Hunger Relief in Peru

PERU – In Iquitos, Peru, hunger and food insecurity have long been common struggles for families like Mateo’s. The poor living conditions make life challenging for many. For Mateo’s family, the fight for survival is a cruel daily reality.

To help alleviate the suffering through hunger relief in Peru, Operation Blessing partners help to break people out of the cycle of poverty and hunger. Microenterprise programs provide a unique way for families dealing with hunger issues in Peru to overcome.

Mateo’s Family Struggles

Mateo’s father works as a farm laborer, but his job is sporadic. This leaves the family with an unstable income. To supplement their earnings, Mateo’s mother runs a sewing business from home. However, despite their combined efforts, the family earns less than $5 a day. This makes it nearly impossible for them to afford everything from food to school supplies. As a result, they find themselves trapped in a cycle of poverty and hunger. With no way to increase their income, they are unable to break free.

Daily Struggles with Food Insecurity

Due to their meager income, Mateo’s family can only manage to have two meals on most days. There are actually times when they are reduced to just one meal. Hunger is a constant companion, threatening Mateo’s hope as the family goes to bed on empty stomachs more often than not. The financial strain also affects their ability to pay for electricity and water, further increasing their hardship.

the challenge of food insecurity in peru

Operation Blessing’s Intervention

Recognizing the dire situation faced by Mateo’s family and others, Operation Blessing stepped in with a microenterprise solution. This helps to provide relief from hunger for the long term. The team invited Mateo and his parents to a poultry workshop held at their local church. There they received comprehensive training and building materials to construct a chicken coop. In addition, Operation Blessing supplied baby chickens, feed, and medicine to kickstart their business.

Positive Changes for Matteo’s Family Through Microenterprise

The microenterprise training proved to be a life-changing opportunity for Mateo’s family. Through the workshops, they learned essential skills for chicken care and maintenance, empowering them to successfully raise and nurture their flock. With the support from Operation Blessing, they complete a second cycle of raising chickens, resulting in a steady income and improved access to food.

As proud business owners, Mateo’s family no longer solely relies on sporadic work in the fields or the profits from the sewing business. The microenterprise provides them with a stable and sustainable source of income, enabling them to break free from the shackles of hunger and poverty. Moreover, they cultivate their own food, reducing their dependence on external aid.

Gratitude for Operation Blessing Partners

The impact of this program provided by friends like you is profound. Through the project, families like Mateo’s have not only improved their financial standing but also gained skills that allow them to sell chickens and prepared chicken products for additional income. Mateo himself has grown healthier and happier, benefiting from the increased stability and well-being of his family.

A special thanks is extended to the generous partners of Operation Blessing, whose unwavering support makes these transformative programs possible. Their contributions directly impact families like Mateo’s, providing them with opportunities to break free from the chains of hunger and food insecurity.

Partner With Us to Provide Hunger Relief in Peru

To continue making a difference in the lives of families facing food insecurity, partner with us. By joining with Operation Blessing, you play a vital role in empowering families to create a better future for themselves.

To contribute to the cause and help combat hunger in places like Peru, consider donating to Operation Blessing at ob.org/hunger-relief/. Your support can make a lasting impact, providing families like Mateo’s with the tools and resources they need to overcome food insecurity and build a brighter tomorrow.

Virginia Single Mother Overcomes Hunger

VIRGINIA – Meet Dee Dee, a resilient single mother of three in Virginia. When Dee Dee underwent surgery, she expected only a brief period of recovery before returning to work. However, unexpected complications prolonged her time off, leaving her in a state of financial instability.

With three kids to care for, Dee Dee faced uncertainty, anxiety, and ultimately food insecurity. Thankfully, friends like you came to her aid through a partnership with the Kingdom Investing Outreach Center, providing hunger relief for this Virginia single mother in need.

Virginia Hunger Relief: Dee Dee’s Struggle

Dee Dee’s recovery journey took an unexpected turn when she faced complications after surgery. What was initially intended to be a three-week break from work became two and a half months without her regular income. As a single mother, she had not prepared for such a lengthy absence and lacked the financial resources to feed her family properly during this period. The thought of providing for her children without an income weighed heavily on her heart. Like so many Virginia Beach single mothers, she was faced with food insecurity struggles on a regular basis.

The Kingdom Investing Outreach Center’s Blessing

In Dee Dee’s time of need, the Kingdom Investing Outreach Center, a valued partner of Operation Blessing, stepped in to offer support. Recognizing the importance of addressing hunger and food insecurity in Virginia communities, they delivered much-needed food assistance to Dee Dee and her family. The impact was profound, leaving her feeling overwhelmed with gratitude.

Dee Dee’s Gratitude for the Outreach Center and Operation Blessing

Dee Dee couldn’t hold back her emotions when she received the food from the Kingdom Investing Outreach Center. To her, it was a divine intervention, a clear sign that God’s help was at hand when she needed it most. She expressed her heartfelt appreciation to Operation Blessing partners for the kindness shown to her and her family during their time of struggle.

A Brighter Tomorrow: Dee Dee’s Recovery

With the support provided by the Kingdom Investing Outreach Center, Dee Dee gradually recovered from her surgery and resumed her work as a medical assistant. She was also able to get back to her passions: leading worship at her church and cherishing moments with her beloved family. The assistance they received played a crucial role in helping them get back on their feet and thrive once again.

The Impact of Operation Blessing Supporters

Dee Dee’s story is a testament to the power of compassionate generosity. The support from people like you made a significant difference in the lives of Dee Dee and her children. When they had nowhere else to turn, heartfelt contributions provided them with the stability they needed during a challenging time. Dee Dee’s heart overflows with gratitude for the nourishing food and the hope brought into their lives.

A Heartfelt Thank You to Operation Blessing Partners

By supporting initiatives that combat hunger and uplift families like Dee Dee’s, we can collectively make a lasting impact on the lives of those in need. Your donations and compassion create a chain reaction of positive change, fostering hope and empowering families to overcome adversity. Together, we can build a brighter and more secure future for single mothers like Dee Dee and their children in Virginia and beyond.

Contaminated Water in Nigeria

NIGERIA – In the village of Karara, Nigeria, daily life has always revolved around the difficult task of getting water from a faraway stream. This is a burden Rhona can remember carrying since she was very young. What’s worse, the water isn’t just hard to reach, it’s unsafe. Rhona and her community must grapple with the challenge of using contaminated water in Nigeria, which poses severe health risks due to the presence of harmful bacteria.

Daily Struggles with Fetching Contaminated Water

To meet her family’s basic water needs, Rhona must make the journey to a distant stream four times a day. This often leaves her exhausted, but sadly, it is essential for her family’s survival. Despite her fatigue, she must tend to constant household chores. Even after all these efforts, the water she fetches is still contaminated and makes them sick.

Contaminated Water and Health Issues

The contaminated water in Rhona’s village carries a terrible smell and taste, making it unappealing for consumption. Fear fills her heart as she worries about giving this unsafe water to her family. The experience of stomachaches and vomiting is all too common, but she has no choice. They have long needed a clean water solution.

When someone consumes contaminated water, it can lead to waterborne diseases that affect their overall well-being. Some of the common waterborne illnesses include diarrhea, cholera, typhoid fever, and dysentery. These ailments can cause severe dehydration and weaken the body’s immune system, leaving individuals vulnerable to other infections and complications. For young children and the elderly, these diseases can be particularly dangerous, and without proper medical attention, they can become life-threatening.

And the impact of contaminated water goes beyond physical health. It takes a toll on the mental and emotional well-being of the villagers as well. The constant worry and stress about falling sick from drinking the water create a sense of helplessness and anxiety among the community members. Parents like Rhona are filled with constant fear for the safety and health of their children, making it challenging to find peace of mind.

A Mother’s Worst Fear

Rhona’s worst fear came true when her son fell ill due to consuming contaminated water. She turned to prayers, seeking divine intervention and help in their time of desperation. Even after years of this vicious cycle of ingesting dangerous unsafe water, she believed and hoped that it would change. Thankfully, God answers prayer, and you were part of that!

Operation Blessing Partners to the Rescue

Thankfully, news of the suffering in Rhona’s village reached Operation Blessing, prompting them to take action. With your support, a well was dug near Rhona’s home, bringing healing and health to the entire community.

The Joy of Clean Water

Upon receiving the gift of clean water, joy and gratitude washed over Karara village. The people are truly grateful to you, our partners, for having a heart to give. Now they do not have to worry about sickness caused by bad water. The freedom they’ve received will impact life in the village for years to come! All because of your kindness!

A New Way of Life with Safe Water

With easier access to safe water, Rhona’s daughter can now fetch water more easily. This eases the burden on her mother. This newfound convenience allows Rhona to focus on household tasks. It also provides more time so she can help her husband with farming. Rest and leisure activities are now possible, improving their overall quality of life.

Rhona and her community are immensely thankful to friends like you for bringing about such positive changes. The gift of clean water has led to improved health and happiness in the entire village!

Help Us Continue to Change Lives with the Gift of Clean Water

As we witness the transformation in Karara village, we are reminded of the urgent need to support other communities facing similar challenges. Continue to partner with us and contribute to Operation Blessing’s efforts by visiting www.ob.org/donate. Together, we can make a difference. We can provide clean water solutions to those in need, fostering healthier and happier communities throughout the world.

Clean Water in Remote Mexico

MEXICO – Grandma Asuncion recalls the harsh realities of finding clean water in remote Mexico. For her, it’s a relentless challenge that casts a shadow over everyday life. She told us, “The water situation was harsh. We got stomach sickness.”

The scarcity of safe water has caused widespread stomach sickness among the residents. Water from local sources is often contaminated by wildlife, making it dangerous to consume. The foul-smelling water leaves the community with no choice but to continue a cycle of sickness and despair.

To make matters worse, fetching water is an arduous task for Grandma Asuncion. It involves long journeys and multiple trips each day due to the limited amount she can carry. The difficult terrain makes this daily struggle even more demanding, testing her endurance. Yet, she perseveres knowing that water is the lifeline of her family and the entire community.

The Impact of Unsafe Water on Daniela

For Daniela, the contaminated water brings daily discomfort and abdominal pains, leaving her vulnerable to health issues. Grandma worries about the potential harm the water could cause to Daniela’s long-term health and overall well-being.

Challenge Of Finding Clean Water In Remote Mexico

Operation Blessing’s Rainwater Harvesting System

Fortunately, friends like you stepped in alongside Operation Blessing to offer a ray of hope in a dark situation. We introduced a rainwater harvesting system that collects and stores up to 1,300 gallons of water. Purification methods ensure that the rainwater becomes safe for consumption. And the fresh water is piped to Grandma Asuncion’s home as well as many others in the community.

The Impact of a Rainwater Harvesting System as a Clean Water Solution

With the rainwater harvesting system in place, a wave of joy and relief washed over Grandma Asuncion. The burden of carrying water was lifted, allowing her to focus on other essential aspects of her life. Likewise, Daniela’s life took a positive turn as she began to enjoy the simple pleasures of bathing and drinking clean water. Grandma Asuncion, filled with gratitude, expressed her heartfelt appreciation to Operation Blessing for bringing this life-changing initiative to their community. “Having water in our house means I no longer have to carry it. I am just so happy.”

Partner With Operation Blessing and Give the Gift of Clean Water

As we witness the positive impact that clean water brings to this remote Mexican community, we have an opportunity before us. You can help us bring clean water to more communities today. By visiting www.ob.org/cleanwater, you can make a meaningful difference and be part of this vital mission that improves the lives of countless individuals across remote regions. The significance of clean water extends beyond the physical; it nourishes hope, health, and prosperity for communities far and wide.

Supporting First Responders After Turkey Fire

TURKEY – In Belen, Turkey, as the scorching summer unfolds, temperatures have surged to a staggering 115° F. This has ignited a series of devastating forest fires in the mountains. What once flourished as green, lush terrain now lies in ashes. Homes have been reduced to ruins, and the loss of vehicles only worsens the heartache. Thankfully, friends like you are supporting first responders and those in need.

Families, already reeling from the horrors of earlier earthquakes, are now faced with yet another tragedy. Just as they started to find a semblance of normalcy, the raging fires forced them to flee again.

Recognizing the urgent need, Operation Blessing swiftly mobilized resources from our food supply warehouse in Turkey. With your support, we deployed crucial provisions such as water, food, and essential supplies to support the “Gendarmeries,” or forest police, as they bravely combat the inferno.

Supporting Burn Victims and First Responders

Through the unwavering generosity of our cherished partners, Operation Blessing is extending even more aid. We have offered medicines to assist burn victims, soothing their pain. Additionally, masks have been distributed to safeguard people, enabling them to breathe despite the choking smoke that fills the region.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all of you who have reached out with love and support for the dear people of Turkey. Your compassion enables us to respond swiftly and effectively, providing timely aid and support when disaster strikes. Together with you, we exemplify the love of Jesus as we extend a helping hand to those in dire need.

If you’d like to show even more support for families in crisis, please visit www.ob.org/disaster-relief today.

Stay tuned for more information about Operation Blessing’s Turkey response.

Help More Disaster Victims Now

Fulfilling Dreams in Costa Rica

Proper Eye Care in Costa Rica: Vision for a Brighter Future

COSTA RICA – It’s amazing to see how love crosses borders, like the way your generosity is touching lives in Costa Rica. Every day, children in impoverished areas go to school with big dreams, but difficult circumstances all too often stand in their way. And for those with vision problems, getting proper eye care in Costa Rica can be the difference between thriving and just surviving.

Sawdy is one of those children. She’s a driven 11-year-old girl, passionate about becoming a doctor one day. Already, she shows leadership skills—her student body made her class president. But she had really begun to struggle with reading and doing her homework. Dry eyes and headaches were plaguing her studies on a regular basis.

She shared, “I have to tell the teacher that I need to get closer to the blackboard because I can’t see well.”

Her family lives in a poor area, and her parents have tried with all their might to get her the glasses she needs, but saving that much money would require them to go without food or utilities for a time.

Proper Eye Care in Costa Rica: Empowering Needy Families

Eye Care Costa Rica: Clearing Obstacles, Inspiring Success

Proper Eye Care In Costa Rica For People In Need

Thankfully, Sawdy doesn’t have to go without anymore. Operation Blessing partners like you came together to answer this family’s prayer! An Operation Blessing eye care team was sent to her area to give free exams to hundreds of children across multiple communities. Your generosity helps provide proper eye care in Costa Rica.

Now, because of you, Sawdy has new glasses, and she can see a clear path to a brighter future! “I feel happy, because my mom always worries about me and my siblings. With the donation of the glasses, she can save money to buy clothes and food.”

Every time Sawdy wears her glasses over the coming years, your love will be right there with her.

Eye Care for the Poor: Transforming Lives in Costa Rica

Your Compassion Changes Lives Across Turkey

TURKEY – In the wake of the devastating earthquakes that struck numerous communities in Turkey, Operation Blessing swiftly responded. Because of your faithful support, we were able to extend a helping hand to those impacted by the disaster. Together with us, your compassion changes lives. Mason Pigue and Jeff Westling, our dedicated team members, journeyed to the hard-hit region of Hatay,. There they witnessed firsthand the widespread destruction and devastation.

Among those profoundly affected was Mahmut, a local baker who tragically lost his oven in the quake. The soaring demand for bread during the crisis made it challenging for people to find affordable options. Thanks to the generous support of friends like you, Operation Blessing provided Mahmut with a new oven. This enabled him to bake bread once more and offer it at a reasonable cost to his community.

George, a local barber, saw his once-thriving business reduced to rubble during the earthquake. The prospect of rebuilding seemed impossible. However, through the assistance of your compassionate giving, Operation Blessing constructed a new storefront for George. Overwhelmed with gratitude, George exclaimed, “I want to thank you all, because I never expected this much kindness. Rent in the city would be too expensive for me. This helps because now I can rebuild my business here.”

Delivering Essential Supplies Changes Lives

In a local village, Operation Blessing provided vital food boxes to families facing dire circumstances. Your generous donations made it possible to deliver these essential supplies every two weeks, ensuring that families have access to nourishment during this time of great need.

None of the life-transforming work we do would be possible without the incredible support of partners like you. Together, we are making a significant and lasting impact on the lives of those affected by the earthquakes in Turkey. Your compassion changes lives.

Join us today in bringing hope and relief to those who are suffering. No matter the amount, your gift can make a significant difference in restoring lives and communities. Visit www.ob.org/disaster-relief to donate and be a beacon of hope to those in need. Together, let’s continue changing lives for the better. Thank you for your unwavering compassion and support.

Stay tuned for more information about Operation Blessing’s Turkey response.

Help More Disaster Victims Now

Together We Gave Turkish Families Clean Water

TURKEY – In the wake of the catastrophic earthquake that devastated Iskenderun, Turkey, one mother named Nermin found herself facing a harrowing challenge. She needed clean drinking water to nourish her children. However, amidst the chaos and despair, a glimmer of hope emerged, thanks to the unwavering support of partners like you. Together, we gave Turkish families clean water in the camp where Nermin and her two children now live.

Recalling the immediate aftermath of the earthquake, Nermin painted a vivid picture of the struggles endured by her community. “The day after the earthquake, we were thirsty, but we couldn’t drink water from the tap anymore. The earthquake damaged all the underground pipes, and the clean water mixed with sewage, so it was not safe to drink,” she recounted with a heavy heart.

Thanks to the steadfast prayers and generous support of partners like you, Operation Blessing swiftly responded to the urgent need for clean water. Installing a dedicated access point within the camp, the team brought relief and newfound hope to Nermin and her fellow survivors.

We Thank Friends Like You for Clean Water

Overwhelmed with gratitude, Nermin shared, “After the earthquake I was so tired and depressed, but then I saw people like you helping us and taking care of us, and it gave me hope.” With the clean water access point now readily available, Nermin can finally find solace, knowing that her children will never go thirsty again.

As the news of the clean water access point spread throughout the camp, the community rejoiced. Nermin’s daughter gleefully exclaimed, “It is wonderful having clean water! Thank you so much for helping us and the whole community here. This water tank has made our lives so much easier. Thank you again.”

Your support has the power to transform the lives of countless families facing similar crises. Together, we can extend a lifeline to those in desperate need. Visit www.ob.org/disaster-relief today to discover how you can join us in providing essential aid and making a tangible difference in the lives of those affected by disasters.

clean water for earthquake victims in Turkey

Stay tuned for more information about Operation Blessing’s Turkey response.

Help More Disaster Victims Now

The Power To Choose Life Over Death In India

Proper Medical Care in India: Transforming Lives, One Patient at a Time

INDIA – If left untreated, little Priyansh could have died. Can you fathom having to make this agonizing decision for your child: a surgery you have absolutely no way to pay for or possible death? What would you do if the option for surgery wasn’t even available in your region? Can’t you feel the pain of this mother’s heart, knowing that she could do nothing to save her baby?

Yet this is the situation that the parents of millions of vulnerable children like Priyansh face every day. They are bound by the chains of poverty—unable to access or afford the resources they need. Thankfully, friends like you are connecting them with proper medical care in India and beyond when it’s needed most!

That’s exactly what you did for little Priyansh and his family. This sweet baby boy was born with a severe cleft lip and palate, which made it difficult for him to get the nutrition he needed. He couldn’t breastfeed, so his mother, Ram Bai, fed him liquids with a spoon. Priyansh quickly became malnourished. He also struggled to breathe.

“I am worried about my son,” Ram Bai told us. Even when he was old enough to consume solid food, Priyansh couldn’t eat properly and struggled to swallow. Ram Bai often cried as she watched her boy suffer. But what could they do? Her husband farmed their small piece of land in a tribal village in India to the best of his ability. During the off season, he worked odd jobs to support their family. Still, the cost of surgery was too great for them to meet.

India Medical Care for the Needy: Restoring Health, Rebuilding Lives

Proper Medical Care In India For Priyansh

And Priyansh didn’t need just one surgery—he needed two. The first would fix his cleft lip. Then, the family would wait six more months before he could undergo a second surgery to repair his cleft palate—the roof of his mouth. He needed both procedures to eat and speak properly and to improve his health. Ram Bai and her husband had no choice but to rely on the compassion of others to save their son.

Then friends like you answered their plea for help through our Life-Changing Surgeries program—and provided both operations for this precious child completely free of charge. “Priyansh was in a vulnerable condition. His health was deteriorating,” said Achel, a worker at Padhar Hospital in India. “This generous support of Operation Blessing has saved and changed his life.”

As Ram Bai watched her son receive the treatment he desperately needed, she could not contain her tears. Today, she is overjoyed as she watches her baby boy eat and drink properly— getting the nourishment he needs to grow healthy and strong. “I am grateful to Operation Blessing for their generous contribution to the Life-Changing Surgery,” she said. “Our entire family will remain thankful to God.”

You provide so much joy to desperate families when you give the gift of surgery. And for Priyansh’s family, you gave them a gift that once was so far out of reach—the gift of life. Thank you for your compassion to help the hurting in their time of need and to help provide proper medical care in India for those in need.

Proper Medical Care in India for Priyansh: A Journey of Healing and Hope

Proper Medical Care in India for a Poor Child: Bridging the Gap of Inequality

Breaking Free From The Threat of Sickness and Snakes

GUATEMALA – “All the children get sick. They suffer from stomach pain and headaches. I think we adults are able to hold on a little longer—we’re used to it,” said one resident of Suiche, a remote community that struggles with clean water access in Guatemala.

Can you imagine the conditions that led to that statement—the countless days and nights fighting sickness and fatigue? Think about the long hours spent by children’s bedsides, worrying and attempting to comfort them as illness kept them awake. And why is their life so difficult? Simply because they lack clean water.

Water Struggles In Suiche

The people in this village work hard, most of them farming bananas. But they still suffer in poverty. If someone in Suiche needed water and couldn’t afford to pay for it, they’d have to hope the hand-dug watering hole was free of dead animals. And if it had dried up, as happens every summer when the temperature soars as high as 104 degrees, they’d be forced to brave the snake infested waters of the nearby river to find enough dirty water to get by. It wasn’t even unheard of for a thirsty soul to return from such a journey with a poisonous bite.

For sisters Mirely and Darling in Suiche, their parents managed to scrape together enough money to pay for drinking water to keep them from getting sick. But that expense put a huge strain on the family’s finances. And they still had to meet other household cleaning and bathing needs with the dirty water available to them. Mirely shared, “When I take a bath, I always suffer allergies, and I feel like I’m never clean.” Her sister added, “One day we went with my mom to buy something at the store, and I felt uncomfortable because of the bad smell of my skin.”

The residents have done their best to provide the cleanest possible water to their children. Often they improvised to create handmade filters from buckets filled with sand and lime. But that didn’t stop waterborne illness from devastating the community. Even Darling’s family faced this obstacle, despite buying as much better quality water as they could.

She recalled, “When I take a bath, sometimes I accidentally swallow water in my mouth, and the next day my stomach hurts a lot.”

That is no kind of life for a precious child. But the kids in Suiche now have hope—because friends like you cared.

Providing Clean Water Access

Together with you, Operation Blessing has long invested in Guatemala. When we heard about the situation in Suiche, we knew there had to be something that could be done to help these families. Our team set to work providing a solution in partnership with the community. A solution for the community that would provide clean water access in Guatemala.

They needed a way to eliminate harmful bacteria—and you sent help their way. Because there was no adequate water source, our Guatemalan team dug an 80-foot well to reach an underground source of water, which was then pumped through a series of contaminant-removing filters before being collected in a 2,700-gallon tank to provide a clean, reliable water supply for the long term.

A Brighter Tomorrow With Clean Water

You gave this community a chance to live free from waterborne illness—what a miracle! And the people not only have nearby access to this water, it’s being pumped directly to every household, church, and school. With their water worries now behind them, they can look forward to a brighter, healthier future. Mirely was overjoyed. “Now the water smells very good, and it tastes nice!”

And now, 30 families and two churches are free from the burden of contaminated water. Parents don’t have to force their kids to drink something they know might hurt them. Children will grow and learn more effectively as they attend school without constantly battling sickness. Darling’s words say it all: “Thank you for what you’ve done for our community. God bless you!”