Bulgaria -- Residents of Norfolk, Virginia's The Sanctuary of Hope are trying to close their closets that are filled with addictions to drugs, alcohol and other dysfunctional behaviors. The recovery process is unique compared to many group homes. In helping themselves, they are working to help thousands of people living in poverty around the world. See how Operation Blessing partners with this organization.

Volunteers from The Sanctuary of Hope's group home and their executive director Frank Allen have worked on major projects and regular operations at Operation Blessing's east coast warehouse for more than four years. Tasks include hand packing twenty and forty foot shipping containers bound for numerous locations worldwide. The Sanctuary of Hope is also a inner city mission church with various programs reaching out to homeless persons as well as at-risk children and teens. "We don't just minister to the poor," commented Frank. "We equip them to improve their life and to reach the world for Jesus." In partnership with Operation Blessing, they recently did just that.

A container filled with Operation Blessing donated herbal supplements, vitamins and candy as well as Sanctuary of Hope donated edible dry beans and pasta recently reached the borders of the former Soviet occupied country of Bulgaria. Slightly larger than the state of Tennessee, thirty-five percent of Bulgaria's population of approximately 7.7 million live below the poverty line. In-country contact Rev. Ignatov had the difficult task of getting the product through customs. He then began distributing it through a network of churches to the most needy more than nine suburbs and towns. So far more than 5,000 people have benefited from the container's contents. Priority was given to the starving elderly and orphaned living in government homes, homes like the one in Trun. Fifty-two orphans' eyes lit up as an extra special treat of candy and chocolate eggs were passed out.

Dedicated to meeting the needs of his neighbors, Rev. Ignatov also houses eight orphaned young men. After living in an orphanage most of his life, eighteen-year-old Nikolai was told to leave after graduating from high school. Rev. Ignatov helps people like Nikolai find work and learn how to become self-sufficient.

Two men living in two very different cultures. Frank Allen and Rev. Ignatov use their surplus to invest into others less fortunate than themselves. Operation Blessing is grateful to be a part of such a wonderful partnership. Just this week The Sanctuary of Hope and Operation Blessing sent a second container filled with food, vitamins and blankets to the little country tucked in between the Black Sea, Romania, Greece, Turkey and former Yugoslavia!

Thank you for supporting Operation Blessing's many programs that help countless men, women and children worldwide!

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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