NOROC Newsletter July 2022

Gearing up for summer

Last week the elementary, middle school and high school students finished classes for the summer. The 8th graders have just finished the mandatory national exams. Their scores will determine their future educational path. With a high score, they can choose from the best high schools. With a low score their choices are limited to vocational schools. The pressure to do well is intense, and NOROC’s tutors help the students to succeed. The high school graduating seniors must also take national exams in order to get into a university, so the pressure doesn’t let up. With high scores they can even earn a tuition free scholarship. Our tutors also work with these students because these exams are their ticket to a good future. It is an uphill climb for these children from the state institutions, and they are competing with children who are privileged simply because they are part of a family who loves and cares for them. NOROC becomes their family, and they will often tell you that. They rely on the NOROC staff for guidance just as children with a family rely on their parents. Always, the NOROC staff encourages and supports obtaining a good education. Once these exams are over, summer fun can begin!

It doesn’t matter so much what the activity is: an excursion to a new place, a day at Casa Noua to pick cherries, play soccer, or jump on the trampoline, or a movie night with freshly popped popcorn. What matters is that it takes place outside the walls of the institution, in a place that the children know is safe. The children’s demeanor changes, almost like they are becoming a new person. It is just one more example of how such a small thing can make such a big impact on their lives. It is hard to explain if you haven’t experienced it.

The presence of the war with Ukraine is always on everyone’s mind, as new faces appear in Tulcea. A group of children in California made a peace banner for the children here, and one for the camp of refugees that NOROC is helping in Ukraine. The Bible Study group in Tulcea made a banner for the children in California in return, all to stand in solidarity with their world neighbors.

Please continue to pray to the NOROC staff, the children, and the refugees as they work together to help each other!

NOROC continues its mission to both the orphaned and abandoned children in Tulcea County as well as to the Ukrainian refugees under their care. That mission is “to share God’s blessings by providing new opportunities for Romanian orphaned children spiritually, developmentally, socially, and medically.” The members of the NOROC staff are carrying out their faith as the hands, feet, and heart of God as they minister to the children and the refugees. Thanks be to God for your generous donations that make all of this possible!

If you would like to make a tax-deductible donation, send your check to the address below with “NOROC Ministry” or “Ukrainian Relief” on the memo line.
              NOROC
              200 Hedges Rd
              Abilene, Texas 79605
For online donations click on the Donate to NOROC link at the bottom of this newsletter. In the “Notes” section of the donation information (at the bottom of the second page), indicate for “NOROC Ministry” or “Ukrainian Relief.”

Thank you for your continued prayers of support and your donations!

Since we have no administrative costs, every penny we receive goes to support our programs and to carry out our mission: To offer new opportunities for spiritual, physical, educational and emotional growth so that at-risk Romanian institutionalized children may escape cycles of poverty, dependency and abuse, and may become independent adults who can nurture meaningful relationships and contribute to their communities. Thanks be to God for your generosity!

We hope you enjoyed this update from NOROC. As always, we are incredibly thankful for all that you do to support us and our mission. No matter how you assist us in our work, be it saying a prayer, telling others about what we do, sending gifts to the children, and/or financially supporting our organization, we say, "Thank you, and God bless you!"

WE ARE THANKFUL FOR YOU!