A Cry in the Dark

What is the meaning of faith?

Most people have something or somebody that they believe in. Having that faith gives us hope for the future. When we walk through a storm, we must hold our heads up high. Then we will never walk alone.

Recently I have had the immense privilege of witnessing the power of faith in action. A deep rooted faith in God.

It was with great pleasure that I visited Romania along with seven others from two churches in the town that I live. The Zion Baptist church had been supporting Cry in the Dark for several years now and through them our church became involved.

The charity Cry in the Dark was created by Steve Cooper. He was inspired to visit Romania after hearing the harrowing stories of neglect in orphanages around the country. Unfortunately he found the stories covered only a fraction of the true atrocities that had been allowed to develop in these cramped, dark and loveless places. He knew that God was calling when out of the darkness he could hear the disturbing sounds of crying.

This was over twelve years ago. Two years later Casa Lumina was created in Comanesti. This is an orphanage built by Cry in the Dark to house twenty three children with learning difficulties and various other disabilities and illnesses. Through the extreme dedication of Steve Cooper and the Cry in the Dark team Casa Lumina has become a home of love, life and laughter provided by an immensely caring team of care workers.

It didn’t stop there. Inspired by the death of one little boy – Albert – Casa Albert was developed amongst much red tape from local government in Romania. This was initially intended to be a hospice for children with life limiting illnesses but has developed into an outreach centre so that medical care can be administered to the children within their own homes. Once the finishing touches have been completed, Casa Albert will also become a day centre for the children it has always intended to support.

Our visit to Comanesti was to help in the construction of an extension to Casa Lumina. Cry in the Dark has pledged a home to these orphans for the rest of their lives and for this reason the extension was being added to cater for their adult requirements.


I have always been intrigued to know how one ever gets started on such a daunting project, particularly if one starts from a background of no experience whatsoever. Whilst I was out there and in his company, I asked him the question.

He answered,

“I have never known what to do. I have just prayed to God and believe that God will show me the way. And he always has”

It is hard for me to recollect having ever personally coming across such absolute faith. Steve never walks alone, always has hope in his heart and god never lets him down. His motives are without question. He acts selflessly and God recognises this.

How fantastic is that?

Terry Norrington

www.whatisthemeaningoffaith.com