Cherry Church
‘Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and staff they comfort me.’
Psalm 23: 4
Having recently thought about the sacrifices of Australians in global conflicts, it came to mind that our district has been well represented by those who served our nation. Each of those people had a story to tell. It would be good to look at one of them.
For over 30 years, Geoff and Laurel Bingham lived on Ackland Hill Road. An ordained clergyman, Geoff had served in the Pacific during the Second World War, was decorated and ended as a POW in the notorious Changi Camp in Singapore. For more than 3 years, Geoff and his comrades were subjected to incredibly difficult treatment by their guards. Through this experience, though, Geoff learned about God’s love and mercy.
In about the year 2000, Geoff and Laurel were sitting on a bench outside Government House in North Terrace when an elderly Japanese couple walked by. Geoff and the Japanese gentleman looked at each other and there was instant recognition. The one-time guard at Changi recognised the former POW. In an instant the Japanese man ran over and embraced Geoff, tears streaming down his cheek, and uttering the words, ‘Sorry, sorry, sorry’. It was a unique, poignant moment for all of them.
From that one action came a time of reconciliation and healing.
God’s love can conquer obstacles that all of us would think were impossible.
And it’s like that for everyone.
‘Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? … in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.’ Romans 8: 35, 37
‘So the cloud of the Lord was over the tabernacle by day, and fire was in the cloud by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel during all their travels.’ Exodus 40: 38
Photo: Jim Ward
At this time of year, the Cherry Church garden looks magnificent – primarily because of the magnificent Flame Smoke Bush with its vivid foliage. The Bush came from Quentin Wollaston’s Raywood nursery some years ago and has been lovingly tended by Alan Dube. And, when your eyes are captured by its beauty, it is as if the shrub and garden were aflame.
It is a reminder, too, of the Old Testament biblical story of the nation of Israel crossing the desert after escaping from Egypt. At that time, God provided for His people in myriad ways and covered their journey in the day by cloud and at night by fire. Today, God continually guides and accompanies His people, the Church, through all the ups and downs of life. He is there, unchanging, in good times and in bad.
As a place of Christian worship, the Cherry Church and its lively congregation welcomes everyone to drop in. Sunday morning worship is held each week at 9.30 am, followed by a cup of tea. Please come and join us, we’d love to see you.
Cherry Church Contacts
• Chairperson: Rob Linn 0407971650
• Web site: cherrygardensunitingchurch.org
• Email: cherrychurchinfo@gmail.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CherryGardensUnitingChurch/
87 Hicks Hill Rd, Cherry Gardens
Services held on Sundays at 9.30am – and all are welcome