Romans 1 verse 7. Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
I have a wonderful new patio thanks very much to one of my neighbours who gave freely of his time to help me lay the slabs. If I'm honest about it, he laid the slabs whilst I looked on and tried to learn. The time it took would have cost me hundreds of pounds but as a neighbour he just said "I'm sure there'll be opportunities to return the favour". As friends and neighbour this is what we do. We help each other out and then we return the favour.
When we're subject to such neighbourliness we often feel the need to return that favour as soon as possible. That feeling of being in debt to somebody, albeit not financially, makes us restless until that debt is settled. We seek the opportunities to help our neighbours just to ease our minds.
Are we indebted to God?
Have we the same desire to settle any debts with God?
God has bestowed upon us so much in the way of blessings. He floods us with his grace and mercy despite our many sins. I may not be the richest person in my community but there are a heck of a lot more poorer people in the world than I. I have always been fed and watered and have a loving family and this is just the start of the blessings that God has given to me. He's even given me a brand new patio.
How conscious am I of what I owe to God?
How conscious am I of the debt I have to God?
How conscious am I of the debt that I owe to Jesus Christ?
In hindsight, not enough. I'm conscious of what I owe to my neighbour but I forget what I owe to The Lord. I can be conscious of what I owe to the bank in the way of mortgage payment but I forget about my monthly, weekly, daily repayments to God.
Through Moses, God rescued his chosen people from their sufferings in Egypt, but these same people soon forgot about God's grace and mercy. They fell into the ways of sin deviating greatly from the life that God longed for them to follow.
So how can I/we settle that debt with God?
God will continue to poor his blessings upon us. To show our gratitude we must try to live a holy life. By that I mean a life that is good, righteous and free from sin and in God's name. And we do this because we desire to please God. It may be a tall order I know. Only Jesus Christ led a sin free life. But if we truly want to please God we will endeavour to live a life as close to that of Jesus as possible. And when we do stray away from the straight and narrow, we know that if in our hearts we are extremely sorry then God will forgive us and continue to envelop us with his grace.
How fantastic is that?
Thursday, 22 September 2011
Thursday, 1 September 2011
A Wish or A Prayer
A good Christian friend of mine was recently challenged to explain the difference between a wish and a prayer. Hazel Butler is an accomplished writer and so consequently chose to answer in the written word in the form of a poem. To me these are beautiful words and Hazel has allowed me to share them here.
Wishing
I plunge my knife in virgin cake,
My eyes screwed tight, my wish to make;
Or pull the greasy chicken bone
My wish to others never known.
As coins I throw in wishing well
My hearts desires I throw as well.
And now it's time for Christmas lists
To Santa - That's if he exists!
So many hopes, desires, dreams;
The list is enless, yet it seems
That with the passing of the years
They fall on ever deafening ears.
Praying
My new found love - With Him I walk
Our hearts entwined, we laugh and talk.
I tell Him of the day that's gone
Of how my love for Him just shone
Because I knew how much He cared;
Oh! How I relished all we shared!
Of all we did and said and thought;
Of how His loving ways I'd caught;
How all my plans had Him in mind
And all my thoughts were re-defined
To how to please Him - Make Him smile
As we drew closer mile by mile.
His hope, ambitions, now made mine.
Our plans and wishes intertwine.
For now I clearly understood
His greatest longing was my good.
So prayer is love's communication -
Silence, worship, supplication.
Opening my inmost heart,
Allowing Him to have, not part,
But all my thinking, hearing, seeing,
Every part of all my being.
So I'll grow much more like Him
Not shooting prayers at every whim,
But resting in a love so vast
That it is safe for me to cast
My every need, concern and care
Into His hands - He's always there.
This mighty friend, who's endless power
Created sun and earth and flower,
Reveal Himself in many ways
But most of all within the maze
Of complex lives like yours and mine,
He reaches down with love divine
And then, in answer to my prayer,
Transforms with love the mess that's there
How fantastic is that?
Terry Norrington
http://www.cryinthedark.org/
http://www.christian-charity-world.com/
Wishing
I plunge my knife in virgin cake,
My eyes screwed tight, my wish to make;
Or pull the greasy chicken bone
My wish to others never known.
As coins I throw in wishing well
My hearts desires I throw as well.
And now it's time for Christmas lists
To Santa - That's if he exists!
So many hopes, desires, dreams;
The list is enless, yet it seems
That with the passing of the years
They fall on ever deafening ears.
Praying
My new found love - With Him I walk
Our hearts entwined, we laugh and talk.
I tell Him of the day that's gone
Of how my love for Him just shone
Because I knew how much He cared;
Oh! How I relished all we shared!
Of all we did and said and thought;
Of how His loving ways I'd caught;
How all my plans had Him in mind
And all my thoughts were re-defined
To how to please Him - Make Him smile
As we drew closer mile by mile.
His hope, ambitions, now made mine.
Our plans and wishes intertwine.
For now I clearly understood
His greatest longing was my good.
So prayer is love's communication -
Silence, worship, supplication.
Opening my inmost heart,
Allowing Him to have, not part,
But all my thinking, hearing, seeing,
Every part of all my being.
So I'll grow much more like Him
Not shooting prayers at every whim,
But resting in a love so vast
That it is safe for me to cast
My every need, concern and care
Into His hands - He's always there.
This mighty friend, who's endless power
Created sun and earth and flower,
Reveal Himself in many ways
But most of all within the maze
Of complex lives like yours and mine,
He reaches down with love divine
And then, in answer to my prayer,
Transforms with love the mess that's there
How fantastic is that?
Terry Norrington
http://www.cryinthedark.org/
http://www.christian-charity-world.com/
Thursday, 25 August 2011
Climb Every Mountain, Ford Every Stream
Job 12:7-10. But ask the animals, and they will teach you; or birds of the air and they will tell you; or speak to the earth and it will teach you; or let the fish of the sea inform you. Which of all these does not know that the hand of the lord has done this. In His hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind.
In my earlier years when I hadn't really started my Christian journey I probably had alot of un-answered questions. I believe I was a good man but not really a Christian because I didn't understand or even know Jesus's part in a Christian's life. I didn't go to church save for the usual weddings, christenings and funerals. Yet that one question that always stood in the back of my mind was "How was the universe created?"
I had heard the "Big Bang" theory of how the universe came about; one single atom exploding to create galaxies, suns and planets but nobody could answer the question as to how that atom got there in the first place. And no doubt if some boffin scientist comes up with a theory we would still be left with the question as to how that came about. While to some the Big Bang theory is completely plausible we still don't know how the detenator was driggered.
This question was one of the reasons that I eventually came to faith. I reasoned that a greater power, an authority that we couldn't possibly understand must have created it all. It dawned on me that something far more intelligent than us human beings must be in control of the process. I have read somewhere that some mathematician had calculated the odds of this universe being created by chance. It stacked up at 10 to the power of unimaginable and his conclusion was that it was impossible that the world and all that surrounds it was created by chance.
Recently I was listening to a Christian radio programme and a pastor was delivering his thoughts on creation. He pointed out that if the sun was 5% closer to the earth then much of this world would be to hot to survive on. 5% further away and this world would be to cold for much to live. The sun has been placed in exactly the right place for life to be supported. The world is tilted on its axis at 23.5*. This is exactly the right position to give us the four seasons that we experience. Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter produces all its wonderful colours and glories because earth spins on exactly the right axis.
Could all this have developed by chance? Could all the glorious creation that we see around us be the product of some fluke? Or was it designed?
I certainly believe that God was the great architect and constructer of this world. He has sculpted every mountain, routed every stream and breathed life into every living creature. We only have to watch and observe the wonders of his creation to know that we are here by design and not by accident.
How fantastic is that?
Terry Norrington
http://www.cryinthedark.org/
In my earlier years when I hadn't really started my Christian journey I probably had alot of un-answered questions. I believe I was a good man but not really a Christian because I didn't understand or even know Jesus's part in a Christian's life. I didn't go to church save for the usual weddings, christenings and funerals. Yet that one question that always stood in the back of my mind was "How was the universe created?"
I had heard the "Big Bang" theory of how the universe came about; one single atom exploding to create galaxies, suns and planets but nobody could answer the question as to how that atom got there in the first place. And no doubt if some boffin scientist comes up with a theory we would still be left with the question as to how that came about. While to some the Big Bang theory is completely plausible we still don't know how the detenator was driggered.
This question was one of the reasons that I eventually came to faith. I reasoned that a greater power, an authority that we couldn't possibly understand must have created it all. It dawned on me that something far more intelligent than us human beings must be in control of the process. I have read somewhere that some mathematician had calculated the odds of this universe being created by chance. It stacked up at 10 to the power of unimaginable and his conclusion was that it was impossible that the world and all that surrounds it was created by chance.
Recently I was listening to a Christian radio programme and a pastor was delivering his thoughts on creation. He pointed out that if the sun was 5% closer to the earth then much of this world would be to hot to survive on. 5% further away and this world would be to cold for much to live. The sun has been placed in exactly the right place for life to be supported. The world is tilted on its axis at 23.5*. This is exactly the right position to give us the four seasons that we experience. Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter produces all its wonderful colours and glories because earth spins on exactly the right axis.
Could all this have developed by chance? Could all the glorious creation that we see around us be the product of some fluke? Or was it designed?
I certainly believe that God was the great architect and constructer of this world. He has sculpted every mountain, routed every stream and breathed life into every living creature. We only have to watch and observe the wonders of his creation to know that we are here by design and not by accident.
How fantastic is that?
Terry Norrington
http://www.cryinthedark.org/
Monday, 22 August 2011
Be Still and Don't Make a Noise
Psalm 46
Be still and know that I am God
It's been an extremely hectic last two weeks. A thoroughly rewarding week in Romania with the charity Cry in the Dark was followed by seven days with the family in Blackpool. It has been a very socialable time having met many old friends and made new, and of course having two boys at the ages of seven and eleven, there is never a dull moment. This constituted my holiday for the year and at the moment I don't do "restful". It almost seems like I've come back to work for a rest.
For all the hustle, bustle and enjoyment there was always something missing and coming back to work kind of emphasised this as well. It was the quiet time. The time I have with God.
Granted I prayed to God and read a bit of the bible when I could catch a moment but I couldn't really say this was "quality time" with God. I wasn't really seeking God. A good part of my working day is spent alone. I drive to work and the majority of the time I work by myself. I am quiet and I have time to pray, think, look and listen. For some people this may sound boring and I know from the past it can be very easy to dwell on the negative aspects of life. But now that I am on a journey, my Christian journey, I can focus on my relationship with God and the joy that it brings. These are positive thoughts that fill me with hope rather than despair. I have peace in my heart and I have time to strengthen my faith.
If we can get away from all the man made structures of city life and immerse ourselves in God's creation, the countryside, we can feel so much closer to God. Being quiet and soaking up the stillness and the harmonious sounds of nature leaves us peaceful and rested. God offers us rest if we turn to him in times of trouble and we can find him if we can just be still.
How fantastic is that?
Terry Norrington
http://www.cryinthedark.org/
Be still and know that I am God
It's been an extremely hectic last two weeks. A thoroughly rewarding week in Romania with the charity Cry in the Dark was followed by seven days with the family in Blackpool. It has been a very socialable time having met many old friends and made new, and of course having two boys at the ages of seven and eleven, there is never a dull moment. This constituted my holiday for the year and at the moment I don't do "restful". It almost seems like I've come back to work for a rest.
For all the hustle, bustle and enjoyment there was always something missing and coming back to work kind of emphasised this as well. It was the quiet time. The time I have with God.
Granted I prayed to God and read a bit of the bible when I could catch a moment but I couldn't really say this was "quality time" with God. I wasn't really seeking God. A good part of my working day is spent alone. I drive to work and the majority of the time I work by myself. I am quiet and I have time to pray, think, look and listen. For some people this may sound boring and I know from the past it can be very easy to dwell on the negative aspects of life. But now that I am on a journey, my Christian journey, I can focus on my relationship with God and the joy that it brings. These are positive thoughts that fill me with hope rather than despair. I have peace in my heart and I have time to strengthen my faith.
If we can get away from all the man made structures of city life and immerse ourselves in God's creation, the countryside, we can feel so much closer to God. Being quiet and soaking up the stillness and the harmonious sounds of nature leaves us peaceful and rested. God offers us rest if we turn to him in times of trouble and we can find him if we can just be still.
How fantastic is that?
Terry Norrington
http://www.cryinthedark.org/
Friday, 12 August 2011
Friendship. Romania Day 7
Ecclesiastes 4:9–12 Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.
It is the last day and work at Casa Lumina continued. Although the plasterboarding didn't get completed there were alot of rooms that are near completion. The Fire Authorities can fine Cry in the Dark if these fire resistant ceilings aren't installed so it is hoped that progress is enough to keep the wolf at bay.
The Holiday Club at Casa Albert finished on a high and the enjoyment it has provided to all of the children this week is amazing. The bond and trust that has been built up between the volunteers and children during the last five days is one of the real highlight of the week and will provide some wonderful memories for those that have been involved.
On this last day eight of us went to see a state run institution. About an hour and a half drive from where we have been staying at Casa Albert it was noticeable how out of the way this place was. Although the building forms part of a village and creates employment for a few, we had to drive up and down hills on dusty tracks and narrow, pot-holed roads to get there and felt that the institution was very much placed in isolation; out of site, out of mind. This particular institution housed about eighty adults with severe learning difficulties and disabilities. The building itself was very tired looking with plaster falling away from the walls and much damaged woodwork. Ceilings are high creating that hollow, echoey sound when we talk which in turn gives the whole place an austere, unfriendly feel. It didn't hit me as hard emotionally as I expected at first, but on reflection, remembering the smell of the place, seeing beds crammed inside rooms head to toe and stained with human waste, plus the fact that we seemed to be shown only certain rooms, I can see what a depressing place a state run institution can be. Some of the adults living there rushed up to hug us and seemed really excited to have us visit. Apparently they don't have many visitors which became so obvious when viewing the visitor's book and observing that most of the comments in the last year have come from Cry in the Dark teams. Do we really want to see our residence at Casa Lumina ending up there?
As this is my last blog about our trip to Romania I am consciously aware that some team members have been mentioned alot and others have just had a fleeting glance. Each and every one has contributed to yet another brilliant week so I want to re-dress the balance now. Wayne, Alan, Tim and Tom are from Devon and created another team whilst working at Casa Lumina. Wayne and Alan have really lead the work at the orphanage and have done so with an easy, friendly manner that has commanded respect from us all. Both are in the "building game" back home so we viewed them with authority as the work progressed. Wayne and Alan have supported Cry in the Dark for a few years now and this has been Alan's 10th trip out here. Tim did alot of the electrical work on site and made a true friend in Radu. Radu seems to have a fascination in all things electrical and can now handle a screwdriver very well. Radu was Tim's constant companion throughout the week. Tom was the youngest member of the four yet shows a very practical side to him making him an extremely useful member of the squad. His musical bent came to the fore when we had our emergency prayer meeting as he lead the worship that evening.
Bethany hales from the North East as does Stephen and Nathan Squires. A lovely young lass she has spent her time mostly at Casa Albert this week but has put in a stint at Casa Lumina as well. She has a bubbly, friendly nature and was a joy to be around. Stephen and Nathan hadn't known Beth before the trip but I'm sure they will keep in touch when they get back home.
Peter has come to Romania with his dad David and both have been valuable members of the team. The Holiday Club was Peter's choice of activity for the week and has spent his time interacting with the children at Casa Albert and forming that special bond. I've no doubt that he will take away some wonderful memories from this trip.
I know Iris from last years visit. Iris has been to Romania on many occasions, not just with Cry in the Dark but with other charities as well which I think demonstrates the wonderful compassion that floods from her. She and Shirley have budded up together and hopefully have formed a friendship for life.
Each year that I come to Romania I experience something different. My first trip truely helped to accelerate my Christian journey by teaching me about the true meaning of faith. Seeing what has been achieved by Cry in the Dark since its formation in 1998, starting from nothing to where it is now by the power of prayer and faith in God was a real eye opener. Last year I came back from Romania with a desire to do more for Cry in the Dark and have put some effort into this during the course of the year for which I have to thank my family for their tolerance. This year has been the most emotional. Seeing the situation at Casa Lumina unfold during the week has been hard but really a necessary process for me to understand the real difficulties a charity such as Cry in the Dark have to face. We have been called to prayer and now we have to believe that God will answer those prayers and look after those amazing young people at Casa Lumina.
Having completed three trips to Romania now I can say that each group has been a joy to be a part of. Everyone seems to get on well with the other and friendships have developed accordingly. Indeed on this trip I have been fortunate to be with people I have known from both my previous visits. Considering the amount of work that has been achieved, it couldn't have been possible if we hadn't of pulled together, remained positive and looked out for each other.
How fantastic is that?
Nathan' s latest photos can been found at http://www.facebook.com/groups/237913819581952/.
Terry Norrington
http://www.cryinthedark.org/
It is the last day and work at Casa Lumina continued. Although the plasterboarding didn't get completed there were alot of rooms that are near completion. The Fire Authorities can fine Cry in the Dark if these fire resistant ceilings aren't installed so it is hoped that progress is enough to keep the wolf at bay.
The Holiday Club at Casa Albert finished on a high and the enjoyment it has provided to all of the children this week is amazing. The bond and trust that has been built up between the volunteers and children during the last five days is one of the real highlight of the week and will provide some wonderful memories for those that have been involved.
On this last day eight of us went to see a state run institution. About an hour and a half drive from where we have been staying at Casa Albert it was noticeable how out of the way this place was. Although the building forms part of a village and creates employment for a few, we had to drive up and down hills on dusty tracks and narrow, pot-holed roads to get there and felt that the institution was very much placed in isolation; out of site, out of mind. This particular institution housed about eighty adults with severe learning difficulties and disabilities. The building itself was very tired looking with plaster falling away from the walls and much damaged woodwork. Ceilings are high creating that hollow, echoey sound when we talk which in turn gives the whole place an austere, unfriendly feel. It didn't hit me as hard emotionally as I expected at first, but on reflection, remembering the smell of the place, seeing beds crammed inside rooms head to toe and stained with human waste, plus the fact that we seemed to be shown only certain rooms, I can see what a depressing place a state run institution can be. Some of the adults living there rushed up to hug us and seemed really excited to have us visit. Apparently they don't have many visitors which became so obvious when viewing the visitor's book and observing that most of the comments in the last year have come from Cry in the Dark teams. Do we really want to see our residence at Casa Lumina ending up there?
As this is my last blog about our trip to Romania I am consciously aware that some team members have been mentioned alot and others have just had a fleeting glance. Each and every one has contributed to yet another brilliant week so I want to re-dress the balance now. Wayne, Alan, Tim and Tom are from Devon and created another team whilst working at Casa Lumina. Wayne and Alan have really lead the work at the orphanage and have done so with an easy, friendly manner that has commanded respect from us all. Both are in the "building game" back home so we viewed them with authority as the work progressed. Wayne and Alan have supported Cry in the Dark for a few years now and this has been Alan's 10th trip out here. Tim did alot of the electrical work on site and made a true friend in Radu. Radu seems to have a fascination in all things electrical and can now handle a screwdriver very well. Radu was Tim's constant companion throughout the week. Tom was the youngest member of the four yet shows a very practical side to him making him an extremely useful member of the squad. His musical bent came to the fore when we had our emergency prayer meeting as he lead the worship that evening.
Bethany hales from the North East as does Stephen and Nathan Squires. A lovely young lass she has spent her time mostly at Casa Albert this week but has put in a stint at Casa Lumina as well. She has a bubbly, friendly nature and was a joy to be around. Stephen and Nathan hadn't known Beth before the trip but I'm sure they will keep in touch when they get back home.
Peter has come to Romania with his dad David and both have been valuable members of the team. The Holiday Club was Peter's choice of activity for the week and has spent his time interacting with the children at Casa Albert and forming that special bond. I've no doubt that he will take away some wonderful memories from this trip.
I know Iris from last years visit. Iris has been to Romania on many occasions, not just with Cry in the Dark but with other charities as well which I think demonstrates the wonderful compassion that floods from her. She and Shirley have budded up together and hopefully have formed a friendship for life.
Each year that I come to Romania I experience something different. My first trip truely helped to accelerate my Christian journey by teaching me about the true meaning of faith. Seeing what has been achieved by Cry in the Dark since its formation in 1998, starting from nothing to where it is now by the power of prayer and faith in God was a real eye opener. Last year I came back from Romania with a desire to do more for Cry in the Dark and have put some effort into this during the course of the year for which I have to thank my family for their tolerance. This year has been the most emotional. Seeing the situation at Casa Lumina unfold during the week has been hard but really a necessary process for me to understand the real difficulties a charity such as Cry in the Dark have to face. We have been called to prayer and now we have to believe that God will answer those prayers and look after those amazing young people at Casa Lumina.
Having completed three trips to Romania now I can say that each group has been a joy to be a part of. Everyone seems to get on well with the other and friendships have developed accordingly. Indeed on this trip I have been fortunate to be with people I have known from both my previous visits. Considering the amount of work that has been achieved, it couldn't have been possible if we hadn't of pulled together, remained positive and looked out for each other.
How fantastic is that?
Nathan' s latest photos can been found at http://www.facebook.com/groups/237913819581952/.
Terry Norrington
http://www.cryinthedark.org/
Thursday, 11 August 2011
Can You Help. Romania Day 6
Proverbs 22:9
A generous man will himself be blessed, for he shares his food with the poor.
We made better progress today. There was a bit of a swap around today and Iris, Shirley and Beth came down to Casa Lumina for the first time on this trip. Shirley was extremely keen to see the extension as she hadn't seen it first hand since her trip two years ago to help with the construction. As per usual with all members of the team they equipped themselves very well and also provided us with an exceptional lunch. "The Toon Army Team" were back on form and got alot of plasterboarding done today. God had answered our call for renewed energy.
The Holiday Club at Casa Albert goes from strength to strength and today the fruits of the spirit were "goodness" and "gentleness". With the change around in volunteers it gave others the opportunity to spend time with these deserving individuals.
Jeff has commented, and I tend to agree, that the young people at Casa Lumina seem to be calmer than on previous trips. It isn't quite known why but maybe it is because, as time goes on, they feel more settled and secure. There are true characters here at the orphanage. Lilly and Maria are very tactile, always looking for cuddles and running their fingers through our hair. Radu wants to get involved in all the work and will grab a screwdriver to dismantle bits of furniture at any given chance. Carmen is the boss though and tells all the other orphans what to do. She stands on gate duty and greets us with a "Hello Darling". Not just these but all of the young people fill our hearts with joy and compassion.
Yet their future is tragically in jeopardy as I write. As previously written, the Romanian government is pulling funding for the personal assistants that attend to these orphans. These personal assistants provide that love and security each and every day and that sense of security that these young individuals experience could be gone. The orphanage will not be able to function in its current capacity without the care provided by these valuable members of staff. It is not an exaggeration or scare mongering to say that Casa Lumina may have to close. The result of this would mean that the orphans would have to return to state care in a state run institution. Yet this isn't the worse that can happen. It could take upto a year to find placements for them and in the mean time, because they are young adults, they could be turfed out onto the streets. Just imagine, these youngstsers with varying degrees of life limiting illnesses and disabilities yet with mental capacities far below their years thrown out of the gates of Casa Lumina with nowhere to go; no means on which to support themselves or even survive. These are people we have grown to love and care for and it is heartbreaking to hear of this current episode in this financial climate that could devastate the lives of these vulnerable individuals.
One alternative is to reduce the number of orphans cared for by half to meet current charity funding levels but the other half would still go back to state run institutions with the possibility of them ending up on the streets. This doesn't really provide a more palatable solution. To keep the orphanage running as it is, although with reduced staffing levels, will mean Cry in the Dark will have to find an extra £4,000 per month; income they just don't have at the moment. Just think, if 40 churches could support Cry in The Dark to the tune of £100 per month, or 400 churches encouraging just one person to give £10 per month, Cry in the Dark could keep all there young people loved and cared for in a safe environment. These are innocent victims unknowingly trapped by finacial and political decision making. We who are out here at the moment know they are worth £10 per month. That is 35p per day. Do you?
If you would like to be a monthly Cry Partner or would simply like to make a one off donation visit http://www.cryinthedark.org/. It could save an awful lot of suffering.
As said in Proverbs 22:9, A generous man will find himself blessed, for he shares his food with the poor.
How fantastic is that?
Why not view Natha Squire's latest photo updates of our visit here to Romania at http://www.facebook.com/groups/237913819581952/.
Terry Norrington
http://www.cryinthedark.org/
A generous man will himself be blessed, for he shares his food with the poor.
We made better progress today. There was a bit of a swap around today and Iris, Shirley and Beth came down to Casa Lumina for the first time on this trip. Shirley was extremely keen to see the extension as she hadn't seen it first hand since her trip two years ago to help with the construction. As per usual with all members of the team they equipped themselves very well and also provided us with an exceptional lunch. "The Toon Army Team" were back on form and got alot of plasterboarding done today. God had answered our call for renewed energy.
The Holiday Club at Casa Albert goes from strength to strength and today the fruits of the spirit were "goodness" and "gentleness". With the change around in volunteers it gave others the opportunity to spend time with these deserving individuals.
Jeff has commented, and I tend to agree, that the young people at Casa Lumina seem to be calmer than on previous trips. It isn't quite known why but maybe it is because, as time goes on, they feel more settled and secure. There are true characters here at the orphanage. Lilly and Maria are very tactile, always looking for cuddles and running their fingers through our hair. Radu wants to get involved in all the work and will grab a screwdriver to dismantle bits of furniture at any given chance. Carmen is the boss though and tells all the other orphans what to do. She stands on gate duty and greets us with a "Hello Darling". Not just these but all of the young people fill our hearts with joy and compassion.
Yet their future is tragically in jeopardy as I write. As previously written, the Romanian government is pulling funding for the personal assistants that attend to these orphans. These personal assistants provide that love and security each and every day and that sense of security that these young individuals experience could be gone. The orphanage will not be able to function in its current capacity without the care provided by these valuable members of staff. It is not an exaggeration or scare mongering to say that Casa Lumina may have to close. The result of this would mean that the orphans would have to return to state care in a state run institution. Yet this isn't the worse that can happen. It could take upto a year to find placements for them and in the mean time, because they are young adults, they could be turfed out onto the streets. Just imagine, these youngstsers with varying degrees of life limiting illnesses and disabilities yet with mental capacities far below their years thrown out of the gates of Casa Lumina with nowhere to go; no means on which to support themselves or even survive. These are people we have grown to love and care for and it is heartbreaking to hear of this current episode in this financial climate that could devastate the lives of these vulnerable individuals.
One alternative is to reduce the number of orphans cared for by half to meet current charity funding levels but the other half would still go back to state run institutions with the possibility of them ending up on the streets. This doesn't really provide a more palatable solution. To keep the orphanage running as it is, although with reduced staffing levels, will mean Cry in the Dark will have to find an extra £4,000 per month; income they just don't have at the moment. Just think, if 40 churches could support Cry in The Dark to the tune of £100 per month, or 400 churches encouraging just one person to give £10 per month, Cry in the Dark could keep all there young people loved and cared for in a safe environment. These are innocent victims unknowingly trapped by finacial and political decision making. We who are out here at the moment know they are worth £10 per month. That is 35p per day. Do you?
If you would like to be a monthly Cry Partner or would simply like to make a one off donation visit http://www.cryinthedark.org/. It could save an awful lot of suffering.
As said in Proverbs 22:9, A generous man will find himself blessed, for he shares his food with the poor.
How fantastic is that?
Why not view Natha Squire's latest photo updates of our visit here to Romania at http://www.facebook.com/groups/237913819581952/.
Terry Norrington
http://www.cryinthedark.org/
Wednesday, 10 August 2011
A Tiring Day. Romania Day 5
but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Isaiah 40:31 (NIV)
It almost seems traditional that on the Wednesday people "hit the wall". Fatigue sets in, mistakes are made and progress is slow. This certainly seemed to be the case for me again this year.
Nathan decided to spend the day at Casa Albert with the Holiday Club so David joined the crew at the orphanage as did Sarah. Isabella and Sarah are two lovely young ladies who I believe come from the same church back in Gloucestershire. They teamed up today to finish the skimming of the walls and also to paint. Now these ladies not only have plastering as a career path ahead of them but painting and decorating as well. There's money in it you know. Isabella and Sarah are quiet people but have always willingly gotten on with any task put before them without complaint, showing that serving attitude that God desires of us. They certainly have gained the respect of the group particularly when they seemed to keep on going as I was starting to flag.
Elaine's mural is proving to be such a work of art. Again she is another lady who has applied herself to the task and the young people at Casa Lumina will soon be experiencing the joys of the animated characters that I knew as a youngster (a long time ago); The Smurfs.
It was David's 56th birthday today. At the start of the day he was presented with a cake made by Beth and given a card created by Shirley and Iris and signed by us all. I think he was a little bit shy but did appreciate the fuss. He joined us down at Casa Lumina at the wrong time really as energy levels seemed to be at there lowest. The plasterboarding didn't seem to be progressed as we would have liked particularly on "The Toon Army Team". Stephen and his son Nathan are "Geordie Boys" and proud of it and Jeff originates from the area; his accent being a dead give away. I have become an honoury "Geordie Boy" for the week. With Nathan on the sidelines today, substituted by David, it became a team of two halves divided by that great divide; Watford Gap. Not that this had anything to do with our poor performance today, it was just a very tired and jaded team that lacked any true fire power in front of goal.
The Holiday Club looks like it has been a true success. Today the focus was on the fruits of the spirit "patience" and "kindness". There were plenty of craft activities today based on these subjects and , unlike "The Toon Army Team", the children seemed to experience an adrenalin rush; particularly getting very excitable in the afternoon. Shirley, Iris and Peter are the ever presents at the Holiday Club at the moment but looked exhausted when we caught up with them in the evening.
Mutley and Jane spent the day with Steve Cooper at Lacramoira's house again and was able to get some flooring down. Back home Jane is working extremely hard studying to improve her career in teaching. Last week she was away on a signing course which helps with communicating with deaf children and she had returned home at 2.30 in the morning of the day we left to come here to Romania. She must have been so exhausted yet she has kept going and going. Jane is truely dedicated to teaching young people. Mutley, well Mutley is Mutley and we all love him for it. He has really developed a great relationship with Stephen Squires using the Watford Gap divide as a cause for banter whenever the opportunity arises. Stephen's North East accent is very strong and Mutley uses it to great humour.
As I said, some of us have hit the wall today and could do with some replenishment. Thursdays normally have shown renewal of strength and I hope this is the case again this year. By trusting in The Lord and having faith in God we know our strength will be renewed.
How fantastic is that?
Keep upto date with the latest Nathan Squire's photos at http://www.facebook.com/groups/237913819581952/
Terry Norrington
http://www.cryinthedark.org/
Isaiah 40:31 (NIV)
It almost seems traditional that on the Wednesday people "hit the wall". Fatigue sets in, mistakes are made and progress is slow. This certainly seemed to be the case for me again this year.
Nathan decided to spend the day at Casa Albert with the Holiday Club so David joined the crew at the orphanage as did Sarah. Isabella and Sarah are two lovely young ladies who I believe come from the same church back in Gloucestershire. They teamed up today to finish the skimming of the walls and also to paint. Now these ladies not only have plastering as a career path ahead of them but painting and decorating as well. There's money in it you know. Isabella and Sarah are quiet people but have always willingly gotten on with any task put before them without complaint, showing that serving attitude that God desires of us. They certainly have gained the respect of the group particularly when they seemed to keep on going as I was starting to flag.
Elaine's mural is proving to be such a work of art. Again she is another lady who has applied herself to the task and the young people at Casa Lumina will soon be experiencing the joys of the animated characters that I knew as a youngster (a long time ago); The Smurfs.
It was David's 56th birthday today. At the start of the day he was presented with a cake made by Beth and given a card created by Shirley and Iris and signed by us all. I think he was a little bit shy but did appreciate the fuss. He joined us down at Casa Lumina at the wrong time really as energy levels seemed to be at there lowest. The plasterboarding didn't seem to be progressed as we would have liked particularly on "The Toon Army Team". Stephen and his son Nathan are "Geordie Boys" and proud of it and Jeff originates from the area; his accent being a dead give away. I have become an honoury "Geordie Boy" for the week. With Nathan on the sidelines today, substituted by David, it became a team of two halves divided by that great divide; Watford Gap. Not that this had anything to do with our poor performance today, it was just a very tired and jaded team that lacked any true fire power in front of goal.
The Holiday Club looks like it has been a true success. Today the focus was on the fruits of the spirit "patience" and "kindness". There were plenty of craft activities today based on these subjects and , unlike "The Toon Army Team", the children seemed to experience an adrenalin rush; particularly getting very excitable in the afternoon. Shirley, Iris and Peter are the ever presents at the Holiday Club at the moment but looked exhausted when we caught up with them in the evening.
Mutley and Jane spent the day with Steve Cooper at Lacramoira's house again and was able to get some flooring down. Back home Jane is working extremely hard studying to improve her career in teaching. Last week she was away on a signing course which helps with communicating with deaf children and she had returned home at 2.30 in the morning of the day we left to come here to Romania. She must have been so exhausted yet she has kept going and going. Jane is truely dedicated to teaching young people. Mutley, well Mutley is Mutley and we all love him for it. He has really developed a great relationship with Stephen Squires using the Watford Gap divide as a cause for banter whenever the opportunity arises. Stephen's North East accent is very strong and Mutley uses it to great humour.
As I said, some of us have hit the wall today and could do with some replenishment. Thursdays normally have shown renewal of strength and I hope this is the case again this year. By trusting in The Lord and having faith in God we know our strength will be renewed.
How fantastic is that?
Keep upto date with the latest Nathan Squire's photos at http://www.facebook.com/groups/237913819581952/
Terry Norrington
http://www.cryinthedark.org/
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