NOROC – A Backyard Mission of Palo Duro Presbytery

At the 153rd Stated Meeting of Palo Duro Presbytery, a bold new partnership was formalized—one that expands our presbytery’s reach beyond West Texas and into the lives of vulnerable children in Romania. We are honored to call NOROC (New Opportunities for Romanian Orphaned Children) our backyard mission, embracing the call to serve orphans and refugees in Tulcea County, Romania.

NOROC and PDP

A Partnership Rooted in Mission

For over 27 years, NOROC has provided love, stability, and holistic care to children under the care of the child protection system in Tulcea County, Romania. As the world has changed, so has NOROC—growing to meet the needs of the children it serves. Now, in partnership with Palo Duro Presbytery, NOROC has taken another step forward by creating a full-time Minister of Word and Sacrament position, a role that strengthens the mission’s presence in both Romania and the United States. Rev. Kristen Harris was ordained to this validated ministry, Palo Duro Presbytery’s Mission Co-Worker to NOROC, in November of 2022.

This unique partnership means that every church in Palo Duro Presbytery has a direct connection to this vital work. NOROC is not just a distant mission—we are called to make it our own, supporting and growing its impact together.

A History of Friendship

This mission was born out of a deep personal connection—Fred and Carolyn White, members of First Central Presbyterian Church (FCPC) in Abilene, TX, founded NOROC after adopting their daughter, Natalie, from Romania. Their experience led them to recognize the urgent need for long-term support for institutionalized children, and they responded with faith and action.

From its very beginning, NOROC has been closely tied to Palo Duro Presbytery. Members of FCPC and other churches within the presbytery have been involved in NOROC’s mission from day one—praying, giving, serving, and traveling to Romania to support the children firsthand. Now, through this official partnership, we reaffirm our commitment to this vital work.

How Palo Duro Presbytery Churches Can Get Involved

As a presbytery, we are committed to ensuring NOROC’s long-term sustainability. Our partnership includes:

  • Financial Support – Churches are encouraged to add NOROC to their annual mission budget.
  • Leadership Participation – At least two members from Palo Duro Presbytery serve on NOROC’s Board of Directors, strengthening the connection between our churches and the mission.
  • Prayer and Engagement – Congregations can learn more, pray for NOROC’s ministry, and explore ways to support its work.

Learn More and Join the Mission

Would you and your church like to be part of this life-changing work? Visit NOROC’s website to learn more, or reach out directly to Rev. Kristen Harris at kristen@noroc.org.

Mailing Address:
NOROC, Inc.
200 Hedges
Abilene, TX 79605

Together, as Palo Duro Presbytery, we are making a difference—one child, one life, one act of love at a time.

What NOROC Does

NOROC provides spiritual, physical, educational, and emotional support to at-risk children in Romania’s child protection system. Through mentoring, therapy, life-skills training, and faith formation, NOROC helps these children break cycles of poverty and build futures filled with hope.

In recent years, NOROC has also responded to the urgent needs of Ukrainian refugees arriving in Romania. Less than 25 miles from the Ukrainian border, NOROC has provided housing, food, clothing, and care to families fleeing war. This growing ministry continues to be a place of refuge and healing for those in need.

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