Rebuilding After The Storm

Tornado recovery support for midwest tornado victim

“I don’t feel good about this.” As a longtime Kentucky resident, Darlene was no stranger to the life-threatening force of tornadoes. But she sensed there was something different about the approaching storm. Even the local meteorologist said he’d never seen anything like it.

Darlene knew that her elderly mother, Betty Sue, preferred to wait out tornadoes in her own home eight miles away. But this time she didn’t resist evacuating. Instead, when Darlene arrived to pick her up, Betty Sue grabbed her medications and an overnight bag and got in her daughter’s car.

Together, they waited out the storm as best they could in Darlene’s basement with pillows over their heads. And when the storm knocked out their power, the backup battery kept the radio going with uplifting Gospel music.

“It was the scariest thing I’ve ever been in!” Darlene told us. Despite that, “We told each other we loved each other, and Mama said, ‘It’s going to be all right. God’s going to protect us.’”

helping people recover from kentucky tornado

Devastation After the Storm Passed

When the storm had passed, Darlene got a phone call from a neighbor of her mother’s who was in tears. Frantic, he was calling to report that Betty Sue’s house was completely gone—he hadn’t been able to find her and feared she was dead. “There’s nothing left over here,” he told her.

The next day, they went back to Betty Sue’s house. Although the structure was indeed gone and its contents were scattered over several blocks, some of Betty Sue’s belongings had survived the tempest—including all seven of her Bibles and some irreplaceable family pictures—her most cherished possessions. Following the destruction, it was evident that it was time to begin thinking about rebuilding after the storm.

Soon after the tornado passed, thanks to caring friends like you, Operation Blessing was able to rush to the scene, reaching out to battered victims with disaster relief supplies and assistance. One of the main things our team on the ground noticed was that many people, like Betty Sue, desperately needed places to store their belongings as they waited for homes to be repaired or even rebuilt entirely.

Rebuilding After The Storm With A Storage Shed To House Belongings

And now, thanks to a sturdy storage shed that you helped provide, Betty Sue has a place to safely keep all of these items while her new home is being built on her daughter’s property.

Darlene said that after all they’ve been through, “We’re just thankful that we’re here and we’re alive.

“I just want to thank everyone for all your hard work and perseverance—blessing everyone,” she said. “The main thing is, you’ll pray with people, and that means a lot to my mother because I know prayer’s what will get her through this.” She also expressed thanks for all the donors who helped.

Once again, your compassionate support works hand-in-hand with our disaster relief teams and volunteers to aid and comfort victims during some of the most difficult times of their lives. Thank you for so richly blessing those in need

preserving memories after kentucky tornado

“Just want to thank everyone for all your hard work and perseverance—blessing everyone.”
— Darlene

You’re Keeping Bread on the Table In Ukraine!

UKRAINE – When Russia launched a brutal attack on Ukraine, families in Mariupol, Kiev, and many other Ukrainian cities suffered from the violence.

Those who didn’t evacuate were forced to live in basements for safety. Because of the danger, many food suppliers have refused to deliver to certain areas. This has led to empty store shelves and growing food scarcity for precious families still living in Ukraine.

But thanks to the support of friends like you, many of these families have hope. You made crisis relief possible by supporting a bakery deep within the hard-hit city of Kurakhove. Your dedication and love have been instrumental in keeping bread on the table in Ukraine.

The Social Bakery, run by Zhenya and her husband, is in a dangerous area. They daily face constant threats from artillery and falling shells. Because of the risks, most businesses have left the region. Now, The Social Bakery is one of the only sources of food for many hurting families who still live there.

Zhenya shared with us, “Every morning we visit the cities and villages to find out who needs our help. It’s mostly the elderly. Then we return to the bakery to see how much bread we can give that day and then let the villages know what we can do.”

Faithfully Keeping Bread on the Table in Ukraine

When the bakery was in danger of closing its doors due to a supply shortage, Operation Blessing stepped in to help. With help from our partners, the bakery was able to get the supplies they needed to keep food production in full swing! They were also able to support their dedicated staff who worked to make desperately-needed food for families in dire conditions.

Thanks the generosity of our donors, The Social Bakery was also equipped with a delivery van. This van makes it possible for Zhenya and her team to travel many more miles. It means they can reach more families with life-sustaining food!

The inspiring kindness of Operation Blessing friends like you has provided hundreds of families with daily bread and food bags to sustain them through this difficult time.

Thank you for showing love and support to Ukrainian families in their time of greatest need.

You Reach Out After Devastating Hurricanes

Florida – In the aftermath of catastrophic hurricanes like Ian and Fiona, it’s an incredible comfort to know that when desperate times strike, you will be there—reaching out with a helping hand to assist victims in need. Whether it’s a hurricane in America, a war in Ukraine, an earthquake in the Philippines, or a drought in Kenya, your love arrives quickly to heal broken hearts and lift downtrodden spirits! Your caring and generosity to help us facilitate hurricane relief can make all the difference in assisting people after devastating hurricanes.

Restoring Shattered Lives In Florida After Hurricane Ian

The devastation following Hurricane Ian has been nothing short of horrific, especially in Florida. Coastal areas described as war zones, houses floating away, sharks in the streets, thousands of rescues and dozens of casualties marked this storm as truly historic. Devastating hurricanes like Ian put a toll on the communities that face them, But compassionate Operation Blessing friends like you offered hope in this dark time.

“The power’s out and you can’t see anything,” said Pastor Matt of Crosspoint Christian Church, who lived through the tragedy. He sat in the dark with his wife, his 1-year-old, his 3-year-old, and their Golden Retriever—just waiting throughout the terrifying storm in Cape Coral, Florida.

When he emerged from his home, the scene was almost unimaginable. Snapped power lines were everywhere. And his yard was covered in debris that looked like it had been through a paper shredder. He said, “The devastation here right now is significantly beyond anything I’ve ever experienced.”

Matt told us about 40 downed trees on his church property and how the landscape of his town had completely changed. We also met Alexandria, who had two feet of sea water ruin much of her home, and Michael, whose roof had been smashed.

Even before the storm, because of your support our teams were nearby and ready to launch the moment roads became passable. Our first relief load reached victims the very next day. With your help, we sent truckload after truckload of vital supplies like food, water, generators, and tarps into hard-hit areas of Florida, including to Matt’s church.

Hurricane Ian Recovery Efforts

Then, thanks to you, just a few days after the storm we were able to start Hurricane ian recovery efforts. From our base at Calvary Assembly of God in Port Charlotte, we organized teams of disaster volunteers who would bless heartbroken homeowners with practical assistance like removing downed trees from yards, hauling off debris, cleaning out flooded homes, and covering broken roofs. Matt said, “Thank you! Thank you for being willing to sacrifice of your resources to resource people who are in need—who are suffering devastating loss. And thank you for living out who we’ve been called to be as followers of Jesus.”

We anticipate staying in Florida blessing the hurting for many months to come and helping with Hurricane Ian recovery efforts. Follow the latest at ob.org/ian.

Blessing Victims Of Hurricane Fiona

Puerto Rico – Hurricane Fiona struck Puerto Rico as a Category 1 storm but still caused massive destruction. Widespread power outages meant that over a million people were plunged into darkness.
Tragically, Hurricane Fiona struck on the fifth anniversary of the devastating Hurricane Maria, damaging some of the same communities in Puerto Rico. The battered citizens again face a long road to recovery. Even when the power and water began running again, they were left to overcome ruined infrastructure and flooded homes. Giovanni, a local pastor, said, “We have experienced a national catastrophe.”

Disaster Supplies Made A Difference For Hurricane Victims

Because of your love we already had disaster supplies prepared and staged in Puerto Rico—so while torrential rains continued to cause severe floods and landslides, you provided solar lights to brighten the dark nights, water purifiers for those without access to clean drinking water, as well as disaster kits and other vital relief items.

Responding to the crisis, Operation Blessing also quickly began connecting with local partners who set up an emergency feeding program to provide hot meals, especially to children and the elderly. Our strategic partner, Centro de Ayuda Social at Puerto Nuevo, is a community kitchen that is capable of supplying at least 300 meals a day. Through your kindness, we offered hot meals to displaced hurricane victims. It is only because of your love that we are able to bring hope to these disaster victims. Pastor Giovanni said, “We feel blessed that we have Operation Blessing coming in here, because we know their heart.” Thank you!

Oklahomans Reap Benefits Of Your Compassion

OKLAHOMA – Sandra knows what it’s like to go without. She gets a modest fixed income that’s never quite enough to feed her family. Disabled and diabetic, she’s a longtime resident of Wetumka, Oklahoma, a small rural community that is one of the poorest in the “Sooner State.” Many residents here, like Sandra, receive government assistance in the form of disability checks or unemployment. Food insecurity in Oklahoma is a problem many people like Sandra deal with frequently.

Sadly, the result is too little food for too many families—hundreds of them, in fact. But it’s also a part of the country where neighbors look out for neighbors. Here, if you have any extra, you share with others.

Battling Food Insecurity

And generous friends like you have also made a profound impact. Thanks to you, we’re able to keep an Operation Blessing partner ministry, On White Horses, stocked with food to battle food insecurity in Oklahoma. Townspeople gratefully accept the gifts of cereal, canned veggies, pasta, snacks, and more to feed their families.

This helping hand has made such a difference to people like Sandra. She says the outreach has truly been a blessing to her and so many others. “When I need things, I can come out and get what I need. They give a lot that lasts a long time.” Sandra knows firsthand—and is grateful. “It helps me and my children, and my sister and her family,” Sandra says as volunteers fill her car full of food. “We’re thankful for what they’re doing for our community—and not just our community, but all over Oklahoma.”

Providing Hunger Relief In Oklahoma

Since 2019, Operation Blessing has been providing a whopping 150,000 pounds of food each year to this partner ministry for hunger relief in Oklahoma. Travis Klingeman, co-founder of the distribution partner, shares his excitement about the amount of food you help provide through Operation Blessing: “It’s amazing!” He says,“What drives us is the ability to love on people through food.” So for the cash-strapped people of Wetumka, Oklahoma, Operation Blessing and faithful partners are definitely creating a brighter tomorrow. Sandra couldn’t agree more, saying, “I think they’re a blessing to everyone.”

Crying For Food

PERU – After her husband abandoned her, Susan did her best to raise three boys on her own. She began selling snacks on the street, but her income was only enough to feed boys once each day. Food insecurity in Peru was a huge problem for her as she struggled on a daily basis.

Early every morning, she cooked what little food she had over an open fire on the floor before leaving for work. By the end of the day, her youngest son would lie awake crying for more food.

“I work hard, but it isn’t enough,” said Susana with tears in her eyes. “It hurts me to watch my children suffer.”

But things got worse. A storm tore panels off the shanty they were living in. Susana didn’t have the money to fix it, so she looked for scraps of wood and metal to cover the holes. “Sometimes it rained hard,” said Ezequiel, her 7-year-old son. “When the wind blew and the rain came in, we got wet.”

peru-microenterprise-fighting-food-insecurity

Fighting Food Insecurity In Peru

Then compassionate friends like you offered to help provide hunger relief and battle food insecurity. Operation Blessing built her a new home with a sturdy roof, a kitchen, and a sanitary bathroom. You provided beds, a table with chairs, and all of the tools Susana needed to stock her new kitchen. “Thank God,” said Susana. “Not only do I have a new house, I also have a refrigerator, pots, spoons, plates, and other items to care for my children.”

Our staff trained Susana how to use her new supplies to start her own business—cooking and selling food for her community. Now, she earns three times what she used to make selling snacks on the street.

Susana is grateful. “You gave me supplies so I can work and support my sons,” she said. “I’m going to work hard with everything you have given me to put food on the table.” “Now we eat three times a day!” said Ezequiel. “My mom and my brothers aren’t going to suffer anymore. Thank you, friends.”

Friends Like You Gave Durga A Reason To Smile

INDIA – A few years ago, Durga began experiencing severe pain in her jaw. Thinking it was a toothache, her parents took her to a local dentist in India who pulled a few of her teeth. But the pain did not subside. Instead of a bad tooth, Durga had a tumor growing rapidly in her jawbone.

Next, her parents took her to a government hospital in a nearby city, but the doctors were unable to help. She needed tumor surgery—surgery her parents simply could not afford.

As day laborers, they often were unable to find work. When they did, they barely earned enough to meet their most basic needs, like putting food on the table. The swelling in Durga’s jaw worsened every day until her entire jawbone became deformed. She could no longer talk or even eat properly, but she continued to help her mother prepare the meals for their family.

The Miracle Of Tumor Surgery In India

Durga kept her face covered with a cloth. “I’ve lost all my hope. My life has become more and more troublesome,” she said. “People look at me with scared eyes. Many times, I cannot ignore them.”

Within a few months, the tumor more than doubled in size. The prognosis was grim. Without surgery, she could die. Then friends like you came to Durga’s rescue and provided the support she needed to become whole again! Over the next year, she underwent a series of life- changing surgeries to remove the tumor and rebuild her jawbone.

Today, Durga smiles. She no longer hides her face in shame. She has been given a new life thanks to supporters like you!

“Despite all the sad times I have been through, I am alive,” said Durga, as she reflected on all the challenges she had to overcome. “I work. I drive. I travel. I help in doing all the household work.”

She’s so grateful for tumor surgery. Her beautiful smile says it all!

Don’t Give Up. You’re Saving Ukrainian Lives!

POLAND – Operation Blessing met Ukrainian mother of two, Oksana, who had fled to Poland from the violence in her home country. Operation Blessing has continually provided aid to support Ukrainian mothers.

“Russian planes and helicopters and rockets flew over our home. It was very scary. The house shook, and a shell exploded on a street nearby,” she said.

Panic-stricken and unsure of what awaited them, Oksana and her daughter fled to Poland to save their lives. Her husband stayed behind to fight for Ukraine.

Oksana remembered, “We packed what we could because you can’t put your whole life in a car, and we left. We were afraid because deadly missiles were flying all around.”

When Oksana arrived in Warsaw, she connected with a local church that partners with Operation Blessing.

You Support Ukrainian Mothers

Oksana shared, “Organizations like this are needed, because you help moms like me, and our children survive here while our husbands defend our country.” She continued, “If we didn’t have your help, we would be alone.”

At an event hosted by Operation Blessing, families each received a box of food to help with their daily needs. Operation Blessing also ministered to children through fun activities.

“Sometimes we think, ‘how can we be happy or celebrate?’ But our children’s lives go on,” she said. “So, thanks to you and activities like these, you’re creating a fun childhood for our kids in the midst of chaos.”

As the war rages on, Ukrainian refugee families are still in need of daily necessities. Thanks to the continued help of our partners, families like Oksana’s have what they need to face whatever comes next.

Oksana expressed, “Please don’t give up helping, because it’s literally saving our lives. Thank you for helping us.” Your compassion is making the difference in this war as we serve as the hands and feet of Jesus in Ukraine and neighboring Poland.

Be Someone’s Miracle This Giving Tuesday!

WORLDWIDE – Join Operation Blessing in becoming someone’s miracle this Giving Tuesday! On Tuesday, November 29th, you can come alongside Operation Blessing as we seek to break the cycle of suffering all over the world.

Gifts will be matched dollar-for-dollar from now until November 29th—up to $50,000!

Your support provides miracles to countless families through initiatives including: aiding displaced Ukrainian families, installing water systems in Mexico, providing life-changing surgeries in India, and helping victims of Hurricane Ian in Florida. Visit ob.org/givingtuesday to make your Giving Tuesday gift today!

Be Someone’s Miracle

Be Someone’s Miracle This Giving Tuesday in Ukraine and Beyond

The world has watched in horror as Russia has invaded cities and destroyed homes throughout Ukraine. Millions of people have fled in terror to Poland and other areas of eastern Europe. Yet, many Ukrainians find themselves trapped in their home country, struggling to survive amidst artillery fire. Life for all Ukrainian citizens has been disrupted with no end in sight to the conflict. But you can help them through this difficult time.

Be someone’s miracle this Giving Tuesday by making a decision to support hurting families around the world. Your support will help put food on the table for hungry mothers and children. Your kindness can bring supplies to families who must celebrate Christmas trapped in basements and other shelters that give respite from terrifying explosions. From Ukraine to Kenya to your own backyard, your gift can make the difference! Thank you!

Give Today!

Meet Danny and Susan: New Residents of the Community of Hope

PHILIPPINES- While struggling through the pandemic, Danny’s family lost their place to stay after a devastating typhoon in the Philippines. Danny and his family were living in a domocile that was not thier own. The owner of the property allowed them to stay there in exchange for their care of the land. That all changed when a powerful storm destroyed their home.

What makes this more tragic is it was another devastating typhoon in the Philippines that destroyed their original home, the one where they lived before the current home. Now they are homeless again.

A New Home After A Devastating Typhoon In The Philippines

The same weather event forced single mother Susan to leave the place her family had found refuge as well. Both Danny and Susan struggled to find the resources required to build a new home.

Operation Blessing heard of their struggles, and thanks to friends like you, built these families new homes in our Community of Hope. This community was developed by Operation Blessing after the destructive typhoon displaced several families.

Along with eight other families who have new homes, Danny and Susan no longer have to worry about where their families will live.

They have been given a new start and can focus on the future. This would not be possible without the support and prayers of friends like you!

A Lighthouse On The Horizon

FLORIDA – In the darkest hours, God can shine an unexpected light. And for one family in Florida, that life-sustaining beam was from, in fact, a lighthouse.

When it looked as though their lives were falling apart, Matthew and Jennifer received help and hope from supporters like you—through the hands of our food distribution partner, Lighthouse Gospel Mission. Lighthouse Gospel Mission blesses people’s lives by providing hunger relief in Florida and help to people battling food insecurity.

Matthew was no stranger to hard times. He described being homeless and without a car before meeting Jennifer. He had also struggled as an addict before finding freedom through Lighthouse’s Faith Home, an 18-month residential Christian discipleship program. There, he discovered hope in Christ and began to move toward holistic health.

When he and Jennifer got married, they had such hope for the future. They both loved big families. Although they had older children from past relationships, they also dreamed of having children together. Matthew was doing his best with a full-time job that he was thankful to find after completing rehabilitation, and Jennifer worked at a home improvement store. Even so, it was a struggle to support their family. Jennifer shared, “We needed every dollar and then some.”

Not long after getting married they got wonderful news—they were expecting a child! Soon, however, Jennifer realized something wasn’t right. Upon visiting the doctor, she learned that her pregnancy was in jeopardy. Jennifer ended up losing her unborn child and needing emergency surgery. This also resulted in her missing a month of work.

Partnering To Provide Hunger Relief In Florida

What was supposed to be the honeymoon period of their marriage had become a nightmare. Jennifer struggled psychologically, and Matthew was burdened with being the man who was supposed to provide— yet couldn’t do enough to take care of those he loved.

They asked their pastor for help with the necessities they simply couldn’t afford, and the minister’s answer changed the whole picture: “Whatever you need.” He told them about Lighthouse’s partnership with Operation Blessing, through which the kindness of faithful donors like you helps provide close to 30,000 pounds of wholesome food and basic hygiene products in their area every month.

Matthew told us how they felt when they first received this assistance. “There was not a need or a want for anything,” he said. “We filled up our pantries and cabinets.” The whole experience was such a blessing for Matthew’s family. And to top it all off, since that tough time God has blessed them with two beautiful daughters: Aubrey and Eleanor!

Today the family is in a better place, thanks to friends like you. Thinking back on their lives during that period, Matthew positively gushed with gratitude. “It was amazing to know other people are there for you through Operation Blessing and the boatloads of food,” he said, “and hygienic stuff we really did need. And we didn’t have to ask.”

Thank you for blessing families in need in the U.S. and around the world!