James 1
5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him
12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.
A good days work by all which seemed to be rewarding for everyone. Work continued at Casa Lumina on the plasterboarding and credit has to begiven to two ladies today. Firstly Isabella joined the crew at the orphanage. I believe she is about sixteen years old (forgive me Isabella if I've gotten that wrong) and really put herself into the work. She handled the work with true enthusiasm and has learned the art of skimming plasterboards. Apologies to her family if she returns and requests to become a plasterer by trade. I must also praise the wondeful artistry of Elaine. She is currently painting a mural of The Smurfs on one of the walls at Casa Lumina and the time and effort she is taking with this project is certainly showing fruit. Although these are animated characters they are really coming to life and every one of us working at Casa Lumina stay in awe of Elaine's skills.
The Holiday Club at Casa Lumina is going well too. The team have been concentrating on the theme of The Fruits of The Spirits and today they were looking at the fruit of peace. Craft work was the main activity and the children seemed to really take to this which in turn instilled a certain sense of peace. Shirley, Iris, David, Peter and Sarah have been ever presents so far and today were also joined by Mutley and Jane. All sparkled with joy at the end of the day and the children went home extremely happy if just alittle exhausted.
Mutley is proving to be quite a character. On first appearance he is the most unlikely of Christians. Shaven headed and burly he looks more at home on the doors of a nightclub rather than in the pews of a church but you couldn't get a more genuine and God fearing guy. He will do anything for anyone and has put his heart and soul into all he has been asked to do.
Unfortunately the evening became very emotional. After dinner we were all invited to attend an emergency prayer meeting. This meeting started with a prayer and then we were given details of the precarious financial state at Casa Lumina. I think most of us had heard snippets, but this evening Steve Cooper elaborated on the situation. Each young person at Casa Lumina is supported by their own personal assistant so at present there are 22 PAs at the orphanage. Romania, like most nations in Europe and many around the world, are gripped by financial problems. Indeed they call it "The Crisis". One of the ways that the government has decide to save money is to sack all the personal assistants. The PAs at Casa Lumina are funded by the mayor's office and the mayor is saying that he doesn't have the funds to support all the personal assistants. He wanted to try to keep on 10 staff but the government have outrightly said NO. For Cry in the Dark to pay for these personal assistants would mean finding an extra £4,000 a month which again in the current financial climate appears virtually impossible.
The future for Casa Lumina is now full of uncertainty and the scales are finely balanced. The options at the moment are firstly to close Casa Lumina completely with the orphans going back to state run institutions. Going back to these institutions means returning to the dark days where all the love and care these young people have just doesn't exist. In fact there is no guarantee that they will find their way back there and could be abandoned on the streets. As we have all grown to love these people that thought is unbareable. The second choice is to halve the current numbers with, again, the others going back to state run care which is still unpalatable. The last choice is to keep trying to raise the funds to pay the personal assistants but there is just no guarantees that an extra £4,000 per month can be found. Much talking is going on between the director of the orphanage and the mayor's office and Steve is communicating with other similar charities in Romania to find solutions. On Saturday the trustees of Cry in the Dark are holding an emergency meeting to thrash out a solution.
A good hour was spent praying to The Lord for answers and wisdom for those having to make such critical decisions. We know that it is impossible to understand the way in which God works but we also know that he reveals all in the fullness of time. In our prayers we acknowledged that God is in control and that his will will be for the benefit of these orphans in the long run. For those of you reading this blog I ask you too to pray for the orphans of Casa Lumina, the wisdom to be placed on those having to make such overwhelmingly difficult decisions but to also give them peace in their hearts knowing that those decisions will be the will of God. I ask this in the name of Jesus Christ.
It is so hard to understand God's plans when times are difficult and stress befalls us. Fortunately Cry in the Dark has ridden many difficult times and keeps on going thanks to prayer and a tremendous faith in God. Times of trial breeds perseverence and perserverence builds character. Those who stand strong against the test with faith in God and a belief in Jesus Christ will receive the crown of life. Steve Cooper has certainly faced up to many trials and tribulations during his time running Cry in the Dark yet with amazing faith stands strong today.
How fantastic is that?
Why not catch up with Nathan Squire's latest Cry in the Dark photographs at http://www.facebook.com/groups/237913819581952/
Terry Norrington
http://www.cryinthedark.org/
Tuesday, 9 August 2011
Monday, 8 August 2011
Be Positive. Romania Day 3
Ephesians 4:29 - Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. (NIV)
"What do you want to do that for?"
"I'm not going to do that."
"So and so's been a right *** today."
In every day life we hear negative and disparaging comments from people. Comments that get us down or knock our self confidence. Some people seem to take great satisfaction in destryoying others emotionally using some well chosen words at exactly the right time to cause maximum damage.
I know my young boys back home jokingly say to me "No offence dad, but" and I know they are going to try to insult me in some way or another. But other people won't use this statement in jest, they'll use it as an excuse to pull somebody down.
Fortunately this week I'm in the company of good stock. Men and women who care about each other, take the time to find out about others lives and about the kind of day they're having. They encourage when something isn't quite right or another member of the party is feeling down. I'm always fascinated by people's testimonies and the stage they are at in their Christian journeys (probably the nosiness in me) and our group are people who have been brought up with faith. Some are deeper into their relationship with God than others and I can see that I'm still one of the "newbies", but each and everyone of them are fantastically good people with genuine compassion in their hearts and concern for others. That is why they are all here I suppose. It is amazing that when you get a group of Christians together the "vibes" that are generated are so positive. There is so much that can be acheived when the atmosphere is positive and there is a willingness to succeed in doing God's work.
It is great to be in the company of this group this week as we soldier on. If there are obstacles to overcome there is no complaining about them, just an attitude of "How do we get around this one". There is a desire to succeed and serve. I love that spirit which is so refreshing from normal life back home when so many people are just out for themselves. Need to be careful here as I'm starting to complain about others but hopefully the illustration is that Christian folk are able to face things positivily when they know that any mountain can be overcome when God is on our side. This group exudes that attitude.
Today the party was split in two. Jeff, Stephen, Nathan, Wayne, Alan, Tim, Tom, Elaine and myself headed off for Casa Lumina to continue refurbishment and alterations to the old part of the building. Cry in the Dark have been instructed by the authorities to fit fire resistant plasterboards to the walls and ceilings where they don't exist at present. Each year the rules and regulations seem to get tougher and I can see that that it provides extra safety for the young people in the orphanage, but I still wonder whether the rules are being applied across the board or if the orphanage is an easy target (oops, complaining here aren't I). Any how we cracked on at a good pace and one room had its ceilings re-plasterboarded by the end of the day and a wall was plasterboarded both sides as well. At the beginning of the day we were given a brief tour of the extension which houses the young ladies there, and it was agreed that it looked amazing. Another demonstration as to what can be acheived with the power of prayer, faith in God and a positive attitude.
Back at Casa Albert Iris, Shirley, Beth, Sarah, Isabella, David, and Peter entertained the children as they attended the Holiday Club week. None of them quite knew what to expect as the children arrived particularly not knowing their particular illnesses and disabilities, but they thoroughly enjoyed their first day which involved many games, crafts and Christian teaching. Again the enthusiasm and willingnes to serve shown though.
Mutley and Jane returned with Steve Cooper to Lacramoira's house to continue work on the small extension so got to experience the joys of serving some of the poorer members of society as well.
We all come from different backgrounds, are differing ages and certainly have different personalities. We have different skills to offer and it appears that God is equiping us with new skills as we go along. As a group we are united as one with a goal to serve, and serve with a joyous and positive heart.
How fantastic is that?
Why not view the photos at http://www.facebook.com/groups/237913819581952/
Terry Norrington
http://www.cryinthedark.org/
"What do you want to do that for?"
"I'm not going to do that."
"So and so's been a right *** today."
In every day life we hear negative and disparaging comments from people. Comments that get us down or knock our self confidence. Some people seem to take great satisfaction in destryoying others emotionally using some well chosen words at exactly the right time to cause maximum damage.
I know my young boys back home jokingly say to me "No offence dad, but" and I know they are going to try to insult me in some way or another. But other people won't use this statement in jest, they'll use it as an excuse to pull somebody down.
Fortunately this week I'm in the company of good stock. Men and women who care about each other, take the time to find out about others lives and about the kind of day they're having. They encourage when something isn't quite right or another member of the party is feeling down. I'm always fascinated by people's testimonies and the stage they are at in their Christian journeys (probably the nosiness in me) and our group are people who have been brought up with faith. Some are deeper into their relationship with God than others and I can see that I'm still one of the "newbies", but each and everyone of them are fantastically good people with genuine compassion in their hearts and concern for others. That is why they are all here I suppose. It is amazing that when you get a group of Christians together the "vibes" that are generated are so positive. There is so much that can be acheived when the atmosphere is positive and there is a willingness to succeed in doing God's work.
It is great to be in the company of this group this week as we soldier on. If there are obstacles to overcome there is no complaining about them, just an attitude of "How do we get around this one". There is a desire to succeed and serve. I love that spirit which is so refreshing from normal life back home when so many people are just out for themselves. Need to be careful here as I'm starting to complain about others but hopefully the illustration is that Christian folk are able to face things positivily when they know that any mountain can be overcome when God is on our side. This group exudes that attitude.
Today the party was split in two. Jeff, Stephen, Nathan, Wayne, Alan, Tim, Tom, Elaine and myself headed off for Casa Lumina to continue refurbishment and alterations to the old part of the building. Cry in the Dark have been instructed by the authorities to fit fire resistant plasterboards to the walls and ceilings where they don't exist at present. Each year the rules and regulations seem to get tougher and I can see that that it provides extra safety for the young people in the orphanage, but I still wonder whether the rules are being applied across the board or if the orphanage is an easy target (oops, complaining here aren't I). Any how we cracked on at a good pace and one room had its ceilings re-plasterboarded by the end of the day and a wall was plasterboarded both sides as well. At the beginning of the day we were given a brief tour of the extension which houses the young ladies there, and it was agreed that it looked amazing. Another demonstration as to what can be acheived with the power of prayer, faith in God and a positive attitude.
Back at Casa Albert Iris, Shirley, Beth, Sarah, Isabella, David, and Peter entertained the children as they attended the Holiday Club week. None of them quite knew what to expect as the children arrived particularly not knowing their particular illnesses and disabilities, but they thoroughly enjoyed their first day which involved many games, crafts and Christian teaching. Again the enthusiasm and willingnes to serve shown though.
Mutley and Jane returned with Steve Cooper to Lacramoira's house to continue work on the small extension so got to experience the joys of serving some of the poorer members of society as well.
We all come from different backgrounds, are differing ages and certainly have different personalities. We have different skills to offer and it appears that God is equiping us with new skills as we go along. As a group we are united as one with a goal to serve, and serve with a joyous and positive heart.
How fantastic is that?
Why not view the photos at http://www.facebook.com/groups/237913819581952/
Terry Norrington
http://www.cryinthedark.org/
Sunday, 7 August 2011
Poor People in the Land. Romania Day 2
Deuteronomy 15:11
There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your brothers and toward the poor and needy in your land.
As much as yesterday was pretty standard, today was fantastically diverse. Choices for today were fourfold. One was to go to Lacramoira's house to help refurbish a room, second was to to help cut the grass at Casa Albert, the third choice was to move a control panel for a pump at Casa Albert and last but definately not least was to prepare for the activities of the children as they attend the Day Care Centre during the week. Jeff, Stephen and Nathan Squires and I chose option one to join Steve Cooper on the refurbishment project.
Lacramoira is under the Casa Albert Medical Outreach Plan and has been within the radar of Cry in the Dark for quite a few years now. She has been in orphanages and Cry in the Dark got to know about her and her medical condition through their involvement with the hospital in Bacau. Now married and with a five month old baby she lives in a small one storey house with her inlaws. There are eight of them sharing the house which, without trying to be disrespectful to them, is verging on third world standards. Lacramoira, her husband and their bay daughter Gabriella had one room which acted as their total living accomodation, including cooking, sleeping and dining. My living room at home isn't large but this was about as much room as Lacramoira and her family had to live in. The woodwork that supported the sagging asbestos roof was rotting, revealing gapping holes for the weather to intrude upon on them. Last week Steve Cooper had managed to construct some timber framework to create an extension to this room and the task of the four of us was to enclose this framework. I'm happy to report that we successfully completed this task with the outside of this small extension being covered with OSB board and the inside plasterboarded. Although this was an all day task with a few drops of sweat shed along the way, the immense satisfaction and reward all four of us felt at the end of the day was amazing. Although we couldn't speak the lingo, we knew that our efforts were extremely appreciated by the family and their hospitality was second to none. Though they had little to offer we sensed that they would gladly give what they have.
Once we had finished Steve Cooper took us on a small diversion. This took us into a remote rural community where living standards seemed to be even worse. Where as Lacramoira's house was in the vicinity of amenities and slightly more affluent conditions, here the entire village was poverty stricken. Water has to be drawn from either one of two wells and the condition of this water is dubious to say the least. Earlier this year a mission team from Colchester had transformed a room for a family who again are supported by the program at Casa Albert. We viewed this room and stood in total awe at the work and effort that had been achieved by this mission in just one week. Some of these Make Over TV programmes have alot to learn from their achievements. Again what was noticeable was the family who lived in this small mud-hut styled house were tremendously grateful for the work of Cry in the Dark and were so proud of their "new found comfort". It seemed that the entire village came out to greet Steve and it really showed how Cry in the Dark are making a difference to both individuals and communities in North East Romania. Touchingly, as I walked back to the mini-bus I watched as Nathan, surrounded by local kids, sat patiently on a bank chatting and interracting with them. Despite the language difference he too was making a difference.
Back at Casa Lumina the others were having a successful day too. Most of the grass had been cut thanks to Mutley, Elaine and Jane, the control panel had been moved and plans for the entertainment of the children had come together. Surprisingly Mutley was in good spirits despite his overnight capers. Many of the group suffered a bad nights sleep due to the constant yapping of a small dog. At 3 o'clock in the morning he tore off after this dog and managed to reason with it. Fortunately it wasn't part of the barbecue we enjoyed in the evening thanks again to the wonderful hospitality of Beth.
Deutoronomy 15:11 states that "There will always be poor people int he land". Today God has allowed us to be open-handed to the poor and needy.
How fantastic is that?
Why not view the photos at http://www.facebook.com/groups/237913819581952/
Terry Norrington
http://www.cryinthedark.com/
There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your brothers and toward the poor and needy in your land.
As much as yesterday was pretty standard, today was fantastically diverse. Choices for today were fourfold. One was to go to Lacramoira's house to help refurbish a room, second was to to help cut the grass at Casa Albert, the third choice was to move a control panel for a pump at Casa Albert and last but definately not least was to prepare for the activities of the children as they attend the Day Care Centre during the week. Jeff, Stephen and Nathan Squires and I chose option one to join Steve Cooper on the refurbishment project.
Lacramoira is under the Casa Albert Medical Outreach Plan and has been within the radar of Cry in the Dark for quite a few years now. She has been in orphanages and Cry in the Dark got to know about her and her medical condition through their involvement with the hospital in Bacau. Now married and with a five month old baby she lives in a small one storey house with her inlaws. There are eight of them sharing the house which, without trying to be disrespectful to them, is verging on third world standards. Lacramoira, her husband and their bay daughter Gabriella had one room which acted as their total living accomodation, including cooking, sleeping and dining. My living room at home isn't large but this was about as much room as Lacramoira and her family had to live in. The woodwork that supported the sagging asbestos roof was rotting, revealing gapping holes for the weather to intrude upon on them. Last week Steve Cooper had managed to construct some timber framework to create an extension to this room and the task of the four of us was to enclose this framework. I'm happy to report that we successfully completed this task with the outside of this small extension being covered with OSB board and the inside plasterboarded. Although this was an all day task with a few drops of sweat shed along the way, the immense satisfaction and reward all four of us felt at the end of the day was amazing. Although we couldn't speak the lingo, we knew that our efforts were extremely appreciated by the family and their hospitality was second to none. Though they had little to offer we sensed that they would gladly give what they have.
Once we had finished Steve Cooper took us on a small diversion. This took us into a remote rural community where living standards seemed to be even worse. Where as Lacramoira's house was in the vicinity of amenities and slightly more affluent conditions, here the entire village was poverty stricken. Water has to be drawn from either one of two wells and the condition of this water is dubious to say the least. Earlier this year a mission team from Colchester had transformed a room for a family who again are supported by the program at Casa Albert. We viewed this room and stood in total awe at the work and effort that had been achieved by this mission in just one week. Some of these Make Over TV programmes have alot to learn from their achievements. Again what was noticeable was the family who lived in this small mud-hut styled house were tremendously grateful for the work of Cry in the Dark and were so proud of their "new found comfort". It seemed that the entire village came out to greet Steve and it really showed how Cry in the Dark are making a difference to both individuals and communities in North East Romania. Touchingly, as I walked back to the mini-bus I watched as Nathan, surrounded by local kids, sat patiently on a bank chatting and interracting with them. Despite the language difference he too was making a difference.
Back at Casa Lumina the others were having a successful day too. Most of the grass had been cut thanks to Mutley, Elaine and Jane, the control panel had been moved and plans for the entertainment of the children had come together. Surprisingly Mutley was in good spirits despite his overnight capers. Many of the group suffered a bad nights sleep due to the constant yapping of a small dog. At 3 o'clock in the morning he tore off after this dog and managed to reason with it. Fortunately it wasn't part of the barbecue we enjoyed in the evening thanks again to the wonderful hospitality of Beth.
Deutoronomy 15:11 states that "There will always be poor people int he land". Today God has allowed us to be open-handed to the poor and needy.
How fantastic is that?
Why not view the photos at http://www.facebook.com/groups/237913819581952/
Terry Norrington
http://www.cryinthedark.com/
Saturday, 6 August 2011
Truly I Say to You. Romania Day 1
And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, [6] you did it to me.’ Matthew 25 : 40
Getting into the car at 6.15 in the morning the first thing I did was turn on the radio just in time to catch the travel news. M25 closed between junctions 7 and 8. A major part of our journey to Heathrow airport. Picking up Jeff Henderson and Shirley Docker we discuss the various options to get around this particular obstacle. Fortunately God was obviously guiding us as our option of the A25 through Redhill and Reigate meant we only added another 20 minutes to our journey.
Isabella and Sarah had already beaten us to the airport and we gradually gathered up the full crew which grew to 18 by the time we got on the plane. Others included David, Peter, Alan, Wayne, Tim, Tom, Stephen, Nathan, Beth, Colin (affectionately known as Mutley), Elaine, Jane and Iris. Phew.The flight took off on time and was rather uneventful to be honest but we still had the 4 hour journey from Bucharest airport to Casa Albert. It was I who volunteered to drive one of the mini-buses and it became the usual chase to try to keep up with Steve Cooper who was driving the other vehicle in front. However we arrived safely at destination end and was greeted with a fabulous meal courtesy of Beth Johnson
Of the group that have generously given of their time, some I knew from previous visits and some I didn't but it was great to meet faces old and new. Their are some younger members this time and it was heartening to see them mixing and making friendships from the very start. Hopefully they will be inspired enough by what the week has to offer and enthuse about the work of Cry in the Dark to others when they get home.
We all met after dinner to discuss what was on the agenda for the week. There is plenty to do both at Casa Lumina with building and alteration work plus the wonderful opportunity for members of the group to be involved with the holiday club at Casa Albert. No doubt those who participate in this activity will get the rewards and joy of interacting with these children whose lives are so limited by their illness or disability. Steve finished the meeting by reading a passage from scripture, Matthew 25 which sums up the ethos of Cry in the Dark. Verse 40 jumped out at me; And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, [6] you did it to me.’
I believe we all have come out here with the spirit of charity and generosity in our hearts.
How fantastic is that?
Why not view the photos at http://www.facebook.com/groups/237913819581952/
Terry Norrington
http://www.cryinthedark.com/
Getting into the car at 6.15 in the morning the first thing I did was turn on the radio just in time to catch the travel news. M25 closed between junctions 7 and 8. A major part of our journey to Heathrow airport. Picking up Jeff Henderson and Shirley Docker we discuss the various options to get around this particular obstacle. Fortunately God was obviously guiding us as our option of the A25 through Redhill and Reigate meant we only added another 20 minutes to our journey.
Isabella and Sarah had already beaten us to the airport and we gradually gathered up the full crew which grew to 18 by the time we got on the plane. Others included David, Peter, Alan, Wayne, Tim, Tom, Stephen, Nathan, Beth, Colin (affectionately known as Mutley), Elaine, Jane and Iris. Phew.The flight took off on time and was rather uneventful to be honest but we still had the 4 hour journey from Bucharest airport to Casa Albert. It was I who volunteered to drive one of the mini-buses and it became the usual chase to try to keep up with Steve Cooper who was driving the other vehicle in front. However we arrived safely at destination end and was greeted with a fabulous meal courtesy of Beth Johnson
Of the group that have generously given of their time, some I knew from previous visits and some I didn't but it was great to meet faces old and new. Their are some younger members this time and it was heartening to see them mixing and making friendships from the very start. Hopefully they will be inspired enough by what the week has to offer and enthuse about the work of Cry in the Dark to others when they get home.
We all met after dinner to discuss what was on the agenda for the week. There is plenty to do both at Casa Lumina with building and alteration work plus the wonderful opportunity for members of the group to be involved with the holiday club at Casa Albert. No doubt those who participate in this activity will get the rewards and joy of interacting with these children whose lives are so limited by their illness or disability. Steve finished the meeting by reading a passage from scripture, Matthew 25 which sums up the ethos of Cry in the Dark. Verse 40 jumped out at me; And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, [6] you did it to me.’
I believe we all have come out here with the spirit of charity and generosity in our hearts.
How fantastic is that?
Why not view the photos at http://www.facebook.com/groups/237913819581952/
Terry Norrington
http://www.cryinthedark.com/
Friday, 5 August 2011
Love Thy Neighbour
Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
Matthew 19:18-20 (in Context) Matthew 19
I love my neighbour.
OK, he has just helped slab my patio area but he has showed a very selfless act which he has done as a good neighbour.
I like to think I get on well with all my neighbours. But what constitutes a neighbour?
Is it the person next door?
The person down the street?
Perhaps we should consider everybody our neighbour and love them as thyself.
Tomorrow a group of us from different corners of the United Kingdom set off for Romania to help with the wonderful charitable work that Cry in the Dark provide. This charity supports children and young people with life limiting illnesses and diseases in impoverished areas close to the city of Bacau. They have the Casa Lumina Orphanage in Comanesti and also the Casa Albert Day Care Centre in Luncani which also doubles as a Medical Outreach Centre, creating much needed medical care for some of those that the state system fails to help. Without a doubt there is a tremendous amount of love, care and attention lavished on these vulnerable people; the love and care that is so sadly missing in the state run institutions. When Cry in the Dark started back in 1998, their hearts poured out to these suffering children and their love for these new found neighbours and faith in God have kept them going to this very date. Steve Cooper and his dedicated team have certainly shown amazing love to their neighbour.
This year we have a choice of activities to be involved with. Some of us will be working at Casa Lumina helping with further building alterations whilst others will be at Casa Albert organising and running the entertainment for the young people as they visit the Day Care Centre.
I'm not sure as yet if everyone going on this trip is a believer and follower of Christ. Certainly the ones I know are, but without doubt their is compassion in all our hearts with a desire to demonstrate our love for our neighbours, with action.
How fantastic is that?
Terry Norrington
http://www.cryinthedark.org/
Matthew 19:18-20 (in Context) Matthew 19
I love my neighbour.
OK, he has just helped slab my patio area but he has showed a very selfless act which he has done as a good neighbour.
I like to think I get on well with all my neighbours. But what constitutes a neighbour?
Is it the person next door?
The person down the street?
Perhaps we should consider everybody our neighbour and love them as thyself.
Tomorrow a group of us from different corners of the United Kingdom set off for Romania to help with the wonderful charitable work that Cry in the Dark provide. This charity supports children and young people with life limiting illnesses and diseases in impoverished areas close to the city of Bacau. They have the Casa Lumina Orphanage in Comanesti and also the Casa Albert Day Care Centre in Luncani which also doubles as a Medical Outreach Centre, creating much needed medical care for some of those that the state system fails to help. Without a doubt there is a tremendous amount of love, care and attention lavished on these vulnerable people; the love and care that is so sadly missing in the state run institutions. When Cry in the Dark started back in 1998, their hearts poured out to these suffering children and their love for these new found neighbours and faith in God have kept them going to this very date. Steve Cooper and his dedicated team have certainly shown amazing love to their neighbour.
This year we have a choice of activities to be involved with. Some of us will be working at Casa Lumina helping with further building alterations whilst others will be at Casa Albert organising and running the entertainment for the young people as they visit the Day Care Centre.
I'm not sure as yet if everyone going on this trip is a believer and follower of Christ. Certainly the ones I know are, but without doubt their is compassion in all our hearts with a desire to demonstrate our love for our neighbours, with action.
How fantastic is that?
Terry Norrington
http://www.cryinthedark.org/
Monday, 25 July 2011
Hold Tight To Your Faith
Isaiah 41:10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
We're having a good life aren't we?
There's a roof over our heads, we have money coming in to pay the bills and we get to go on holiday each year.
Marvellous.
God is really looking after us. Our faith in God is really strong isn't it?
Life is full of ups and downs. Very few people will enjoy the good things in life without having suffered the hardships of life before hand. Life is very cyclical and it may well be that many reap the benefits of the highs and endure the wretches of the lows many times in their life.
It is very easy to have faith in our Lord when the going is good. But when the going is tough and even the tough can't keep going, where is our faith then?
Can we really say that our faith is as strong during the darker times?
Focussing on God and our relationship with Him can be so much harder when our troubles and woes engulf our every thoughts and moods. The Holy Spirit seems so removed from our hearts that it feels that God has departed us. Yet it is not God that has left us it is us that has left God. Our worries and our fears have created a self-built barrier between us and our Creator.
When our troubles and problems seem insurmountable, when we cannot see the light at the end of the tunnel, we must remember that in God no problem cannot be overcome; no mountain cannot be climbed. Having the utmost faith in God during times of troubles, knowing that He will give us both rest and strength in our battles, gives us hope and confidence that we can tackle all obstacles that life throws in our path. We would do well to remember that our strength is in Jesus and not in ourselves.
We may not understand why we have to suffer hardship but we must believe that God has his reasons. Invariably this become obvious once we hit calmer waters but at the time the reasons aren't clear. God loves all of us and dearly wants us to turn to Him and follow Him. He wants us to be happy and full of the joy that the Holy Spirit can bring. God wouldn't make us suffer unnecessarily; He loves us too much.
How fantastic is that?
Terry Norrington
http://www.cryinthedark.org/
We're having a good life aren't we?
There's a roof over our heads, we have money coming in to pay the bills and we get to go on holiday each year.
Marvellous.
God is really looking after us. Our faith in God is really strong isn't it?
Life is full of ups and downs. Very few people will enjoy the good things in life without having suffered the hardships of life before hand. Life is very cyclical and it may well be that many reap the benefits of the highs and endure the wretches of the lows many times in their life.
It is very easy to have faith in our Lord when the going is good. But when the going is tough and even the tough can't keep going, where is our faith then?
Can we really say that our faith is as strong during the darker times?
Focussing on God and our relationship with Him can be so much harder when our troubles and woes engulf our every thoughts and moods. The Holy Spirit seems so removed from our hearts that it feels that God has departed us. Yet it is not God that has left us it is us that has left God. Our worries and our fears have created a self-built barrier between us and our Creator.
When our troubles and problems seem insurmountable, when we cannot see the light at the end of the tunnel, we must remember that in God no problem cannot be overcome; no mountain cannot be climbed. Having the utmost faith in God during times of troubles, knowing that He will give us both rest and strength in our battles, gives us hope and confidence that we can tackle all obstacles that life throws in our path. We would do well to remember that our strength is in Jesus and not in ourselves.
We may not understand why we have to suffer hardship but we must believe that God has his reasons. Invariably this become obvious once we hit calmer waters but at the time the reasons aren't clear. God loves all of us and dearly wants us to turn to Him and follow Him. He wants us to be happy and full of the joy that the Holy Spirit can bring. God wouldn't make us suffer unnecessarily; He loves us too much.
How fantastic is that?
Terry Norrington
http://www.cryinthedark.org/
Wednesday, 20 July 2011
Forgiveness Isn't Easy.
Matthew 18:21, 22 (23-25 illustrative parable)
Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?
Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.
As Christians we are taught through scripture that forgiveness is one of those virtues that we must strive to possess. I know that I have preached many times that holding a grudge hurts me more than it does the other person.
So why hold onto that grudge?
Easier said than done though, perhaps.
I recently heard a radio story of a man with Downs Syndrome who was walking the High Street with his father. A drunken thug approached the man, insulted him and punched him in the face. The police became involved and the thug was given a court order not to approach this man again. But the thug was a person with a conscience. On seeing the man with Downs Syndrome and his father, the repentent thug did indeed approach them and asked for forgiveness. Despite his Catholic background the father was outraged, however his anger melted away when he saw his son offering his hand in forgiveness.
How many of us could honestly say that we could easily forgive somebody who had subjected us to physical or even emotional harm?
The Old Testament mentions "an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth" and many of us would see that as exacting revenge on a perpetrator. However at a recent Bible study group I was given another perspective on that phrase. If, for example we were smacked in the mouth and had a tooth knocked out, the natural reaction would be to want to retaliate and knock all the teeth out of the other persons mouth. Probably an over-reaction. "An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth" could be seen as telling us to seek no more justice than the hurtful act warrants.
On the other hand Jesus teaches us to turn the other cheek. This can seem at times as a recipe for becoming a "doormat". Yet it is amazing how often a passive reaction can quell the most tense of situations.
So how can we forgive those who have so deeply hurt us?
It isn't easy. Pride is considered a sin yet we are all cursed to a greater or less extent with this burden. Probably borne out of a sense of insecurity we all place ourselves on a pedastal. And when somebody tries, deliberately or unintentionally, to knock us of our pedastal we feel agrieved. But we need to let go of that hurt, that grudge. We must forgive that other person.
The question of how was a major topic of discussion at the same Bible study group and we all agreed that, as human beings, this wasn't an easy thing to do. However it was general felt that if we made a conscious decision to forgive our assailant that this was a start. We might not readily feel the spirit of forgiveness, but if we prayed to our Lord with sincerity to help us forgive, then what we think with our heads and say with our mouths will eventually fill our hearts. Prayer is our greatest tool and if we use it with a sincere heart then our prayers will be answered.
How fantastic is that?
Terry Norrington
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