An Unprecedented Season of Disaster…and Hope!

WORLDWIDE – There’s no way to deny it—the world has been in a lot of trouble lately. The end of 2023 was a uniquely challenging season at Operation Blessing, with disasters and crises taking place on what felt like a weekly basis. Regardless, YOU were always there to help during this season of disaster!

From August to December, our disaster relief teams deployed to Hawaii, Florida, Morocco, Armenia, Israel, and Mexico while we’ve also continued our work in Ukraine and Poland.

But thanks to you, this has also been an unprecedented time of hope. You have taken this opportunity to shine a light into some of the darkest situations we as a human race can face. Only through the faithful support of you and so many caring souls like you have we been able to keep up the pace, responding to multiple disasters around the word, often simultaneously.

For that, you have our sincerest and humblest thanks!

You are simply amazing.

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MAUI FIRES

The deadly fires on the island of Maui in Hawaii caught the world off guard. Driven by high winds, these fires decimated a large area around Lahaina—taking 100 lives and leaving an estimated 11,000 people homeless. With support from friends like you, Operation Blessing quickly reached out with a shipment of vital disaster relief supplies. We also worked with partner organizations to help create a temporary housing community for displaced residents.

Maui Wildfire Recovery Efforts

Dusten and his family were among the wildfire survivors we had the pleasure of meeting and helping. They lost everything in the fire, only having time to grab their documents and a bag of clothes as they fled the terrifying flames. He said, “Everything else is just ashes.”

They were especially touched by the fishing and diving supplies friends like you gave them. These would help Dusten provide for his kids again and would also give them a priceless sense of normalcy and help restore their island culture.

Help Provided in Maui

Grills | Tents | Fishing Supplies | Water Filters | Generators | Batteries | Flashlights | Diapers | Rope |Tarps | Diving Supplies | Sustainable Housing Units

Maui Wildfire Relief Efforts

HURRICANE IDALIA IN FLORIDA

As we were still responding in Maui, Category 3 Hurricane Idalia struck the area of Homosassa in Florida. While not as deadly, it packed a powerful punch and left a path of destruction in its wake. Because of generous donors like you, we were able to send another disaster relief team there to provide water, food and cleaning supplies, and assistance for residents as they began recovering their property and their lives.

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REFUGEES IN ARMENIA

In one week, more than 50,000 ethnic Armenians were forced to flee Azerbaijan for their safety after their area was attacked by anti-Christian occupying forces. Even before this attack, they had been cut off from food supplies for months, and Operation Blessing had been sending resources to them. Once they reached Armenia as refugees, they needed tremendous support. Along with our sister ministry, Orphan’s Promise, we provided food and supplies while helping them find temporary shelter and hope for the future.

WAR IN ISRAEL

After a brutal terrorist attack on October 7, war broke out between Israel and Hamas. Many residents living near the Gaza border fled for safety, leaving their homes, jobs, and possessions behind. Operation Blessing got to work with our partner ministry on the ground, CBN Israel, to provide shelter, hot meals, food, hygiene items, trauma counseling, and even safe spaces for children to continue school and have opportunities to play.

supporting children and families in the midst of disaster
supporting Israel

Eight-year-old Alka was one of the many children blessed by partners like you. She was given a place to stay, warm meals, and the chance to enjoy games, sports, and toys that made her feel a little more at home during this turbulent time.

“It sounds like a vacation, but it isn’t. They just want to go back home, and the kids are having a rough time,” said her father, who is also volunteering with Operation Blessing. But seeing his daughter laughing and playing brought him great joy. “It’s amazing, and it’s really helping the community … thank you.”

Help Provided in Israel

Hotel Accommodations | Safe Play Spaces | Hygiene Supplies | Food Packets | Hot Meals Educational Supplies | Trauma Counseling

hope and disaster relief
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HURRICANE OTIS IN MEXICO

Although Mexicans along the coast had been warned a hurricane was coming, Otis shifted direction and strengthened unexpectedly to a massive Category 5 storm. Families were taken completely off guard as the deadly hurricane slammed into the Acapulco region. In the aftermath, many victims needed medical care and essential supplies in order to survive.

disaster relief after a season of destruction
a charity responding to people in need of help

Rosa recently became a single mother to five kids—with her sixth still on the way! Facing the hurricane alone with them was terrifying, as the storm tore the roof right off their house. After sleeping on wet mattresses, the children had coughs and fevers. But friends like you reached out to them with much-needed medical care, food, and supplies. Rosa even received a free ultrasound and was reassured that her baby was doing fine. She is incredibly grateful for your love and compassion.

hope and recovery after tragedy

Help Provided in Acapulco

Medical Care | Medications | Solar Lamps | Hot Meals | Food | Clean Water | Children’s Activities | Baby Supplies | Toys | Home Recovery Assistance

helping children in a natural disaster
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MOROCCO

When a 6.8-magnitude earthquake hit Morocco, taking nearly 3,000 lives, people needed help—and fast. With support from faithful friends like you, Operation Blessing swiftly took action. Most of the hardest-hit areas were difficult-to-reach mountain villages. We used jeeps and even donkeys to make sure we got lifesaving supplies to those who needed it most!

Over the following weeks, we also provided medical care, hygienic bathrooms, water filtration systems, furniture and supplies to restart schools, and other essential items to help Moroccans rebuild their lives.

earthquake relief efforts in Morocco
earthquake relief support
Morocco Earthquake Relief

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HOPE FOR THE FUTURE

Rebuilding lives after a season of disaster can take years. Not only do survivors face physical destruction of homes and possessions, they often suffer tremendous grief and trauma as well. We’re so thankful that you reach out and wrap your arms of love around them in these difficult times. And we’re doubly thankful that you’ve chosen to partner with us and allow us to physically reach out to them with practical help, encouragement, comfort, and hope.

 Please keep all of these disaster victims in your prayers as they continue to build a new future after a season of disaster.

Times are challenging, and the need is great. But one day at a time, people in the U.S. and around the world are finding hope on the road to recovery because of you. Thank you so much for sending your love and compassion to them.

If you haven’t already done so, we hope that you will please consider getting involved with Operation Blessing on an ongoing basis, reaching out to poor and hurting people as a dedicated member of our community of Blessing Builders.

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ENCOURAGING SCRIPTURES FOR TOUGH TIMES

 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. –Psalm 23:4

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. –Psalm 147:3

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. –Isaiah 41:10

relief charity providing help
feeding people in times of need

Tornado Disaster Relief Makes a Difference

ALABAMA – A severe tornado tore through the community of Cottonwood, AL, and an Operation Blessing disaster relief team deployed immediately to aid residents like Florence.

She shared her experience in the storm, saying, “The morning of the tornado, it was a horrible scare, because the sky had turned colors I had never witnessed before, and it was a sudden experience. A lot of damage was done to the property. One particular tree which fell on the side of my home actually fell over my bedroom.” She continued, “Sometimes in a case like this, you feel, ‘Wow, what? What do I do? How do I get that done?’”

Tornado Disaster Relief Makes an Impact

Florence’s daughter lives nearby and had already received help on her home. She told her mother about Operation Blessing. Florence told us, “I hadn’t heard of this organization prior to my daughter coming over and telling me. She saw the damage. She was with me for hours trying to just say, ‘Oh, mom, it is going to be all right. I trust Operation Blessing.'” The tornado disaster relief provided by Operation Blessing made a critical difference.

tornado disaster relief in cottonwood alabama

Backed by the generous support of our Operation Blessing partners, the team got to work right away on Florence’s property using much-needed heavy equipment to remove the fallen trees and debris from her home. Florence was elated. “I experienced kindness and people were actually eager to do the work. ‘What do you need? How can I help you?’ I feel comfortable that the work is superior. Once I look at and see that the huge amount of damage that’s been done, all I can do is say thank you.”

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Your Generosity Touches Lives Through Operation Blessing

The critical aid given to residents like Florence is only possible with the ongoing generosity of your gifts. Your support quickly allows families to begin the journey to recovery. Florence shared with us the immense impact friends like you had on her life. “I will tell the donors how tremendously blessed I am because of the help from Operation Blessing and all of the service that they provided. Your donation is a gift from God. It is a gift from the heavens.”

She went on to share this encouragement. “Maybe some people have a gift. They don’t know how to share it. But we have something such as Operation Blessing already established and ready to receive donors, helpers, workers, food, clothes, whatever it is that they do to service the public. Step right up. They’re right there.” You can help even more families like Florence and her daughter when you partner with Operation Blessing at https://www.ob.org/disaster-relief/ today!

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You Are Reaching Israel’s Most Vulnerable

ISRAEL – Operation Blessing and CBN Israel provided aid to those affected by the ongoing war. In fact, you reached out to some of the most vulnerable in Israel during this war, including those at the Jewish Institute for the Blind.

Oren of the Institute told us, “We decided that we are going to open our place. And we were going to host blind people and their families from all over the country who feel frightened. Because lonely, blind people don’t know where to go when there is an alarm, or where shelter is. And they have to be very fast.”

providing food for displaced people in Israel

Relief for Blind Victims of War in Israel

Partnering with a caterer, Operation Blessing prepared hot meals for those fleeing war who are blind and visually impaired. Operation Blessing’s Gigi Endaya said, “We are here today in the kitchen of Yad Hashmona, and we are helping to make and prepare vegetables for cooking. The menu for today is baked vegetables, and we will cook and prepare them later so that we can distribute them to the internally displaced people here in this area and in the areas nearby.”

Thanks to the help of our generous Operation Blessing partners, the teams also helped prepare packed meals and personally delivered them to those staying at the shelter. There are dozens of families and individuals who have been staying at the shelter for over two months.

Sagi, who lives very close to Gaza shared his family’s experiences of the war. According to him, Hamas entered the building where they live. “My neighbors in our building were not able to leave for several days. My mother’s cousin who was a police officer was killed. Friends of our family were also killed.” Right now, they rely on the assistance of the Jewish Institute for the Blind for their daily meals and other needs.

charity support for Israel

Operation Blessing Offers Crisis Relief In Israel

Since the government provides breakfast and dinner, CBN Israel and Operation Blessing joined forces to supply lunch not only to the shelter, but also to other places where internally displaced families now reside. Additionally, Operation Blessing has prepared food boxes and hygiene products for both Israelis and foreign migrant workers.

Oren shared his gratitude, “It’s warmed our heart. We thank all the Christian world who support Israel, all the good people who support all over the world.”

The broad reach of Operation Blessing’s impact is only possible when friends like you continue to support families during crisis. Your kindness helps bring hope to some of Israel’s most vulnerable populations. You can reach more families in crisis when you visit https://www.ob.org/mc/obcrisis/

critical aid for Israel

Much Needed Warmth for Ukrainian War Survivors

UKRAINE – As those of us in America brace for cold winter storms, take a moment to imagine life for those in Ukraine. They face an incredibly cold winter—in the midst of a war. Fuel and heat are hard to find. But they’re so grateful for friends like you who are sending them warmth during this time of turmoil. We partnered with a group called Japan Platform to make sure Ukrainian war survivors have fuel briquettes to get them through the winter. Among the recipients was 48-year-old Irina from the town of Hostre, who shared her story with us.

wood for Ukrainian war survivor

“I never thought I would descend into such a beggarly existence or the impossibility of keeping warm. Before the war in 2014, everything was fine. I worked as the head of security at a private firm, and my husband was always busy with work. There were no needs, only joy in life and bright plans for a clear future.”

“However, the 2014 war disrupted our peace, and the rocket invasion in 2022 took away all our work, peaceful skies, safety, and confidence in tomorrow. I lost my job, and my husband struggles with only odd jobs. As a result, we have a budget of only $200 a month for the two of us. This is insufficient to survive with current prices for products, medicines, and utilities.”

helping ukraine conflict survivors 2024

Help for Ukrainian War Survivors

“We are critically short of funds to buy fuel. Last winter, we managed to survive only because evacuated neighbors left us their firewood. But not this year. However, the Lord did not abandon us and cared for us through compassionate people of Japan who provided funds and Operation Blessing delivering the solid fuel to our town located very close to the war zone. Your briquettes are a true rescue from the cold grip of death!”

“I want to say ‘thank you’ not only from my family but from every resident of our forgotten town, Hostre. Here, there are elderly people, disabled individuals, and those with nowhere to evacuate. Your help is incredibly valuable to us! A big thank you,” Irina said.

You also shared the warmth of your love with Vladimir, Tetyana, and so many others. Meanwhile you’ve provided food and supplies both to war victims in Ukraine and refugees in Poland. Thank for supporting hurting people in Ukraine and around the world!

help for ukraine conflict victims

Tornado Relief in Alabama

Help Disaster Victims Now!

ALABAMA – Operation Blessing is on the ground in storm-stricken Cottonwood, providing tornado relief in Alabama. The generosity of Operation Blessing partners has made it possible to provide relief to families affected by the recent tornado. The twister that struck Cottonwood was one of many that tore through the Southeast in early January.

In a matter of minutes, multiple tornadoes caused immeasurable damage throughout the region. Now residents in small towns like Cottonwood are left to pick up the pieces. But they are not alone! Your kindness makes it possible for Operation Blessing to provide tornado relief in Alabama.

Alabama Tornado Relief

Alabama Tornado Survivor – Lottie Williams

Cottonwood resident Lottie Williams shared her story with us. “I heard the sirens go off, but I was still in bed, and when things started to hit my house, I was afraid. I jumped out of bed and looked out the window. And I see that my shed is down, and a tree fell on my truck. And I really got upset, but all I could do was turn to Jesus.” Operation Blessing met Lottie and several other families after the storm to offer much-needed water bottles, cleaning materials, and emergency food kits.

With the generosity of our Operation Blessing supporters, the disaster relief team helped Lottie clear away debris and damaged structures from her home. Lottie said, “Well, Operation Blessing, they are here to help us. They’re cleaning up, and they’re doing a wonderful job.”

While helping Lottie salvage her belongings, the team uncovered one of her treasures completely unharmed. “My Bible was found in my shed,” she said. “One of the Operation Blessing men found my Bible, and I thank him for it. And I knew everything was going to be okay because Jesus will see us through.”

She also shared her gratitude. “Well, I think Operation Blessing is a good group of people from the bottom of my heart. And I just thank you all for being here to help me and others. Thank you.”

tornado relief volunteer

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Partner with Operation Blessing

Your faithful support is touching lives! Your dedication to help survivors of tornadoes in places like Alabama is giving hope to people who have lost so much. Learn more about what a difference partnership with Operation Blessing makes at www.ob.org/disaster-relief or www.ob.org/volunteer today!

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Alabama Tornado Response Begins

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ALABAMA – In early January, winter storm systems spawned intense tornadoes, ravaging communities across the southeastern United States. The Operation Blessing disaster relief team immediately deployed to initiate an Alabama tornado response and bring aid to families in desperate need.

alabama tornado response

Helping in Hard-Hit Cottonwood

Because of our compassionate supporters like you, we were able to leap into action as soon as word of the storms hit. Within a day, help was on the way. Operation Blessing trucks have already delivered food, water, and clean up supplies to hard hit areas, first in Florida and then in Alabama. And our full convoy, including our mobile kitchen for making hot meals, is on the ground near Cottonwood, Alabama now.

When we arrived in Cottonwood, the small town had been utterly devastated. If you haven’t seen it, you’ll definitely want to watch the above video to see both the extent of the devastation and the power of love to make a difference.

Alabama Tornado Relief

Rev. Dewayne Watson shared with us, “Many homes were lost, businesses, a lot of the commercial buildings, such as fire station banks, some parts of the school, etc., were devastated by the storm.”

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Tangible Help Shows God’s Love

The reverend continued, “When a person has lost everything, they really don’t know where to turn, who to ask for help. They don’t have the funds or the means to recoup or recover or even sustain during this time of loss. And I feel that groups like Operation Blessing are sent from God to be the part that those unfortunate people can’t be.”

With the generous help of compassionate supporters, a semi-truck with several pallets of bottled water, nonperishable foods, and buckets with cleaning supplies rolled into Cottonwood to help sustain hurting families in this time of great loss.

Disaster Relief Charity Helping Victims

We are also coordinating, overseeing, and supplying tools for volunteer efforts. Thanks to friends like you, our team is helping residents clean up debris, remove fallen trees, tarp roofs, and assist in any way we can to get them through these devastating times.

Your Gifts Can Help Disaster Victims!

Would you please reach out and give a special gift to help disaster victims in this dark moment? You can be a light in that darkness, providing the love, support, and encouragement they need. Find out how when you visit www.ob.org/disaster-relief or www.ob.org/volunteer today!

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A Fresh Start for a Widow in Honduras

HONDURAS – No one plans to become a widow—especially when you have young children. In a moment, everything changes. Young mothers have no choice but to become both providers and caregivers. While the struggle is challenging in any environment, women in developing countries face truly limited opportunities. But you are giving them hope for a future!

After she lost her husband, Dilcia fought tirelessly to support her twins, who were just 5 years old at the time. She sold food and cleaned houses, but her income was never enough. Every day was a battle to provide for her children. As a widow in Honduras, She has struggled for the past eight years to make ends meet.

“I didn’t have enough money to buy school supplies,” she told us. Her growing children constantly needed new shoes and uniforms for their public school. Dilcia stretched her income as far as she could.

help for a Honduran widow

Cosmetology Training for a Widow in Honduras

Everything changed when she had an opportunity to participate in a training program you provided through our Canela y Miel cosmetology school. Dilcia learned how to cut hair, paint nails, and provide other cosmetology services to women in her community. While she was still training, she started receiving requests from family and friends for hair services, manicures, and pedicures.

Dilcia told us she was able to double her income and provide for her children, and that’s because of you. “Now I have the possibility to buy new shoes, uniforms, and what they need. This used to be difficult to achieve.”

Dilcia is grateful to God for your generosity to help women like her. She is using her new skills to inspire other women to overcome their difficulties and become financially independent. She said, “Thank you for the opportunity to help us train and be able to stand on our own in life.”

cosmetology training in Honduras

Friends Like You Help a Pastor Battle Keloids

KENYA – Duncan faithfully serves his community as their pastor. A single adult with no wife or children, he is usually able to support himself as a farmer. But for the past several years, a health problem has disrupted his ministry.

During that period, Duncan struggled with painful growths around his neck and face called keloids. They often itched and swelled, leaking a discharge of pus that caused him even more discomfort and soiled his clothes. People in the community stared at him because of his disfiguring growths. Some even asked invasive and uncomfortable questions.

Because Duncan held a very public position as pastor, he began to feel self-conscious. He lost his confidence, and his self-esteem plummeted. How could he continue to serve God and his congregation with this condition?

He searched for a solution from several hospitals. Doctors advised that he needed surgery and radiation. But his income from farming wouldn’t cover the cost. Instead, Duncan kept struggling day after day with a condition that continued to worsen.

“I wanted so much for the surgery to be done,” he told us. He was able to save a little bit of money from time to time, but it was never enough.

pastor afflicted with keloids in Kenya

YOU Provided Surgery For Keloids

When our compassionate Operation Blessing family heard about Duncan’s struggles, friends like you wrapped their arms of love around him and gave this beloved pastor the gift of a life-changing surgery—paid in full!

The operation was a game-changer for Duncan. “Now I can go do my day-to-day activities without any worries,” he said. “People don’t look at me so weirdly.” Unforgettable love from friends like you helped heal this pastor with surgery for keloids.

Duncan is grateful for your love and compassion in his time of need. “What you have done in my life is not something to forget. You have really changed my life.”

keloid surgery for a pastor in Kenya

Triumph Over Hunger and Tragedy

UNITED STATES – Imagine, one moment you’re going to work, playing with your children, and enjoying life. Then, suddenly life as you know it changes forever. In the blink of an eye, you feel your face become numb, your limbs begin to weaken. You can’t seem to understand what anyone around you is saying. Nor can you utter the words to say the things you’re experiencing. Your worst fears are confirmed. You’ve suffered a stroke. Now imagine that this terrible experience happens twice to the same family in a decade—to a mother and daughter who desperately need outside help.

That’s the reality sisters Charlotte and Tanya faced. Although their shared experience was a tragedy, the healing power of community and food built a closer bond for this family. The ordeal would also prove to be a triumph over the tragedy of hunger.

Health Issues Create Hunger Crisis

Nine years ago Tanya, a single mother, suffered a stroke that left her in need of love and support. Her sister Charlotte stepped in and did her best to help Tanya and her children. This was no easy feat, as it sometimes meant the needs of Charlotte’s own household weren’t completely met. And then, just as Charlotte began to hit her stride in her career, tragedy struck the family again.

“It went really fast,” said Charlotte as she recounted the day their mother suffered a stroke. “In April she woke up one morning and said, ‘Hand me that.’ I thought she was talking about her toothbrush, but she looked at it like she had no earthly idea what it was.”

hunger relief in the United States

After her mother’s hospital stay and rehabilitation, Charlotte was left to pick up the pieces. Home alone with her mother, who could no longer move or advocate for herself, Charlotte knew it would be impossible to balance work and care for her mom, so she made the difficult decision to quit the job she loved.

You Help Provide Food for a Family in Need

Now needing to help her mother and her sister without employment of her own, she was close to being overwhelmed. “Worrying about food was the thing I thought was going to tip me over.” For many Americans, the loss of income leads to food insecurity issues and the tragedy of hunger.

As it turned out, although Charlotte was giving up something she loved, she gained so much more. DC Church receives food deliveries for their food pantry from Operation Blessing. Your support provides a wide array of healthy foods that nourish the body and feed the soul.

Charlotte received a flyer about the food pantry at her church. She said, “I think at first I was going to be a little too proud, but the name alone, Operation Blessing, it was like a light went off for me—that this is your blessing you need right now.”

The outpouring of generosity by donors like you helped provide blessings beyond measure for this family. “You have meats, you have your fruits and vegetables, you have snacks,” said Charlotte. “I’m making soups now.”

Triumph Over The Tragedy Of Hunger

Through this shared experience of dealing with sickness and avoiding the tragedy of hunger, Charlotte renewed her relationship with God, her family, and her neighbors.

She and her family offered immense gratitude to you. “Thank you, thank you, thank you,” said Charlotte. “You have no idea how it has made a difference in my life. When you’re entrusted to take care of somebody, and you walk into your kitchen and you don’t have anything—the rock that sits in your stomach, the doubts that go through your mind. When an organization like Operation Blessing steps up and goes, ‘Hey, I can help you through this time’ it means everything.”

Thank you so much for being an important part of Charlotte and Tanya’s story and for giving food to the hungry—both in the U.S. and around the globe.

food insecurity issues

Providing Relief after Southeast Tornadoes

FLORIDA – A series of severe thunderstorms caused widespread damage across the country as tornadoes struck multiple states. Panama City Beach, Florida, was one area where a twister caused extensive damage, demolishing buildings and leaving the people in great need of Southeast tornado relief.

Relief Teams Deployed in Florida

Operation Blessing immediately deployed, utilizing supplies from our Ocala, Florida warehouse strategically positioned nearby. Our team of staff and volunteers from Lighthouse Church are on the ground in the community offering help and hope through roof tarping and removal of downed trees and debris. Though recovery is always difficult, friends like you make sure that Floridians won’t have to do it alone.

Help Disaster Victims Now!

Preparing for Multiple Responses – Southeast Tornado Relief

Deadly twisters devastated communities across the U.S. and cost lives, impacting towns in Alabama as well. As storm survivors face downed trees and ruined homes and businesses, help is on the way.

One hard-hit area is Cottonwood, AL, and our relief team is assessing areas in and around that region to determine where the needs are greatest. Because of generous supporters who donated before these storms ever came, relief supplies are also on the way to affected areas—along with a mobile kitchen to serve hot meals! Sometimes it’s the little things like a hot meal that make all the difference for someone struggling in the aftermath of a disaster.

In times like this, we need to band together to help those in need. You can be a part of rescuing the helpless during disasters and restoring hope to those who have lost loved so much. As generous people like you give and pray, it truly makes a difference for those in need!

Give Hope!

Friends Like YOU Can Help!

Thank you for your compassionate heart. Please remember to pray for those who are suffering after this tragic event. You can be part of changing lives after a disaster strikes when you partner and volunteer with Operation Blessing. Find out how when you visit www.ob.org/disaster-relief and www.ob.org/volunteer today!