Portraits of Promise for Vulnerable Children Worldwide

Meet Brian | Kenya

KENYA – Brian is a sweet young boy who should have had a world of possibilities open to him. But instead, he lived with his four siblings in the Madurai slums on the outskirts of Nairobi, Kenya. Extreme poverty forced Brian into the streets, where he collected scrap metal to sell so he could buy a little food to eat. Vulnerable children worldwide, like Brian, often face such harsh realities. Without intervention, his future looked bleak—a life of drugs, gangs, and ongoing poverty.

Brian’s mother did her best as a single parent, but she had no consistent income. Being orphaned herself, she simply didn’t know how to care for her little ones. Sometimes, their landlord locked them out because she couldn’t afford to pay $20 for rent.

Can you imagine how desperate she must have felt to watch her children searching for scrap metal in the street—in hopes of buying something to eat?

Grabbing a Lifeline of Hope

Children like Brian can’t choose where they’re born. They have few opportunities to create better lives for themselves. Most continue to live a life of hardship, passing it down to the next generation. That is, unless someone like you intervenes.

Thankfully, Brian’s story didn’t end there. His loving mother reached out for help and found it. She took Brian to Our Home, a children’s home with Orphan’s Promise. Once there, Brian received nutritious meals, counseling, and a stable, caring living environment. He also began attending school there.

Today, thanks to the ongoing care and support of friends like you, Brian is able to read and write. He loves school and wants to attend every day. Now that he feels safe, he can dream of a better future—and get the support he needs to make those dreams come true!

Meet Esmily | Kenya

KENYA – Vulnerable children worldwide, including Esmily, need such lifelines. Five-year-old Esmily also joined Our Home after being rescued from extreme poverty that could have left her both orphaned and homeless. Once she became part of a stable environment that had proper food and caregivers who loved and supported her, she blossomed.

Esmily works hard on her studies at our school and is growing into an intelligent, confident child. A quick learner, she has begun helping around the house and completes her tasks independently. She began attending church and now loves reading the Bible, attending prayer meetings, and singing on the children’s church praise and worship team.

Your love is enabling this precious child to thrive— personally, academically, and spiritually. Her caregivers believe that Esmily has great potential for success that will give her a brighter future.

Meet Franzi | Guatemala

GUATEMALA – Franzi’s life changed when he met Orphan’s Promise in 2019. Franzi was just 6 years old when his father abandoned them, leaving his family in extreme poverty. They lived in a tiny house with no electricity. His mother made just $2 a day working in the fields and could only feed her children potatoes with salt and water. Many nights, Franzi slept with the animals because there was no room inside.

From a young age, Franzi began helping his mother by selling whatever they could manage— ice cream, jams, vegetables, and fruit—after school to earn a little extra money. By age 10, he began traveling further from home to sell their wares, but he yearned for more. He wanted to become a doctor or an engineer, but that would require more schooling.

Then compassionate people like you intervened through Orphan’s Promise and helped Franzi complete school and even get a college degree. Today, he works as a project manager for World Vision. “My life has changed radically,” he told us. “I now inspire other young people in my community.” He dreams of furthering his education and one day getting his master’s degree.

A New Partnership to Help Vulnerable Children

For 20 years, Orphan’s Promise has helped vulnerable children worldwide, like Brian, Esmily, and Franzi, thrive in more than 70 countries around the world through improved nutrition, discipleship, and education. This month, they are officially joining hands with Operation Blessing, becoming a part of our organization—and our family!

With more than 143 million orphaned and at-risk children globally, the need is great. We believe that together, we can help even more children and families— and make a deeper impact in communities through hunger relief, medical care, clean water, and even disaster relief.

Please join us in welcoming Orphan’s Promise to the Operation Blessing family.

A Well of Promise: Bringing Clean Water to Baan Nong Khae

THAILAND – For the families of Baan Nong Khae, Thailand, every dry season meant desperation. As shallow wells ran dry and rainwater disappeared, parents faced impossible choices—spend scarce income on costly water or ration what little they had. Children fell sick, and daily life revolved around the struggle for a basic human necessity: clean water. That is what generations of these villagers endured—until friends like you brought clean water to Baan Nong Khae.

Through your compassionate giving, Operation Blessing was able to drill a deep, 64-meter well and install a water treatment system that provides safe, clean water to all 255 residents of Baan Nong Khae. For the first time, clean water to Baan Nong Khae means families no longer fear shortages. Children can drink without the risk of illness. Mothers can cook and clean without worrying about contamination. The future is full of hope, all because of the love and generosity of people like you.

The Impact of Clean Water

For young Wiphada, a 9-year-old student, the difference is life-changing. “We are glad to have this project. The water is clear and odorless. Having access to clean drinking water helps us stay healthy. Thank you for providing our community with good quality water.”

Beyond ensuring a reliable supply of clean water, the project also empowered the community with essential knowledge and training. A dedicated water committee was established, with five trained members responsible for maintaining the well. Additionally, Operation Blessing staff trained residents on proper handwashing, safe water storage, and ways to keep their village and water sources clean.

At the well’s dedication, the community gathered with the church to celebrate and give thanks. As they stood before the fresh, flowing water, a local pastor shared the words of Jesus: “But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life” (John 4:14). Indeed, this well is more than just a physical blessing—it is a promise of a better tomorrow, and together we brought it to them in Jesus’ name.

This gift of clean water to Baan Nong Khae is transforming lives, and it wouldn’t be possible without the kindness of friends like you. Thank you for being a part of this life-changing work.

Six Months Later: Bringing Hope to Western North Carolina

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NORTH CAROLINA – Six months have passed since Hurricane Helene tore through western North Carolina, but for many families, they are still reeling from the turmoil. Communities that once thrived are still working to recover, brick by brick, from the devastation left in the storm’s wake. Operation Blessing is still on the ground bringing hope to western North Carolina. Because of friends like you, we are continuing to walk alongside survivors as they rebuild their lives.

Delivering Comfort and Security to Those in Need

Our disaster relief team has been delivering furniture to families who lost everything. The furniture is more than just tables, chairs, or beds—they represent a fresh start and moving forward. For those who have been living without even the most basic comforts of home, these deliveries bring warmth, dignity, and a renewed sense of security.

“We’re trying to bring them back to a sense of normalcy,” says one of Operation Blessing’s staff. “To give them comfort. To remind them they’re not alone.”

Each couch and dining table rings the bell of hope—and a community coming together to rise above tragedy. All of this is supported by your kindness. With every delivery, we’re showing families that they haven’t been forgotten and that their journey toward healing will continue.

Support Still Needed for Full Recovery

Even though the storm is long gone, its impact is still being felt across the region. Many families are still living in temporary housing or struggling to meet their basic needs. The path to full recovery is long, and continued support is essential.

Thanks to your donations and prayers, Operation Blessing has been able to respond swiftly and compassionately. But there is still more work to be done. North Carolina needs you—your generosity, your prayers, your partnership.

Together, We Are Restoring Hope to Western North Carolina

Operation Blessing remains on the ground.

Recovery is never easy, but it becomes possible when we come together. Your support reminds these families that they’re not alone—that someone is standing with them in their hardest moments. That message of hope and love is just as important as any piece of furniture we can provide.

Thank you for being a vital part of this mission and helping us restore homes, comfort hearts, and rebuild lives. You are truly bringing hope to western North Carolina. Your kindness is making a lasting impact, one family at a time.

Immediate Relief After the Myanmar and Thailand Earthquake: Operation Blessing Responds to Tragedy

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MYANMAR – After the deadly Myanmar and Thailand earthquake that took thousands of lives, Operation Blessing’s Global Disaster Response Team is on the ground, offering immediate help to those affected. Our team is working rigorously to assess the situation and provide much-needed aid to those facing this heartbreaking tragedy. With your support, we are making a tangible difference in the lives of those in need.

On the Ground: Providing Critical Aid in Bangkok

Members of our team are on location in Bangkok, assessing the situation and coordinating relief efforts alongside our local Myanmar team. They are working around the clock to bring essential resources to the hardest-hit communities. Thanks to your generosity, Operation Blessing has been able to respond quickly, delivering emergency supplies such as food, clean water, and medical kits to those who need it most.

Our team’s presence provides more than just physical supplies—it brings a message of hope, support, and compassion to those struggling in the aftermath of this disaster.

The Power of Prayer and Community Support

As they continue to serve victims of the Myanmar and Thailand earthquake, our team asks for your prayers. “Continue to pray for those who have been affected by this tragic situation, and continue to pray for our team.” These prayers are a powerful part of our mission.

We are deeply grateful for your generosity—whether through financial donations, volunteer efforts, or prayers. Every act of kindness allows us to reach more people and provide critical relief to those suffering.

Looking Ahead: A Long Road to Recovery

While the immediate relief efforts continue, the road to recovery for those affected by this disaster will be long and challenging. Operation Blessing is committed to walking alongside these communities, offering both short-term aid and long-term support as they rebuild their lives. We will continue to assess ongoing needs and adjust our response to ensure that we are providing the help that is most needed.

Your ongoing support after the Myanmar and Thailand earthquake is making all of this possible. Together, we can continue to bring hope, healing, and restoration to those in need. Thank you for being part of this mission. May God bless you and those you help through your generosity.

Here’s How You’re Helping Earthquake Survivors in Myanmar

MYANMAR- In the wake of the devastating 7.7- magnitude earthquake, hope is shining through in Myanmar—thanks to friends like you. The people of Myanmar were already facing incredible hardships, with over 1.6 million displaced before the earthquake struck. Now, as communities struggle to recover from yet another crisis, Operation Blessing is there, providing immediate relief and critical aid to earthquake survivors in Myanmar.

On The Ground: Immediate Relief for Myanmar

Our dedicated local team is on the ground, working tirelessly to prepare and distribute emergency relief kits to those in desperate need. These kits contain life-saving supplies—food, clean water, and essential hygiene products—ensuring that survivors have the resources to sustain themselves during this incredibly difficult time.

Because of your generosity, help is already reaching those who need it most. Your support has made it possible for us to act swiftly, getting aid to the hardest-hit areas and offering not just supplies, but also hope. For many families, your kindness is the difference between despair and the possibility of rebuilding their lives.

A Team of Hope: Experts Providing Aid in Myanmar

And this is just the beginning. The Global Disaster Response Team is already on the ground, bringing additional relief and support. These trained professionals are working alongside local teams to assess damage, distribute aid, and ensure that help reaches those in the most dire situations. Their presence is a crucial part of Operation Blessing’s long-term response, bringing not only critical resources but also encouragement and strength to those affected.

The Road Ahead: Long-Term Support for Earthquake Survivors in Myanmar

The road to recovery will be long, but Operation Blessing is committed to standing with the people of Myanmar in the days and weeks ahead. Continued support is essential to sustain these relief efforts and help families begin rebuilding their lives.

Thank you for being a part of this mission of mercy. Your generosity is making a real and immediate difference for earthquake survivors in Myanmar.

Operation Blessing Brings Hope to Oklahoma Through Wildfire Relief

OKLAHOMA – The aftermath of recent wildfires in Oklahoma is devastating. In just a few days, powerful winds fueled fast-moving flames, scorching vast areas across the state. Communities in Stillwater, Guthrie, Norman, and Luther have been hit hard, with homes, farms, and businesses reduced to ashes. Due to the size of the destruction across the rural landscape, the need for Oklahoma wildfire relief is greater than ever.

Firefighters battled tirelessly, but the sheer number of fires and intense winds made containment extremely difficult. Families from all backgrounds—regardless of wealth or status—have lost everything. These wildfires didn’t pick and choose; they tore through neighborhoods indiscriminately, leaving widespread destruction in their wake.

Operation Blessing Takes Action

As news of the disaster spread, your support allowed Operation Blessing to quickly mobilize a response team to assess the damage and deliver much-needed Oklahoma wildfire relief. Our team is on the ground meeting with community leaders, and first responders to coordinate support for those affected.

One key partner has been the Luther Community Service Center, a local hub providing food, clothing, and essentials to struggling families. With so many residents displaced and left with nothing, even the most basic necessities—like hygiene products—are in short supply. Thanks to your support we’ve been able to distribute hygiene kits, meal kits, and home depot cleanup equipment as part of our Oklahoma wildfire relief efforts, offering some comfort in a time of overwhelming loss.

Neighbors Helping Neighbors

In the face of tragedy, the perseverance of the Oklahoma community is shining through. Volunteers, churches, and organizations have come together, showing that no one has to face this hardship alone.

How You Can Make a Difference

Operation Blessing is committed to helping Oklahoma’s wildfire victims—but we can’t do it alone. You can help by donating, spreading the word, or volunteering to support those in need.

Continue to visit OB.org to learn more about our continuing Oklahoma wildfire relief efforts. Also follow us on social media for updates on how we’re bringing relief to communities in crisis. Together, we can make a real impact.

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

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OKLAHOMA – Following intense storms and tornadoes through the southwest, the people of Oklahoma are facing a devastating crisis. Raging wildfires have swept across the state, burning thousands of acres and destroying over 400 homes. Families have been displaced, entire communities reduced to ashes, and countless lives turned upside down. In times like these, immediate action is needed to provide critical relief to Oklahoma wildfire victims.

The Impact of the Oklahoma Wildfires

Wildfires in Oklahoma have left a trail of destruction, forcing hundreds of families to evacuate and seek shelter. The blazes, fueled by dry conditions and strong winds, have consumed homes, businesses, and farmland, leaving communities desperate for help. These families need urgent support, including food, hygiene kits, and essential supplies to begin rebuilding their lives.

Operation Blessing has swiftly mobilized disaster relief teams to provide immediate help for wildfire victims in Oklahoma. We are delivering critical aid, offering prayers, and supporting communities in their time of need.

How Operation Blessing Is Providing Help for Oklahoma

At Operation Blessing, we understand the devastating impact of wildfires. Having recently responded to the destructive fires in California, we have seen firsthand the heartbreak and challenges faced by survivors. That’s why we’ve rushed emergency relief to Oklahoma, ensuring families receive the aid they so desperately need.

Our relief efforts include:

Emergency food distribution – Providing meals to families affected by the disaster
Hygiene kits and essential supplies – Personal care items and necessities for daily living
Clean up supplies – Supporting clean up efforts in the area

You Can Be the Difference for Oklahoma Wildfire Victims

Your support allows us to respond swiftly when disasters strike, bringing tangible relief and comfort to those in despair. Through your continued giving, you have not only helped Oklahoma wildfire victims but also provided life-saving aid to men, women, and children across the globe—including Peru, where communities rely on your kindness and generosity.

Join Us in Bringing Help and Hope

Now more than ever, wildfire victims in Oklahoma need your support. Your donation can make a direct impact, providing relief to families who have lost everything. Together, we can restore hope and rebuild lives.

Thank you for being a beacon of light in the darkest times. Your compassion changes lives, and your generosity makes miracles happen every day.

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Before the Storm Strikes: Essential Tornado Safety Tips from Operation Blessing

As tornado season approaches, families across the country are preparing for the unexpected. Thanks to YOU, Operation Blessing and our friends at The Home Depot Foundation are stepping in to help communities stay ready before disaster strikes. Here are some essential tornado safety tips to help keep you and your family safe!

The Need: Preparedness Saves Lives

Tornadoes can form rapidly, leaving little time to react. Understanding the warning signs—such as heavy thunderstorms, hail, and green-tinted clouds—can make all the difference. But beyond awareness, families need a plan. That’s where your generosity is making an impact.

Through education and preparedness efforts, Operation Blessing is equipping communities with the tools and knowledge they need to weather the storm. From educating families on having safe retreat locations—whether it’s a basement, storm shelter, or an interior room—to providing vital supplies if disaster strikes, your support is helping create life-saving strategies.

Be Prepared with these Essential Tornado Safety Tips

Imagine the fear of an oncoming tornado and realizing your phone battery is low, your prescriptions are running out, or your important documents are unprotected. These are real concerns that can be mitigated with a little preparation. That’s why Operation Blessing along with The Home Depot Foundation are making sure families know the essentials: keeping cell phones charged, securing vital records, and ensuring emergency supplies are stocked.

When the Storm Hits: Acting Fast Saves Lives

Tornadoes don’t wait. When a warning is issued, every second counts. Families should move quickly to their designated safe space, away from windows and potential flying debris. It’s always better to be overly cautious than to hesitate.

Thank You for Being a Lifeline

Your generosity is helping families face tornado season with confidence rather than fear. Use these essential tornado safety tips to be prepared for whatever nature brings. Through the power of preparedness, you are making sure that when storms come, families are ready. Thank you for standing with Operation Blessing and The Home Depot Foundation to keep communities safe.

Together, we are providing more than disaster relief—we are offering hope, security, and the reassurance that no one has to face the storm alone.

Weathering the Storm in the Philippines

PHILIPPINES – “Take care of me, Lord.” A simple yet powerful prayer when being confronted with a storm in the Philippines. These are the words 74-year-old mother and widow Josefina uttered as a super typhoon roared through her neighborhood. The National Weather Service characterizes a super typhoon as a tropical cyclone in the northern West Pacific that has sustained winds of 150 mph. At that intensity, not surprisingly, it terrified Josefina.

“The wind sounded like ‘zzzzz,’” she said. She peered out of her door to see what the conditions were, but there was zero visibility through the heavy rain. Scared and alone, she went back inside and prepared for the worst.

“I cried a little and I prayed, but I couldn’t finish [praying] because I was too afraid,” said Josefina. Her prayer was heard nonetheless. As Matthew 6:7-8 reminds us, a short prayer is sufficient because God knows what we need before we even ask.

A Massive Storm Strikes the Philippines

Despite the raging rains and whipping winds that lasted for eight days, Josefina survived the storm in the Philippines. But there was still a rough road ahead for Josefina. Two weeks passed and her community remained without electricity, and they’d been told it could take weeks for power to be restored.

“I didn’t have a flashlight,” said Josefina. “I didn’t go outside as I might trip or something worse could happen.”To combat the darkness at night, compassionate friends like you stepped in as a beacon of hope and light. Our disaster relief team in the Philippines delivered solar lights, sleeping mats, and blankets to families in Batanes, including Josephina. She was very grateful to you for helping to provide these items because they allowed her to resume some of her normal activities.

“Thank you, Lord, and thank you to your team because now I have something to use,” said Josefina. “First, I can use the light when cooking. And the blanket—because it rains in November, December, January, and February. Those are the cold months here so it will be very good to use.”

Because of your love and kindness, Operation Blessing was able to bring calm into chaos and give Josefina and her community hope for tomorrow.

Thanks for Stepping Up When Times Get Tough

HONDURAS – In the nation of Honduras, over half the population doesn’t know where their next meal is coming from. For so many, there is no safety net or solace when times get tough. So what can a woman do when her husband’s income declines—and shows no signs of recovering?

Orpa, who lives with her husband and their two children in a rural area in Honduras, decided to launch her own business. Orpa’s husband had been the breadwinner ever since they started their family, but over time his income opportunities had narrowed. There simply wasn’t enough to cover all the household needs, especially putting adequate food on the table. So, together with other women in the community of Boca del Monte, Orpa decided to start a business making plantain chips and selling them at local markets. Unfortunately, the enthusiasm and determination the women started out with soon began to wane. They simply weren’t able to generate enough income to improve their situation.

Going Hungry to Feed Their Children

On some occasions, Orpa and her husband would skip meals to make sure their children had something on their plates. What else could this couple do to ensure that their children would have enough to eat day in and day out? Thankfully, you helped us provide a meaningful and lasting response.

When Operation Blessing heard of the women’s plight, we were impressed by the group’s effort and determination. And thanks to the generosity of friends like you, we provided the help they needed to make their business profitable.

Overcoming Hunger with Resources for Their Business

That meant supplying essential resources to improve both production and management. Basic management training helped them efficiently track business income and expenses to ensure profitability, as did information about bookkeeping and discount purchasing. Then we provided better equipment—like an industrial stove to reduce processing time and yield a better-quality product. It also meant training them in hygiene and food safety techniques, so their products would meet quality and safety standards.

Then we conducted monthly follow-ups for six months, both to reinforce the administrative processes we’d taught them and ensure profitable business management. This opportunity, made possible by your generosity, has transformed the lives of Orpa, her family, and this entire group of remarkable entrepreneurial women. Orpa reports that her income has nearly doubled, which means a more prosperous future for them all. She and her family feel enormous relief, as they can afford more nutritious food to grace their table—and know they’ve overcome the toughest times. Thank you for being there for people in need when times get tough. “The support you have given us is immense,” said Orpa with gratitude. “God bless you!”

The support you have given us is immense, God bless you!”
-Orpa