Cambodian Village Receives Flood Relief

The Mekong River usually brings life to the people of Cambodia. But in 2002, it brought destruction and death. Monsoon rains pounded Southeast Asia, flooding the river's banks. Many of the villages along the river were destroyed. Mrs. Vorn of Lvea Sor was one of its' victims.

A Widow's Plight
Mrs. Vorn had led a hard life even before the Mekong River flooded. Her husband died ten years ago. She was left alone to support her children. Determined to have food on the table, this mother went into the forest and cut firewood to sell. Her muscles ached, but that was the only way she could support her children. For every three days of work she brought home $1. The family survived on rice, cheese and their garden vegetables.

Years passed and then the 2002 flood took everything Mrs. Vorn had worked so hard for. "I was very scared," she said. "I tried to put something higher for my chickens to stay in, but they still fell down into the water and died. I was feeling sad. I cried. I didn't know what to do. I didn't have an ability to build my house again. My dishes, cooking pots and other things, they floated away with the flood."


After the floodwaters receded, the silt and sand from the river ruined the soil for farming. She didn't have anything to feed her family. "There was nothing compared to my sorrow," said Mrs. Vorn. "My children ran away from me because of my poverty. My house was going to fall down. I had nothing to eat."

Villagers Helped
In the Kandal Province, hundreds of villagers -- just like Mrs. Vorn -- needed immediate help. They desperately needed rice -- the staple of the Cambodian diet. Operation Blessing quickly came came in and distributed 50-pound bags of rice to nearly 600 families in the area so they had the strength and hope to start rebuilding. "I was very happy," said Mrs. Vorn. "I felt joyful in my heart to receive rice. They helped me and my family."

Surgery Needed
Five months later our staff returned to the village and found Mrs. Vorn was no longer able to cut wood. Over time the hard labor had caused a painful medical condition. She needed immediate surgery. With the help of our faithful partners, We were able to sponsor Mrs. Vorn's surgery. We also made sure she could feed her family while she recuperated. While visiting with our staff, she told them, "You don't have to tell me about your God because I can see through your actions."

There are countless people around the world that face natural and man-made disasters. They can't build their lives without your help. Please give them a second chance.

Help us break the cycle of suffering today!