A Daughter Born With a Hole in Her Heart & A Widow’s Fight to Save Her

CHINA – When baby Yuwen was born with a hole in her heart, her mother’s world shattered. Mrs. Wang, a grieving widow with no education or job, was left to raise her daughter alone in the bustling streets of Chengdu, China. Life was brutally hard. With no income, Mrs. Wang resorted to collecting garbage just to feed her child.

But as Yuwen grew, her condition worsened. She cried in pain, gasped for air, and turned purple with exertion. Her mother watched helplessly, heartbroken, as Yuwen whispered, “Mom, my heart hurts.”

“Mom, my heart hurts.”
-Yuwen

heart condition from the hole in her heart

Doctors soon confirmed what Mrs. Wang feared: Yuwen had been born with an undiagnosed heart condition—a serious heart problem that required urgent surgery. Without it, her daughter might not survive. But how could a mother who barely scraped together enough for food ever hope to afford something as expensive as heart surgery? Though she tried everything, Mrs. Wang simply couldn’t afford surgery. And yet, she refused to give up. That’s when Operation Blessing stepped in.

Born with a Hole in Her Heart..But a Future Full of Hope

Thanks to the compassion of our donors, we were able to cover the cost of Yuwen’s life-saving operation. Today, because of friends like you, this little girl who was born with a hole in her heart is healthy, full of energy, and runs faster than anyone in her school. Her mother no longer digs through garbage. She now owns her own small recycling business and can finally dream about the future.

This is more than a medical story—it’s a story of transformation. Yuwen’s dramatic recovery, her mother’s unwavering sacrifice, and the miracle of healing made possible by your generosity. Yuwen was born with a hole in her heart, but today, she lives with a heart full of hope.

You gave this precious girl a new chance at life. Help us save more lives like Yuwen’s. 🙏 DONATE NOW

From Pain to Play: Kervis’s Life-Changing Torticollis Surgery

HONDURAS – Ten-year-old Kervis was born with torticollis, a painful and visible condition where neck muscles shorten and twist his head to one side. For years, this condition robbed him of mobility, comfort, and dignity. It was obvious he would need torticollis surgery. Without it, Kervis would face a life of shame and derision.

“When I look in the mirror, I wish my neck was normal.”
– Curtis

“When I look in the mirror, I wish my neck was normal,” Kervis once said. Other children called him “son of the devil.” He was constantly falling. Painful back cramps made sleep difficult. He longed to play soccer—but even standing could cause him to lose balance.

Kervis lives in Honduras with his aunt, Cindy. After his mother asked for help raising him, Cindy stepped in as caregiver. She works hard washing laundry but simply couldn’t afford surgery. When doctors quoted $8,000 for corrective torticollis surgery, the hope of healing seemed out of reach. “How are we going to get that kind of money?” Cindy recalled.

“How are we going to get that kind of money?”
-Cindy

Unable to Afford Torticollis Surgery, But Not Without Hope

Kervis’s condition worsened with age. Not only did it impact his physical ability, but it also wounded his spirit. His twisted neck made him feel ashamed. His childhood was slipping away. That’s when Operation Blessing stepped in. Our generous supporters made it possible for Kervis to receive corrective surgery—a surgery that would restore both his posture and his joy. “Operation Blessing came to us by the work of God,” Aunt Cindy said. “Everything was fast.”

Kervis’s Incredible Transformation

Today, thanks to friends like you, Kervis’s head is upright, his spine aligned, and his spirit renewed. He can now run without falling. He plays with friends. He returned to school, sleeps through the night, and holds his head high—not just physically, but with dignity. “Now my neck is straight. I can play with my friends. I can sleep well,” Kervis said, beaming. Kervis’s incredible transformation is a testament to what happens when your compassion meets action.

Life Without Shame: A New Beginning

Kervis’s story is more than a medical victory—it’s a celebration of life after hardship.
He is thriving—playing, learning, and living without shame. And through his journey, we are reminded why your support matters. “I love you very much and bless you. I pray for you every day,” Kervis says to those who gave him a chance.

Help More Children Like Kervis

Every child deserves a chance to stand tall. Through your support, Operation Blessing continues to provide life-changing surgeries, clean water, food, and hope to those in need.

Life-Changing Surgery for a Child Born with Bilateral Clubfoot

PHILIPPINES – In the heart of Davao City, a little girl named Shameber faced enormous challenges from the very start. She was born with bilateral clubfoot, a condition that twisted both of her feet inward, making it painful and difficult to walk. For her single mother Norie—who earned just $5 a day—watching her daughter struggle was unbearable.

“People would say cruel things,” Norie shared. “Some even asked if my daughter was worth raising because of her feet.” But Norie’s love never wavered. What she lacked in resources, she made up for in faith. She couldn’t afford treatment, but she never gave up hope.

“People would say cruel things. Some even asked if my daughter was worth raising because of her feet.”
-Norie

Born with Bilateral Clubfoot and Determined to Walk

Bilateral clubfoot is a condition that, without treatment, can leave a child permanently disabled. Shameber couldn’t run or play like other kids. Each step was painful. For Norie, surgery seemed like a dream they would never reach. But then Operation Blessing stepped in.

Thanks to the generosity of supporters like you, Shameber received life-changing surgery and care using the Ponseti method, a proven technique involving gentle casting and minor surgical procedures to realign the feet. “Operation Blessing brought us hope,” Norie said. “They made the impossible possible.”

“Operation Blessing brought us hope. They made the impossible possible.”
-Norie

Walking, Running, Thriving

Today because of your love and care, Shameber can walk, run, and play freely. Her feet are straight, her steps are strong, and her future is bright. What once seemed hopeless has become a powerful story of transformation. “I feel so happy seeing her run,” Norie says through tears. “She’s just like any other child now.” This is more than a medical success—it’s a victory of love, faith, and community that you made possible.

Before Surgery

After Surgery

Life-Changing Surgery Made Possible by You

Around the world, thousands of children are born each year with bilateral clubfoot, and many of their families can’t afford treatment. But with your help, Operation Blessing is stepping in—bringing healing, restoring dignity, and changing lives one child at a time. You make these miracles happen. And every step Shameber takes is a step you helped make possible.

Help More Children Walk Without Pain

Every donation provides children like Shameber with the gift of mobility—and families with hope for the future. Join us in providing life-changing surgery and care to those who need it most.

How You Help Ukrainian War Refugees Feel at Home

POLAND – What is it like for a 15-year-old girl to survive as a war refugee? For Karolina, who lived in Ukraine until brutal Russian attacks forced her family to flee their homeland, it meant starting all over—just one of the countless stories of Ukrainian war refugees. Just five years earlier, her family had moved into their dream home in Ukraine—and Karolina had finally gotten her own room.

But when war broke out, they rushed to Poland for safety. Leaving behind her friends and everything she knew was hard—not to mention having to adapt to an unfamiliar place and learn a new language. There was little privacy in their Polish home, and the only place to study was at the kitchen table. For Karolina, starting over at a new school was overwhelming. She was lonely.

Thankfully, caring supporters like you made her transition easier. Karolina heard about the Helping Hand Training Center in the town of Zabki—a wonderful resource for refugees. There, Ukrainian War Refugees—mostly women and children—receive humanitarian aid daily, such as food packages and hygiene packets—thanks to friends like you.The Center’s educational programs help them adapt, find friends, and hear the Gospel message.

In fact, for the 200 mothers and children who visit the training center each month, it’s the only place in a foreign country where they are surrounded by their own language. They receive physical, mental, and spiritual support, as well. The kids can also play sports, take Polish language courses, and become involved in music lessons and Bible studies—including CBN Animation’s Superbook!

“When I came to the Center, I didn’t feel like the teachers were just teachers,” Karolina said. “They became friends, a support I so badly needed.” You help teens like Karolina feel less disconnected from everything they once knew, while also gaining confidence at school and with their peers. Not only did Karolina grow and flourish, she eventually began working as a tutor for other children—her way of giving back. This also enabled her to earn a little income.

“Volunteering and working as a tutor gave me the opportunity … to learn financial literacy,” Karolina said. “After working at the Center, parents began asking me to hold lessons for their children. Now I work independently as a tutor in math and English.” She added, “May God bless you for your kind heart and generosity.”

Truly, you have helped Ukrainian War Refugees like Karolina by shining a light in the darkness—so they can see a better way ahead.

The Life-Giving Gift of Clean Water

NIGERIA – In the fertile farmlands of Benue State, Nigeria, lies the small community of Tse Yebe. Home to the Tiv people—predominantly Christians and subsistence farmers—these rural villagers thrive on crops like cassava, yams, and oranges. But despite the abundance of natural beauty and hardworking spirit, the community has long battled a heartbreaking lack of safe water. This was until they received the life-giving gift of clean water.

Peace and Ruth, two young women from different parts of the village, became friends while fetching water from the nearby stream—a risky, 30-minute journey they made every day. They knew the water wasn’t pure, but they had no other choice.

Sickness from Unsafe Water

That river brought more than just water. They told us it also brought stomachaches, typhoid, and fear. The overgrown footpaths teemed with snakes, especially during rainy seasons. Carrying the water home was exhausting and scary, but Peace and Ruth had to keep going—until the day everything changed.

Thanks to compassionate friends like you, Operation Blessing drilled not one but two borehole wells for Tse Yebe. Now, fresh clean water flows freely—safe, close by, and truly a life-giving gift of clean water. Peace rejoiced. “I am delighted! We will no longer be walking the distance and climbing the hill from the stream anymore.” Ruth added, “God bless Operation Blessing for this wonderful gift to our village. We are forever grateful.”

For a village of over 100 people, this gift of clean water has transformed daily life. Children can now attend school without the burden of collecting water. They are healthier. And the presence of a local church beside the well reminds everyone of the eternal living water available through Jesus.

Thank you for being part of their story and for offering the life-giving gift of clean water to those in need around the world.

life-giving gift of clean water in Nigeria

A Gift of Healing from an Umbilical Hernia

MEXICO – For most of her young life, Mili lived with an invisible pain: an umbilical hernia that kept her from doing the things other children often take for granted. While friends ran across the playground, Mili sat on the sidelines, watching with longing. Even at home, simple movements brought discomfort.

Her parents spent years searching for answers. Eventually, they were told that umbilical hernia surgery was the only way forward—which felt like a cruel answer because healing was just out of reach. They had no way to afford it. Worry hung over their home like a cloud, darkening Mili’s childhood and shadowing her future.

Healed from an Umbilical Hernia

But that’s when friends like you stepped in. Because of the love of our compassionate family, Mili received the life-changing surgery she so desperately needed. Together, we lit up her world with hope and healing—and gave her back the childhood she was missing.

“I’m so happy because it doesn’t hurt anymore, and now I can finally play with my friends at school,” Mili shared, her eyes full of joy.

Her parents are overwhelmed with gratitude. The burden they carried for so long has been lifted, and their hearts are full of peace. “Seeing her without pain and without worries is a miracle for us,” her mother said. “Now she has a future full of possibilities.”

“Before, she always had to be careful,” Mili’s mother added. “But now she can participate in all activities without any problem. We are so happy for her.”

Dear friend, this is the power of your compassion. A little girl’s dark and difficult journey to overcome an umbilical hernia, is now filled with light. Thank you for shining so brightly—and for transforming the lives of children like Mili with your kindness.

How Hurricane Katrina Sparked a Global Mission of Compassion

Watch the Trailer Here

Click Here to Watch the Full Special Report

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA — In late August 2005, the skies over the Gulf Coast darkened as Hurricane Katrina barreled toward the city of New Orleans. The forecasts were dire. Everyone knew the storm would be bad—but no one knew just how much life would change, or how this tragedy would give rise to a global mission.

When the levees broke, the city fell silent. “No lights, just death everywhere,” one responder recalled. “The amount of need was hard to even describe.”

But that moment of heartbreak sparked something powerful—something still changing lives around the world today.

Friends Like You Helped Launch a Global Mission

In the midst of the devastation, God stirred hearts to respond. That faithful commitment transformed local relief into a global mission—planting the seeds for Operation Blessing’s Global Disaster Response ministry.

Flip phones in hand and boots on the ground, our early teams didn’t yet know that two months of crisis work in New Orleans would become two years of divine assignment. They saw destruction firsthand… but they also witnessed hope, resilience, and the miracle of partnership.

“We were just trying to help wherever we could. There weren’t enough hours in the day,” one staff member shared. “But God kept opening doors.”

What began as one urgent response grew into a full-fledged global mission—reaching disaster zones across the U.S. and around the world. From feeding families in flooded towns, to offering solar light and water filters after earthquakes, Operation Blessing has now helped survivors in more than 90 countries and territories. And it all started with Katrina.

Relive the Moment That Changed Everything

Now, on the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, we invite you to watch a powerful new trailer that tells the untold story—how one storm helped shape a ministry that continues to bring God’s love in times of crisis.

🎥 Watch the Trailer
You’ll witness:

The emotional aftermath of Hurricane Katrina
The birth of a calling to serve in crisis
The power of partnership to rebuild broken communities

As one team member says in the video, “This is a new thing. A new day. A new opportunity to solve a new problem.”

And that global mission continues today—because of friends like you.

Together, we’ve seen how tragedy can be transformed into triumph. You are part of this incredible legacy of hope. Thank you for being there when it mattered most. And thank you for continuing to care.

📽️ Don’t miss this inspiring story—click to watch the trailer now!

A Tomorrow Full of Possibilities Through a Business Selling Chicken

THAILAND – Imagine having to choose between your children going hungry and sending them away so you could find work in another country. That’s one of the difficult choices a woman named Phraeowanit faced not too long ago—a choice this loving mother couldn’t bear to make. Thankfully, God provided another way, through you! A way that included support with her business selling chicken.

“Some days we had no money,” she recalled. Even though Phraeowanit had a business selling chicken at the market, she didn’t earn enough to cover operating costs, let alone the children’s school fees. “Paying bills felt impossible … it was so stressful.”

Despite her best efforts, her food stall had fallen into disrepair, but she had nothing left to fix the floors or the exhaust system. When she couldn’t afford ice to store her products, precious food often spoiled.

Phraeowanit truly feared her children would starve if something didn’t change. “I blamed myself—that I was a bad mother.” But she continued crying out to God, and your compassion intervened when she needed it most!

overcoming generational poverty and hunger

YOUR Generosity Invigorates a Business Selling Chicken

The generosity of our faithful donors provided ingredients, equipment, and training in finance and management, so that this dedicated mother could renovate and relaunch her food stall with maximum potential. Phraeowanit expanded her stock to include both chicken and pork, and with a new refrigeration system she no longer worries that food might spoil.

Phraeowanit’s children have also become actively involved in the business—measuring ingredients, steaming rice, and taking care of the chickens. After a year, she reports that she is now earning enough money to cover her debts, household expenses, and school fees for her children! She no longer worries that they might starve or that she may have to leave them to find work. “I don’t have to be far away from them,” she said. “I just want to be near them.”

You have given Phraeowanit and her children the financial freedom and stability they needed to become a stronger family, physically and spiritually. You took her struggling business selling chicken and gave her the means to succeed. Now she is grateful for your kindness. And she says, “I thank God for you.”

From Ashes to Action After Fires in Los Angeles

CALIFORNIA – Life in Altadena, California, was never easy—but it was home. For Brian, that meant smiles on familiar faces, the echoes of his mother’s encouragement, and the tools of his trade as a local business owner and track coach. Fires in Los Angeles had threatened the mountains before, but they had never reached his doorstep.“I saw embers fly down the driveway,” Brian remembers. “I turned and looked at my son sleeping on the bed and I said, we’re out of here.”

As the wildfire consumed everything in its path, Brian fled— hoping, praying, that somehow his home and livelihood would be spared. But when he returned, all he found was ash. His home, his plumbing tools, and the specialized track coaching equipment he used to mentor young athletes—gone. “You still have your memories,” he said. “But there are some things you never get back.” Brian’s story could have ended in despair. But thanks to compassionate partners like you, Operation Blessing was there to meet him at the moment of greatest need.

Recovery After Fires in Los Angeles

Operation Blessing’s president, Gordon Robertson, stood beside Brian in the rubble and shared how your support made it possible to replace every essential tool he needed to get back to work after fires in Los Angeles. From basic plumbing equipment to a high-tech running timer for coaching—so much of what Brian had lost was being restored. “It’s a true blessing,” Brian said. “It’s overwhelming.”

Rebuilding after fires in Los Angeles doesn’t just happen with tools and materials—it happens with heart. “The people want to rebuild,” Brian said. “We want to be ‘[Alta]Dena’ Strong. One big community. One family.” Because of you, Brian’s tomorrow is looking brighter. He can work again. He can coach again. He can lead again.

Gordon Robertson prays after California Wildfires

Kindness Flows in Peru with Water that Is Safe to Drink

PERU – Imagine living in a world where you don’t have access to water in your home. No water that is safe to drink, to cook or to shower. For Reyna and the people of San Jerónimo de Ullagachi, no imagination is required because this was their reality. “Our old well does not provide enough water for everyone,” said Reyna.

At over 9,000 feet above sea level, in this remote village in Peru, an hour-long journey to gather water is a daily task for many people in Reyna’s community. And the water they bring home after their long, hard trek isn’t even safe to drink and can cause sickness.

Operation Blessing saw how dire this community’s need for clean water was, and—thanks to friends like you—we were able to provide a solution. Your kindness helped provide 61 families with clean drinking water and access to sanitary restrooms at every home.

A System Providing Water that is Safe to Drink And Use

Operation Blessing installed a water system that treats the water and distributes it through the village. “Now my family and I are very happy,” said Reyna. “The water we received is safe to drink without worrying about getting sick.”

Because of your thoughtfulness, Reyna, her family, and their community can focus more time on earning income and spending time raising their children. You restored dignity and hope to a neighborhood that was drowning in despair. Having water that is safe to drink has changed their whole lives!

“Thank you very much, Operation Blessing, for making our dream of having water come true!”