UNITED STATES – As a married couple, Brenda and Ben know what it means to love and to be loved. They understand that love is patient, kind, and not boastful. They know what it means to cherish and support one another through thick and thin. Until recently, they had not known the ordeal of Americans facing hunger due to circumstances beyond their control
But, in their time of need, Ben and Brenda experienced one of the greatest examples of love. The kind that is shown by friends like you, who selflessly extend a helping hand to Americans facing hunger. Your generosity became a beacon of hope in their darkest times.
Brenda’s health had been on the decline for a number of years when she was diagnosed with end-stage kidney failure and needed a transplant. This devastating news put a huge strain on the couple emotionally and financially. Then, just when it seemed the darkness might overtake them, the support of compassionate partners like you became a bright ray that pierced that darkness, giving them hope that everything would be okay.
Providing Food for Americans Facing Hunger and Hard Times
“Operation Blessing and the food was one of the first signs of hope,” said Ben. “Seeing that we were able to load up our car full of food and put all that food on the table and look at it—the manifestation of God’s blessing.”
The food Ben and Brenda received was of high quality and met Brenda’s strict dietary restrictions and also alleviated the strain on their wallets.
“Operation Blessing was there for us when we needed it,” said Ben. “We needed a sign of hope. Operation Blessing gave us that. It gave us that in a time in our lives that we needed to see a little light in the darkness.”
As their circumstances began to turn around, Brenda was blessed to receive a healthy new kidney after only 10 months, despite the average wait often being five years long.
“It’s overwhelming sometimes because I think back to where I came from or where Brenda came from, and it’s an overwhelming feeling of gratitude that I wake up with in the morning,” Ben shared. “It almost seemed surreal at times. … The sun is out, the day is good. She’s able to walk and move around. She has her independence back. It’s a heart of gratitude that I have.”
Ben and Brenda are grateful for the outpouring of support from Operation Blessing and our community of friends like you who continue to share such amazing love.
MEXICO – In the wake of Hurricane Otis, communities across Mexico faced unprecedented challenges. The Category 5 hurricane left a trail of destruction. In minutes of concentrated fury, it uprooted lives and damaged livelihoods. Amidst this devastation, stories of resilience and recovery have emerged. These stories highlight the critical role of Operation Blessing’s disaster relief efforts and the amazing difference that friends like you made for victims in need. These efforts related to Hurricane Otis Recovery were essential for women like Raquel, whose homes and businesses were decimated by the deadly storm.
Terror By Night That Changed Everything
For Raquel, a local food vendor known for her corn esquites and fried plantains, Hurricane Otis was a nightmare. The storm threatened her family’s survival. Her son Edwin, only seven years old, described the fear: “I heard the roof fly away and that scared me. There was water all around us.” Raquel’s business, the source of her family’s livelihood, was washed away in the deluge.
Building Hope by Providing for Simple Needs
In the aftermath, Raquel’s encounter with Operation Blessing marked the beginning of a new chapter. The organization stepped in to provide Hurricane Otis Recovery. This essential effort included food and clean water for Raquel, her family, and many others. This gesture of kindness was more than just relief; it was a spark of hope. Raquel invited the team to see the remnants of her home and business. Despite the loss, her spirit remained unbroken: “Right now, I have no business. We have nothing. But I will keep fighting for my children.”
Rebuilding Dreams After Hurricane Otis
Operation Blessing didn’t stop at just meeting basic needs. An important aspect of hurricane recovery is getting people back on their feet. Understanding the importance of empowering individuals to rebuild their lives, we provided Raquel with the tools to restart her business. This included a new pot, utensils, and raw materials.
“Tomorrow, I’m going to start selling corn GOD willing,” Raquel shared with renewed optimism. Her resilience, supported by the generosity of donors, underscored the impact of targeted hurricane relief efforts. Who would think that something as simple as a you providing a new pot could bring someone such joy and help restart a business?
Your Role in Hurricane Otis Recovery
Behind every bottle of water or every package of food delivered during Hurricane Otis recovery was kindness. YOUR kindness! Without your help, caring for families like Raquel’s would not have been possible. You gave them hope. Your generosity helped supply their basic needs. In addition, You showed them the love of Christ through your generosity.
CAMBODIA – In the heart of Cambodia, Baby Tantans struggled since birth with a cleft lip. But her journey is also full of hope and tells the story of what can happen when caring people step in and make a difference.
The Challenge of Cleft Lip in Cambodia
Children born with a cleft lip face not only physical challenges but also emotional and social hurdles. In Cambodia, where access to healthcare is limited for underprivileged families, the condition can lead to a life of hardship, stigma, and isolation. Tantans’ parents had little hope for their precious daughter, as financial constraints made medical treatment seem impossible.
The Power of Community and Charity
When Tantans and her family learned that Operation Blessing provided essential surgeries for those in need, they had a glimmer of hope. Through the generosity of donors, Tantans could receive free surgery to repair her cleft palate, a procedure that not only transformed her appearance but also her future.
Cambodia Child Cleft Lip Surgery Is More Than Just A Procedure
Cambodia child cleft lip surgery is more than a medical procedure; it’s a gateway to a new life. For children like Tantans, the surgery offers a chance to eat, speak, and smile normally, significantly improving their quality of life. Their parents no long have to worry about their children’s health, social acceptance, and self-esteem.
Operation Blessing: A Charity Helping Children With Life Changing Surgery
Our life-changing surgeries program stands as a beacon of hope for countless families across Cambodia, thanks to the support of our partners. This hope turns despair into joy and challenges into opportunities.
Your Support Helps Make These Miracles Possible
The success stories of children like Tantans are made possible by the incredible generosity of our donors and partners. You can continue this journey of transformation and healing by supporting our efforts in Cambodia and beyond. Your compassion doesn’t just fund surgeries. It brings smiles, laughter, and new beginnings to children and families. Together, we can ensure that no child has to grow up feeling ashamed or isolated because of a treatable condition.
Raging wildfires spare nothing in their path, leaving behind a trail of ashes, debris, and shattered dreams. In Texas, the flames consumed over a million acres, while in Chile, entire neighborhoods were reduced to rubble. And on the island of Maui, the deadliest wildfire in modern U.S. history claimed over 100 lives and left thousands homeless. Yet, even in the face of such overwhelming devastation, a flicker of hope remained, fueled by the unwavering compassion of friends like you.
Destructive Wildfires in Texas
IN TEXAS, you enabled the Operation Blessing team to respond swiftly to the raging wildfires along the panhandle near Amarillo. County Commissioner Chris Prock shared the gravity of the situation: “We lost several hundred structures to the fire. It went through some of our neighborhoods.” Your generosity provided emergency necessities, hygiene supplies, and cleanup materials to all in need, including first responders battling the deadly flames.
Shannon, a local rancher, recounted the harrowing experience, “I turned off the highway to come in here, and there was fire raging on both sides of me. We lost around 5,000 acres. … It was just a helpless feeling.” Commissioner Prock expressed his gratitude: “Having organizations like Operation Blessing show up—a global organization—and say, ‘Hey, what can we do for your community? We’re here for you. How can we meet that need?’ It’s just a huge blessing to us.”
Destructive Wildfires in Chile
ACROSS THE OCEAN IN CHILE—In the weeks just before the Texas disaster, families like Daisy’s similarly found themselves grappling with the aftermath of destructive wildfires. “The fires started near us, and in less than an hour we had to evacuate with only the backpacks we packed the day before,” Daisy recounted.
Through your support, Operation Blessing joined forces with local and international partners to provide assistance—including food, water, and help rebuilding homes following the raging wildfires. “Our hearts are filled with gratitude for the help—what they’re doing for us and many other people,” Daisy expressed. “We’re no longer starting from scratch.”
Catastrophic Wildfires in Hawaii
IN HAWAII, the catastrophic wildfires traumatized survivors like Alan and his young son Kaipo. “Fire was everywhere, burning everyone’s houses, making its way toward everyone and their vehicles as they tried to get away,” Alan recalled. But your generosity provided emergency supplies, fishing gear, and even help developing the Ohana Hope Community—a temporary housing solution for hundreds of displaced Hawaiians.
Alan shared his immense gratitude. “To have stuff like that handed to us is like a dream come true. Big mahalos (thanks) to you all. Thank you, guys, for taking the time and opportunity for helping those in need. You guys are truly a blessing.”
Through your generosity, Operation Blessing has been able to bring comfort and aid to those in need. From providing essential supplies to rebuilding homes, your support has been a lifeline for families struggling to regain their footing. Out of the ashes from raging wildfires, hope has risen, fueled by your willingness to stand with the suffering.
Thank you for showing God’s love in the darkest of times. Your compassion has truly made a difference in the lives of those who have lost so much.
WORLDWIDE – Imagine for a moment the life of a child in a faraway village—we’ll call her Sarah. She might be in Peru, or Thailand, or even somewhere in Africa, but the story will be much the same. Sarah loves art, playing soccer with her friends, and helping around the house. But something always weighs heavily at the back of Sarah’s mind: food. If you were Sarah, what would you do when food is scarce?
Her loving parents try so hard, but they struggle to make ends meet. The cycle of generational poverty has robbed them of opportunities that might have allowed them to get ahead. Too often, there simply isn’t enough food for their family of six, and her mother and father skip meals. They think she doesn’t notice, but Sarah sees everything.
And while she realizes that some of her friends enjoy hearty dinners with nutritious meats and vegetables, too many days she and her siblings survive on a rationed portion of rice or beans. Today, Sarah’s stomach growls loudly as she walks to school. It will be hard to pay attention in class. And as much as she loves to play, she knows she’ll probably be too tired and hungry to enjoy recess. Hopefully, one of her parents can find some work today. Otherwise, there won’t be much to eat for dinner. Again.
Praying for An End to Food Scarcity
When Sarah arrives back home, her mother greets her with a warm smile, but the worry in her eyes tells Sarah everything she needs to know. She is suffering from food scarcity. She’ll pray extra hard tonight. Surely tomorrow will be a better day. It just has to be.
Sarah’s story is one that’s familiar around the world—even here in the United States. Children like Sarah might not technically be starving, but they are what we call “food insecure.” Food is scarce for children like Sarah. It is hard to come by for their families, whether because of job loss, inflation, sickness, conflict, natural disaster, or just heartbreaking generational poverty.
In some cases, these children might not actually feel hungry, but they lack vital nutrients and a reliable source of food. They are malnourished, unable to thrive in school, anxious about food, and they easily fall prey to illness.
When Food Is Scarce, You Help Us Fight the Battle Against Hunger
That’s why we’re so thankful that you are fighting hunger in America and around the globe every day. When food is scarce and times are tough, you step in and offer hope to the hungry. Through food distributions, agricultural programs, small business opportunities, skills training, and educational initiatives, you make sure that kids like Sarah, as well as adults and the elderly, have the food they need not only to survive—but to thrive.
The USDA reports that 12.8% of households in America are food insecure to some degree—and estimates that over 700,000 children in the U.S. have experienced significant food insecurity.
These Are the Faces of Hunger
RAQUEL | MEXICO
After Hurricane Otis hit Mexico, demolishing homes and businesses, Raquel and her husband struggled to feed their children. Thank goodness, you made a way for this family. Not only did generous friends like you provide them with food, you also gave them supplies and tools for Raquel to restart her business selling corn and plantains.
TABITA | NIGERIA
Life is hard in the region of Gombi, Nigeria. Tabita’s family often made do with only corn, beans, and rice. She worried that they wouldn’t have enough to eat. Then, you sent an agriculture project to her area. Now Tabita reports that she’s had a bountiful harvest, her children are eating well, and that the profits from her small farm have helped to pay for the children’s school fees.
EUGENY | UKRAINE
For 79-year-old Eugeny, the conflict in Ukraine started in 2014. When the war hit full force in 2022, he faced daily explosions and survived without heat, electricity, and gas. Then one night his bedside candle started a fire, which he barely survived. Now he lives at a home for the elderly and infirm in Ukraine, where you help provide him with three hearty homemade meals a day.
JU JU | THAILAND
As in many developing nations, hunger and food scarcity have increased in Thailand since the pandemic. The situation has only gotten worse as many refugees fleeing Myanmar have settled in their country. But we’re glad to report that you are reaching out to kids like Ju Ju. You even provided a special celebration that included a hot meal, a food distribution, gifts, and fun Superbook activities.
SAMMY AND OLIVIA | USA
Sammy and Olivia’s lives were turned upside down when Sammy needed emergency heart surgery and had to take time off to recover. Even though Olivia worked extra hours, they began to drown financially and didn’t know what to do for food. Then you provided abundant groceries for them through a food pantry in their area.
According to the World Health Organization, over 122 million MORE people around the world faced hunger in 2023 than in 2019, bringing the total to about 735 million!
For so many food is scarce, but you are helping reverse that statistic.
KENYA – For Lydia and her family in rural Kenya, the sound of rain was once a source of dread rather than comfort. Their rundown hut, riddled with cracks and holes, offered little protection from the elements. As the rainwater seeped in, so did the cold, making it nearly impossible to sleep. Lydia’s heart ached witnessing her children endure these miserable conditions, but as a day laborer struggling to make ends meet, she felt powerless to change their circumstances.
A Glimmer of Hope Amidst Hardship
Lydia’s youngest children attended a school that was being run by Operation Blessing, a humanitarian organization dedicated to alleviating poverty worldwide. When the charity’s representatives learned of the family’s plight, they knew they had to take action. Thanks to the generosity of compassionate donors like you, Operation Blessing embarked on a journey to build the family a new home in Kenya – a sanctuary where they could finally find peace and comfort.
A Sanctuary of Joy: A New House in Kenya
As the construction team diligently worked, Lydia and her children could scarcely believe their eyes. Brick by brick, their dream of a safe, sturdy new house in Kenya was becoming a reality. The new house featured a separate kitchen area, protecting the family from the hazardous smoke that once filled their living quarters. Solar lights illuminated the rooms, banishing the darkness that had engulfed their lives for far too long.
“We never dreamed this would happen to us,” Lydia exclaimed, her voice trembling with joy. “It brings me such happiness to no longer worry about a leaking roof when it rains. We are protected from the wind and cold.”
A Fresh Start, a Brighter Future
The new kitchen, a dedicated space for cooking and gathering, filled Lydia with immense gratitude. “I am so happy with our new kitchen,” she beamed. “We no longer cook and sleep in the same place, so we don’t suffer from the smoke from the fireplace.”
For the first time, Lydia and her children had their separate bedrooms where they could rest peacefully. “I sleep so well now,” Lydia shared, her eyes shining with hope for the future.
A Legacy of Love: Your Donations Changed Lives
Lydia’s story of her new house in Kenya is a powerful testament to the transformative impact of kindness and generosity. Her family’s life has been forever changed, all thanks to the compassionate friends like you who chose to support Operation Blessing’s mission.
“We are grateful to God and everyone who helped us,” Lydia expressed, her voice filled with profound gratitude. “May God bless you and prosper you, so you can continue giving these kinds of miracles to other families.”
As Lydia and her children embark on this new chapter, their journey serves as a reminder that even the smallest act of kindness can ripple outward, bringing joy and hope to those in need. Through the power of love and the generosity of our donors, Operation Blessing continues to build brighter futures, one home and one family at a time.
MEXICO – Who are these radiant children, and why are they wearing such dazzling smiles? Meet Federico (9) and Diana (4), the youngest of the Pérez kids. Their older siblings used to trek long distances every few days to get water needed for drinking, bathing, and washing clothes—but now they have it stored safely nearby. Now they are benefiting from a refreshing water solution in Mexico. It’s a win-win story not only for this family, but for an entire village!
Living just outside the town of Jiquipilas, in the Mexican state of Chiapas, this family—like the others in their small community—suffered the uncertainty of water scarcity. They needed an efficient way to gather and store water, especially during dry periods. Their father, Joaquín, led multiple trips for water each week. But, as is all too often the case, the water wasn’t clean and caused health problems like stomachaches and headaches. Much as they wanted to, Frederico and Diana’s parents were unable to change this difficult situation for their children.
Water Solution in Mexico Helps Battle Water Scarcity
But thanks to your thoughtfulness, the families of this village now enjoy a very different reality. In response to the town’s need, friends like you made it possible for Operation Blessing to intervene. We met with the villagers and found a way to improve their communal water system by installing a water tank with chlorination—and ensuring that all of the homes would have full access to this vital resource. This water solution in Mexico would prove to be life changing, as the entire village did not suffer from the stress of water scarcity.
The health of the villagers also improved after participating in the water care workshops we provided. Joaquín said gratefully, “Our way of life has already changed, and we believe it will change even more because we are taking care of the water. …We feel thankful because we hadn’t received help from anyone, and Operation Blessing’s supporters provided that help.”
“Our way of life has already changed, and we believe it will change even more because we are taking care of the water. …We feel thankful because we hadn’t received help from anyone, and Operation Blessing’s supporters provided that help.”
HONDURAS – For some families, finding affordable hernia surgery in Honduras can be a insurmountable challenge. This common condition, where internal organs bulge through weakened muscle or tissue, can cause excruciating pain and complications if left untreated. Tragically, many Honduran children, like 5-year-old Josue, are forced to endure this debilitating issue without access to the medical care they desperately need.
Josue’s Path to Hernia Surgery in Honduras
Josue was born with a hernia that only got worse as he aged. His parents recalled the agonizing days when “he was in constant pain” and the local hospital could do nothing to help. “I felt a pain in my heart because I wanted to fix him or pay for surgery. But for us, it was impossible. We will never be able to afford the cost of an operation,” Josue’s mother shared.
Fortunately, we were able to step in and provide Josue with life-changing hernia surgery at no cost to his family. After the successful procedure, Josue’s parents rejoiced, saying, “I am very grateful to Operation Blessing. I hope that you can help many more families like ours.”
Empowering Honduran Families With Kindness
Through the generosity of our partners, we were able to cover the full cost of the procedure for Josue. You are the reason families like Josue’s can access this critical care, restoring their health and quality of life. With your support, we can continue reaching more people and transforming lives.
To learn more about Operation Blessing’s surgery initiative or to make a donation, please visit our website. Together, we can help other children in need live a life that is free from constant pain.
INDIA – Like most children, Alfa loved to play with her younger siblings, Umara and Ibrahim. Yet for these three children in India, the world was growing darker. Cataracts were stealing their vision and blurring their futures. But you gave them hope when they needed it most. Hope for a future without cataracts.
By the time Alfa was 10 years old, she was nearly blind and needed constant assistance—even to walk. School frustrated her. “I had a hard time studying, especially writing,” she said. “I was not able to write properly and keep a straight line.” To make matters worse, Umara and Ibrahim also struggled to see.
All Three Children in India Needed Surgery
Alfa’s parents took them to a nearby hospital, but the answer was devastating: All the children needed surgery. “We come from a very poor family background,” their mother, Afreen, cried as she shared with us. “There was no way we could afford even one surgery, let alone three. So, we just came back home.”
Tajuddin, Alfa’s father, worked hard so that Afreen could stay home to help the children with their many unique needs. “I felt completely helpless,” he told us. “I worked all day in the fields and came home to see my children struggling. I could not sleep peacefully at night.”
Then you shined a light into their darkness and provided cataract surgery for all three children in India. Their lives were immediately transformed. As soon as they returned home, they were able to see clearly enough to play with each other without assistance.
A Future Without Cataracts
Today, Alfa happily sees a world that’s in focus. “I love playing outside. I’m doing well in my school, and I can do all my my homework on my own.” Her confidence is growing, and her future looks promising.
“I can see joy in my children,” Afreen said. The worry and burden she carried for so long is now relieved, thanks to your love and support. “I want to thank everyone who helped us.”
Your compassion gave this precious family hope and a new beginning. They can now see a future that is clear and bright. A future without cataracts obscuring their hopes and dreams.
BRAZIL – As waters are receding in the flooded neighborhoods of Novo Hamburgo, Brazil, families are just beginning their long journey of recovery—a journey marked with challenges and food scarcity. As families return to decimated neighborhoods and homes, your commitment to providing hunger relief for flood victims means so much.
Local mother Ana has returned to her home with her family after spending weeks in a shelter. Like so many others, her concerns immediately turned to how she would feed her family. She told us, “I had to trash a lot of things, including everything I had left in the fridge. What little things I had were taken out of the house.”
Food Boxes Help Provide Essentials to Brazilian Flood Victims
Because of the generous support of friends like you, Operation Blessing has been packing and distributing food boxes filled with items that can sustain a family for a week. Ana said, “It helps a lot. This food box has all of the basics that will help me out a lot. My children and husband like rice and beans the most, so they can eat what they like.”
Hunger Relief for Flood Victims Is Critical
Grazi Pereira is another flood survivor in Brazil. Now, families like Grazi’s can keep up their strength as they navigate this difficult time. She said, “The donations we’re receiving right now are so important, crucial even. Your generosity ends up helping us see a little light at the end of the tunnel.”
Operation Blessing is still in Brazil hearing amazing stories like this because of your generosity. This support is so valuable because it means we can continue caring for the people surviving disaster. Grazi said, “We thank Operation Blessing so much. All the help we’ve received is important, not just for us, but all of the families in need.”
Ana said, “If I could speak to the donors, I would thank them very much. May God bless you for giving. It’s so heartwarming to receive help from people all over the world, because sometimes we can feel forgotten. So, thank you very much from the bottom of my heart.” Thank you for having such a heart of generosity.
