Standing by Survivors Long After Disaster Strikes 

helping-survivors-long-after-disaster-strikes

HAITI – One of the most amazing things about our supporters is that friends like you stand with disaster victims—not only in the days right after a tragedy, but also for weeks, months, and in some cases even years to come! When an earthquake struck Haiti last year, not only did you reach out immediately, but you continued to follow up with important aid as the victims worked to rebuild their lives.  Your faithful giving is helping survivors long after disaster strikes.

Immediate Response 

Our team on the ground in Haiti was able to begin reaching out with your love and support soon after the disaster struck. A sweet little boy (known as Junior) and his family were among the first to receive your compassionate care. 

helping-haiti-survivors-long-after-natural-disaster

When their home crumbled, young  Junior was trapped in the rubble. His father, Vincent, described the moment they realized he was missing. “My wife was screaming with fear. I went back inside the house, and I saw the child on the floor. I ran to him. He was covered with blood. I removed him from under the blocks and carried him out.” 

With the entire nation in chaos, there seemed no way to get treatment for Junior as his wounds became infected. Then Operation Blessing showed up on the scene, thanks to you. The medical staff took wonderful care of the little boy. They treated him, washing and dressing his cuts, giving him a thorough checkup, and providing the medical supplies he needed. They also gave the family food and other urgently needed supplies. Junior’s family was so grateful for your help. 

Over the Next Weeks 

During the following weeks, the Operation Blessing Haiti team offered continued disaster relief, reaching out with food, hygiene and medical supplies, and clean water. They went to great lengths to offer support to remote, hard-to-reach villages, distributing over 10,000 pounds of food alone. 

With your help, a team of international Operation Blessing aid workers also arrived in Haiti once travel was possible. They joined with a group of doctors from the Israeli-based organization, NATAN International Humanitarian Aid.  

Together these teams treated over 1,000 patients suffering from ailments like trauma, contusions, and stomach issues. They also provided chlorine generators and water filters at a time when clean water remained hard to come by. The team continued to go to great lengths to reach people in need, including traveling by boat to a small island village. 

As life began to normalize, you provided supplies to help get Haitian kids back into class following the tragedy. You gave hundreds of children school kits that included books, notebooks, pens, pencils, and backpacks. As our doctor, Jenny Darrgust, said, “We are always here with a big heart to help the people.” 

Long-Term Care 

Of course, long after a natural disaster strikes, the needs continue. Rebuilding can take months or even years as victims struggle to restore their lives, as well. And thanks to you, Operation Blessing continued to respond to these long-term needs, helping survivors long after disaster strikes.

Several months after the initial quake, a shipping container filled with food, hygiene products, and other disaster relief items arrived on Haitian shores to replenish our supplies and support ongoing relief efforts. You even helped to rebuild an orphanage school by providing the construction materials needed. 

Pastor Jean Valcourt of the orphanage said, “The school was broken. We didn’t have a place to receive the children. And now we thank God because the Lord answered our prayers and you came to support us in Haiti. I really appreciate you.” 

Despite the turmoil facing Haitians right now, with your partnership Operation Blessing continues to demonstrate God’s love to the people of Haiti. Thank you for being there in some of their darkest hours. 

help-for-haiti-disaster-weeks-and-months-later

New Home and Business for the Hungry and Hurting

from hungry and hurting in Peru to their new home

PERU – As a young girl in Peru, Gisella felt inspired by her grandmother’s handmade, indigenous crafts fashioned from the vast natural resources that surrounded their village. She decided to follow in her grandmother’s footsteps and continue upholding her cultural heritage. Today, Gisella is a mother and grandmother herself. Sadly, the meager income she was earning from her handicrafts often left her family hungry and hurting.  

While Gisella worked hard, attempting to sell her wares in tourist areas, her eldest daughter Helen stayed home to care for her 6-year-old brother, José, and her own 2-year-old daughter, Lilia. But that home was little more than a ramshackle hut and didn’t provide much protection for them.  

Some days, despite her best efforts,Gisella would return defeated. She recalled a day when she came home empty-handed, unable to give her children any food. “My little son was hungry,” she said. “He doesn’t understand. He’s just a little boy. The baby also wanted to eat, but that day, we slept without food.” 

Hungry and Hurting in Peru

Then one night, their situation got even worse. “During a rainstorm there was a lot of noise,” Gisella said. “And suddenly my roof went flying off. All my things started to get wet. In that moment I only thought about getting my children out of there.”  

But when the storm cleared, they had nowhere else to go. They cleaned up as best as they could and returned to the house. Now, in addition to their precarious financial situation, they had a dangerous living environment.—until you came along with fresh hope and a fresh start for Gisella and her family! 

A Fresh Start and New Hope

Operation Blessing first met Gisella at an artisan workshop. There, along with many others, she received specialized instruction and new materials to improve her crafts and her business. Gisella found renewed hope, feeling confident that with the training and supplies she could increase her future earnings. 

But it was clear this family needed immediate help, as well. So, friends like you also reached out to give Gisella and her kids a brand-new, sturdy home! 

The cheerful blue house is safe and secure. Her precious children and grandchild will no longer live with the constant threat of danger. And because of you, it’s filled with appliances and furnishings to turn it into a cozy home for this hard-working family.  

Gisella said, “Thanks to all of you for blessing my home. Our lives have changed with this house.”  

Congratulations to Gisella and her kids on this wonderful little home, and congratulations to you for giving a fresh start to hurting families around the world. 

Overcoming Challenges to Provide Medical Care in the Philippines 

PHILIPPINES – Around the world, our Operation Blessing staff on the ground faces and overcomes many challenges to get help to the people who need it most.  

In the Philippines, our medical team recently went to great lengths to bring aid to the tribal community of Sitio Malasya in the Sierra Madre mountains, after they had been battered by weeks of heavy rains. The village lies hours from the nearest medical facility.  So a group of our dedicated staff, doctors, nurses, and volunteers overcame many obstacles to reach residents in need of supplies, medical care, and support that partners like you helped make possible! 

Providing Medical Care In The Philippines

According to our program director, Dr. Aranas, “The terrain was difficult because of knee-deep mud and raging rivers … but the Lord made a way for us to cross this deep river by literally making it shallower before our eyes even while still raining. God sent three tribal men to help us cross and push forward just when we had almost given up and canceled the mission for safety of the team.” 

She reported that the team made it to the community after a six-hour trek. But the Lord brought them to this village with a purpose: “God wanted us to treat the children and adults alike suffering from diarrhea because they have been drinking cloudy rainwater with no source for potable water,” she said. 

Dr. Aranas expressed her gratitude for the horses that carried food relief bags, medicines, and special gifts for the children. Thanks to the support of friends like you, the team delivered the much-needed supplies, treated nearly 100 patients, conducted COVID-19 training on hygiene and nutrition, and shared the love of Jesus with the villagers. She said, “It was indeed a fulfilling mission,” and the team hopes to return soon with more aid for this deserving community. 

Thank you so much for your compassionate gifts to provide medical care in the Philippines. Gifts that help make outreaches like this possible around the world! 

Clean Water for Struggling Community  in Mexico

MEXICO – Every day, 14-year-old Maria made a treacherous trek to find water with her mother and sisters. They live in San José el Paraíso, a small community of just 13 families in southern Mexico. The nearest source of water was over half a mile away, which meant a difficult journey by foot for young Maria and her family. 

Each day they traveled down the dangerous path for water and grew weary returning with the heavy, water-filled containers. Making matters worse, the water available was vulnerable to contamination, often making it unfit to drink. Without clean water, residents couldn’t safely drink, cook, or even bathe. 

Then Operation Blessing heard about the needs of this poverty-stricken community, and thanks to friends like you, we began work to bring it a sustainable source of clean water in Mexico. We started by implementing a water committee, and conducting WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) workshops to teach families how to take care of their water and their health.   

Rainwater As A Source Of Clean Water In Mexico

Work then began on the production of rainwater harvesting systems, including proper filtration, for each family. With these practical resources providing sustainable clean water, Maria, her family, and the entire community are now free from the task of carrying water daily. They can also rest assured that the water they drink is safe for everyone. 

“Ever since we’ve had the system, we haven’t had to carry water because we have enough,” Maria said. “Now I have more time to help my mom with other chores.” 

Thank you for your heart to bless remote villages and communities around the world with the precious gift of clean water. The thoughtful solutions you provide through Operation Blessing bring hope to those that need it most. May God bless you for your kindness! 

CBN News Update – Operation Blessing Response to Typhoon Rai in the Philippines

PHILIPPINES – Super Typhoon Rai has devastated parts of the Philippines. Tens of thousands of people have been deeply affected by the storm. The torrential rains and heavy winds tore homes to the ground, and destroyed local businesses.

Ermalyn and Milandro, victims of the storm, were thankfully unharmed. But their house was destroyed. Milandro supports the family by selling coconuts, but the storm wiped out all the coconut trees. The couple had nowhere to turn. Their story is similar to that of the thousands of people affected by Typhoon Rai.

But thanks to you, help came to those in desperate need in the Philippines! Your support made it possible for Operation Blessing to jump into action. Operation Blessing staff partnered with local government to bring critical relief items to victims of the storm. Food, sleeping mats, and blankets were distributed to survivors. “Thank you for the rice and canned goods,” said Ermalyn. “This is really a big help because my husband does not have work, and our children need food.”

The survivors of Super Typhoon Rai are still in desperate need of help. To get involved bringing relief to those affected by disaster, visit ob.org/obdisaster.

A New Life for Tumor Patient in Honduras

HONDURAS – As a farm worker in Honduras, Melbin earned a living toiling in the sun day in and day out. But for the past 3 years, a life-altering tumor has been growing on his jaw and has prevented him from keeping a stable job.

Sadly, Melbin suffered from discrimination due to this large, benign tumor. “People say, ‘what happened to you? Why is your face swollen?'” Melbin told Operation Blessing staff.

Melbin and his wife have been living with his parents. The hardworking young man took whatever job he could find to support his family. But the work took a toll on his health. One day, the hot sun and hard work caused the tumor to start bleeding – from inside his mouth. Melbin’s foreman told him to leave. “I felt terrible. I couldn’t do anything!” Melbin said tearfully.

Tumor Patient In Honduras

Melbin’s father paid for him to receive a medical examination, which revealed that he would need surgery to remove the tumor. But the surgery was far too expensive. Thankfully, that’s where people like you stepped in! Operation Blessing heard of Melbin’s case, and your support provided the he needed. In Melbin’s case, the surgeons removed the tumor and part of his jaw.

Then, the generosity of faithful friends like you made it possible for a 3D-printed prosthetic bone to be cast and inserted into Melbin’s mouth. “I thank God and all of the donors for helping me. I am grateful because they have changed my life!” Melbin said.

Your love provided Life-Changing Surgeries for a tumor patient in Honduras and many others like him all over the world! Thank you.

Burn Victim Set Free by Your Kindness

INDIA – Dulari was peacefully cooking a meal for her family when suddenly, her life turned upside down. The unthinkable happened. In a freak accident, the edge of her beautiful sari caught on fire. Dulari’s husband heard her screams and put out the fire as soon as he could, but the damage was already done. Tragically, Dulari suffered from severe burns on her back and legs.

Burn Victim In India

For 9 months, Dulari was bedridden in recovery. But even after all that time, she faced a long, hard life ahead of her. The pain from the burns stayed with her, and she could barely walk. The muscles in her legs atrophied, and her skin peeled away. Barely even able to sit down, Dulari was heartbroken. “I gave up all hope.” she said. “No one came forward to help me or console my heart.” Dulari’s only option was expensive surgery, but this was out of the question. “We only had enough money to buy food.”

But your kindness set Dulari free! You provided a way for Dulari to receive a life-changing gift. Your kindness paid in full the fees for Dulari’s multiple surgeries. Now, she has been released from her pain and is living a full life. “I have a new life now!” said Dulari. “I can walk normally and without any pain.” Thank you for your support of Operation Blessing’s Life-Changing Surgeries program. You make it possible for stories like Dulari’s to occur all over the world!

Singing Praises for Food in Kenya

TUBCHA VILLAGE, KENYA — Tubcha Village is withering away. The small community in the Marsabit area of Kenya is experiencing a devastating drought. As a livestock town, most families raise and sell goats and camels for their primary source of income. But due to the drought in Northern Kenya, livestock are sadly perishing by the hundreds. The few that survive are small and thin, and only fetch a small sum at the market.

Gulmato is one woman who has been affected by the severe drought. Her family has lost over 50 animals due to the drought. Gulmato and her children rapidly ran out of food and money. To get by, Gulmato borrowed from a local lender. But soon her debts piled up too high, and she could no longer get credit. Desperate, Gulmato gave any food she could get her hands on to her children, and went hungry herself. Hungry, thirsty, and out of options, Gulmato’s family was facing starvation.

Fighting Drought In Northern Kenya

But hope was on the horizon for Gulmato and her precious children. Your love and support sent a shipment of food packages to Tubcha Village just in the nick of time.

Gulmato, along with her entire village, received the food they so desperately needed. Every family gathered to receive their package as they sang praises. Back at home, Gulmato literally sang as she prepared a proper meal for her family.

“Before Operation Blessing brought us this food, my family did not have anything left to eat.” Gulmato told Operation Blessing staff. “All our food was gone, and I don’t know what would have happened to us!” The family joyfully ate and filled their hungry bellies, thanks to your incredible generosity. Thank you for providing food for the hungry in Kenya and all across the globe!

Hunger Relief – The Gift that Keeps on Giving

VIRGINIA – Hard, honest work and giving back to those in need are two principles Junior has already learned at his young age. When the 15-year-old sets a goal, there is no stopping him. That dedication and resourcefulness caught the eye of some kindhearted Operation Blessing partners in his community, who would later offer the gift of much-needed food relief to him and his family.

When he decided to save for a new dirt bike, Junior stood outside on the sidewalk by his house to sell DVDs in the hope of earning money. He worked almost daily in order to reach his goal. His commitment to being an entrepreneur eventually caught the attention of Beverly Wright, the ministry director of Jonathan Cares, a nearby Operation Blessing partner. Thanks to your help, the organization receives groceries from Operation Blessing to distribute to members of the community.

“I was rolling down his street, and I saw this young man, and he was selling DVDs and I thought, ‘Look at him,’” Beverly recalled. “When we started passing out the meals, he was one of the people that we decided to make sure was on the list. I was just so proud of him as a young entrepreneur.”

The gift you enabled Beverly to offer Junior and his family provided a much-needed blessing. He lives with his parents and two sisters, and due to a variety of hardships the family sometimes struggles with food insecurity. But because of your faithful giving, partner organizations like Jonathan Cares are able to reach out with hope to families that face challenges such as sickness and unemployment.

Now, with more than enough food for his family, Junior sometimes takes excess groceries to share with needy people he meets in his community. “One time,” he said, “there was a homeless dude walking past. He was like, ‘I’m so hungry,’ so I said, ‘You know what, here are a couple of bags. Go ahead and be blessed.’”

Your heart for the hurting brought hope to young Junior and his family. Because of you, they now have the food they need not only to get by, but also to bless others. Thank you for your compassion in seeing hungry mouths filled and lives transformed.

 You Gave the Gift of Joy and New Life through Surgery in Guatemala

Arleth received the gift of surgery in Guatemala

GUATEMALA – At the age of four, Arleth didn’t experience the kind of life in Guatemala that other children her age did. While they laughed, played, and explored the world around them, she dealt with pain and discomfort. She was born with an inguinal hernia, a condition that causes the intestine to protrude through a weak spot in the abdominal muscle.  

Any lifting of objects, or movement in general, could cause her distress. This made it difficult for the little one to enjoy life. 

In Desperate Need of Life-Changing Help

Arleth lives with her mother and brother in a remote community that is 30 minutes from the nearest city. With limited resources and reduced access to the public health system, this family was unable to seek the surgery in Guatemala that would bring Arleth healing. They were simply unable to afford the cost of the surgery that could help alleviate her pain.

But your love shone bright when the situation seemed the darkest. Because of the generosity of partners like you, Operation Blessing was there to support little Arleth through with surgery in Guatemala and through each stage of her medical treatment. From pre-surgery to post-operative care, your kindness made it possible to help Arleth with her surgical procedure, medications, transportation, and so much more.  

Now Arleth is full of joy, knowing she can finally live without the fear of pain. She has found complete healing from her hernia because of your kindness and compassion. Thank you for your heart to see children like Arleth grow up healthy and strong. You can help even more people through life-changing surgeries here. 