A Beacon of Hope for a Family Facing Overwhelming Adversity

ASHEVILLE – Hope can bloom even in the face of overwhelming adversity. When Hurricane Helene unleashed its fury upon Asheville, North Carolina, it threatened to drown the spirit of a community. One family in particular found solace in Operation Blessing’s community of support after Hurricane Helene unleashed catastrophic flooding, devastating their home and their entire area.

“I’ve lived here all my life,” Lee began. A grandfather to nine and a great-grandfather to two, his deep roots in Asheville were evident as he spoke of his family’s multi-generational connection to the land. Together with his wife, they built a life full of love and resilience. But their world changed overnight when relentless rains turned their community into a flood zone, sweeping away their home, vehicles, and cherished belongings.

“We stood on the porch and watched it all wash away,” Lee told us. Yet, even in the face of overwhelming loss, he found solace in his faith. “I didn’t blame God. … The good Lord provided for us.”

Overcoming Overwhelming Adversity Because of YOU!

That provision came in the form of Operation Blessing and donors like YOU, whose timely intervention brought hope and much-needed aid to the family and their community. With the support of such kindhearted friends, our disaster teams provided essential resources to help them rebuild not just their home, but their hope.

charity helping couple after the hurricane

Together with our supporters and volunteers, our teams arrived in Asheville to help distribute clean water, food boxes, hygiene kits, and other essentials. In partnership with local churches, we provided hot meals to those who had lost access to their cooking facilities. In Asheville’s River Arts District, where floodwaters had devastated local businesses, our volunteers set up temporary spaces for artisans to continue their crafts, revitalizing the community’s cultural heartbeat and sustaining livelihoods.

To top things off, our supporters enabled us to create a Christmas village for the families affected by Helene. Parents and children alike had a day filled with Christmas cheer that included snacks, games, and even presents.

For Lee’s family, your support was life changing. Their property, once home to his grandfather’s house, held deep sentimental value. “This place has been here all my life,” he said. With your assistance, we transformed a damaged mobile home structure that also existed on the property into a sturdy house for them, a symbol of their perseverance and hope. You helped provide the insulation and flooring needed to make it a safe and pleasant place to live.

And Operation Blessing will continue serving the people of Asheville for months to come.

As Lee’s family reflects on their journey from devastation to restoration, they remain anchored by faith and community thanks to friends like you. Their story of overcoming overwhelming adversity was made possible by your kindness. “Thank you. It’s just a blessing. The good Lord works through everybody.”

California Wildfire Destruction: Disaster Victims Need YOU!

HELP DISASTER VICTIMS NOW

CALIFORNIA – The devastating California wildfires continue to leave a trail of destruction in their wake. The breadth and scale of the destruction from the California fires is unimaginable. Homes are now in ashes, families are displaced, and communities forever altered. As smoke still lingers in the air and roads remain impassable, the extent of the devastation becomes increasingly clear. Entire neighborhoods have been reduced to rubble, and the emotional toll on those affected is heartbreaking. What remains after the specter of California wildfire destruction is a grim reality for thousands of victims.

The wildfires have forced countless families to flee their homes with little more than the clothes on their backs. The trauma is undeniable. Many survivors are still in shock, grappling with the enormity of their loss. For them, the road to recovery is long and uncertain. However, amidst the destruction, a glimmer of hope is emerging. And that glimmer is…friends like YOU!

YOU Are Bringing Hope to the Devastated

Because you are partnering with Operation Blessing, we are able to reach out to disaster victims grasping at any shred of hope. Your love and support is helping us work tirelessly on the front lines. Despite challenges, our team has reached some of the hardest-hit areas, providing essential supplies and a comforting presence. Food, water, hygiene kits, and other resources are being distributed to those in desperate need. Partnering with local groups like Bel Air Church, Operation Blessing ensures warm meals are delivered to both survivors and first responders who have been working around the clock.

Help for California Wildfire Victims: How You Can Make a Difference

The generosity of caring Americans like you has been instrumental in aiding the California wildfire victims. YOU, our faithful partners and volunteers show up time and time again, contributing time, resources, and funds to support people in trouble. As Pastor Drew Sams pointed out, this is not just a short-term crisis; it’s a long-term commitment to rebuilding lives. For many, the journey to recovery will span years, but every act of kindness helps bring them closer to normalcy.

Join the Effort

The road to recovery from the California wildfire destruction may be long, but with your support, it is not insurmountable. Stand with Operation Blessing and countless others who are committed to helping California wildfire victims. Together, we can make a lasting impact, one family, one meal, and one act of kindness at a time.

HELP DISASTER VICTIMS NOW

A Lifeline of Support For Hardworking Americans

UNITED STATES – In today’s challenging economic climate, even those working multiple jobs can find themselves struggling to make ends meet. Katrina, a dedicated special education teacher’s assistant by day and front desk attendant by night, knows this reality all too well. Life for hardworking Americans like Katrina are difficult due to the pressures of a difficult economy.

“It’s been tough. I won’t lie,” Katrina admits. “Just trying to make ends meet at times. … One job takes care of the mortgage, the other job takes care of the car payment and everything else in the middle. I hustle, just to make it through.”

A Common Dilemma for Hardworking Americans

Despite her tireless work ethic, Katrina often faces difficult choices when it comes to personal expenses. “Do I need it? Do I have to have it? Can I do without? And that’s what hurts,” she shares, revealing the emotional toll of financial stress so many hardworking Americans face.

Support for People in Need

Fortunately, Katrina found crucial support through Operation Blessing’s food partnership with our distribution partner New Life Church. Initially hesitant, Katrina recalls her first visit to the food pantry: “I’ll be honest with you, I was a little embarrassed. I hadn’t done anything wrong. But I’m like, ‘Lord, I’m in this line. I’m working. I’m trying to do everything I know possible to do, and I’m having to be in this line.’”

However, the warmth and dignity she experienced quickly put her at ease. “Everybody prays with you. They uplift you. Everyone has a beautiful smile, and it makes your heart feel good,” Katrina says.

The quality and variety of food she receives has been a gamechanger, allowing her to spend her limited resources more effectively. “When I go to the pharmacy, I can pick up my medicine,” Katrina explains. “I don’t have to ask, ‘Can you hold onto this for a day or two?’ or wait until I get paid.”

And it’s all because of friends like you that we can help hardworking people like Katrina. Beyond the immediate relief, your support is enabling Katrina to pursue her dreams. While juggling her jobs, she’s also finishing her general studies with plans to earn a degree in American Sign Language. Her passion for helping others shines through in her work with special education students: “They have taught me unconditional love. No matter what, they have a smile,” she said. “I want to give to the children … I want to let them know they mean something.”

Katrina’s story is a powerful reminder of the impact that compassionate supporters like you have on the daily lives of those we are privileged to serve. It’s not just about providing food; it’s about offering hope, dignity, and the opportunity for a better future.

As for the support she’s received, Katrina’s gratitude is heartfelt. “Thank you from the bottom of my heart. You are a godsend. If it wasn’t for you, I don’t know where I would be.”

Overcoming a Painful Hernia in Cambodia

CAMBODIA – For families living in rural Cambodia, access to essential healthcare can seem like an impossible dream. In one remote village, 6-year-old Erron faced a daily struggle caused by a painful hernia that left him unable to play, eat properly, or enjoy life like other children. Erron’s family, who depended on rice farming and fishing to survive, couldn’t afford the costly surgery he desperately needed. Watch this story of hardship transformed into hope—that begins with you.

A Young Boy’s Struggle with a Painful Hernia

Erron’s condition started shortly after birth, gradually worsening over time. “I felt pain in my lower stomach, especially when the weather was cold,” Erron recalls. The constant discomfort left him tired and reluctant to eat. Despite their best efforts, Erron’s parents couldn’t find an affordable solution. Local clinics were unable to help, and the cost of surgery at a city hospital was far beyond their reach. Left without options, the family turned to prayer, hoping for a miracle.

“I felt pain in my lower stomach, especially when the weather was cold.”
-Erron

Hope Arrives with Free Hernia Surgery

That miracle came in the form of Operation Blessing’s medical team. Thanks to generous partners and supporters like you, Erron received life-changing hernia surgery at no cost to his family. The team arrived in the village equipped with expertise, compassion, and the resources needed to provide free medical care to children in desperate need.

A Life Transformed

The impact was immediate and profound. “After the surgery, my son said he doesn’t feel any pain anymore,” Erron’s mother shares with a smile. “He’s eating well and playing like all the other boys now.” Today, Erron enjoys playful adventures. “After my operation, I felt like a superhero! I can run, ride my bike, and have epic games with my friends,” Erron exclaims. Thank you for your kindness and for being a part of transforming his life.

The Ongoing Need for Medical Care

Overcoming a painful hernia in regions like Cambodia isn’t just about providing surgery—it’s about restoring a child’s future and lifting the burden from struggling families. Without the intervention of Operation Blessing and your unwavering support, children like Erron might continue to suffer in silence, unable to afford the care they need.

You Made This Possible

Your generosity makes these moments of healing possible. By partnering with Operation Blessing, you help deliver not only medical care but also renewed hope to those in need. Every donation, every act of kindness, and every share of this story extends the reach of our mission to bring healing to even the most remote corners of the world.

You are the reason Erron can now live a pain-free life. You made it happen. Because of you, children who once faced impossible odds are now thriving. Together, we can continue to bring life-changing care to more children like Erron. Let’s keep spreading hope, one surgery, one life, and one village at a time.

Thank you for being part of this journey—for believing that every child deserves a chance to grow, play, and dream without pain.

Support Operation Blessing

Help us provide free hernia surgery in Cambodia and other critical medical interventions around the world. With your support, we can continue overcoming barriers to healthcare and transforming lives. Share this story, spread the word, and join us in making a lasting difference.

Responding to California Wildfires

HELP DISASTER VICTIMS NOW

CALIFORNIA – Devastating California wildfires have once again left countless families grappling with immense loss and uncertainty. Communities have seen homes, childhood memories, and livelihoods wiped out by these relentless blazes. While the destruction caused by the California wildfires is heartbreaking, stories of friends like you stepping up to help are emerging to shine the light of hope.

California Wildfire Destruction and Its Impact

The destruction wrought by the California wildfires is vast, with entire neighborhoods reduced to ashes. Jada, a local resident, shared, “Obviously, things have been affected, but also people’s lives have been gone—their childhood, their memories, their livelihood.” Many families are now facing displacement and financial hardship, unsure of when they will be able to return to their homes. In addition to the immediate loss of property, the wildfires have disrupted the lives of already vulnerable populations.

Oliver, who had to evacuate his home in Los Angeles, expressed his gratitude for the support he received, saying, “It seems very, very kind of you that you’re helping us with food and supplies. May God bless you in a big way, truly, from the heart.”

Community Support in the Wake of the Fires

In the midst of the crisis, local organizations and churches have mobilized to provide much-needed relief. Operation Blessing has been on the ground offering critical aid to affected families. Diego from Operation Blessing explained, “The local church in California has been the key for us to react and act—activating the ministry, activating the church to be the hands and feet of Jesus, bringing aid to families in need.”

One such effort involved a donations drive led by Cathedral Church. According to Daniel, a volunteer, “We’re doing a donations drive so people are coming through, they’re receiving hot meals, and they fill out a sheet of different needs—clothing, diapers, water—whatever way we can help them.” The swift response and dedication of volunteers have been crucial in addressing the immediate needs of wildfire survivors.

Helping Families After the California Wildfires

The road to recovery for families affected by the California wildfires will be long, but with ongoing community support, there is hope. Operation Blessing remains committed to standing with these families. Diego emphasized, “We are committed to being here, to support the families, to support the ministries that are firsthand helping the families. We are here right now on the front lines helping people—thanks to you.”

HELP DISASTER VICTIMS NOW

The Light After Darkness for a Hamas Hostage

PHILIPPINES – “When they took me, I never expected they’d bring me back alive.” These haunting words from Jimmy Pacheco capture the terror he faced as a Hamas hostage. Pacheco endured a horrifying ordeal as one of the hostages taken by Hamas during the October 7, 2023, attack in Israel. Jimmy, a Filipino national, worked as a caregiver for an elderly man in Israel. On that day, his employer was brutally murdered, and Jimmy was taken hostage. During his captivity, he suffered tremendously and feared he would lose his mind. Out of desperation, he even ate toilet paper dampened by water on the walls—so he could survive and see his children again.

The Fate of a Hamas Hostage

After being held for more than a month, Jimmy was finally freed in November 2023. An Operation Blessing team from his Philippines homeland was on the ground in Israel and provided him with emotional support.

“When I first saw the sunlight and came out from the tunnel, I just knelt,” Jimmy said, his voice full of emotion. “I thanked the Lord because I saw the sun again and breathed fresh air.”

Thanks to friends like you, Jimmy’s story didn’t end with his release—it transformed into one of hope and giving. The trauma of Jimmy’s experience led him home to the Philippines, where Operation Blessing remained in touch with him. “Life has gotten easier,” Jimmy shared, finding peace with his family in Santa Ana, situated in the province of Cagayan.

But rather than focus solely on his own recovery after being a Hamas hostage, Jimmy turned to his community’s needs. “I can’t help but think about my neighbors,” he explained. “Since I was young, I’ve always preferred giving rather than receiving. You know what they say: it’s better to be the giver than the receiver.”

Because of your generosity, Operation Blessing was able to partner with Jimmy to bring vital healthcare to remote areas in Santa Ana. Through our mobile medical clinics, your compassionate support provided eye exams, medicines, vitamins, hygiene kits, and health screenings to hundreds of families across three underserved communities—all free of charge.

“They really need this kind of medical mission,” Jimmy emphasized, speaking of his neighbors.

In these isolated locations, access to basic healthcare is often out of reach, and the challenges Jimmy witnessed growing up in this region stayed with him even during his years working abroad. Having experienced hardship in his own childhood, he understood firsthand how a lack of basic medical care can impact entire families.

That’s why Operation Blessing’s mobile medical clinic was so crucial—it brought essential healthcare directly to these communities, removing barriers of distance and cost that had long prevented many from receiving the care they desperately needed.

Your continued kindness helped turn one man’s traumatic experience into a multiplying blessing for his community! Despite Jimmy’s own challenges, his first thought was to help others. Your faithful support allowed him to become the hands and feet of Jesus for his neighbors. Jimmy’s story is a reminder to us all that Jesus can take even our darkest moments and use them to become a light for others.

Operation Blessing Providing Resources for California Wildfire-Affected Communities

VIRGINIA BEACH, VA (January 9, 2025) – A disaster relief team from Operation Blessing is headed West to help residents in California wildfire-affected communities. The destructive fires have so far killed 10 people and destroyed over 10,000 structures. More than 180,000 residents are under evacuation orders while roughly 5 fires are still raging in the greater Los Angeles area.

The team is led by Diego Traverso, director of International Disaster Relief, who most recently oversaw Operation Blessing’s ongoing Hurricane Helene recovery efforts in North Carolina. The team is expected to begin arriving in Los Angeles later today. Once on the ground, they will begin assessing the situation to determine the greatest needs, as well as meeting with emergency management officials and local partners to set up distribution points.

On the Ground Relief Efforts

The demand for help in California wildfire-affected communities is great. To meet the demand, boxes of items have already begun being unloaded to help those in greatest need. Residents will be given food, water, hygiene kits and solar lights to aid in bringing relief and a sense of normalcy to their lives amid the devastation.

Today, in partnership with World Vision, Operation Blessing dispatched a tractor-trailer truckload of emergency relief supplies from the organization’s Grand Prairie, TX warehouse. The truck is expected to arrive on Friday and a distribution has been planned for Saturday, January 11 to take place at 10am Pacific at the Cathedral Church Highland Park (6408 Ruby St, Los Angeles). In addition, longtime partner, the humanitarian organization Mercury One is also supporting Operation Blessing’s relief efforts.

HELP DISASTER VICTIMS NOW

DONATE NOW

ABOUT OPERATION BLESSING:

Operation Blessing (OB) provides humanitarian services such as strategic disaster relief, medical aid, hunger relief, clean water and community development. Founded in 1978, Operation Blessing has touched the lives of millions of people in more than 90 countries and every state.

Operation Blessing 2024 Impact: Love in Action Around the World

Your hands reach out with love around the world

Help More People in Need

In a world often marked by challenges, 2024 has stood as a beacon of hope, showcasing the transformative power of love in action around the world. This year, you have made an indelible impact by extending tangible help to communities in need across the globe. From providing clean water and medical care, to empowering entrepreneurs and responding to disasters, you have turned compassion into real, measurable change.

Transforming Lives Across the Globe

Clean Water Solutions in Mexico

One of the most essential gifts of life is clean water, and in 2024, Operation Blessing delivered over 190 clean water projects to communities worldwide. In Mexico, the installation of rainwater harvesting systems revolutionized daily life for families who no longer worry about their next sip of water. Through these efforts, children, parents, and entire communities have access to a reliable and safe water source, enabling them to focus on education and economic opportunities.

Small Business Empowerment in Indonesia

Budy in Indonesia experienced the transformative power of opportunity. With the support of Operation Blessing’s compassionate friends like you, he established a thriving small business, allowing him to feed his family and serve his community. Across the globe, similar vocational initiatives have empowered individuals to break free from the cycle of poverty and build sustainable futures.

Medical Care in Kenya and Other Communities in Need

With your help, Operation Blessing’s dedicated medical teams provided critical healthcare services to over 40,000 patients. From routine checkups to life-saving treatments, these efforts have enabled families to pursue healthier and brighter futures. In areas where healthcare access is limited, this support has truly been life-changing.

Love in Action in the United States

This year, Operation Blessing responded to 19 disasters across 17 states, delivering over 100 truckloads of relief supplies. But one of the most poignant examples of love in action was seen in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene in North Carolina.

Hurricane Helene: Rebuilding Hope in Asheville

When Hurricane Helene struck, the devastation left families in Asheville grappling with despair. Through your generosity, We were able to mobilize volunteers who worked tirelessly to restore homes, distribute critical supplies, and serve hot meals. Local families found hope in the kindness of strangers, and artists from Asheville’s River Arts District were given the resources to rebuild their livelihoods.

A highlight of these efforts was the establishment of a large warehouse serving as a safe space for artisans to restart their businesses. This initiative not only helped families recover but also set the stage for a thriving creative community in 2025 and beyond.

A Legacy of Love in Action around the World

Operation Blessing’s work in 2024 underscores a legacy of over 45 years of putting faith into action. This year alone, supporters have:

Served over 53,000 meals to hungry families.
Delivered disaster relief to 18 countries worldwide.
Provided over 200 surgeries for under served patients.

From the villages of Kenya to the heart of Asheville, Operation Blessing supporters like you have been the hands and feet of Jesus, offering help and hope to those who need it most. Together, we’ve proven that love in action can change the world.

As we look ahead to 2025, the call to make an even greater impact remains. Join us in continuing this mission of compassion and transformation. Together, we can bring hope to more communities and turn the vision of a better world into reality.

Help More People in 2025

The Miracle of Healed Hearts

CHINA – A hole in the heart—those simple words carry the weight of a terrifying diagnosis for many children around the world. For Mingruis, a young boy from China, this condition was a death sentence. But through the grace of modern medicine, and the generosity of Operation Blessing donors like you, Mingruis’ heart was healed and his life saved.

The Struggle of a Family Facing the Impossible

Mingruis’ story began like so many others: with a diagnosis no parent wants to hear. Because he was born with a hole in his heart and narrow arteries, doctors predicted that as Mingruis grew older, his condition would worsen. His heart would become weaker, and eventually, he would run out of time. By the time he reached his 18th birthday, his chances of survival were grim.

His mother recalls the pain of watching her son suffer daily. Mingruis had a weak immune system, and he caught every cold that came his way. He was always exhausted, unable to eat much, and stopped growing as he should. He couldn’t even run or play like other children. “When I tried, my heart ached,” Mingruis said. “It was like a monster biting me.”

Even worse, Mingruis’ condition kept him isolated from the world around him. The local school would not accept him because of his heart condition. He stayed home alone with his action figure—his only companion. While other children went to school, laughed with friends, and played outside, Mingruis could only dream of those simple joys.

The Desperate Need for Heart Surgery in China

As Mingruis’ heart condition grew worse, his family feared they were losing him. Doctors told them that surgery was the only hope, but there was one major obstacle: money. Without the funds for heart surgery, Mingruis’ life could not be saved. In China, many families face similar struggles, unable to afford the high costs of medical care, especially for life-threatening conditions like a hole in the heart. Yet, hope arrived when a compassionate doctor introduced them to Operation Blessing and friends like you who could help.

The Miracle of Healing: How Operation Blessing Made the Impossible Possible

You stepped in and made a life-saving surgery possible for Mingruis. Thanks your love and generosity, Mingruis was able to receive the heart surgery in China that would change his life. Today, Mingruis is a completely different child. He is healthy, strong, and able to run, jump, and play just like other children his age. For the first time, he can attend school without fear of his heart failing him.

But You Really Healed Hearts for 3 People…

What makes this story so incredible is how you healed hearts for the entire family. His father said, “You also told us the story of Jesus. Now we know Jesus as the true GOD.”

“You also told us the story of Jesus. Now we know Jesus as the true GOD.”

Your Generosity Creates Miracles

Thanks to your support, his story is one of survival and hope. You are the reason that children like Mingruis can get the medical care they desperately need. You made this miracle happen!

Operation Blessing relies on partners like you to continue providing life-saving surgeries and medical treatments to children and families in need. Whether it’s providing heart surgery in China, life-saving medications, or access to medical care that would otherwise be out of reach, your support makes it possible.

Bringing Christmas Cheer to Asheville Families Affected by Helene

NORTH CAROLINA – Western North Carolina is still feeling the devastating impacts of Hurricane Helene. With Christmas approaching, many families still battling homelessness faced the daunting prospect of a bleak holiday season. However, thanks to your generosity, a hundred families in the region were able to experience the joy of Christmas because you sent Christmas cheer to Asheville.

With your help, Operation Blessing, set up a special Christmas village to provide families with gifts, food, and fun activities. “This Christmas season, Operation Blessing is bringing joy to Western North Carolina,” said Haley, a representative from the organization. “We want to reflect on Christ’s love, and that he brings light to even difficult situations.”

The Christmas village was a merry sight, complete with decorated trees, crafts, games, and snacks for everyone. Parents were able to shop for gifts. You ensured that no child would be left without a present on Christmas morning.

“This is a big help to us this Christmas,” said one grateful parent, Christian. “Even to get a Christmas tree, plus all the presents and the jackets and the pajamas, it’s very, very nice.”

The impact of your work was evident on the faces of the children. “Whenever I see those kids’ faces,” said Ana, a volunteer, “it makes my heart full. It makes me realize I’m around the right people. Like, this is amazing. You see those little faces, it does everything.”

For many families, the Christmas village was a lifesaver. “It was a great blessing,” said another parent. “It was a miracle. We didn’t know how we were going to buy gifts for all the kids, and so it was an incredible, incredible blessing.”

You Can Make a Difference in Asheville and Beyond

The road to recovery for these Hurricane Helene survivors continues; but with your continued support, we can ensure they don’t walk it alone. Your generosity has already made a profound impact, bringing joy, hope, and Christmas to families during this difficult time.

Now, as we continue our efforts to support the homeless in North Carolina and work towards improving their temporary housing situation, your ongoing support remains crucial. You are the reason these families can see a glimmer of hope in these dark hours. Thank you again for sending Christmas cheer to Asheville. Your generosity today can bring light, hope, and tangible support to those who need it most in the aftermath of disasters like Hurricane Helene.