Tabernacle Church of Norfolk raised $13,000 to donate toward OBI's anti-parasite campaign. The money helped fund a distribution in El Salvador in May.

NORFOLK, Va. – A grassroots effort that started with a church youth group several months ago has already reached thousands of people in Latin America.

Tabernacle Church of Norfolk, Va., held its awareness campaign in February and highlighted a different aspect of poverty across the globe.

Once the congregation heard all the details, they narrowed down the area they wanted to focus on and chose to link arms with Operation Blessing and be a part of their anti-parasite campaign in El Salvador.

Spearheaded by the youth group, the church raised more than $13,000. One student raised $400 by hosting a jeans day at a private school where fellow students paid a stipend to wear jeans instead of the standard dress code.

In addition, the church held a banquet where the youth served rice and beans to highlight, in part, a typical menu of El Salvador.

"Operation Blessing and the local church help each other in reaching those in need across the street and around the world,"said Kristin Vischer, church relations manager for OBI. "For example, members of a church may not have the opportunity to travel to places such as El Salvador and hand out lifesaving medicine, but utilizing OBI's medical programs they can raise funds and help thousands without ever leaving home."

The money raised by the church was used to fund a national anti-parasite campaign across El Salvador. In May, more than 552,000 people were treated for parasites using these medications. OBI teamed up with local churches and area leaders to distribute the pills.

Edilson and Lorena were brought to the medical outreach because they had been feeling sick and were unable to attend school. Unable to afford a doctor, the two children just suffered at home.

This anti-parasite campaign is part of OBI's expanded program across the globe which is treating more than 5 million children every 6 months in countries such as Peru, Guatemala and Columbia.

Upon examination, the doctor determined they both had intestinal parasites. Within a few days of being given the medicine, they were parasite-free and able to return to school. Both children will take a follow-up does in six months.

"Thank you so much for coming and providing the medication for my children,"their mother said.

OBI's anti-parasite program has expanded across the globe and now treating more than 5 million children every 6 months in countries such as Peru, Guatemala and Columbia.

Last year, OBI celebrated its largest distribution ever, handing out 2 million pills in one day to 2 million residents in Peru. Other anti-parasite programs remain ongoing in China, Cambodia and Latin America.

HOW YOU CAN HELP
Be a part of OBI's ongoing medical relief efforts by making an online contribution to help those suffering from extreme poverty and sickness.

 

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