Blind Hurricane Milton Survivor Gets Life-Changing Help

FLORIDA – Dealing with a hurricane with all of your senses is not easy. Can you imagine facing the wrath of a powerful storm with no sight? Watch as Operation Blessing’s disaster relief team assists Joseph DaSilva, a blind Hurricane Milton survivor, as he copes with the aftermath of the storm

After losing sight in one eye and having limited vision in the other, Joseph, a resident of Sarasota, faced unique challenges during both the hurricane and its cleanup efforts. Joseph described the terrifying night when Hurricane Milton struck his home, with howling winds threatening to tear off his roof while debris and trees crashed around him. His disability made the post-hurricane cleanup particularly dangerous, as his limited vision put him at risk of injury from fallen debris.

Operation Blessing’s volunteers stepped in to bring critical relief and hope to Joseph in the aftermath of Hurricane Milton. With compassion and determination, they worked tirelessly to clear fallen trees and remove hazardous debris that had piled up around Joseph’s home, a daunting task that would have been dangerous for him to tackle alone.

Beyond physical help, Operation Blessing provided essential disaster relief services to address the immediate needs, easing the burden on Joseph as he navigated this challenging recovery. Their efforts didn’t stop at the practical; volunteers also offered much-needed prayer and emotional support, standing beside Joseph and his girlfriend Linda during a time of fear and uncertainty, lifting their spirits and showing them they weren’t alone.

Your Impact for a Blind Hurricane Milton Survivor

“You guys coming over and helping us takes a huge load off of my mind,” shares Joseph, highlighting the impact of community support during natural disasters. For storm survivors like Joseph, your kindness is giving them hope in a difficult time. As partners of Operation Blessing you make it possible for us to reach out to victims like Joseph, and let them know they are not alone.

Want to help more people like Joseph?

Learn more about Operation Blessing’s disaster relief efforts and how you can contribute: https://www.ob.org/disaster-relief/

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Life-Changing Surgery Keeps a Family in China Together

CHINA – Peng and Rao often spoiled their younger sister—because they didn’t know how much longer she’d be around. You see, little Miao had a hole in her heart. As you would expect a hole in your cardiovascular system is a serious challenge. A challenge that life changing surgery in China would ultimately solve.

“Doctors said if it got bigger, she could die of heart failure,” her mother shared. “My mom kept her at home, so I bought her a little toy frog,” Miao’s brother said. “When she saw it jumping, she smiled.” Miao’s sister added, “I always gave her stuffed animals and said, ‘See, sister, you have friends!’”

But Miao became still weaker, and before long she had pneumonia. Miao’s sister said, “Her heart beat really hard, like someone hit it with a hammer.”

Their father explained that the hole in Miao’s heart had grown from the size of a grain of rice to the size of a bean, and her life was in danger. When her brother asked their father if his sister was going to die, he said an operation was just too expensive. Miao’s mother recalled, “It was the most painful thing to watch. I wished it was me with heart trouble, not her.” “I didn’t want to see my daughter die like this,” Miao’s father added. “So, I looked around for a charity to help.”

“I didn’t want to see my daughter die like this”
-Miao’s Father

You Helped Provide Life Changing Surgery in China

Thankfully, a friend told the family about Operation Blessing—and your kind heart helped make heart surgery possible for Miao. The operation went beautifully. “My sister is a different person now,” exclaimed Miao’s brother joyfully. Her dad declared, “She put on a lot of weight and is full of energy every day.”

And her mother beamed. “Whenever I see her smile, I am the happiest person in the world,” she said. “And during the surgery, Operation Blessing volunteers shared God with us. I will try to pray to this God in the future. Thank you to all the Operation Blessing donors. You brought my family out of the dark. Thank you for your love.”

We were able to show this family in China God’s abundant blessings—all because you care. Thank you for providing life changing surgery in China!

Hope-Filled Waters

MEXICO – Because most of us have such easy access to basic necessities, it’s hard to imagine that other people living in our same world simply do not. For many water scarcity is a tragic way of life.

The women of San Mateo, a small community of around 250 residents surrounded by rugged terrain, know all too well the burden of water scarcity. The difficulties they face when attempting to access one of Earth’s basic resources: water, are considerable.

Water scarcity is a problem in this community. There are no domestic supply systems, which means residents either have to purchase water at a high cost, collect rainwater, or go on a strenuous journey to fetch water. Water retrieval is a time-consuming daily chore for women in this community.

Juana, a mother of five, relocated to San Mateo approximately 20 years ago, not knowing the hardship that lay ahead. She and her small children travel for one hour daily just to collect water. As though the danger of the landscape and wildlife weren’t enough of a problem to face, the water that is collected is often the cause of sickness for those in the community.

“My youngest boy has been sick with diarrhea for 15 days,” said Candelaria. “I’m giving him medicine but it’s not going away.”

Candelaria and her eldest daughter make four to five trips daily on a rocky path to a water well. It isn’t uncommon for them to fall—each time fearful of breaking a jug and having to purchase a new one.

Thanks to friends like YOU, Operation Blessing was able to bring hope and relief to the people of San Mateo. Together, we installed a rainwater harvesting system that brought access to clean water for 50 households and five communal sites.

The community members held an inauguration to celebrate the gift Operation Blessing and its supporters had given to them. The compassion and commitment of supporters like you was an answered prayer for San Mateo.

“Thank you very much!” exclaimed Juana. “My water tank looks beautiful. My children will no longer have to go with a donkey to fetch water. Now we will have it right here at home.”

Not only does the new water system alleviate physical strain and water scarcity, but it is also bringing families together. “My feet won’t hurt anymore, and now I have more time to take care of my newborn daughter,” said Candelaria. “Thank you!”

The people of San Mateo are all grateful for the abundance and convenience they now have. Your dedication and kindness are making a tangible difference in the lives of others around the world.

Helping a Family After Helene

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NORTH CAROLINA – When Hurricane Helene unleashed its fury, countless families faced upheaval, including the Thomas family. They suffered in many ways. The workshop where they earned a living was destroyed. In addition, they lost access to clean water. But because of YOU, hope wasn’t lost. With your support we were able to help start the recovery process by providing professional-grade tools and a vital clean water system to help them get back on their feet.

The Devastation Left by Hurricane Helene

Hurricane Helene brought destruction that left families like the Thomas’s in terrible shape. Their basement workshop, a place where the father-son duo bonded and earned a living together, was submerged. This wiped out all their essential power tools. This loss of equipment didn’t just affect their livelihood, it struck at the heart of their dreams and security.

Operation Blessing Arrives

Amid this devastation, Operation Blessing arrived, backed by the compassion and support of donors like you. Donors who just refused to stop caring. With this level of support, our disaster response team was able to provide essential provisions, including a comprehensive clean water system and a full set of professional-grade tools.

Providing Clean Water After Hurricane Helene

The clean water system was a game-changer for the Thomas’s. As the farther Matthew shared, “The water makes it possible to use those tools.” Equipped with the essential machinery and clean water, the family could get back to work and provide for the family again.

A New Beginning: Helping a Family after Helene

As the Thomas family examined the high-quality tools, they felt something unexpected—hope. These tools represented more than physical items. They symbolized a fresh start and a brighter future. Beyond just equipment, the relief team and caring volunteers not only provided resources, but also rekindled the family’s faith in their community and in themselves.

Restoring Hope for the Future

With every tool and every gallon of clean water, Operation Blessing is helping families like the Thomas’s rebuild their lives. But YOU are the ones who are helping. When you support us, we go right out to families like the Thomas’s. This work is more than just disaster relief; it’s a testament to the kindness of people who want to make a difference. It shows the power of community and the hope that arises when people come together to lift each other up. Through the support of our compassionate partners and donors, families can overcome even the darkest challenges and look forward to a brighter tomorrow.

Thank you for helping a family after Helene like the Thomas’s.Visit www.ob.org/disaster-relief to help more families in dire need. Your support makes a lasting difference.

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helping a family after Helene with kindness

Hunger in the Heartland

UNITED STATES – “My husband is on Social Security, and so am I,” an older American named Barbara began, her friendly voice tinged with worry. “Everything’s so expensive. Eggs are out of sight, gasoline’s out of sight, utilities. Everything.”

With her husband’s diabetes medication adding to their financial strain, Barbara found they were standing at a crossroads, unsure how to make ends meet in a world that seemed to grow more expensive by the day.

Retired, ill, unemployed or underemployed, increasing numbers of families are struggling to put food on the table. People like Barbara and her husband, along with millions of other Americans, are grappling with the rising prices of groceries, causing untold harm to their health and happiness. But thanks to your compassionate aid, a helping hand continues to reach out to those in need.

For Barbara and her husband, your abiding kindness has been a game-changer. “They have a very generous food pantry,” Barbara said, speaking of Faith World Ministries, a distribution partner of Operation Blessing. “It just helps stretch.”

Fighting Hunger in the Heartland of America

The generosity of our donors is helping us fight hunger in the heartland of America. Your support helps put food on the shelves for caring partners like Faith World Ministries. Through these partnerships, friends like you are creating a network of support to lift up struggling families. From urban centers to rural communities, your kindness is felt in food pantries, meal programs, and emergency relief efforts—all working to ensure that food is available where it’s needed most.

But it’s more than just food—it’s about dignity, community, and hope. “They share prayers, ask how we’re doing,” Barbara added. Because your generosity doesn’t just fill stomachs; it eases minds and hearts. As Barbara said, “We don’t have to stress out over where the next bill is going to get paid from.”

fighting food scarcity in the United States

This peace of mind is a precious gift! It’s the difference between a sleepless night worrying about tomorrow’s meals and the security of knowing food will be on the table.

The impact of your kindness ripples far beyond the immediate relief. By ensuring families have access to nutritious food, you are contributing to better health outcomes, improved school performance for children, and increased productivity for working adults. You are helping to break the cycle of poverty, giving individuals and families the strength they need to build a better and more bountiful future.

Like many others, Barbara and her husband are more than just recipients of aid—they are part of the mission to bless the hungry and hurting. “We’re partners already,” Barbara says proudly, speaking of her support for Operation Blessing. “The outreach they’ve got with the different countries and helping out in disasters and everything, it makes a big difference.”

Your compassion is making a real, tangible impact for Barbara and countless others who were once weighed down with fear of an empty table. Again and again, your faithful and persistent kindness has been the difference between a child going to bed hungry and having a nutritious dinner, or an elderly couple choosing between food and medicine. You are the hands and feet helping Operation Blessing fight high prices on groceries that have led to hunger in the heartland of our nation.

Barbara’s message resonates with the heart of our shared mission: “Even the least amount, if you can, give it.” Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a difference. Because you’re not just providing food—you’re nourishing hope, one meal at a time.

A Harvest of Hope for Widows in Nigeria

NIGERIA – Imagine losing your spouse and being left alone, with few resources, to provide for your family. That was the harsh reality for Rose and 32 other women in Uke, Nigeria. But thanks to your compassionate support, a life-changing opportunity was waiting to replace their uncertainty and fear with confident hope. A true harvest of hope for widows in Nigeria was on the horizon!

Rose was one of these widows struggling to make ends meet. She said, “I have a small farm where I plant during farming season, and I sell cooked food as well. That is what I’m doing to feed my children.” Her story echoes that of Ruth in the Bible, gleaning in the fields to provide for her family. And, like Ruth, Rose’s fortunes were about to change.

Because of caring supporters like you, Rose and the other widows were equipped with the tools and knowledge to start their own bean farming businesses. Rose embraced this new opportunity, and the results were nothing short of transformative. “There is a lot of difference in me,” Rose shared, her eyes bright with newfound hope. “I see changes. The money I earned from bean farming, I saved and used for my business. I used it to make other bean by-products and to cook for my children.”

Your Generosity Helped Bring Hope for Widows in Nigeria

What’s more, the fruits of your generosity extended beyond immediate needs. With her newfound income, Rose achieved a milestone that once seemed impossible: easily paying for her twin sons’ senior exams. “As a result of the profit I made, I was able to pay for my children’s examination without any problem,” Rose shared with pride. This educational opportunity is a stepping stone, paving the way for her family to rise out of poverty and build a brighter future.

And thanks to friends like you, Rose’s success story is just one of many. You were a source of hope for widows in Nigeria. Collectively, these 33 widows harvested nearly 10,000 pounds of beans, providing a source of nutrition and income for their families. The lives of these women and their families were transformed by your compassion. “Indeed, I am grateful. Thank you, Operation Blessing,” one participant expressed. “Only our almighty God will bless you, reward you, and replenish your pockets.”

Recovery from Hurricane Helene in Valdosta, GA

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GEORGIA – As Hurricane Helene swept through the Southeast, the devastation was unthinkable. The city of Valdosta, Georgia was one of many places hit by the wrath of the storm. The town faced catastrophic destruction as a result.

Amidst the wreckage, a senior citizen named Melanie experienced first hand how much you care! Your support made it possible for our disaster relief team to be on the ground, showing Melanie the love of Christ.

Melanie’s Experience: Counting Blessings Amidst Destruction

“When Hurricane Helene came through Valdosta, I sought shelter at my friend’s house,” Melanie recounts. “She said I’d be safer there.” The winds howled, and power lines snapped as the storm raged, but Melanie felt a sense of relief when she returned home. Despite the chaos, her house stood intact—a miracle in itself.

“I count about seven or eight trees down in my yard,” she continued. “It was pretty bad. There were days when I felt overwhelmed, but I reminded myself to count my blessings.”

“I don’t have insurance on my home because it’s too old,” Melanie said. She wondered how she would manage the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.

The Power of Disaster Relief Recovery

Thanks to your generous support of Operation Blessing, the disaster relief team arrived quickly to help Hurricane Helene victims like Melanie clear her yard of hazardous debris. “I didn’t expect anyone to get here so quickly,” she said. “They’ve nearly got it all done in just one day!”

Melanie was deeply grateful for the assistance. “I’m an Operation Blessing fan! Y’all are the real thing.”

Hurricane Helene disaster relief volunteers

A Testament to Hope and Help

Melanie was so grateful for this godsend that you made possible. “I tell you, the Lord is watching over me. I’ve learned to let go and trust Him.” Her heartfelt appreciation extends to the donors who make this life-changing work possible.

“Operation Blessing really does help people,” she said. “I am living proof.” She also added, “If I could speak to the donors, I would tell them how much their support means. They are the hands and feet of Jesus.”

“If I could speak to the donors, I would tell them how much their support means. They are the hands and feet of Jesus.”
-Melanie, Hurricane Helene Survivor

Join Us in Supporting Hurricane Helene Recovery

The path to recovery from Hurricane Helene will be long, but with your help, Operation Blessing will continue to provide essential disaster relief recovery to those in need. Your support ensures that more survivors like Melanie receive the assistance they deserve.

To find out how you can make a difference, partner with Operation Blessing today. Together, we can transform lives and restore hope in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.

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Helping a Caring Mother Feed Her Family

VIRGINIA – Tiffany has long been a child protective services investigator for a city in Virginia. She’s also a caring mother of a 15-year-old son, and it’s clear that children are very important to her. That’s even more the case now, with a new baby on the way.

But rising food prices—and a whopping increase in her monthly rent—have forced her to look for new ways to make her salary go further. This concern has become even more critical as she prepares to live on a reduced income while she goes on maternity leave.

“I started my own garden this year … because food is so expensive,” Tiffany told us. And she said getting groceries from food pantries will be a lifeline for the near future. “Knowing where these pantries are is going to be very beneficial.”

It’s important to Tiffany that her family eats nutritious foods, even as she acknowledges the challenge posed by the cost. “Fruits and vegetables—and just healthy stuff— are expensive.” She knows how that can add up, especially for families who have lots of children. “I can’t imagine feeding six kids and having to prepare a meal for six people.”

And that’s where faithful partners like you come in, cheerfully giving so a caring mother like Tiffany can get the help they need.

Operation Blessing Partners with Many Food Pantries

To make this generosity a reality, Operation Blessing partners with many food pantries around the country, including Faith World Ministries. The director, Courtnay, does everything she can to make sure members of her community—many of whom are seniors on limited incomes—never go to bed hungry. “I’ve always been just that one to give more than enough,” she said.

The food provided by Operation Blessing makes a huge impact for this group of people. “They always express how they are very grateful,” Courtnay told us. “People have picked up food and didn’t expect to receive as much as we gave. … Some families express how the food that we gave was the only food they had.” She has only the highest praise for Operation Blessing and the amazing donors who make it all come together.

For a caring mother like Tiffany enjoy the bounty of the food ministry and your kindness in making it possible. The food she receives will help keep nourishing meals on the table and make ends meet “so that me and my kid can have the fresh fruits and vegetables and canned goods that we need.” She’s thankful that it will also let her take the money she’d spend on food to pay other bills.

Most of all, the nutritious food she’s receiving today will keep Tiffany healthy during her final months before the baby arrives. “Eating healthy is very important, especially since I’m having to check my blood sugar right now with the pregnancy,” she said gratefully, “just to make sure that everything’s okay in my final trimester.”

She added, “I know it’s a blessing to so many people.”

Hurricane Helene Floodwaters Damage Asheville Arts District

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NORTH CAROLINA – After Hurricane Helene floodwaters ripped through the River Arts District of Asheville, North Carolina, the damage was immense. The tremendous power of the flooding destroyed 26 galleries where some 300 artists displayed their work. One of those galleries was Mark Oliver’s Foundation Woodworks.

Local artist Mark told us, “My wife and I were building something. And our kids played right here. Our friend’s kids played and watched the trains.”

He continued, “We came every day here to make things, to make beautiful things. But more importantly, we connected with people.”

Artisans Out of Work in Asheville

Twenty craftsmen created and sold their pieces here. Now, those artisans are out of work. Operation blessing is helping those woodworkers get back on the job by setting up a temporary space where they can make and sell their goods, while their permanent studio and gallery are rebuilt.

Operation Blessing’s COO, Drew Friedrich said, “It really will give us a chance to help and for them to earn an income, help those families get back to some sense of normalcy. And so that’s really what we’re aiming to do.”

“It really will give us a chance to help and for them to earn an income, help those families get back to some sense of normalcy. And so that’s really what we’re aiming to do.”
-Drew Friedrich, COO of Operation Blessing

Blessings After Helene

The 8000 square foot workspace is large enough for the 20 workers to soon resume their profession. Meanwhile, Operation Blessing workers continue to search through the rubble up and down the district for items that can be salvaged. They also carefully clean pieces they find, like delicate jewelry, hand-carved tables, and paintings caked with mud.

Local artist Stuart said, “The rescue efforts that have been going on here are phenomenal. And I mean, it’s very heartwarming, how much people care, all the love and blessings that has been offered to us.”

Workers and volunteers consider it a labor of love, all in the name of Jesus. Help like this has only been possible because of the generous support of friends like you after Hurricane Helene Floodwaters tore through the area.

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The Cost of Water

THAILAND – At the age of 52, Prakaiwan thought she had survived the worst life could throw at her—breast cancer. But the journey since her surgery four years ago has been just as challenging. Beyond the painful rigors of battling illness, she also discovered another harsh reality—the cost of water. Thankfully, you were there when she needed you most to help her through this new challenge!

Prakaiwan did what she could to support her son. She farmed rice and relied on rainwater to meet their daily needs, but she didn’t feel it was safe to drink. She had to purchase bottled water—often three or four buckets each week. With expenses piling up, sometimes she couldn’t afford the cost of water. “Mothers have no income. There is no work to do. There is no way to buy food to eat,” she said. They certainly couldn’t afford the pricey water.

Can you imagine how it must have felt to know clean water was nearby and available, but not be able to buy it?

Regular Access to Clean Water

Her situation seemed impossible to overcome, being that the cost of water was beyond her means. But you made a way. Thanks to your generous support, Operation Blessing was able to partner with a church near Prakaiwan to supply clean water to her entire village. Once a well and water filtration system were in place, Prakaiwan could access as much clean water as she needed—without the financial burden.

“It was delicious,” Prakaiwan said when she tasted the water. Now, she can save her money for continued healthcare and other expenses for her family. “Thank you very much.”

You are providing clean water to many remote communities like Prakaiwan’s throughout Asia, Latin America, and Africa. Your love is saving these families valuable time and money that can be spent focusing on other needs. Thank you for your kindness and generosity.