD OF THE DAY - Thursday 16 April 2009




Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off--for all whom the Lord our God will call." (Acts 2:38-39 NIV)

Most Holy, Righteous and Forgiving God, our Father in Heaven ~ Thank you for the increasing blessings on this new day. Help us to have stronger faith in your promises that never fail as we follow Christ and obey your calling from His word. Give us renewed vigor as we work to reach people who are near and those far away. We are in awe of your Holy Spirit's presence in our lives as we keep in step with your will. In Jesus name, Amen.

Photo: Family members become sisters in Christ. This was in the chilly summer waters of the Okhotsk Sea that is part of the Pacific Ocean. Magadan, Russia.

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Urgent Ukraine trip


Hello dear partners in the Russia Ukraine Harvest Field!

Wednesday 22 April 2009, we plan to leave on a three-week trip to Kyiv, Ukraine (Kiev). We are scheduled to arrive at Boryspol airport on Thursday 23 April 2009. Our return is planned so that we will be back in Alabama on 14 May 2009.

Our mission is vital to some long-range plans that we have had regarding church planting in Ukraine. We will be meeting with some brothers and sisters in Kyiv who are working with two small and struggling congregations. We want to help begin a new congregation in this great capital city of over 3 million souls, or work with one or both of these churches to make a fresh new start. While we are there, I plan to preach each day for two weeks and conduct individual Bible studies with those who are interested in their soul's salvation. Galina's help as an interpreter is most important (as always) since she was born in Ukraine when it was part of the Soviet Union and knows both Russian and Ukrainian.

At the present time, the process of obtaining our visas to Russia is being delayed, and when possible, we strongly desire to be active in the plenteous harvest fields of the former USSR. We hope (positive expectation with the belief that it will come to pass) that our invitation letters from the Russian authorities will arrive in mid to late June. We then make our applications to the Russian Embassy in Washington for one-year multi-entry visas to Russia. If all goes as we hope, we should have our new visas by the end of June or early July.

Then, we can make plane and train reservations for our long missionary journey that will commence with a stop in Kyiv, and on to Magadan, back to Moscow, up to Komi Republic with a brief stop in Syktyvkar and later up to our work with the Inta church. Then back to Kyiv for some more work, and then back to the USA. All that travel and work will keep us busy out of the country for over 6 months.

Please keep this work in your prayers, that we will have safe travel, moreover that we will meet people whose hearts are open to God's word that contains the truth that makes men free from the burdens of sin.

The elders at the Dalraida church are acting as the sponsoring church for our work. In addition, since some churches are not able to contribute as they used to for this mission work, Dalraida has been picking up the slack. We hope we do not have to cut back on our travel plans. So many people are waiting to meet with us as we give and receive encouragement in the one true faith of Jesus Christ. If you are able to help us financially in this effort, please send your donations to the address below and mark for Russia Ukraine Mission Fund. If you have any questions you need to address to the Elders, please contact Bob McKee, elder. Tel. 334-272-2561, or e-mail: bobmckee@1access.net

Dalraida Church of Christ
3740 Atlanta Highway
Montgomery, AL 36109

With Jesus in the harvest field,
David and Galina

David Binkley, Sr., evangelist
RUSSIA UKRAINE GOSPEL MISSION
8116 Ansley Trace
Montgomery, AL 36117 USA
Tel. 334-277-4628

WORD OF THE DAY - Wednesday 15 April 2009

For whether we live, we live unto the Lord, and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's. (Romans 14:8)


Our Dear Father in Heaven ~ Thank you for this new day that sparkles with joy and hope as we walk in step with our Savior. Help us to sincerely strive to live in peace and harmony with other Christians without pressing our opinions. Give us courage to live and die as faithful disciples of Christ so that we will not lose our reward. In Jesus name, Amen.


Photo: Galina (the librarian) giving some pointers to Vasily on the finer points of cataloging all our books and literature at the Magadan Church of Christ.

Monday, April 13, 2009

WORD OF THE DAY - Monday 13 April 2009


"The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever." (Isaiah 40:8 NIV)

Most Holy, Kind and Merciful God, our Father in Heaven ~ Thank you for the precious gift of life on this day that is certain to be filled with numerous blessings and opportunities from your constant care. Help us not to be overawed by the greatness of any mortal powers. Give us wisdom to recognize the power contained in your word that is applicable to all people in all generations. In Jesus name, Amen.

Photo: Vasily, Ivan, Vladimir brothers in Christ serving the Lord at the Magadan
Church of Christ. Magadan, Russia in 2008

Saturday, April 11, 2009

WORD OF THE DAY - Saturday 11 April 2009


As evening approached, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who had himself become a disciple of Jesus. Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus’ body, and Pilate ordered that it be given to him. Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and placed it in his own new tomb that he had cut out of the rock. He rolled a big stone in front of the entrance to the tomb and went away. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were sitting there opposite the tomb. (Matthew 27:57-61 NIV)

Our dear Heavenly Father ~ Thank you for the precious gift of life on this new day that dawns with a bountiful supply of blessings that sustain our lives. Help us to be eager to do good deeds as those brave followers of Christ did long ago, as they watched Him die for our sins. Give us wisdom and courage to seize every opportunity that comes our way for spreading the Good News of eternal salvation. In Jesus name, Amen.

Olga is encouraging children in the Saturday Bible Class to finish their lesson material. Magadan, Russia December 2008. She has faithfully conducted this class for over ten years, while taking care of family and doing other jobs. The church has reached into many homes with the Gospel with this Saturday activity.

Friday, April 10, 2009

WORD OF THE DAY - Friday 10 April 2009

“Or do you think that I cannot now pray to my Father, and He will provide me with more than twelve legions of angels? (Matthew 26:53 NKJV)

Most Holy and Awesome God, our Kind and Loving Father in Heaven ~ Thank you for this new day and the hope of eternity because of the gift of your One and Only Son. Help us to constantly remember the extent of the commitment Jesus made by willingly going to the cross for our sins. In Christ name, Amen.


Photo: Olga teaching Bible memory verses to Misha and Ilya. (Vera's sons) Magadan, Russia December 2008


Thursday, April 9, 2009

WORD OF THE DAY - Thursday 09 April 2009

What agreement is there between the temple of the living God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said, “I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people.” (2 Corinthians 6:16 NIV)

Dear God, our Heavenly Father ~ Thank you for the glory of this new day that glows with visible and invisible evidences of your constant presence and care over all creation. Give us stronger faith as we study and obey Christ so that we will not succumb to this world. Help us to glow with your presence in our lives. In Jesus name, Amen.

Photo: The new meeting place of the Syktyvkar Church of Christ under construction when we visited with them in June 2008. This city is the capital of the Komi Republic in Russia. The new building is also home for the Syktyvkar Bible School where they educate preachers and teachers to carry on the work in Russia.

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

WORD OF THE DAY - Wednesday 08 April 2009

“But I tell you that men will have to give account on the Day of Judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.” (Matthew 12:36-37 NIV)

Almighty and Righteous Father in Heaven ~ Thank you for the unusual gifts that we receive from your kindness as we face this new day. Help us to use wisdom and caution when we speak so that we will not say anything untruthful or injurious to another. Rather, help us to consider how to speak kind and truthful words that will build up those who are downhearted or searching for answers to challenges of this life. In Christ name, Amen.
Photo: After attending worship, some familiar food in Moscow with Vladimir, Galina and Sofia. January 2009. Vladimir came to Christ in Magadan and now resides in Moscow. He carried us around town in his new car and treated us with much kindness.

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

WORD OF THE DAY - Tuesday 07 April 2009


I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ. (Philemon 6 NIV)

Most Holy and Kind Father in Heaven ~ Thank you for the amazing gift of life that sojourns in our temporary bodies and the hope of a new body that will never decay. Embolden us so that we will grow stronger in our faith by teaching others about the wonderful salvation through obedient faith in Christ. In Jesus name, Amen.

A view from the train as we departed from Inta, Russia on our most recent visit in January, 2009.

Monday, April 6, 2009

WORD OF THE DAY - Monday 06 April 2009

And I have the same hope in God as these men, that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked. So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man. (Acts 24:16 NIV)

Merciful God, our Heavenly Father ~ We offer the praise of our lips and hearts on this new day that shines with more proof that our faith is correct. Give us courage and wisdom so that we like Paul, will constantly struggle to remain faithful to the Way of Christ. Help those whose faith is weak, to have courage to turn from sin and come home to our bright hopes. In Jesus name, Amen.

January 2009. Elena, Olga and Raisa preparing to leave after worship with the church in Inta, Russia. The room behind DB contains a baptistery that was added to the apartment in the 1990's. This apartment serves as a meeting place for the church and a place for the missionary or resident preacher to live.

Sunday, April 5, 2009

WORD OF THE DAY - Sunday 05 April 2009


Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy Spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness. (Psalm 143:10)

Almighty God, Most Holy, Merciful, and Kind Father in Heaven ~ Thank you for leading and guiding us to this place in life on this Lord’s Day. Bless all followers of Christ around the world as we come together to commemorate His death, burial and resurrection. Fill us with your Spirit as we follow your perfect will. In Jesus name, Amen.
Photo: Galina with Olga and Raisa - two of the faithful sisters who meet for worship in this apartment each Lord's Day. Inta, Komi Republic, Russia January 2009

Saturday, April 4, 2009

WORD OF THE DAY - Saturday 04 April 2009

These things I have spoken to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 NKJV)

Our Dear Father in Heaven ~ Thank you for the precious gift of life on this new day that arrives with sights and sounds of joy because Christ came to this sinful world and conquered it as one of us. Help us to overcome various infatuations with worldly things and keep our minds upon the peace that comes when we are following our Master. In Jesus name, Amen.

Photo: Time for a little hot tea and snack on the 37 hour train ride north from Moscow to Inta - January 2009.

Friday, April 3, 2009

WORD OF THE DAY - Friday 03 April 2009


They promise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves of depravity—for a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him. (2 Peter 2:19 NIV)


Almighty God, Most Kind and Merciful Father in Heaven ~ Thank you for this new day that glistens with evidence of your presence in this created world. Help those who are struggling with problems of addiction that seems beyond their ability to handle. Give these repentant people courage and strength to follow the example of our Lord and not yield to the Devil's temptations. In Jesus name, Amen.

Thursday, April 2, 2009

WORD OF THE DAY - Thursday 02 April 2009

But I have raised you up for this very purpose, that I might show you my power and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth. (Exodus 9:16 NIV)

Most Holy and Eternal God, our Father in Heaven ~ Thank you from the depths of our hearts for the numerous blessings that shower down upon us today from your immense treasure. As you used Israel long ago to magnify your name in all the earth, give Christians courage and wisdom to do things that will glorify our Savior all over this earth. In Jesus name, Amen.
Photo: December 2008. Ivan Tupchanenko, preacher for the Magadan, Russia Church of Christ. Since this church was begun in 1994, Ivan along with his wife Nadezhda have been a stable influence in the congregation.

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

WORD OF THE DAY - Wednesday 01 April 2009


“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” (Luke 6:37-38 NIV)

Merciful God, our Heavenly Father ~ Thank you for the gift of life on this new day that is sparkling with the presence of your kindness and forgiveness. We need forgiveness from our sins. Wash us clean as we repent and obey Christ who shed His blood for our many sins. Help us not to be stingy and hold back forgiving those who injure us. Help us to be quick to forgive others and very slow to find fault with them. In Jesus name, Amen.
Photo: October 2008. Our plane approaches Magadan in Russia's far east. This region also goes by the name of the mighty Kolyma river. Several million people were sentenced to the GULAG prison camps during Stalin's rule. So many injustices were done against individuals who in some cases were only guilty of loving Christ more than the State. Now, with God's help, the Gospel is proclaimed in this land.