Helping Children During the Crisis in Israel

ISRAEL – Amidst the chaos of war in Israel, Operation Blessing friends like you are remembering the littlest among those affected: the children. Like their parents, these little ones must face the overwhelming consequences and emotional challenges of the Israel conflict. Children in the Israel crisis find themselves being forced to navigate an impossible situation. Their lives have been disrupted. The uncertainty of the future is a constant concern, and they have no idea when things will return to normal.

Lior, a father and recent Operation Blessing volunteer, said, “The families are staying in the hotel. It sounds like a vacation, but it isn’t. They just want to go back home, and the kids are having a rough time.”

Operation Blessing has partnered with CBN Israel to support families that are taking shelter in hotels. With your help, we prepared a space where the children can get a sense of normalcy again and start meeting with other children during what used to be classroom times.

Providing Stability for Children in the Israel Crisis

Oran, a former educator in Eilat where the hotel is located, said, “It’s important to help the kids feel secure and safe again, and we do it through teaching.” With the generous gifts of friends like you, Operation Blessing provided the families with iPads so that they can do their homework. We’ve also provided a printer so that they can start printing learning materials. And our team has made toys available for the children, because the families had to flee immediately, and some came with only their children in their hands.

Oran said, “This is something that was given to us as a treasure, and we really, really treasure it. We’re really appreciative of the donation of Operation Blessing.”

Operation Blessing also transformed an area that used to be the deck at the hotel. We’ve converted it into a sports center so the children can start playing again. They can start healing from the trauma through joy and laughter. Seeing how his daughter benefited from these children’s spaces, Lior said, “It’s amazing, and it’s really helping the community. It’s really nice, thank you.”

Thank You for Blessing These Children

Through your partnership, these children in the Israel crisis can reach a brighter future and a better tomorrow. Thank you for caring for families affected by the war. You can support even more families in crisis when you visit https://www.ob.org/mc/obcrisis/.

Help Disaster Victims Today!

A Path to Healing from a Cleft Lip in Indonesia

INDONESIA – In the beautiful country of Indonesia, a young boy named Keenan embarked on a remarkable journey of healing. His story is one filled with both challenges and hope. Let’s follow Keenan’s path and discover how he overcame a cleft lip in Indonesia through the dedication of Operation Blessing partners.

The Quest for Understanding

Keenan’s story began with his mother, Amel, who vividly remembers the day he was born. While it should have been a time of pure joy, Keenan’s entry into the world was tinged with sadness. Amel couldn’t help but feel guilty and sad because Keenan was born with a cleft lip.

During her pregnancy, Amel had a bad fall that left her with a broken arm. To feel better, she took some medicine. She wondered if the medicine had caused Keenan’s cleft lip. This thought weighed heavily on her heart, filling her with guilt. She couldn’t help but question whether she had somehow caused her baby’s condition.

Struggles with a Cleft Lip in Indonesia

As Keenan grew, his cleft lip presented challenges. Simple things like eating and drinking became difficult for him. The formula he tried to drink would often spill out of his nose, making mealtime a struggle. Keenan’s family could see that life might be harder for him as he got older, and they worried about the challenges he might face.

Keenan’s grandmother felt sad when she saw other children laughing and playing. She worried that Keenan might not have the same opportunities as other kids. It was hard for her to imagine a future where Keenan could live a normal life with a cleft lip.

A Glimmer of Optimism

Despite the challenges, there was a glimmer of optimism in Keenan’s story. His family knew that he needed surgery to fix his cleft lip, but they faced a big problem – money. Keenan’s dad, Hasan, worked hard as a motor-taxi driver, but his income was small. They simply couldn’t save enough money to pay for the surgery Keenan needed.

But hope arrived in an unexpected way when Amel began searching for help on the internet. It was during this search that she discovered Operation Blessing in Indonesia. She learned that Operation Blessing helps families like theirs by providing free surgery for children with cleft lip conditions. This news brought a spark of hope to Keenan’s family.

The Blessing of Transformation

The love of our partners changed the lives of young Keenan. Because of your donations, Operation Blessing was able to step in to help Keenan. They arranged for him to receive the surgery he needed to fix his cleft lip. And something amazing happened – Keenan’s lip began to heal beautifully. His family was overjoyed to see the positive changes taking place in their young son.

A New Dawn for Keenan

After the surgery, Keenan’s life started to change in incredible ways. Eating and drinking became easier for him, and he even started gaining weight. Keenan’s bright smile was now free from the worries of his cleft lip, and his family could see a promising future ahead. A life full of frustration and pain was averted, quelling the fears of his parents.

Expression of Profound Gratitude for Operation Blessing Partners

Keenan’s family couldn’t find enough words to express their gratitude. Hasan, Keenan’s dad, felt a deep appreciation for the life-changing surgery his son had received. The worry of Keenan being teased or treated differently because of his cleft lip began to fade away. Operation Blessing and its partners had made a tremendous difference in their lives. Imagine the peace the family feels knowing their child will not be scorned or teased for having a cleft lip.

A New Future for Keenan Following Surgery

The kindness of Operation Blessing partners transformed Keenan’s life, giving him the chance to smile and dream. As we reflect on Keenan’s story, let it inspire us to reach out and bring hope to more children like him, ensuring that their paths are filled with healing, happiness, and endless possibilities.

YOU Are Making The Difference in The Lives of People Worldwide

Keenan’s story isn’t just about his own journey. It’s an invitation for all of us to make a difference. By partnering with Operation Blessing, we can help more children like Keenan have a chance at a brighter future. Become a force for change. Partner with Operation Blessing to help people in need around the globe.

Preventing Waterborne Diseases in Morocco

Help Those in Need

MOROCCO – It’s been several weeks since a deadly earthquake struck Morocco, and our team on the ground have heard some absolutely heartbreaking stories as we’ve spent time with these wonderfully hospitable people. Following such a terrible event, so many of the necessities people need to survive are damaged or destroyed. For the people of Amizmiz, Morocco, one major need is safe water and sanitation.

It is hard enough to be homeless. Many earthquake survivors in Morocco now live in tents because their homes were destroyed by the earthquake. But trying to manage daily life without access to safe water or sanitation is unbearable. Now, many residents of Amizmiz have no access to showers, toilets, or even reliable access to clean water. With this reality comes a new and deadly threat—the chance of contracting waterborne diseases in Morocco.

Destroyed Homes and Lives in Amizmiz, Morocco Following the Earthquake

Ghizlane Aourouar, an earthquake survivor living in Amizmiz with her children, shared her experiences. “The morning after the earthquake, we saw our reality. We saw our destroyed homes, people being rescued, people dying. We know people who have been lost just down the road, and we feel so sorry for them.”

Our hearts truly break for these people. Not only have they lost the people they love, but you could also say many have lost a portion of their dignity as well with the destruction of their bathroom sinks and showers. Since these people’s homes have been destroyed, they are forced to live in tents, and they’ve lost proper means of safe, adequate sanitation and hygiene. Ghizlane told us, “The public bathrooms are closed. There is nowhere for women or especially children to use toilets or bathe. It’s such a crisis, and many are suffering.”

Preventing Waterborne Diseases in Morocco

Children are especially susceptible to waterborne diseases in Morocco, and situations like these are prime for an epidemic. But with your continued support, Operation Blessing is stepping in, installing not only toilets but also sinks and showers with water access for the needy.

Ghizlane said, “I’m thankful for your volunteers who worked so hard. And thank you to the people who brought this help. Your support means so much to us.” These beautiful Moroccan people are able to have this basic dignity restored as they no longer have to go to the bathroom in the wild like an animal and can take a shower after a long day.

safe water for morocco earthquake survivors

Thank You For Constant Support

We’re helping them to understand their “imago dei,” that they were made in God’s image, and letting them know that God sees them and loves them. You can support even more families like Ghizlane’s when you partner with Operation Blessing at https://www.ob.org/disaster-relief/ today!

Help Disaster Victims Today!

Honoring Veteran’s Day With Operation Blessing

This Veteran’s Day, Operation Blessing honors those who have faithfully protected our country. We are privileged to work with a number of retired service members who have dedicated their lives to serving God and country. Please enjoy as these brave patriots share their stories.

Meet Yudith Buck

Veteran of the United States Navy

Accounting Specialist at Operation Blessing

“Recruiters came to tell us about all the possibilities you will have if you go into the military. I’m like, ‘Oh, I would love to do that. I would like to see different cultures, different languages, and help.’

When I was in the Navy, I was an electronics technician. I got to experience a lot of wonderful memories in the Navy, and during that time I saw the reward. The reward when you help someone else is not what you do for that person, it’s the blessing you receive by helping out.

I am so blessed and so grateful to have served this country, it has opened so many opportunities for me and for my family. I always wanted to be part of God’s plan, to help out people in any way that I can. I wanted to be able to one day look back and tell my grandkids I did what I could with what I was given.

Coming from the Navy and then coming to Operation Blessing as an accountant specialist, I can see a lot of similarities in the mission that we have in the military to go and help serve, support, and honor our country with the mission that we have at Operation Blessing.”

Meet Anthony Lloyd

Veteran of the United States Coast Guard

Senior Director of US Disaster Relief at Operation Blessing

“Back in high school, I felt like I wanted to serve my country because I wanted to keep the spirit of 1776 alive.

When you join the military, it’s life-changing. You have to change who you are into somebody that’s driven to serve. I believe this 100%. Everybody that served in our military—they have strong service DNA. Right off the bat, I was doing disaster-related operations.

I’m really proud about what happened in the United States Coast Guard and how it prepared me as a humanitarian to serve our country. After I retired, the position for the Sr. Director of Disaster Relief came up, and it was almost as if God had been preparing me to come to Operation Blessing to use the leadership, the proficiency, the competencies, and the staff skills that I had picked up in the military.”

Meet Jeff Westling

Veteran of the United States Coast Guard

Chief of Staff at Operation Blessing

“I started thinking about the military in about 6^th grade. I was part of a boy scout unit at the time, and most of my leaders were veterans from WW2, Korea, and Vietnam.

My relationship with God did have a major impact on how I made my decision to join the military. I wanted to have a career where I could really make a difference during people’s greatest times of need. I think over the 31 total years I wore the uniform, from cadet at the Coast Guard Academy through a career retiring as a Coast Guard Captain in 2018, I had the opportunity to be a pioneer in so many different aspects. Those of us who are Christians are called to be ambassadors for Christ wearing the uniform of the United States.

As the Chief of Staff for Operation Blessing, I’m very privileged to be able to use the totality of my career experiences in the military. I know that God is using me. He’s using all of us. He’s using Operation Blessing to meet the needs of all of those who are suffering, who are lost, who are hungry, and who are sick—in the U.S. and around the world. We have this opportunity that we have been entrusted with to do all of this for God’s glory, to make the name of Jesus known throughout the nations.”

A Special Thank You To All of Our Veterans

This Veteran’s Day, Operation Blessing honors all veterans who have served, supported, and protected our country. We thank you.

The Taste Of Freedom And Fresh Water

KENYA – Meressa loved her job as a hairdresser in Kenya. Fixing hair for her friends and neighbors put a smile on her face. But one thing got in the way and often cost her business valuable clients: lack of fresh water.

“It brings me joy to do people’s hair, but fetching water took most of my time,” said Meressa. “After I went once or twice, customers would be waiting. Others left because they didn’t want their hair washed with dirty water.”

Meressa and other women in her community had to walk one hour to retrieve water from a dirty stream that cows often drank from. Because of her work, she often had to make the same trip five times each day. According to Meressa, to make matters worse, the water made her family sick—even after she boiled it. “In my family, all of us have been sick many times,” she told us. “I prayed all the time for God to give us clean water.” And He answered her prayers through friends like you!

Your love enabled us to provide a solar-powered well in Meressa’s community and relieved her burden. Today, she can easily get fresh, clean water just steps away from her home.

Hot Meals for Hurting Families in Israel

Rescue Those in Crisis

ISRAEL – As the war in Israel continues, many families fleeing the conflict are left wondering where their next meal might come from. Because of your faithful support, Operation Blessing is on the ground doing everything we can to provide hot meals for hurting families in Israel.

In partnership with CBN Israel, we’re operating a food truck right on the outside of Jerusalem. Thanks to you, we’re serving lunches for families that have been displaced, including many elders and families with children. With this food truck, you’re providing meals for them and showing them Gods love in this difficult time of war.

Compassionate Supporters Are Providing for Hurting Families in Israel

Operation Blessing connected with one hotel where Chef Udi described what a difference this effort is making. He said, “We got a call from Operation Blessing, and they said, ‘Anything that you will need to cook, we will supply,’ and the kitchen is back in full operation!”

providing food supplies for displaced families

Operation Blessing is also partnering with local hotels because of friends like you. You are providing the kitchens of these hotels with the supplies they need to feed displaced families seeking shelter from the war. These establishments are willing to do what they can. But without your help, there would be far too many hungry people to feed for these businesses that can’t afford to serve people who aren’t paying customers.

He continued, “We keep working only because of Operation Blessing. And I believe that this will keep going for a long time because the needs are unbelievable. So this kitchen is a major player now.”

bread to the many hungry displaced families in Israel

Thank you so much for your support. Keep praying for the peace of Jerusalem and Israel, and may God bless you. Many of these families have no idea what the future holds, but friends like you are making a way for them right now in the midst of their difficult circumstances.

When you partner with Operation Blessing, you are changing their lives and making a difference for their future today.

Help Crisis Victims Today!

Abundant Blessings After Idalia

FLORIDA – Although the hurricane passed through with surprising speed, those affected by its destructive force faced a long road to recovery after Idalia. Thanks to friends like you, our Operation Blessing team arrived on the scene quickly and reached out to help people like Linda, a resident of a community near hard-hit Homosassa, Florida.

She told us, “It was such a good community. It’s quiet. It’s beautiful. I’m on the water. I live in paradise, and I love it. But Hurricane Idalia came, and paradise is not as pretty as it used to be.”

Coping With The Damage After Idalia

Linda described her experience after Idalia. “I came home after evacuating. I opened the door—I had two feet of water in the house.” Our Operation Blessing crew of staff and volunteers got right to work helping Linda recover her home. They removed damaged furniture, waterlogged belongings, and ruined drywall and flooring.

Linda was so grateful for the help friends like you sent. She said, “Operation Blessing knocked on my door and immediately got a crew in here to get all the heavy things out of the house. That’s something I cannot do on my own. Without them, I just really don’t know what I would have done. They were just so wonderful.”

Caring For People In Need After Hurricane Idalia

Shannon and her 12-year-old son Logan were truly blessed after Idalia by the love and comfort you sent. Shannon said, “My stuff is gone, but my God isn’t gone.” And Logan said, “Having Operation Blessing and the church here, it really boosted my faith. It really made me think that, yes, there is a God that’s here to help us.”

Because you care, we were able to coordinate dozens of volunteers, providing them with the needed tools and oversight to help residents. You also sent truckloads of relief items to hurricane victims, including vital food, water, and cleanup supplies. With your help, our mobile kitchen served over a thousand hot meals to both volunteers and residents.

Thank you so much! God bless you as you have abundantly blessed the people of Florida.

Relief for Hurricane Otis Survivors

Help Now!

MEXICO – Hurricane Otis survivors are facing a devastated landscape of roofless buildings, downed power lines, and homes flooded with water. The account by Hurricane Otis survivor, Jessica, reveals just how difficult the circumstances have become in and around Acapulco.

She is thankful her family escaped with their lives from one of the most catastrophic hurricanes ever to hit the area. “We were all down under the dining table. And we began to hear everything falling down, the dishes, the entire refrigerator, everything,” Jessica said. “The wind was so loud, and it was so strong even the walls were shaking. It felt like an earthquake. The floors and walls—everything was moving. We could hear it.”

When the storm subsided, Jessica and her family’s true nightmare began. She said, “My husband left because we couldn’t wait under the table anymore, and he started to look around. He said to me, ‘Guess what, we don’t have a roof anymore.’ I thought maybe a part of it might still be there, but he said: ‘It’s all gone.'”

damage caused by Hurricane Otis in Mexico

Partnering with Local Organizations to Help Hurricane Otis Survivors

The needs of Hurricane Otis survivors are overwhelming, but thanks to our Operation Blessing partners, hope can prevail. Jessica and her husband learned about a community dinner that Operation Blessing set up at the Star of Bethlehem Church, and they connected with us there. In partnership with local humanitarian organizations, Operation Blessing is providing many families like Jessica’s with an oasis of hope.

Jessica said, “When we came, they gave us food, and we got to eat. The truth is we were so tired. They not only gave us food and water, but kind attention. And thanks to you, you also gave us water, some groceries, and things for the baby. And then we also had some breakfast because, to be honest, we were hungry.” She went on, “You could say that I lost everything, but I’m happy. I’m happy because my family is alive, because I’m fine, and because I have somewhere to take refuge.”

Many people are still sitting in darkness, without power or the means to cook or preserve food. For others, their homes have flooded, and everything they own has been ruined. And some have lost those they love most and will be grieving as they face the monumental task of recovery. The people of this region still need our help.

YOU Are Helping Hurricane Otis Survivors!

With the generous support of friends like you, Operation Blessing can continue to bring drinking water, food, solar lamps, and above all, hope, to the people of Acapulco. You can help even more families in need when you visit https://www.ob.org/disaster-relief/ today!

Support Disaster Victims

You Gave Food In Abundance

WEST VIRGINIA – Kayla knows the cost of sacrifice all too well. After going through a divorce, she resolved to do anything necessary to support her children. And when she couldn’t, it was your sacrificial support that got her through the most difficult days.

Quality time with her four children had always been important to Kayla. They loved to spend time together—roasting marshmallows, skipping rocks across the creek, or just hanging out at home. She cherished every moment.

But when she was suddenly on her own to pay the bills, Kayla had no choice but to give up being a stay-at-home mom in order to work. “I want them to know that Mommy’s there, I love them, and I’m going to provide for them at all costs,” said Kayla.

The transition was more difficult than she anticipated. “It was overwhelming. I was scared. I know that there were people willing to help if I asked, but I wanted to do it myself. I didn’t want to be dependent on someone.”

At first, Kayla got a job as a cook at a local daycare, where she could also get childcare for her youngest son. It was perfect. “I know that was a godsend moment,” she said. “It was a reminder that God is providing—because who else could give you exactly what you’re needing like that?”

the importance of hunger relief or a young mother

Food In Abundance From A Local Food Pantry

Even with a steady income, however, money was tight. Kayla continued struggling to pay the bills and didn’t have enough to cover all of her children’s needs. “There was no extra. There was no safety net if something catastrophic were to happen.” The constant pressure took a toll on Kayla. She was desperate and began to struggle spiritually. But God was faithful. He continued to provide for her through your generous compassion.

One day the director of an Operation Blessing partner ministry visited the daycare where Kayla worked— and offered extra assistance to families of the children. Food pantries help provide food in abundance for families in need. Kayla gratefully accepted this lifeline.

She visited the ministry’s food pantry, and her heavy burden began to lighten. “People legitimately cared. It gave me confidence that God was providing through them, and it wasn’t something to be ashamed of,” Kayla said. “I felt relief when they were giving me the food, because that was just one less thing I would have to worry about for that month.”

When her children saw all the food you provided, their faces lit up. Kayla’s heart filled with joy. “It’s like Christmas for them,” she said. “The food is more than enough. … The food has helped me not only to fill my belly, but the spiritual aspect is what I keep falling back on the most.” God’s faithfulness was evident.

Soon, Kayla was able to find another job as a cook that helped her better provide for her family. But she did not forget the sacrifice you made to help her and her children when they needed it most. “Thank you to the people providing all this. I know the ones that are doing this—they’re sacrificing in some way, whether it’s time or money. They’re sacrificing something to try to take care of people like me.”

Rescued From Blindness

INDIA – Five years ago, Soniya lost her parents in an accident. Just like that, her life was turned upside down. She and her two siblings went to live with their uncle’s family, and that was a bright spot in an otherwise dark time—but sadly, the darkness kept growing in a different way. In fact, it would not be long before Soniya would need to be rescued from blindness by friends like you.

Soniya’s vision began to blur significantly in her left eye as she developed a cataract. As you might imagine, schoolwork soon became difficult for Soniya, and it wasn’t long before her vision became so bad in both eyes that she dropped out of school entirely.

“Earlier, I used to be engaged in dancing and singing. I have also participated in school-level competitions. I like to entertain people around me with my talents,” she shared. “Two years ago, I realized that I was unable to see anything clearly, then gradually my vision faded away and I became partially blind,” she continued. “There was no hope left in my life.”

This 18-year-old who once had plans to become a doctor found herself without any career prospects or much hope for the future.

Rescued From Blindness Because Of YOU!

Thankfully, friends like you intervened, and Soniya soon encountered God’s love through Operation Blessing. When our life-changing surgeries program formed a special partnership with healthcare facilities in India, your gifts opened the door to provide cataract repair surgeries to thousands.

Through that partnership, Soniya received the life-changing surgery she so desperately needed. A simple act of kindness from compassionate people like you has rewritten her story with hope. Because of YOU Soniya was rescued from blindness. Now that she can see again, Soniya can resume her studies and confidently pursue her dream of becoming a doctor.