Rong lives in the small Thai village of Klongjarern with his wife and two children. Before the tsunami’s waves destroyed his fishing business, the 38-year-old had been ahead of things. He had caught enough fish to store in the community tank and sell when the family needed money. Then the waves crashed in, completely shattering the tank and destroying all of the other gear Rong and the other families needed to survive. He had no idea how he was going to provide for his family; everything was gone.

When things looked hopeless, one of Operation Blessing’s recovery teams visited the area. Plans were made to build and repair 56 boats and soon the community boat builder’s workshops were humming with activity. Boat builders and fishermen were working side by side, helping to restore a sense of community and the local economy.

District official Nitra Maimad shared, “Everyone now has hope and strength to live. Operation Blessing came to help all of us.”

Rong was so surprised when he found out he would be receiving a brand new boat. “I never thought they would build me a new one but they did,” said the amazed man. So I helped them build it, too.”

He continued, “I would like to thank Operation Blessing for helping my community and all my friends to have the opportunity to start a new life all over again.” The first official boat launching in Thailand was held last week with many more to come in the next few weeks!

Operation Blessing is continuing to help tsunami survivors recover!

The fishing industry, a main source of support for many affected communities, was decimated by the Tsunami’s waves. We are literally helping to rebuild industry in villages in Thailand, Indonesia and Sri Lanka. We are constructing village workshops, contracting local boat builders to use them, and giving fishermen brand new boats equipped with gear!

Hundreds of fishermen are still waiting; please join us in putting them back to work right way. A gift of $400 can provide fishing gear, $1,000 can build a boat; $1,500 can purchase a motor; any amount can help change a life!

HOW YOU CAN HELP
You can help by making an online donation toward OBI's disaster relief efforts. With your support, we can continue to provide emergency relief and recovery. Please make an on-line donation today.

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