Love Never Fails: Foster Parents in the Midst of War

UKRAINE – The war in Ukraine has taken nearly everything from Igor’s family—twice. First in 2014, when they were forced to flee their home in Alchevsk, and then again in 2022, when war erupted once more, chasing them from Sloviansk to the safety of the Ivano-Frankivsk region. But through all the heartache, one thing remained steadfast: their mission as foster parents to care for children who had nowhere else to turn.

When Operation Blessing first met foster parents, Igor and wife, Tamara, years ago, the couple had already built a reputation for their unwavering love and resilience in caring for foster children. But in the chaos of war, their needs grew urgent. With each displacement, they were forced to start over—new homes, new communities, and sometimes even new children who needed their care.

You Came to the Rescue

For the last two years, as the war raged on, you have been standing beside them with your support. Because of friends like you, Operation Blessing offered a lifeline in the form of food and supplies. Month after month, you supplied deliveries to Igor’s home—nutritious food, essential household items, and small treats that lit up the eyes of the children in their care. This support was more than sustenance; it was a reminder that these youngsters were not alone.

“The war has stolen so much from us,” said Tamara, her voice filled with both sorrow and gratitude. “But we could never abandon our calling. We will always open our home to children who need love, no matter how difficult our circumstances.”

Every child they took in had suffered unimaginable losses. Some had lost parents in bombings; others had been forced to flee. And yet, within the walls of Igor and Tamara’s home, they found warmth, safety, and the unshakable certainty that they are loved—in part because of you!

“Each package from Operation Blessing is a gift that helps us continue,” Tamara said. “The food lasts for weeks, ensuring that our children go to bed full and nourished. Your support has kept us going when we had no strength left.”

Despite the pain, despite the destruction, Igor’s family pressed on. Because of you their home has stood as a testament to the enduring power of love. Through every trial these foster parents faced, one truth remained: Love never fails.

A Cucumber Farm Brings Hope for the Hungry

THAILAND – Chatree was at a loss. In the wake of COVID-19, not only was he facing unemployment, but his wife, Mai, had been diagnosed with a serious blood condition. Along with her health, their family’s financial stability was in serious jeopardy. As time went on, with two children in school and medical bills mounting, this struggling couple felt their future was on shaky ground. When word of Operation Blessing’s agricultural support project reached them, they felt a glimmer of hope. “Since we have land of our own, we decided to start farming,” said Mai. Chatree had done his research: “I studied and believe that cucumber is the vegetable that will save our family.” Who knew that in time a cucumber farm would change their lives

Your generosity made their dreams possible! Chatree and Mai were selected for Operation Blessing’s microenterprise program. The investment funds you provided allowed them to transform their unused land into a thriving cucumber farm. The results were nothing short of miraculous! “An acre of cucumbers can produce more than 200 pounds in one day,” Chatree explained with pride. The couple sold directly to local households and connected with vendors, helping to stabilize the family’s resources. Now, their farm has expanded to include watermelon and corn, providing even more opportunity for financial growth and freedom.

The Blessing of a Cucumber Farm

“Without this project, I wouldn’t have had the investment money,” Chatree reflected. “I didn’t do this by my own strength; it’s God’s blessing that we have cucumbers to sell.” God showed up to also provide for Mai’s health. Through what the couple describes as divine intervention, they were spared huge medical expenses that could have devastated their family completely, and Mai made a complete recovery. Beyond financial independence, your support has enabled Chatree and Mai to give back to their community. They share their harvest with neighbors and give part of their income to their church. “This project has helped many Christians,” Chatree said gratefully. “Thank you for choosing our family, for bringing us to believe in God.”

And your support extends far beyond a cucumber farm in Thailand, helping to tackle hunger through many global initiatives. When a mother was gifted the funds and supplies to open a fruit stand in Peru, your kindness was there. In Guatemala, your love reached across the miles to provide the supplies and business training that brought a laying hens program and financial stability to families in need. Your compassionate giving has been crucial in developing farming initiatives in Kenya, food stalls in Thailand, and food boxes in Turkey. Every day, lives are being changed as faithful friends like you continue to create sustainable support in communities worldwide.

Meanwhile, within the United States, your support enables the distribution of truckloads of food to pantry partners—ensuring that American families receive nourishment and hungry children get the food they need during the summer months when they can’t eat at school. Because of you, families like Chatree and Mai’s are trading poverty for liberation. Your generous support transforms fear into freedom, hunger into hope, and shows the love of God to our neighbors the world over.

Overcoming Vision Problems: Restoring Sight and Dignity Through Cataract Surgery

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SOUTH AFRICA – In a small rural village, Nolindele once spent her days working hard—tending crops, collecting firewood, and managing her household. But all of that changed when, over just a few months, she went blind. First, her right eye lost sight, then her left. The change was devastating.

“I still have the strength to work,” she said. “But now I just sit. I depend on my family for everything.” For Nolindele, losing her vision meant more than losing her independence—it meant losing her sense of dignity. “I feel like a burden,” she shared. “Sometimes I thought it would have been better if I had just died than live like this.”

This heartbreaking reality is shared by countless people suffering from preventable blindness. But thanks to the generosity of Operation Blessing partners, stories like Nolindele’s are being transformed.

Overcoming Vision Problems Caused by Cataracts

Cataracts are a major cause of blindness and vision problems, yet they are treatable with a simple, low-cost surgery. Still, for many living in rural areas, accessing eye surgery is impossible without outside help. Eye surgery for people who can’t afford it is not just a medical intervention; it’s a chance to have life, hope, and dignity restored.

When Nolindele was also being treated for tuberculosis, medical staff referred her to a local eye care program supported by Operation Blessing. There, she was diagnosed with cataracts in both eyes. Her condition was reversible, but only through surgery she couldn’t afford.

Restoring Sight and a Future

Through the support of Operation Blessing donors, 67 people in her region received free cataract surgery. Nolindele was one of them. The day after surgery, she and other patients gathered to have their bandages removed. What followed was a flood of joyful tears and celebration.

“I have no words. I can see everything!” Nolindele exclaimed. “I never thought I’d see again. You gave me my life back.” Now, she’s able to cook again, walk without fear, tend her garden, and read her Bible. “I’m going back to church—with new eyes,” she smiled. “God answered my prayers.”

More Than Medicine: Restoring Dignity

Overcoming vision problems isn’t just about restoring physical sight. For people like Nolindele, it means reclaiming their purpose, confidence, and connection to the people they love. Cataract surgery brought her back into the rhythms of daily life and renewed her faith.

“My family is rejoicing with me,” she said. “We are all so happy.”

Thanks to generous partners like you, Operation Blessing continues to offer eye surgery for people who can’t afford it, bringing light back into lives clouded by darkness. These life-changing surgeries are a powerful example of how compassion in action can restore both sight and dignity.

University Volunteers Serve Veterans and Families Through Operation Blessing

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CHESAPEAKE, VA – The energy was contagious at the Operation Blessing warehouse in Chesapeake as Regent University volunteers rolled up their sleeves to bring hope to families in crisis.

Estella, a longtime Operation Blessing team member, beamed with gratitude: “I’m here with the Regent University employees. They are with us packing items for disaster relief and hunger relief in the U.S. We are so excited to have them.”

Among those volunteering was Arielle, representing the Enrollment Management Department at Regent. “We have our admissions, advising, and processing teams here—just giving back and serving as best as we can.”

But this wasn’t just any volunteer day. These teams came together for a powerful cause: to support Helping the Home Front, a program that serves military families and veterans in financial crisis. As Estella shared, “Those are meal boxes that help veterans and military families who are just paycheck to paycheck. I know that firsthand—I was a military family as well. So all of these are so impactful.”

A Hands-On Way to Serve for Regent University Volunteers

The teams of Regent University volunteers packed hygiene kits and emergency relief boxes—the very same kind that have been distributed in places like North Carolina and California following wildfires and floods.

Savi, one of the volunteers, said, “It feels amazing to be able to serve in this kind of manner. You just think—what would Jesus do to help these families? And it brings so much joy.”

That joy was shared by Allison, another volunteer, who said, “It feels amazing. I mean, we definitely want to come back. I feel like I’ve made some really good friendships with Operation Blessing.”

For many of these volunteers, the experience went beyond just lending a hand. It was a spiritual mission. “Thank you for all that you do,” Arielle said, addressing the donors who made it all possible. “Thank you for supporting this operation. Thank you for providing a way for us to serve so that we can be good stewards of God.”

Savi added, “If you’re trying to find a way to serve and you don’t necessarily have the finances to do so, this is an excellent way. You’ll feel useful—and you’ll be living out your faith.”

Because of You, Hope Reaches the Hurting

Estella summed it up. “We’re so grateful that we’re able to bring help and hope to hurting people. We can’t do it without our volunteers—and without our partners.”

Because of friends like you, Operation Blessing can continue meeting needs and restoring dignity to families across America.

Learn how you can get involved today at ob.org/volunteer.

A Family’s Road to Recovery after the Kentucky Tornadoes

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KENTUCKY – For Garnett, his farm was more than land—it was a legacy. “My mom and dad bought this place in 1985. This is where our dairy started… We milked cows here for 30 years… It’s just part of me,” he shared. That peaceful life was shattered in a moment when the violent Kentucky tornadoes ripped through his community.

That night, Garnett and his wife had just gone to bed when emergency alerts pierced the silence. “I said, ‘Everybody get in the car!’” he remembered. Their children were asleep. They had seconds to react. At daybreak, Garnett stepped outside and couldn’t believe his eyes. “It was just unbelievable,” he said. The land that had nurtured his family for decades now lay in ruin.

volunteers provide help after destructive Kentucky Tornadoes

You Sent Help—Just in Time

Amid the shock and sorrow, a neighbor told Garnett something he’ll never forget: “Mr. Jeff Thurman said Operation Blessing was coming, and it was a blessing, really was.”

Because of compassionate partners like you, Operation Blessing teams quickly mobilized in the hardest-hit areas of Kentucky. Volunteers arrived not just with tools and supplies—but with servant hearts and willing hands. They tackled piles of storm debris, and moved much of it by hand.

Garnett said, “It was just unbelievable.”

Because of You, Hope Took Root Again

Friends like you didn’t just help clean up debris—you restored dignity and hope to a man who had lost nearly everything. Garnett’s gratitude was deep and real. “I can’t express how happy I am with it. It’s just—it’s amazing.”

Michael, one of the volunteers you helped send, put it this way: “If I have the skills and the energy to make a difference… then absolutely, I’ve got to take the time to do it.” And he did—starting with breakfast for the team and ending with hands in the rubble.

“What you do now will impact their lives forever more than this disaster will,” Michael said. And Garnett knows that’s true—because he lived it.

You Were the Blessing Garnett Needed

Because of friends like you, Operation Blessing was able to show up quickly with food, cleanup teams, and heartfelt support for victims of the Kentucky Tornadoes. You gave Garnett more than relief—you gave him the strength to believe in a better tomorrow.

Let’s keep responding with love. Help more families like Garnett’s today.

How You and Superbook Helped a Struggling Child Find Christ

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CAMBODIA – For 10-year-old Chan Teang, school used to feel overwhelming. She struggled to keep up with her classmates and often felt discouraged. “It’s hard when I see someone in class doing better than me,” she said. “I get so jealous and angry. I had a hard time learning anything because there was no one at home to help me.” But your generosity would soon change that, and it also helped a child find Christ!

When her parents left to find work in another city, Chan Teang went to live with her grandmother. But her grandmother, busy tending to the family’s cows, had little time to support Chan Teang’s education.

A Orphan’s Promise After School Program Helped a Child Find Christ

She joined an after-school program supported by our Orphan’s Promise, where she received help with her schoolwork—and was introduced to Superbook, an animated Bible series. “The story was so cool,” she shared. “I had never seen a cartoon like it before.”

One episode stood out above the rest: He Is Risen.

“Jesus died on the cross for my sins,” Chan Teang said. “He did nothing wrong, but the army punished Him by nailing Him to the cross. I wanted to cry. This story taught me that God wants to forgive us.” That moment led her to make a life-changing decision—she prayed to trust Jesus as her Savior. It’s amazing how a simple program like Superbook helped a child find Christ.

Since then, her confidence and academic performance have soared. “My studies have improved so much. I can now read, write, and even do well in math. I’m now in the top five of my class!”

But the story doesn’t end there.

Chan Teang Shared the Good News with Friends

Chan Teang couldn’t keep the joy to herself. She began sharing Superbook with her friends and even invited them to church. “Three of my friends now know Jesus and believe in Him because of Superbook,” she said with a big smile. “I’m so happy about that.”

All of this was made possible because of friends like you. Your compassionate giving provides children like Chan Teang with educational support, spiritual hope, and the opportunity to build a brighter future.

Thank you for giving the gift of Superbook and for supporting our Orphan’s Promise. Through your generosity, you helped a child find Christ.

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In the Aftermath of Powerful Tornadoes in Kentucky, Hope is Prevailing

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KENTUCKY – When powerful tornadoes in Kentucky ripped through Laurel County, the destruction was swift and overwhelming. Homes were shredded. Power lines toppled. Families emerged from the wreckage to find their world turned upside down.

But in the middle of this heartbreaking scene, hope is taking root—thanks to faithful partners, local leaders, and friends like you.

Operation Blessing Responds at the Heart of the Disaster

Operation Blessing Responds to powerful tornadoes in Kentucky.

Just hours after the powerful tornadoes in Kentucky hit, Operation Blessing’s U.S. Disaster Relief team was on the road with truckloads of emergency supplies and a simple prayer: “Lord, show us where to serve.”

“We didn’t know exactly where we’d set up,” shared Kevin, Operation Blessing team leader. “We had a few pallets of food left and were looking for a place close to the damage. That’s when God opened the door.”

That door came in the form of local churches and leaders. Souls Harbor Church connected OB to WB Transport, a business located in the epicenter of the damage. And when Mayor Randall Weddle heard about the need, he personally stepped in to give permission for OB to serve from the site.

“Now we’re right where we need to be,” Kevin said. “We’ve set up our mobile kitchen, deployed clean-up crews, and started work orders—right in the middle of the hardest-hit area.”

A Mayor Led by Faith

For Mayor Weddle, the disaster wasn’t just a civic challenge—it was a moment of personal conviction.

“I was here within seconds of the tornado passing,” he recalled. “All we had were headlights and flashlights. The power lines were down, people were injured. But something kicked in. It was time to help my people.”

The reality of the storm’s destruction didn’t fully hit until daybreak. “You could see everything,” he said. “But you could also see the response—churches, volunteers, Christian organizations showing up with food, prayer, whatever we needed.”

Mayor Weddle, a committed believer, made it clear: “Without God, we’re not going to get through this. And without organizations like Operation Blessing, we couldn’t begin to heal.”

Hot Meals, Prayer, and Practical Help

hot meals and prayer for victims from powerful tornadoes in Kentucky

Since arriving, Operation Blessing has served thousands of hot meals, deployed cleanup teams to remove dangerous debris, and offered compassionate prayer support to families who’ve lost everything.

“We’re not just dropping off supplies—we’re meeting people face to face, praying with them, and reminding them that God sees them,” Kevin said.

The support from local volunteers has been remarkable. School staff, church members, and residents have joined OB’s efforts, delivering food, helping neighbors, and doing whatever it takes to bring comfort and care.

“This community is resilient,” Kevin said. “And with God’s help—and the help of friends like you—we’re going to see healing happen here.”

Be Part of the Recovery

Operation Blessing remains on the ground in London, walking alongside families in crisis. As a trusted disaster relief charity, we’re committed to bringing hope where it’s needed most—through faith, compassion, and love in action.

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Let’s stand with Kentucky. Let’s rebuild—together.

Hope for the Hurting: A Message to Kentucky Tornado Victims

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KENTUCKY – In the wake of a powerful EF-3 tornado, entire neighborhoods in Kentucky have been turned upside down. Families are sifting through rubble. Homes are gone. Lives are forever changed. For many Kentucky tornado victims, it feels like the unthinkable has become their new reality.

But even in the chaos, there is hope.

Reaching Kentucky Tornado Survivors with Help and Compassion

Pastor Brad, a local leader and firsthand witness to the storm’s devastation, shared his experience. “It’s like a scene out of a movie,” he said. “But God is here in the middle of it. And He’s asking us to love on His people now.”

That love is showing up in practical ways—through ministries like Operation Blessing, which continues to respond in London and surrounding areas. We’re on the ground distributing critical aid to Kentucky tornado survivors, including:

🧺 Cleanup kits filled with tools and supplies to help clear debris
🍽️ Emergency meal kits to feed families who’ve lost everything
🙏 Spiritual support and prayer, bringing comfort to the brokenhearted

Delivering Supplies to Survivors of Kentucky Tornado When They’re Needed Most

As trailers rolled into the disaster zone packed with essentials, the response from the community was one of deep gratitude. “Seeing those supplies come in—it’s overwhelming,” said Pastor Brad. “We need the buckets to carry out debris. We need the food. And we need to know someone still sees us.”

Every bucket, every box, every meal distributed represents more than just aid—it’s a reminder that the people of Kentucky are not forgotten.

If you’re a Kentucky tornado victim or someone looking to help, know that Operation Blessing is here. And we’re not leaving.

“You almost feel like you’re in a war zone… something you don’t think will happen to your local community.”
— Pastor Brad, London, Kentucky

How You Can Provide Support to Kentucky Tornado Victims

Right now, you can offer support to disaster victims through generosity, prayer, and action. Your gift helps deliver tangible relief—supplies, food, care, and cleanup materials—to those who need it most.

🙏 Pray for the families starting over
🎁 Donate to help provide critical aid
🤝 Share this story to raise awareness and inspire others

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

Join a Trusted Disaster Response Charity in Making a Difference

At Operation Blessing, we’ve responded to disasters around the world—and we’re committed to our neighbors in Kentucky. As a trusted disaster relief charity, our mission is to bring hope where it’s needed most, guided by faith, compassion, and love in action.

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Let’s stand with Kentucky. Let’s rebuild—together.

Kentucky Tornado Response

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When an EF-3 tornado tore through London, Kentucky, it left a trail of destruction almost too painful to describe. Entire neighborhoods were flattened. Families lost everything. Lives were turned upside down in a matter of moments.

But even in the midst of heartbreak, we can show them they are not alone—thanks to compassionate friends like you.

On the Frontlines After A Tornado Devastates London, Kentucky

When Operation Blessing’s U.S. Disaster Relief team arrived in London, we found a community in crisis. Streets were barely recognizable. Many homes were completely gone. Survivors stood in stunned silence among the wreckage, unsure where to turn.

Pastor Parrett, a local leader, walked with us through the hardest-hit neighborhoods. He pointed to houses that once belonged to church members, coworkers, friends. Each structure told a story of loss. And yet, amidst the rubble, there was a quiet strength: neighbors helping neighbors, clinging to their faith, ready to rebuild.

And because of you, Operation Blessing is ready to respond. We are on the ground to bring disaster relief to those who need it most.

How You Can Help with Kentucky Tornado Relief

When disaster strikes, every moment counts. You can make a real difference in the lives of families across Kentucky who are facing unimaginable loss.

Here’s how you can take action:

Make a disaster response donation to fuel ongoing relief efforts
Share this story to raise awareness in your community
Lift up London, Kentucky in prayer, as families begin the long journey to recovery

A Call to Compassion

This community is hurting—but they are not alone. As believers, neighbors, and human beings, we are called to respond with love and action. Every gift—whether large or small—helps provide shelter, sustenance, and hope to someone who has lost everything.

Join Operation Blessing in our Kentucky tornado response today. Together, we can bring healing to London and restore what’s been broken.

Volunteers Bring Relief to a Flooded Community

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Ryan, a father of two, stood in front of the damaged house his family calls home and the remnants of his flooded community. “There’s normally not water here,” he said. “It’s normally just a hill and a road.” But after heavy rains, the hill turned into a powerful stream, nearly 200 feet wide, cutting through their neighborhood and leaving destruction in its wake.

For weeks, the family felt stuck—unsure where to begin. The task felt too overwhelming to tackle alone. “We didn’t do anything to our house until after a month,” he said.

A Welcome Helping Hand for a Flooded Community

That’s when Operation Blessing volunteers arrived to help the once flooded community recover from the damage. Coming from outside the community—and even from outside the country—they stepped in to help clean up, repair, and restore what the flood had taken. Their presence brought not just practical help, but also renewed hope.

“It’s been a huge blessing to us,” he said. “To learn to let others help us with our home—and to pour into our lives—has really meant a lot.”

Restoring More Than a House

As volunteers pulled up flooring, carried out debris, and helped rebuild, they also reminded this family that they weren’t alone. Together with your support, they showed up—people with no personal connection—just a desire to help.

“It’s encouraging to see people take time away from their lives to help us get back to normal,” he said simply.

Moving Forward Together

While the damage from the flood was significant, this family’s story is now marked by community and kindness. With the support of caring volunteers and friends like you, they’ve taken meaningful steps toward recovery.

Thanks to your generosity, families like theirs are reminded that even in hard seasons, they’re not forgotten. Your love is helping to restore homes—and hope—one family at a time.