Disaster Response
Child Development
Clean Water
Hunger Relief
Medical Care
COLOMBIA — When the ground began to shake, 10-year-old Jose Santiago had every reason to be afraid during the earthquake in Colombia. A powerful 7.4 magnitude quake struck on August 10, causing widespread destruction and leaving families facing the loss of homes, belongings and loved ones.
For Jose, the disaster became personal. His home collapsed. “I was there, at my mom’s friend’s house because our house had collapsed,” Jose said. “I fell, and I crawled…and I also have a scrape on my rib.”
Terrified, Jose wondered if his family had survived. “Yes, I was scared,” he said. “I thought my whole family wouldn’t make it, but we managed to survive.” Thankfully, Jose and his family made it through. But like so many other children affected by the earthquake, he was left facing a frightening new reality.
That’s when, thanks to friends like you, Operation Blessing stepped in.
Less than two days after the earthquake, our Operation Blessing disaster relief team was on the ground. The team quickly set up a kitchen and began serving hot meals while distributing essential supplies to families affected by the devastation. For Operation Blessing team member, Ryan Yost, providing food is about more than filling an empty stomach. “Food to me really shows the first sign of love,” he said. “We’re here. No matter where in the world. We love you. We’re all part of it; in it together.”
And Jose felt that love.
When asked what he thought of Operation Blessing, his answer was simple and sweet. “They make me want to hug them. It makes me feel like happiness.” Those hugs go to you as well!
In the middle of devastation, a hot meal and a helping hand can remind a frightened child that he is not alone. Through compassionate partners like you, Operation Blessing is bringing practical help and hope to families in Colombia when they need it most. Together, we can show hurting children that even after disaster strikes, love can still find them.