You Made Things New for a Sweet Little Girl in Myanmar

MYANMAR – The birth of a child is always a reason to celebrate. For months, parents prepare for the arrival of their precious little family member and eagerly await the joy of seeing their face for the very first time.

But that joyous expectation can quickly turn to tears when a new son or daughter is born with a condition like cleft lip. The trials both parents and children will face seem insurmountable. Feeding will be difficult. Malnutrition is more likely. Imagine how helpless a mother must feel to watch her beloved child suffer—and know she can’t afford the means to help.

And what if your child is the only one your community has ever seen with such a condition? Imagine the harsh looks, whispered gossip, or worse, the accusation that your precious baby is cursed.

That was the world that little Thoon entered when she was born in Myanmar. As the only child with cleft lip in a small rural village in Myanmar, you can imagine the isolation her family felt simply because their friends and neighbors didn’t understand.

Feeding time often ended in tears and frustration for both mother and daughter. Thoon couldn’t even swallow water without difficulty, and her young mother, Daw, had to rely on others to help her feed her baby girl the precious milk she desperately needed.

Even at a young age, Thoon could sense the stigma around her. She held her tiny little hands against her mouth to prevent food from escaping, and while in public she often hid her cleft lip so others couldn’t see it.

Without surgery, Thoon’s future looked bleak. Daw wanted her daughter to have the surgery as soon as possible, but like any concerned mother, she was anxious. Saving enough money to pay for an operation would take time. Thoon’s father even tried looking outside the country to find better paying work.

Thankfully, friends like you stepped in to provide a free surgery for little Thoon, so they wouldn’t have to wait a moment longer.

For Thoon and her family, your gift provided a transformation indeed. Following her surgery, Thoon could finally eat without choking and even started to speak a few words with clarity. And because of your love and support, her confidence began to grow. When her parents took her out in public, she no longer hid from strangers. She showed off her face proudly to everyone she met.

“I am deeply grateful that my daughter could undergo surgery,” said Daw. “If we had tried to arrange the surgery on our own, it would have taken much longer.” With their burdens lifted, Thoon’s entire family could finally experience the joy surrounding their beloved little girl. They now had a reason to celebrate fully thanks to your support!

Life-changing surgeries in places like Myanmar offer families like Thoon’s a new beginning, free from the financial burden of an operation they can’t access or afford. You are giving them the miracle of healing and helping them thrive. Thank you.

Fresh Hope through Clean Water—on Both Sides of the Globe!

WORLDWIDE – Because of friends like you, we are turning dreams of clean water into reality for hundreds of remote villages around the world each year. In fact, fresh hope through clean water is possible for many because of our generous partners. During the last fiscal year over 59,000 people received clean water, changing many lives for the better.

Brand New Water Systems Bring New Hope

Today, we’d like to send a hearty congratulations to the communities San Jose La Unión in Mexico and Masuyati in Kenya on their brand-new water systems, each tailored to the village’s unique needs. The residents now have improved health and increased dignity, along with more time for education, work, and family.

Perhaps most importantly, they have a future filled with fresh hope through clean water in this new year! Thank you for making this possible. During the last fiscal year, friends like you provided over 300 water systems in villages around the world.

California Firefighter Supply Drop: Delivering Support to Our Heroes

Learn about Operation Blessing's California firefighter supply drop and how we used it to say thanks to first responders.

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CALIFORNIA – Wildfires in Southern California have brought devastation, consuming homes, landscapes, and livelihoods. At the forefront of these battles are the brave firefighters who risk their lives to protect communities. Recognizing their tireless efforts, Operation Blessing set out to show our support for the people who support us. We organized a California firefighter supply drop initiative to support these invaluable first responders, ensuring they have the tools and resources to continue their vital work.

Supporting California Firefighters with Essential Supplies

Operation Blessing recently stopped at Fire Station 81 in Los Angeles, a hub of activity during the Southern California wildfires. These heroes have been working relentlessly to combat one of the worst fires the region has seen in decades. Understanding their immediate needs, Operation Blessing partnered with local organizations to assemble and deliver first responder care kits containing hygiene items, sunscreen, and other essential supplies for California firefighters.

Fire Chief Maker Pashabezyan described the immense challenges his team faced. “We typically are the ones doing the supporting, so it’s nice to have somebody appreciate us like Operation Blessing,” he shared. These care kits are more than just supplies; they are a tangible reminder that these firefighters’ hard work and sacrifices are deeply valued.

Tools That Make a Difference

During the visit, Operation Blessing noticed that basic tools needed for routine maintenance at the fire station were scarce. In response, the team provided much-needed equipment, ensuring firefighters could continue their duties without added stress. “If I showed you the toolbox, it’s sad,” Pashabezyan explained. He pointed out that some of the basic tools were not there. But because of friends like YOU, we were able to provide them!

A Community United for California Firefighters

The supply drop initiative brought together multiple organizations, including Youth with a Mission, to support California’s first responders. The effort highlights the importance of community collaboration in times of crisis. From care kits to tools, these acts of generosity ensure firefighters have the resources they need to keep battling the flames.

Operation Blessing: Beyond Fire Relief

While Operation Blessing’s efforts in California have made an immediate impact, our mission extends far beyond wildfire relief. Beyond things like our California firefighter supply drop, we are committed to providing disaster relief for individuals in need.

You are the reason lives are being transformed. Through your donations, Operation Blessing can provide hope and healing to individuals and families facing unimaginable challenges. Whether it’s helping a firefighter in California or a disaster survivor in North Carolina, your support makes a difference.

Join Us in Making an Impact

As the wildfires continue to challenge communities across California, let’s stand united in support of our first responders and those impacted by disasters. Donate to Operation Blessing today and be a part of this life-changing mission.

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California Wildfire Response: Bringing Hope to Communities in Crisis

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CALIFORNIA – California wildfires have left a devastating impact on families and communities, displacing thousands and destroying over 12,000 structures. The swift, intense flames forced families to flee their homes with mere moments to gather their belongings. Amid the chaos, Operation Blessing’s California wildfire response has focused on supporting communities overwhelmed by the sheer scale of this tragedy. This includes providing essential aid, resources, and support to those impacted by the fires, as well as first responders. And friends like you have made this possible!

Consistent Relief Efforts in California

Operation Blessing’s disaster relief team quickly partnered with local organizations, including Fearless Church in Los Angeles. These partnerships help make us stronger and help us understand the specific needs of wildfire victims in the Los Angeles area. In conjunction with Fearless Church, essential supplies such as hygiene items, diapers, and other necessities have been distributed to help people who have lost everything.

At the heart of these efforts are our incredible volunteers and partners who work tirelessly to ensure that no survivor is left without support. From unloading trucks filled with supplies to organizing distribution events, these selfless individuals — along with generous friends like you –are the backbone of our California wildfire response.

Providing Tangible Support for California Wildfire Relief

Thanks to you, in the Greater Los Angeles area Operation Blessing’s teams are working on the ground to deliver:

Hygiene kits
Food
Water

The Role of Compassion in Recovery

As trucks arrive with supplies and families line up for assistance, there are moments of profound gratitude and resilience. Operation Blessing’s Hayley Henson got to witness firsthand the tangible impact of their efforts. “When the truck pulled up, people started to raise their hands and started to praise God. It was like this beautiful moment,” she reflected.

“When the truck pulled up, people started to raise their hands and started to praise God. It was like this beautiful moment”
-Hayley Henson

A Special Thanks to Our Partners and Volunteers

At Operation Blessing, we know that none of this would be possible without you—our generous partners and volunteers. You are the reason disaster victims have hope. Your donations, time, and resources bring light to the darkest moments of disaster. Your kindness inspires us to continue serving communities in their most vulnerable times.

Together, we can rebuild lives and restore hope. Thank you for being part of our mission to provide California wildfire relief. Let’s continue to make a difference, one family at a time.

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When Nature Unleashes Her Fury in North Carolina

NORTH CAROLINA – We’ve all seen photos and videos of the unimaginable devastation Hurricane Helene wrought in the hills and valleys of Appalachia and North Carolina. Mudslides covering highways and isolating mountain communities. Entire towns wiped off the map. Here are some of the survivors’ stories—and the ways your generosity made so much help possible.

feeding storm survivors in North Carolina

JOE – SURVIVING IN A TENT VILLAGE

Named “the beautiful” by Native Americans, the Swannanoa River provided a peaceful home for many. After a hard day at work, Joe liked to return to his “little paradise” beside the river—listening to the flowing water, fishing, and enjoying the serenity around him. It had taken him many years to buy his dream house, and he felt an incredible bond with his land.

When Helene hit, the force of the river—engorged by the storm’s unheard-of rainfall—caught him off guard. He and his faithful dog, Bo, sought refuge at a neighbor’s house on higher ground. They waited together for hours as the rain pounded relentlessly. When the storm finally subsided, Joe was devastated to realize the river had entirely swept away his precious home. Like many of his neighbors, he had no flood insurance, and he also lost the car that allowed him to go to work each day.

Since then, Joe has been determined to rebuild. Along with others who live near the river, he’s staying on what’s left of his property. He was without water, electricity, and adequate shelter when we first met him.

When our Operation Blessing team saw Joe camping by the river, we asked how we could help him and his neighbors. Friends like you provided water, food, solar lamps, and generators—and offered prayers. Thanks to generous donations, we also gave him a new set of tools for work and a car to replace the one he lost, so he could return to his job. And we pray he will soon rediscover the peace he once found by the river, even as we work to help rebuild homes in the area.

helping survivors after a hurricane in North Carolina

MARIA AND SOMA – HOT MEALS AND A BURDEN EASED

After devastating the city of Asheville, North Carolina, Hurricane Helene left Maria and her 3-year-old son, Soma, without water or electricity. They began visiting our Operation Blessing base of operations so she could charge her electronic devices, take calls essential to her real estate business, and enjoy a hot meal with her son. She’d also bring a plate of food to her elderly mother, who depends on Maria. Your help eased the burden she carried.

“Every little bit helps,” Maria says, grateful for not only the meals but also the supplies she’s received. For Soma, a sweet boy with an infectious smile, the base is a temporary haven in the midst of uncertainty. It was also a beacon of hope for mother and son, offering not only the basics of survival but also the warmth of community and compassion during an immensely difficult time.

RICARDO – AN OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE AFTER THE STORM

Sixteen-year-old Ricardo considers himself one of the lucky ones. After Hurricane Helene hit, his family’s North Carolina house had no major damage, even though he and his mother were left without water or electricity. And, he knew thousands of people had lost everything. So he looked for ways to lend a hand.

non profit support after the storm in North Carolina

One day he noticed Operation Blessing hard at work in The Home Depot parking lot—preparing hot meals and distributing hygiene supplies thanks to your generosity. Ricardo asked if he could help. For weeks, he became a dedicated volunteer, arriving every day with his mother to assist our team— doing anything from restocking the kitchen to unloading trucks.

The storm had brought Ricardo some heartaches. He wasn’t sure when he’d be able to return to school. And the teenager had lost a close friend, one of many who didn’t survive the disaster. However, as he channeled his emotions into service, Ricardo was a wonderful reminder of the strength of community and the healing warmth of the human spirit—made possible by friends like you.

A Beacon of Hope for a Family Facing Overwhelming Adversity

ASHEVILLE – Hope can bloom even in the face of overwhelming adversity. When Hurricane Helene unleashed its fury upon Asheville, North Carolina, it threatened to drown the spirit of a community. One family in particular found solace in Operation Blessing’s community of support after Hurricane Helene unleashed catastrophic flooding, devastating their home and their entire area.

“I’ve lived here all my life,” Lee began. A grandfather to nine and a great-grandfather to two, his deep roots in Asheville were evident as he spoke of his family’s multi-generational connection to the land. Together with his wife, they built a life full of love and resilience. But their world changed overnight when relentless rains turned their community into a flood zone, sweeping away their home, vehicles, and cherished belongings.

“We stood on the porch and watched it all wash away,” Lee told us. Yet, even in the face of overwhelming loss, he found solace in his faith. “I didn’t blame God. … The good Lord provided for us.”

Overcoming Overwhelming Adversity Because of YOU!

That provision came in the form of Operation Blessing and donors like YOU, whose timely intervention brought hope and much-needed aid to the family and their community. With the support of such kindhearted friends, our disaster teams provided essential resources to help them rebuild not just their home, but their hope.

charity helping couple after the hurricane

Together with our supporters and volunteers, our teams arrived in Asheville to help distribute clean water, food boxes, hygiene kits, and other essentials. In partnership with local churches, we provided hot meals to those who had lost access to their cooking facilities. In Asheville’s River Arts District, where floodwaters had devastated local businesses, our volunteers set up temporary spaces for artisans to continue their crafts, revitalizing the community’s cultural heartbeat and sustaining livelihoods.

To top things off, our supporters enabled us to create a Christmas village for the families affected by Helene. Parents and children alike had a day filled with Christmas cheer that included snacks, games, and even presents.

For Lee’s family, your support was life changing. Their property, once home to his grandfather’s house, held deep sentimental value. “This place has been here all my life,” he said. With your assistance, we transformed a damaged mobile home structure that also existed on the property into a sturdy house for them, a symbol of their perseverance and hope. You helped provide the insulation and flooring needed to make it a safe and pleasant place to live.

And Operation Blessing will continue serving the people of Asheville for months to come.

As Lee’s family reflects on their journey from devastation to restoration, they remain anchored by faith and community thanks to friends like you. Their story of overcoming overwhelming adversity was made possible by your kindness. “Thank you. It’s just a blessing. The good Lord works through everybody.”

California Wildfire Destruction: Disaster Victims Need YOU!

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CALIFORNIA – The devastating California wildfires continue to leave a trail of destruction in their wake. The breadth and scale of the destruction from the California fires is unimaginable. Homes are now in ashes, families are displaced, and communities forever altered. As smoke still lingers in the air and roads remain impassable, the extent of the devastation becomes increasingly clear. Entire neighborhoods have been reduced to rubble, and the emotional toll on those affected is heartbreaking. What remains after the specter of California wildfire destruction is a grim reality for thousands of victims.

The wildfires have forced countless families to flee their homes with little more than the clothes on their backs. The trauma is undeniable. Many survivors are still in shock, grappling with the enormity of their loss. For them, the road to recovery is long and uncertain. However, amidst the destruction, a glimmer of hope is emerging. And that glimmer is…friends like YOU!

YOU Are Bringing Hope to the Devastated

Because you are partnering with Operation Blessing, we are able to reach out to disaster victims grasping at any shred of hope. Your love and support is helping us work tirelessly on the front lines. Despite challenges, our team has reached some of the hardest-hit areas, providing essential supplies and a comforting presence. Food, water, hygiene kits, and other resources are being distributed to those in desperate need. Partnering with local groups like Bel Air Church, Operation Blessing ensures warm meals are delivered to both survivors and first responders who have been working around the clock.

Help for California Wildfire Victims: How You Can Make a Difference

The generosity of caring Americans like you has been instrumental in aiding the California wildfire victims. YOU, our faithful partners and volunteers show up time and time again, contributing time, resources, and funds to support people in trouble. As Pastor Drew Sams pointed out, this is not just a short-term crisis; it’s a long-term commitment to rebuilding lives. For many, the journey to recovery will span years, but every act of kindness helps bring them closer to normalcy.

Join the Effort

The road to recovery from the California wildfire destruction may be long, but with your support, it is not insurmountable. Stand with Operation Blessing and countless others who are committed to helping California wildfire victims. Together, we can make a lasting impact, one family, one meal, and one act of kindness at a time.

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A Lifeline of Support For Hardworking Americans

UNITED STATES – In today’s challenging economic climate, even those working multiple jobs can find themselves struggling to make ends meet. Katrina, a dedicated special education teacher’s assistant by day and front desk attendant by night, knows this reality all too well. Life for hardworking Americans like Katrina are difficult due to the pressures of a difficult economy.

“It’s been tough. I won’t lie,” Katrina admits. “Just trying to make ends meet at times. … One job takes care of the mortgage, the other job takes care of the car payment and everything else in the middle. I hustle, just to make it through.”

A Common Dilemma for Hardworking Americans

Despite her tireless work ethic, Katrina often faces difficult choices when it comes to personal expenses. “Do I need it? Do I have to have it? Can I do without? And that’s what hurts,” she shares, revealing the emotional toll of financial stress so many hardworking Americans face.

Support for People in Need

Fortunately, Katrina found crucial support through Operation Blessing’s food partnership with our distribution partner New Life Church. Initially hesitant, Katrina recalls her first visit to the food pantry: “I’ll be honest with you, I was a little embarrassed. I hadn’t done anything wrong. But I’m like, ‘Lord, I’m in this line. I’m working. I’m trying to do everything I know possible to do, and I’m having to be in this line.’”

However, the warmth and dignity she experienced quickly put her at ease. “Everybody prays with you. They uplift you. Everyone has a beautiful smile, and it makes your heart feel good,” Katrina says.

The quality and variety of food she receives has been a gamechanger, allowing her to spend her limited resources more effectively. “When I go to the pharmacy, I can pick up my medicine,” Katrina explains. “I don’t have to ask, ‘Can you hold onto this for a day or two?’ or wait until I get paid.”

And it’s all because of friends like you that we can help hardworking people like Katrina. Beyond the immediate relief, your support is enabling Katrina to pursue her dreams. While juggling her jobs, she’s also finishing her general studies with plans to earn a degree in American Sign Language. Her passion for helping others shines through in her work with special education students: “They have taught me unconditional love. No matter what, they have a smile,” she said. “I want to give to the children … I want to let them know they mean something.”

Katrina’s story is a powerful reminder of the impact that compassionate supporters like you have on the daily lives of those we are privileged to serve. It’s not just about providing food; it’s about offering hope, dignity, and the opportunity for a better future.

As for the support she’s received, Katrina’s gratitude is heartfelt. “Thank you from the bottom of my heart. You are a godsend. If it wasn’t for you, I don’t know where I would be.”

Overcoming a Painful Hernia in Cambodia

CAMBODIA – For families living in rural Cambodia, access to essential healthcare can seem like an impossible dream. In one remote village, 6-year-old Erron faced a daily struggle caused by a painful hernia that left him unable to play, eat properly, or enjoy life like other children. Erron’s family, who depended on rice farming and fishing to survive, couldn’t afford the costly surgery he desperately needed. Watch this story of hardship transformed into hope—that begins with you.

A Young Boy’s Struggle with a Painful Hernia

Erron’s condition started shortly after birth, gradually worsening over time. “I felt pain in my lower stomach, especially when the weather was cold,” Erron recalls. The constant discomfort left him tired and reluctant to eat. Despite their best efforts, Erron’s parents couldn’t find an affordable solution. Local clinics were unable to help, and the cost of surgery at a city hospital was far beyond their reach. Left without options, the family turned to prayer, hoping for a miracle.

“I felt pain in my lower stomach, especially when the weather was cold.”
-Erron

Hope Arrives with Free Hernia Surgery

That miracle came in the form of Operation Blessing’s medical team. Thanks to generous partners and supporters like you, Erron received life-changing hernia surgery at no cost to his family. The team arrived in the village equipped with expertise, compassion, and the resources needed to provide free medical care to children in desperate need.

A Life Transformed

The impact was immediate and profound. “After the surgery, my son said he doesn’t feel any pain anymore,” Erron’s mother shares with a smile. “He’s eating well and playing like all the other boys now.” Today, Erron enjoys playful adventures. “After my operation, I felt like a superhero! I can run, ride my bike, and have epic games with my friends,” Erron exclaims. Thank you for your kindness and for being a part of transforming his life.

The Ongoing Need for Medical Care

Overcoming a painful hernia in regions like Cambodia isn’t just about providing surgery—it’s about restoring a child’s future and lifting the burden from struggling families. Without the intervention of Operation Blessing and your unwavering support, children like Erron might continue to suffer in silence, unable to afford the care they need.

You Made This Possible

Your generosity makes these moments of healing possible. By partnering with Operation Blessing, you help deliver not only medical care but also renewed hope to those in need. Every donation, every act of kindness, and every share of this story extends the reach of our mission to bring healing to even the most remote corners of the world.

You are the reason Erron can now live a pain-free life. You made it happen. Because of you, children who once faced impossible odds are now thriving. Together, we can continue to bring life-changing care to more children like Erron. Let’s keep spreading hope, one surgery, one life, and one village at a time.

Thank you for being part of this journey—for believing that every child deserves a chance to grow, play, and dream without pain.

Support Operation Blessing

Help us provide free hernia surgery in Cambodia and other critical medical interventions around the world. With your support, we can continue overcoming barriers to healthcare and transforming lives. Share this story, spread the word, and join us in making a lasting difference.

Responding to California Wildfires

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CALIFORNIA – Devastating California wildfires have once again left countless families grappling with immense loss and uncertainty. Communities have seen homes, childhood memories, and livelihoods wiped out by these relentless blazes. While the destruction caused by the California wildfires is heartbreaking, stories of friends like you stepping up to help are emerging to shine the light of hope.

California Wildfire Destruction and Its Impact

The destruction wrought by the California wildfires is vast, with entire neighborhoods reduced to ashes. Jada, a local resident, shared, “Obviously, things have been affected, but also people’s lives have been gone—their childhood, their memories, their livelihood.” Many families are now facing displacement and financial hardship, unsure of when they will be able to return to their homes. In addition to the immediate loss of property, the wildfires have disrupted the lives of already vulnerable populations.

Oliver, who had to evacuate his home in Los Angeles, expressed his gratitude for the support he received, saying, “It seems very, very kind of you that you’re helping us with food and supplies. May God bless you in a big way, truly, from the heart.”

Community Support in the Wake of the Fires

In the midst of the crisis, local organizations and churches have mobilized to provide much-needed relief. Operation Blessing has been on the ground offering critical aid to affected families. Diego from Operation Blessing explained, “The local church in California has been the key for us to react and act—activating the ministry, activating the church to be the hands and feet of Jesus, bringing aid to families in need.”

One such effort involved a donations drive led by Cathedral Church. According to Daniel, a volunteer, “We’re doing a donations drive so people are coming through, they’re receiving hot meals, and they fill out a sheet of different needs—clothing, diapers, water—whatever way we can help them.” The swift response and dedication of volunteers have been crucial in addressing the immediate needs of wildfire survivors.

Helping Families After the California Wildfires

The road to recovery for families affected by the California wildfires will be long, but with ongoing community support, there is hope. Operation Blessing remains committed to standing with these families. Diego emphasized, “We are committed to being here, to support the families, to support the ministries that are firsthand helping the families. We are here right now on the front lines helping people—thanks to you.”

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