How Operation Blessing Helps Victims Of The Ukraine Refugee Crisis

UKRAINE – Some of the most somber accounts of life in war-torn Ukraine come from the woman and children who experienced the onslaught of an unprovoked invasion. As these woman and children flee their beloved homes from Ukrainian towns like Kyiv and Kharkiv, Operation Blessing is there to help victims of the Ukraine refugee crisis.

As we meet them at the Polish border north of Ukraine, our goal is to comfort them after their harrowing and stressful journeys. Many sit down and talk with us as they arrive. Their voices are filled with trepidation and sadness as they describe the tragic circumstances that forced them to leave their homeland for such an uncertain future. Ksenia is one of those stories.

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Forced To Flee Her Country

Ksenia is a mother from the Ukraine who originally did not see the need to leave the country. As the reality of war set in, that attitude quickly changed. A shell hit the street she lived on. This would not be the end of the danger she or her children would face.

Two utility poles fell, likely from structural problems caused by shelling or other military activity. This resulted in a blackout situation for her and her family with no electricity or communication. It created a terrifying predicament as the once peaceful landscape around them degenerated into chaos. Sadly, things would only get worse.

Homes nearby were soon on fire. Streets her children could easily have been walking or playing on with their friends were attacked. Then a shell hit the home next to them. War was becoming a way of life.

These were not just images on television or warnings read over the internet. This was the sound of bombs smashing into brick, stone, and mortar. Vibrations of explosions shaking the floor under them. Sounds they came to dread as they waited and prayed that the whistling in the air would not be the last thing they heard.

Any doubt about how deadly the situation had become was now erased in Ksenia’s mind. She and her children were in mortal danger. The young Ukrainian mother would have to do what any mother in the world would do. She had to flee.

Going Into The Unknown

Now she had to make a long uncertain journey with her children to Poland. A country she knew little about. A strange place with a language she does not speak. Her only options were take a risk into the unknown or stay in a city that was being shelled. Terrifying choices for anyone. Where would she go? What was waiting for her in Poland? How would she comfort her children when they asked her what was happening?

But Kindness and Compassion Were Waiting For Them…Not Fear

Operation Blessing, supported by the outpouring of love from so many friends like you, is there to welcome woman like Ksenia when they arrive in Poland. A team from Operation Blessing works daily to comfort the many victims of the Ukraine refugee crisis. They provide food, supplies, and comfort. Their message to the Ukrainian refugees is very clear. You are not forgotten. Thousands of people care for you and your children.

Ksenia’s Reaction

Ksenia is very grateful that so many have partnered with Operation Blessing to help foster a sense of safety and peace. She is grateful for the love and support. She sums up the sentiment beautifully with this comment:

I didn’t expect that the whole world is praying for Ukraine, everyone cares about us, we are also praying.
-Ksenia, a young mother and refugee from Ukraine

You Are The Hands And Feet That Can Answer Prayer

For those who have given, we at Operation Blessing are so grateful. Your faithfulness is inspiring. For the staff and volunteers in Poland and the Ukraine, our prayers go with you. Thank you for your contributions and your endless support. As the spirit moves you please continue your commitment to support mothers like Ksenia and her family through this terrible situation.

Go to https://www.ob.org/mc/obcrisis and show your continued support.

 An Opportunity to Get Ahead Through Cosmetology Training in Honduras

HONDURAS – One of the best gifts that any of us can ever give to people who are poor and struggling is the chance to get ahead in life through their own hard work. For many, a simple opportunity by way of education, training, or owning a small business can set them on a better path—and even bless generations to come. 

Women like Olga in Honduras especially need a chance to get ahead. For many here, their educations end in the sixth grade. Lack of resources, education and skills leave these women vulnerable to exploitation, violence, gang recruitment, and abuse. 

However, Operation Blessing friends like you are sending amazing opportunities through cosmetology training in Honduras, which is helping Honduran teens and adult women break out of these cycles of poverty and violence. The program, titled Canela y Miel (“Cinnamon and Honey”), brings to mind a promised land full of provision and abundance. For many of these women, it provides just that. 

Olga and the other students at Canela Y Miel received training in various facets of hair styling, makeup application, skin care, and more. They also had the opportunity to take workshops to help them thrive in their new careers, such as business management, financial management, and professionalism. 

Following their initial cosmetology training in Honduras, the students were placed in internships to refine and improve their skills. Through the program they gained ample experience, confidence, and demonstrable expertise. Some will find ongoing employment through their internships, while others will open small shops in their homes. They also have the option of working part-time, allowing them to pay for continued educational opportunities.

Recently, Olga’s class graduated into their promising new futures, and another group of young women took their place. We’re so happy for Olga, her classmates, and all they’ve accomplished! We look forward to hearing many wonderful reports.  

We’re so grateful for friends like you who are making this sort of amazing difference around the world through partnership with Operation Blessing. 

hunger-relief-through-job-skills-in-honduras

Ukraine Refugee Mothers Tell Their Stories

Operation Blessing had the opportunity to sit down with two Ukrainian mothers fleeing the war with their children. The two Ukraine refugee mothers told of their hardships in coming to Poland, and expressed their deep desire for peace to be restored to their country.

Our caring staff was there to comfort these woman, who had to unwillingly leave their homeland in the Ukraine. Uprooted from their homes, jobs, and lives, they relayed the shock they felt at the brutality and danger they faced while traveling to Poland.

One Ukrainian refugee mother talks of the dimly lit and crowded train she rode to get to Poland. The train was filled with young mothers and infants, as the danger of the invasion was playing out all around them. It came to a halt several times due to explosions near the tracks, which put the lives of mothers, children, and infants in mortal danger. A resounding reminder of why they had to flee as soon as they could.

The women talk about the violence they faced back in the Ukraine. Regular shelling was a constant reminder of their perilous situation. Naturally no one wanted to leave their home, but you cannot stay in a place that is under the constant threat of bombing or shelling. Now they find themselves in a foreign land. Their husbands, brothers, and sons all left behind in the Ukraine to fight for the freedom of the nation.

Providing Help For Ukrainian Refugee Families

Once in Poland, Operation Blessing provided a warm place of respite for the families to regroup before the next phase of their journey. Thanks to your generous support, we are distributing essential supplies, warm food, and hot drinks to families in need. We are even playing with children and providing toys to cheer them as their mothers rest and recuperate in warm beds. To learn more about how you can give aid to families in crisis, visit ob.org/crisis.

Burden Lifted and Hope Restored through Food for an Elderly Widow

MICHIGAN – Lois, an elderly widow in Michigan, has experienced much heartache in her life. Nearly a decade ago, she suffered an unspeakable tragedy when her adult son, David, passed away from cancer. Two weeks later, she also lost her husband, Orville, to a heart condition after 49 years of marriage.

Despite her losses, Lois chooses to stay as optimistic as possible. Still, living on her own, sometimes her finances are tight. Over the years she has had several jobs, including work at a factory and at a retail store, but now she survives on a small, fixed income. “There are a lot of things I don’t buy because I just can’t afford to get them,” she said.

But thanks to you and to Operation Blessing distribution partner Buist Community Assistance Center (CAC), she is able to put food on the table every day. “It helps a lot because there are times when I open the refrigerator and I go, ‘Oh, there’s nothing there!’”

Food for an Elderly Widow

Lois is so thankful to be able to fill up her pantry with items you help provide. “I use a lot of soup, so I like that. And cereal, because I run out of cereal.” She shared with Operation Blessing staff that her finances can get especially tight toward the end of the month, but the support she receives from Operation Blessing and Buist CAC helps make up the difference until she receives her next check. This support is essential against against food insecurity, a plight many Americans face.

Without the assistance you send, Lois is not sure how she would survive. “I don’t know what I would do. Sometimes things come up that you don’t expect, and I come over here and they help me out. I’m just thankful that you’re here to help everybody. It’s a blessing that … if you’re down and out, you’ve got people that can help you.”

Thank you for your heart to provide food for an elderly widow in need. Your kindness blesses the hurting in the U.S. and around the world with the hunger relief they need to keep going in times of struggle. Friends like you make it possible to share the love of God by being the hands and feet of Jesus to those most in need.

Ukraine Refugees Escape to Poland

POLAND – Can you imagine what it must feel like to flee a war-zone with your 3 small children? What if you had to do that while being 8 months pregnant? For Olena and her 3 kids, this nightmare was a reality.

HELP CRISIS VICTIMS NOW

Olena was forced to flee her home in Ukraine. When she looked out her window one morning and saw bombs flying through the sky, she couldn’t believe her eyes. “It’s one thing to hear about this,” Olena said, “another thing when you see it with your own eyes.” As a protective mother, she decided the only way to keep her children safe was to leave the country.

“It’s one thing to hear about this, another thing when you see it with your own eyes.”

Ukraine Refugees Escape To Poland

As soon as Olena was able, she boarded a train and arrived safely in Poland. Once there, she was greeted by local churches and a team from Operation Blessing.

Thanks to the support of friends like you, Operation Blessing is partnering with local churches to help families seeking shelter in Poland. With your support, Operation Blessing is providing critical supplies like hygiene kits, water filtration devices, and solar lamps to refugees. Thanks to your support, these families will have the comfort they need during those critical moments after arriving in Poland.

To come alongside Operation Blessing as we continue to provide aid and comfort to Ukrainian families, go to https://www.ob.org/obcrisis.

You Gave the Gift of New Sight in Indonesia

INDONESIA – For seven years, Solihati suffered with a cataract in her right eye that made it hard for the 13-year-old to see the world clearly. As time passed, she was only able to recognize light and small movements in her right eye.

Because of her appearance, Solihati was mocked by the people around her. The unhappy child would cry every night because of her “white eye” and because people said she was cursed.

Solihati lives with her parents and siblings in a poor area of Jakarta, the capital city of Indonesia. With her poor vision, she would need surgery to remove the cataract and regain her sight, but her parents work by finding items to sell from the city dump— earning very little money. They were unable to afford the cost of the surgery needed to restore Solihati’s eye.

As the family had no means to help young Solihati, Operation Blessing partners stepped in to bring hope when it was needed most. Through the use of a crowdfunding campaign as part of Operation Blessing’s Life-Changing Surgeries program, over 20 friends just like you answered the heartfelt prayer of this young girl. In just under two weeks, donors raised the $2,009 needed for Solihati to have this healing procedure.

New Sight In Indonesia for Solihati

Because of friends like you, doctors successfully completed the surgery to remove the cataract from Solihati’s right eye, and she is now on her way to growing healthy and strong! Thank you for giving her the priceless gift of new sight in Indonesia.

For over 40 years, your love shown through Operation Blessing has touched countless lives in the U.S. and around the world. You make it possible to share the love of God with the poor and hurting. Thank you for the kindness and compassion you’ve shown to people like Solihati and her family!

You can check out our current crowdfunding surgery catalog at ob.org/surgeries

Operation Blessing Friends Reach Out With Tremendous Help for Ukraine

UKRAINE – The entire world watched in shock as the lives of innocent Ukrainian families were thrown into turmoil. Women and children were forced to flee the country for their own safety when Ukraine was violently and aggressively invaded by Russia. In the face of such tragedy, you met this onslaught of violence with a powerful response of compassion and relief! And you are providing tremendous help to Ukraine.

Handing out disaster relief supplies for Ukraine

Operation Blessing on the Ground in Ukraine

Operation Blessing and several of our sister organizations were already strategically located on the ground in Ukraine and able to be among the first reaching out to victims of war with life-saving food, water, fuel, and generator power inside hard-hit communities.

Operation Blessing tent helping Ukrainian refugees

Shortly after, thanks to your support, we positioned a team on the border with Poland to give Ukrainians warmth, comfort, encouragement, and vital supplies as they suddenly found themselves refugees in a foreign land. We pitched tents, organized packages, distributed aid and helped equip shelters in partnership with churches and other organizations.

As Ukrainian refugees reached an unfamiliar country in search of safety—often in the middle of the night—our team greeted them with literally thousands of blankets, hot beverages, hygiene items, and other little pieces of comfort. Most of the refugees were women, children, and the elderly, as men remained in Ukraine to fight for their country.

We have plans in place to continue increasing our support to meet this growing tragedy. And our wonderful, generous friends like you have been truly stepping up with the love and support needed to keep this effort going. Today we’d like to introduce you to a few of the people your love has reached.

Help for Ukrainian refugee mother and kids

Meet a Ukrainian Refugee Family You’re Helping

Olena, a pregnant mother with three children in tow, made the harrowing journey to safety in Poland. She had been getting her kids ready for school on that fateful day in February when she saw something streak pass her window. They quickly learned it was a Russian rocket, and fear and panic set in. She told us that she was horrified by the way the Russian military attacked civilian targets. The family could hear bombing at a distance and her children cried. The whole family was in a constant state of fear and turmoil.

She said, “Of course it’s terrifying. It’s one thing to hear about this, another thing when you see it with your own eyes. We could not sleep during nights.” Olena also told us, “Over there only ruins are left. Hospitals, maternity hospitals, they shoot everywhere. In the villages also everything was destroyed.”

Eventually unable to take it anymore, they risked fleeing to Poland. There, your love met them with open arms. They were so thankful for the warmth, food, refreshment, and encouragement. Despite her fears, Olena stands in faith. She said, “I hope in the Lord and only rely on God because God can protect. Many Christian people pray, and we pray.”

Report from War-torn Ukraine

Hasmik, a woman from the Kyiv area, fled Ukraine after hiding from the bombs for 10 days. She and her family had taken shelter in the basement of their apartment building, only leaving for food. But after the apartment’s administrative building was hit, they decided they must leave.

“I thought, at this moment, we would die. Really,” she said. “People need peace. They can’t sleep. They have small kids. It’s awful. War is awful.”

Refugees in Search of Hope and Peace

Nadiezhda, which means “hope”, is a young mother of two children, Ilia, 9, and Mariana, 5. She and her children also fled Ukraine. Nadiezhda’s husband stayed behind to fight in the war, so she is alone with her kids. They also received aid and assistance at the Polish border thanks to you.

“I put my hope in God, that He will give peace and protect our country,” Nadiezhda told Operation Blessing staff. “Thank you for your help, for prayers. Thank you that you are welcoming us, this is very precious and important at a time like this.”

We send you our heartfelt thanks as well. Please continue to keep the people of Ukraine in your prayers.

You can give a special gift to help crisis victims today.

Learn more about Operation Blessing’s outreach to Ukraine.

Bring Clean Water to Osocco This World Water Day!

OSOCCO, PERU – The people of Osocco, Peru need your help! For years, this small community in the highlands of Peru has struggled with access to clean water.

The community consists of 28 families who all bear the burden of dirty water. An old manual-pump well exists, but the water is yellow and contaminated. They need to walk 40 minutes to the nearest town for better water. But even then the water is scarce and unreliable.

Balvina, a resident of Osocco, told Operation Blessing staff of how her daughter, Yareli, fell ill when she accidentally drank the dirty water. “It affected my daughter when she drank the water,” said Balvina, “she got a stomach infection and she had a fever and diarrhea.”

Balvina and her neighbors desperately need a miracle. And this World Water Day, you have the power to provide one! Operation Blessing’s clean water team worked to develop a comprehensive water solution that will provide Osocco with a reliable source of clean water for years to come. With your help, we can make this water system a reality and radically change the lives of these precious families.

Visit ob.org/waterday22 to bring clean water to Balvina, Yareli, and the residents of Osocco!

“It’s Awful.” Stories from War-Torn Ukraine

POLAND – Operation Blessing teams are on the ground in Poland near the Ukraine border, ready to receive Ukrainian families with open arms. Thanks to your generosity, Operation Blessing staff members are working to distribute critical supplies like bottled water, food, and hygiene kits to desperate families. Our staff was able to talk with some families who are fleeing war-torn Ukraine.

HELP CRISIS VICTIMS

Nadiezhda, which means “hope”, is a young mother of two children, Ilia, 9, and Mariana, 5. She and her children are fleeing Ukraine. Nadiezhda’s husband stayed behind to fight in the war, so she is alone with her kids.

“I put my hope in God that he will give peace and protect our country,” she told Operation Blessing staff. “Thank you for your help, for prayers. Thank you that you are welcoming us, this is very precious and important at a time like this.”

Victims Of War-Torn Ukraine

Hasmik, a woman from the Kyiv area, is fleeing Ukraine after hiding from the bombs for 10 days. She and her family took shelter in the basement of their apartment building, only leaving for food. But after the apartment’s administrative building was hit, they decided to leave. “I thought, at this moment, we died. Really,” she said. “People need peace. They can’t sleep. They have small kids. It’s awful. War is awful.”

Because of your support, Operation Blessing is actively working to bring aid and relief to crisis victims affected by the war in Ukraine. Visit ob.org/obcrisis to learn how you can come alongside Operation Blessing to help victims in need. And as always, please continue to keep Ukraine in your prayers.

In the words of Nadiezhda, “At this moment we need prayer for peace in Ukraine.” Thank you and God Bless.

Again, to help crisis victims visit ob.org/obcrisis

Learn more about Operation Blessing’s outreach to Ukraine.

Love That Heals  –  Health Facility Brings Relief

PERU – In a remote area of Peru called San Jeronimo de Ullagachi, Milagros lives with her parents and three older siblings. Her family, like many in the community, earns a living through agriculture. Her father, Diomedes, works hard to raise cattle to sell and provide for his children.

Milagros loves to help take care of the livestock after she has completed her schoolwork for the day. However, anytime she falls ill, it has been difficult for her to get the care she needs to continue helping her family and keep up with her studies. Her community was in serious need of a health facility!

The nearest city is almost 30 minutes away by car and over an hour away by foot. Sadly, when community members like Milagros became sick and needed medical attention, they were forced to make the hard trek to Puno to get help.

“When I got sick, I had to go by motorcycle to the health center. Sometimes my dad took me or my brothers, but it was far away,” Milagros explained to Operation Blessing staff. And while they had a motorcycle, many had to walk, even when ill or injured. 

A New Health Facility Brings Relief In Peru

Although having no local access to proper medical care was an ongoing issue for the people of San Jeronimo, help was on the way—thanks to your loving heart. Operation Blessing staff members heard of the hardship residents endured and knew you would want to make a difference. Soon, a nearby building was renovated and turned into a health center for poor and hurting families to receive free medical care and access to medicine on a monthly basis. Recently, Milagros was able to receive treatment at the new facility. 

“I got sick—I had phlegm, sore throat, cough, my head hurt,” Milagros said. “I had a stomachache. For two days I was in bed.” 

After a medical examination, health personnel diagnosed Milagros with acute bronchitis. Fortunately, she was given medication for her treatment. “When I got sick, I just had to walk to go to the nearby health center. They gave me syrups and pills.” 

Because of the kindness of Operation Blessing donors, Milagros and her entire community no longer have to travel great distances to receive care when they are sick. The new health facility brings relief for them through easier access to medical care.

Milagros’ father, Diomedes, is grateful for the love you have shown to his family and community. “I thank you very much. Thank you for supporting us all. You are supporting people in need.” 

Thank you for your heart to share God’s love by bringing hope and healing to those that need it most.