Preparations for Operation Blessing’s Hurricane Melissa Disaster Response

JAMAICA – Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Jamaica around 1 p.m. on Tuesday, October 28, as a Category 5 monster storm, tying the record for the strongest Atlantic basin landfall in nearly a century.

The storm unleashed catastrophic winds and torrential rain across the island. By late last night, an estimated 75% of the country was without electricity. According to a BBC reporter, mudslides have destroyed roads, roofs have been torn from buildings, and “palm trees [were] tossed like a toothpick.” Before reaching Jamaica, Hurricane Melissa had already claimed seven lives, and it now continues toward Cuba as a Category 3 storm.

Coordinating Our Hurricane Melissa Disaster Response

As Hurricane Melissa moves on, Operation Blessing’s Global Disaster Relief team is actively coordinating our Hurricane Melissa disaster response. With airports closed and communications across Jamaica temporarily lost, our team is operating out of Miami until it is safe and possible to travel. Before power was lost, contact was made with local churches and partners to assess needs and prepare critical relief—food, clean water, hygiene supplies, and, most importantly, hope in Jesus’ name.

Please pray for the people of Jamaica and for the swift restoration of communications so that help can reach those who need it most.

How You Can Help

Because of friends like you, Operation Blessing is able to prepare for our Hurricane Melissa disaster response. When disasters strike, your kindness helps survivors find safety, nourishment, and comfort amid chaos. Your generosity equips our teams to deliver hot meals, safe water, emergency hygiene kits, and vital relief supplies to families in crisis.

In moments like this, your love becomes a beacon of hope that shines through the storm. Please join us in prayer for Jamaica—and for all in Hurricane Melissa’s path. Then, if you’re able, give today to help Operation Blessing respond swiftly and compassionately in times of great need.

Together, we can be the hands and feet of Jesus to those hurting.

You Are Blessing Hungry Children in the Philippines

PHILIPPINES – For children living in poverty in the community of Zabales, Philippines, a full belly was a luxury that few, if any, had experienced. Hunger was a daily battle, but through your impact, God was blessing hungry children with hope and nourishment. In desperation, their families prayed for a miracle. And God sent you!

At just 9 years old, Evelyn should have been playing with her friends and excited about what she was learning at school—a world of possibilities ahead of her. But a bigger concern outweighed everything else: whether or not her family would have enough food to eat.

The Suffering of Hungry Children

“My stomach hurts because I’m hungry,” Evelyn told us. Yet, she tried to be brave for her hardworking mom.

Her mother, Vernalyn, had to support her children on her own. She sold bamboo souvenirs in a beach town close by. When sales were good, she earned about $5 each day. But most of the time, she brought home very little—often not even enough to feed her precious children more than a tiny portion of rice with salt.

Vernalyn watched in desperation as her children failed to grow and thrive. “I felt like I could not do it anymore,” she said, wiping the tears from her eyes. “But because of God, I didn’t give up.”

Answering Prayers By Blessing Hungry Children

Her faith held steadfast until help arrived—and your love answered Vernalyn’s prayers! Thanks to your generosity, Orphan’s Promise began blessing hungry children in Evelyn’s village by providing healthy meals, medical care, and school supplies to eighty children. Evelyn’s excitement overflowed. “I love eating vegetables and chicken!”

Your kindness went even further, empowering mothers to start small businesses that sustain their families. Mothers like Vernalyn found encouragement knowing that people were blessing hungry children and their families with compassion, dignity, and hope for a brighter tomorrow.

You are blessing families like Vernalyn’s abundantly every day through your support. Thank you for giving them hope for the future.

Recovery from Dangerous Floodwaters in Texas

TEXAS – For Collene, the day started just like any other. She went to work early, never imagining that disaster would strike so quickly or that over 100 people would die tragically in her area. By evening, floodwaters were already starting to rise in some areas of the peaceful town of Kerrville, Texas—and her home was in the path. This is a story of recovery from dangerous floodwaters, where survival turned into hope and healing.

Around 6:10 p.m., a colleague told her a nearby business was flooding. That’s when panic set in. “At that time, I knew my house was flooding,” Collene recalled. Her husband was home alone and unreachable. “I tried to call him, and he wasn’t answering. I was getting panicky.”

Determined to reach him, she drove toward their home—but her truck stalled in deep water. “I opened the driver’s door, I put my left leg out, and the water was almost up to my hip,” she said. “I knew at that time I could not save my husband.” That’s when she did the only thing left: she prayed. All the way to the firehouse, she cried out to God for help.

A Miracle Rescue and Recovery from Dangerous Floodwaters in Texas

Miraculously, her husband was rescued by first responders. Though their home had taken on devastating damage, their lives were spared. Collene said the long journey of recovery from dangerous floodwaters meant starting over with faith and support. “We lost a lot of things,” she shared, “but we didn’t lose a life.”

Just when the wave of loss felt overwhelming, Collene discovered a different kind of flood: a wave of your love and support. Volunteers from Operation Blessing—powered by compassionate friends like you—showed up, ready to serve.

Supplies for Flood Recovery in Texas

You sent hot meals and truckloads of food, hygiene kits, and disaster supplies to the devastated area. You even provided extra support for local volunteer firefighters and families facing funeral expenses. Because of this care, Collene and her husband could take meaningful steps in their recovery from dangerous floodwaters, knowing they were not alone.

Thank you for being part of her story and for reaching out during times of disaster in Texas and around the world.

Blessing Others Through the Gombi Farming Project in Nigeria

NIGERIA – To those in the rural farming community of Gombi, Nigeria, survival has a lot to do with weathering uncertainty. It’s not easy to raise crops, year after year, when rainfall is unpredictable and modern agricultural techniques are unknown. That’s why the Gombi farming project has become a vital source of hope and transformation in this region.

For three years you have helped farmers in Nigeria overcome these challenges through our Gombi farming project. The training we provided to participating farmers—on modern techniques, pest management, and storing crops—was enhanced by providing seedlings and the supplies needed to control pests. All the elements a thriving farm would need.

A Harvest Resistant to Drought

Your generosity and compassion helped these people learn to grow crops that were tolerant to drought. And what a difference that made to this community—a transformative, life-changing difference. When the first harvest came in, 20 beneficiaries harvested more than 43,000 pounds of maize, groundnuts, and rice!

To ensure lasting impact, the Operation Blessing team continues providing training. Three years later, the good people of Gombi continue to reap abundant blessings … and they are so grateful. The Gombi farming project in Nigeria continues to empower farmers with new techniques while giving entire families a pathway to resilience.

For Iliya, planting maize had felt too unfamiliar, too risky. But with new tools, vital seeds, and modern techniques, he saw things differently. “I got something new from Operation Blessing,” he told us—“a good harvest!”

The Power of Kindness

Sati, another participant in the farming project, stood in her thriving field of groundnuts and said, “I want to thank Operation Blessing for putting a smile on my face.”

This is the Gombi farming project—your love and compassion and generosity at work. Through it, lives are being changed—one plot, one planting season, one harvest at a time.

Disaster Relief for Mexico Flood Victims: Hot Meals and Hope in Veracruz

HELP DISASTER VICTIMS NOW

VERACRUZ, MEXICO – Relentless rain has devastated southern Mexico, unleashing dangerous flooding that left families trapped and entire neighborhoods underwater. In Veracruz—one of the hardest-hit regions—overflowing rivers and landslides destroyed roads, homes, and businesses. Thousands of people are displaced, struggling without clean water, food, or power. But amid the hardship, disaster relief for the Mexico flood victims is restoring hope through quick, compassionate action.

Operation Blessing’s Disaster Response on the Ground

Operation Blessing’s disaster response team arrived in Veracruz to support victims of the flooding. Operation Blessing is using our kitchen to serve thousands of hot meals to Mexico flood victims. Each day, volunteers are preparing hot meals—a lifeline for flood victims facing exhaustion and scarcity.

Mexico Flood Relief: Helping Families Rebuild

The humanitarian toll is staggering. At least 64 lives have been lost, while dozens remain missing. Beyond survival, Operation Blessing’s Mexico flood relief effort focuses on dignity and restoration—feeding families and restoring hope. Our kitchen has become a gathering place, offering comfort and care to those who have lost everything.

Join the Flood Relief Charity Effort

For families in Veracruz, every donation matters. Each contribution helps provide food for those enduring unimaginable hardship. Operation Blessing’s ongoing flood response shows that compassion can bring warmth and stability even in disaster’s wake.

As floodwaters recede, the need for help remains strong. Together, we can continue supporting disaster relief for the Mexico floods—lifting spirits, feeding children, and helping communities rebuild one meal, one act of kindness, and one life at a time.

hot kitchen provides food for flood survivors

Breathless to Boundless After Being Diagnosed with Congenital Heart Disease

CHINA – When little Yang Hui was diagnosed with congenital heart disease at the age of one, her parents saw their world turned upside down. Her father, a welder earning an unstable income, watched helplessly as his daughter could only run about 30 feet before needing to rest. The family faced crushing debt and an impossible choice.

“When we learned that our daughter had a heart problem, we were worried that as she grew up, the hole in her heart would grow too,” her parents shared. “We felt as if there was a time bomb in our hearts that would explode at any moment.” The surgery would cost 200,000 yuan, which is equivalent to about $28,000—an amount far beyond their reach. “Even if our family house was sold, we wouldn’t be able to pay for the surgery.”

Because YOU Cared, Yang Hui Got Surgery

But because of the caring hearts of friends like you, Yang Hui’s story didn’t end there. Through your support, this family found hope they never imagined possible after their daughter was diagnosed with congenital heart disease, and they began to believe again in her future.

Through a special partnership with the hospital, Operation Blessing was able to arrange a lifesaving surgery for Yang Hui. The transformation has been remarkable.

“My daughter can now walk nearly a mile to and from the commissary without us having to hold her,” her father beamed. “She likes to run after the big children in the village and can chase for more than an hour non-stop.”

Living Without Fear of Congenital Heart Disease

With Yang Hui’s renewed strength, her parents can rest a little bit easier. They no longer live with the fear they once carried when she was diagnosed with congenital heart disease, but instead celebrate the miracle of her recovery.

Your compassion gave this family help when they needed it most, and that help has turned to a new, vibrant hope. “We are especially grateful to the donors we have never met for helping us,” Yang Hui’s father said. “In the future, when our lives are better, we will also do our best to help others.”

Operation Blessing Names Drew Friedrich as New President

Drew Friedrich named Operation Blessing new president.

VIRGINIA BEACH, VA (October 2025) PRESS RELEASE — Operation Blessing, the global humanitarian organization dedicated to bringing help and hope to those in need in the USA and around the world, has announced the appointment of Drew Friedrich as its new president. Drew was previously chief operating officer. The appointment was made by Gordon Robertson, former President of Operation Blessing, who now serves as Chairman of the Board.

Operation Blessing History

Founded in 1978 by Dr. M. G. “Pat” Robertson, Operation Blessing has spent nearly five decades providing clean water, hunger relief, medical care, disaster response, and child development programs across more than 90 countries and all 50 U.S. states. In 2024, Operation Blessing worked in 34 countries, responded to disasters in 12 countries including in Somalia, Brazil and the Philippines, deployed to 19 disasters in 17 U.S. states, and distributed over 25 million pounds of food, drinks and relief supplies.

So far in 2025, Operation Blessing is working in 68 countries, responded to disasters in countries including Ukraine, Indonesia, Myanmar, Burundi, Nigeria and Cambodia, as well as deployed to disasters including the Los Angeles wildfires, tragic flooding in Kerrville, TX, and multiple other locations.

“Operation Blessing has always been about bringing help and hope to a hurting world — and that mission remains unchanged,” said Friedrich. “What will be new is how we broaden our reach, increase our capacity to serve, and expand our readiness to meet needs like never before. It’s an incredible honor to step into this role and build upon nearly five decades of faithful service to those in need.”

Gordon Robertson, who served as Operation Blessing’s president since 2018, said he is confident in Friedrich’s leadership for the organization’s next era. “Drew brings a deep commitment to compassion, innovation, and faith — values that are at the very heart of Operation Blessing,” he said. “As Chairman, I’m excited to support his vision as he leads this incredible team into a new season of global impact.”

Operation Blessing Future Under Drew Friedrich

Under Friedrich’s leadership, Operation Blessing will continue advancing its five core pillars — clean water, hunger relief, medical care, disaster response, and child development — while embracing new strategies for innovation, local partnership, and community-led transformation.

“This appointment isn’t about me, it’s about stewardship,” Friedrich added. “Operation Blessing is a global movement of people — staff, donors, volunteers, and partners — who believe that compassion, innovation, and living one’s faith can change lives. I’m simply honored to help guide that mission forward.”

As the organization approaches its 50th anniversary, Friedrich’s vision is to build on Operation Blessing’s strong legacy and expand its reach through unified global strategy and modernized systems that enable greater agility and impact.

“We are stepping into a new season of impact with gratitude for the past, faith for the present, and great expectation for the future. Our founder’s vision continues to guide us; my role is to steward it forward — to keep the message timeless but make the methods timely,” Friedrich said.

Widespread Flooding Devastates Southern Mexico Communities

HELP DISASTER VICTIMS NOW

VERACRUZ, MEXICO – Following days of relentless rain from a powerful tropical weather system, flooding devastates southern Mexico communities and leaves a path of destruction across southern and central Mexico. The hardest-hit areas include the state of Veracruz, where entire communities were overwhelmed as rivers overflowed their banks, landslides crushed roads and homes, and families were forced to flee for their lives.

At least 64 people have been confirmed dead, and more than 60 remain missing. The municipalities of Coatzacoalcos, Minatitlán, Las Choapas, Cosoleacaque, and Acayucan are among the most severely affected. Thousands of residents have been displaced, with many left without shelter, food, or clean water. The neighboring states of Hidalgo and Puebla have also experienced major impacts.

Operation Blessing on the Ground

Operation Blessing’s local team in Mexico City has quickly mobilized, joined by members of the Global Disaster Response team. Together, they are working to assess the damage and bring emergency relief to families in need. As flooding devastates southern Mexico communities, aid workers are racing against time to reach those stranded without resources.

“Recent heavy rains have hit Mexico hard, causing devastating floods across several states,” shared Esteban from Operation Blessing. “One of the hardest hit areas is Veracruz, where families have lost their homes, are struggling to find food, and are facing incredibly tough conditions.”

Advanced teams are currently being deployed to deliver life-sustaining aid to those affected—including food, safe water, hygiene supplies, and other essential items.

Your Prayers and Support Are Needed as Flooding Devastates Southern Mexico Communities

As recovery begins, the crisis is far from over. Search and rescue efforts are ongoing, and the need for emergency relief is growing by the hour. In many regions where flooding devastates southern Mexico communities, survivors are still cut off from major roads and essential services.

“We are asking for your prayers for the families affected, for strength and protection, and for our team on the ground working tirelessly to bring help and hope,” Esteban said. “Stand with us. Support Operation Blessing disaster response. Together, we can make a real difference right now.”

You Can Help Flood Survivors in Mexico

Your compassion can be a lifeline for families who have lost everything. Please keep them in your prayers—and consider partnering with Operation Blessing to bring immediate relief and long-term recovery to those in need.

Refugees in Burundi Face Hunger Crisis Ahead of World Food Day—You Can Help

Help Feed Congolese Refugees Today

Millions Flee Violence in the DRC

BURUNDI – In the aftermath of the Rwandan Genocide, conflict has reignited—this time over the control of valuable mineral resources like gold and cobalt. As of May 20, 2025, the militant group M23 has escalated attacks in the Democratic Republic of Congo, causing over 6 million people to flee for their lives. Many have sought refuge in neighboring Burundi, which has graciously opened its borders. But while they may have escaped the violence, life inside the refugee camps is far from safe. Now another threat looms. The threat of a hunger crisis for the victims who escaped.

Makombe Camp Struggles With a Hunger Crisis Amid Food Shortages

In Makombe Camp, one of several refugee settlements in Burundi, basic necessities like clean water, medical care, and food are in critically short supply. Because of food shortages, a hunger crisis threatens the camp. After a harrowing escape from violence, hunger is now the new enemy. The search for enough food is a daily battle for families—especially mothers and young children.

“Friends, as we approach World Food Day, I’m reminded of the families in the refugee camp of Burundi,” said Bob of Operation Blessing. “The women and children there are facing hardship with a lack of nutrition and regular sources of food. We’re working with our partners, YWAM Burundi and others, to alleviate this suffering and to bring help and hope to these people.”

Operation Blessing Responds With Urgent Support

As World Food Day draws near, Operation Blessing is focused on providing food to the most vulnerable at Makombe Camp. In partnership with YWAM Burundi and others, OB is committed to delivering help and hope to avert this hunger crisis—despite the overwhelming needs.

“Please remember us as this time approaches,” Bob continued, “and wherever possible help us to complete our mission. We appreciate your support. We appreciate your prayers and we ask that you work with us on this mission. Thank you and God bless you.”

You Can Help Avert this Hunger Crisis Today

Your prayers and support are urgently needed. Together, we can stand in the gap for families facing hunger and hardship this World Food Day.

Help Feed Congolese Refugees Today

Clean Water for Graciela, A Clean Water Solution for Life

GUATEMALA – While many 13-year-old girls might spend their afternoons focused on school, friends, or playing sports, Graciela’s daily routine was very different. Her story shows the lifesaving impact of a clean water solution for life, which transformed her family’s daily struggle into a story of hope.

She had a challenging responsibility—to help gather water for her family. Her mother is a widow and works long hours picking coffee beans, so the responsibility of making sure the family has water often falls on Graciela.

“We have to walk twice a day, every day, to a small pond in the mountains,” said Graciela.

A Clean Water Solution for Life and the End of Exhausting Treks

Each time Graciela journeyed to get water, she had to trek through a dense forest and up a mountain. With the danger of snakes, scorpions, and other frightening animals lurking on every footpath, she bravely continued while also fighting fatigue. Unfortunately, the water that she retrieved was also a danger—to her and her family’s health.

“It’s rusty and the flavor is like mud. I don’t like to drink that water.”

There were times when Graciela and her siblings became sick with stomachaches, and sadly, they had to suffer because their mom didn’t have enough money to buy any medicine.

Thankfully, friends like you helped turn the situation around for Graciela and her community. Your outpouring of kindness helped us provide a clean water solution for life that now brings safe water right to their homes.

4,000 Gallons of Fresh Safe Water in a New Water Tank

Thanks to generous friends like you, we built a water tank that holds nearly 4,000 gallons of water. The tank also disinfects the water, so that Graciela’s family and neighbors no longer have to risk becoming sick just so they don’t go thirsty.

Thank you for this abundant blessing that changed Graciela’s life along with so many others, including adults who had never enjoyed clean water before. This clean water solution for life ensures that children like Graciela can now study, play, and grow healthy without the fear of unsafe water.

“I am happy that I no longer have to walk to that pond,” she said with relief. “The water tastes delicious, and I feel very happy.”