Operation Blessing Responds to Catastrophic Flooding in Texas and Brazil

TEXAS & BRAZIL – In recent weeks, catastrophic flooding has devastated communities across Texas and Brazil, leaving countless families in desperate need of assistance. Operation Blessing is on the ground in both regions, providing critical relief supplies and support to those affected by these unprecedented floods.

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Catastrophic Flooding in Texas

In Texas, nearly two months of heavy rainfall led to severe flash flooding, inundating streets and submerging vehicles and homes. Some authorities have stated that this storm event has been worse than Hurricane Harvey. The rainfall plunged roadways underwater and forced rivers to overflow, leading to evacuations and water rescues. Hundreds of homes and businesses have flooded, and many school districts have canceled classes due to the dangerous conditions.

Operation Blessing, in partnership with Hi-Way Tabernacle Church in Cleveland, Texas, is responding by providing more than 14 tons of essential relief supplies, including emergency meal kits, clean water, and disaster cleanup kits. Operation Blessing staff are also assessing the needs of the affected communities to determine where else they can provide assistance.

Worst Flooding on Record in Brazil

Meanwhile, in Brazil, the city of Porto Alegre experienced the worst flooding on record, with some areas receiving as much as 17.5 feet of water. The torrential rains caused landslides, collapsed bridges, and washed-out roads, resulting in at least 83 fatalities and forcing 115,000 people from their homes.

State Governor Eduardo Leite emphasized the severity of the situation, stating, “I repeat and insist: the devastation to which we are being subjected is unprecedented.” He added that the state will need a “kind of ‘Marshall Plan’ to be rebuilt.”

With more than 800,000 people now cut off from water supply, Operation Blessing’s international disaster relief team is preparing to provide clean water to those in need through partnerships with local churches. Our team also plans to distribute solar lamps and potentially food due to widespread power outages.

Supporting Flood Victims

As families in Texas and Brazil grapple with the aftermath of these catastrophic floods, Operation Blessing is committed to providing critical assistance and support. Relief staff are working tirelessly to assess the needs of the affected communities and deliver essential relief supplies to those who need them most. And you can help!

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We’re dedicated to helping flood victims together in this challenging time. Through local partnerships and the help of friends like you, we will bring hope and relief to the countless families affected by these catastrophic flooding events.

Love and Hope in the Midst of Tragedy in Ukraine

UKRAINE – Life changed dramatically for Marina and her family in Ukraine on the fateful day of February 24, 2022, when Russia attacked. She told us, “The first day of the massive war brought numerous casualties to our town of Vugledar, widespread destruction of homes, terrifying siren sounds, and an icy fear for the lives of our two children.” Such is the plight of many fighting to survive the tragedy in Ukraine.

Marina couldn’t bring herself to abandon her husband, Arthur, who served in the army near their city. Instead, she and her sons, Maxim (16) and Vadim (7), along with several others, huddled in a bomb shelter as explosions thundered and shook the ground. Forced to use water that came from puddles and melted snow, they would strain it through cotton and boil it to try and make it safe.

Sometimes Marina would run to her nearby apartment to cook food, but once as she was rushing back with hot soup in one hand and boiling water in the other, a rocket landed close by her. She said, “The explosion scattered the soup from the shock wave, and I fell. Wounded and covered in blood and hot soup, I … realized I had miraculously survived.”

After that, Arthur insisted she evacuate with the children. Marina gave Arthur a slip of paper with the Lord’s Prayer written on it, and he asked her to pray for him.

As she fled the area with her two boys, shells exploded around them and shrapnel hit their car. The boys huddled on the floorboards in terror. From that point on, much of what occurred remains hazy to Marina. They did find shelter in a safer area of Ukraine. Although traumatized, eventually she began to experience some peace and a bit of happiness.

But even that was torn away when she learned her husband had been killed in the war. She could barely identify his ravaged body, except for the slip of paper containing the Lord’s Prayer, which he still had on his person.

These were dark days indeed for Marina and her boys. But during this time you made a huge difference in their lives.

You demonstrate God’s love by reaching out to comfort the brokenhearted with hope, help, and healing in times of tragedy. Marina said, “Every day, the Operation Blessing team works to ensure that places for refugees have bread and food and that people do not go hungry.”

That’s only possible because of wonderful friends like you!

Showing Kindness Amidst the Tragedy in Ukraine

At the shelter run by our partner organization and supplied by caring people like you, Marina has found herself surrounded by the prayers and encouragement of Christian believers. This has kept her sane. During a worship service she decided to receive water baptism, which she feels marked the beginning of a new life for her and her children.

Since then, she has learned that Arthur died a hero while saving another man. And knowing that Arthur still kept the Lord’s Prayer with him during his last moments offers her assurance that she will be reunited with him someday in heaven. Isn’t it touching to know that you helped make this beautiful story possible? That’s why we’re so incredibly thankful for you.

Marina’s story is still ongoing—as is the war in Ukraine. Thanks to wonderful donors like you, we’re able to reach out to Ukrainian refugees with aid, support, and encouragement. And for those who remain in the war-torn nation, we provide vital supplies that have kept them alive—like fuel for warmth, essential food items, homemade bread, hot meals for the elderly and those injured in the war, and even Christmas presents for the children.

Over two years have passed since the war began in Ukraine. But let’s not recall these years merely as just a time of tragedy and violence; let’s also remember them as years when God’s love shone brightly through you to bless those in the most desperate need!

Nebraska Tornadoes: The Road to Recovery

NEBRASKA – In the midst of the devastation following the EF3 tornado that tore through Blair, Nebraska, stories of hope and resilience have begun to surface. As Operation Blessing continues its efforts to support the Nebraska recovery process, the impact of friends like you is becoming increasingly evident in the lives of survivors like Steven, a local veteran whose property suffered significant damage during the tornado.

Providing Critical Aid to Tornado Survivors

Operation Blessing’s disaster relief team has been working hand in hand with volunteers and local residents to provide essential resources and manpower for the cleanup and rebuilding efforts. For survivors like Steven, who often face overwhelming challenges and limited resources in the aftermath of such a disaster, this support has been crucial.

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Steven expressed his gratitude for Operation Blessing’s assistance, saying, “They all just showed up and started helping. It was just so overwhelming. And then the volunteers started coming. There’s so much stuff going on in the world now, it kind of makes you feel good to know there’s still good people out there.”

Generosity Makes a Life-Changing Difference

Thanks to compassionate supporters, Operation Blessing was able to clear dangerous debris and replace tarps on Steven’s roof at no cost to him, offering a glimmer of hope through the chaos. This tangible assistance has been vital for tornado survivors like Steven, allowing them to take the first steps towards rebuilding their lives.

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Operation Blessing Continues Supporting Nebraska Recovery Efforts

As the Nebraska recovery efforts progress, Operation Blessing remains dedicated to supporting impacted communities and helping them start again.

The road to recovery may be long, but the residents of Blair are working hard to come back from this, and people like you help us give them the support they need. We’re offering hope for all those affected by this devastating tornado outbreak. Together, we can help Nebraska come back stronger.

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Hope for the Heartland: Nebraska Tornado Response

Offering help after torandoes hit U.S. heartland.

NEBRASKA – Multiple tornadoes, including a powerful EF-3, recently ravaged the Central U.S., hitting portions of Nebraska. They left a trail of destruction in their wake. The largest twister caused catastrophic damage in suburban areas near Omaha, shredding trees, flipping cars, and reducing homes to rubble. Amidst the chaos and devastation, Operation Blessing, as part of their Nebraska tornado response, is on the ground, providing much-needed relief to the affected communities.

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Immediate Response and Debris Clearing

As soon as the tornadoes subsided, Operation Blessing’s relief staff sprang into action. They quickly began assisting homeowners in clearing debris, a crucial first step in the recovery process. Joe of Elkhorn, Nebraska, recounted the terrifying experience of the storm ravaging his community. “The house started shaking, we could hear the wood cracking and breaking, the windows breaking,” Joe recalled. “Pretty soon it was all over, and we came up.”

Setting Up a Base of Operations

To effectively serve the people of Nebraska, Operation Blessing has established a base of operations in Blair, just outside of Omaha. This strategic location allows us to reach those who desperately need our help in the aftermath of the tornadoes. From here, we can coordinate our relief efforts, distribute essential supplies, and provide support to the affected families.

Rebuilding Lives, One Home at a Time

Joe Zeifel’s family suffered roof damage, broken windows, and the total loss of his outbuildings. “Operation Blessing is helping me to rebuild the barn for our animals that was lost,” Joe expressed his gratitude for the assistance. “It’s going to be a temporary shelter, but it’s a shelter for the animals. So that’s what they’re helping us to do today.”

The outpouring of support from volunteers and friends like you has been a huge blessing for those impacted by the tornadoes. “All the people have come to help. It’s just overwhelming and it’s just amazing you cannot thank them enough, you know, a lot of them you don’t even know, you’ll never see again. But they’re willing to come out and help,” Joe shared.

Your Support Makes a Difference

When you partner with Operation Blessing, your contributions become a lifeline for families like Joe’s, providing them with the tangible relief they so desperately need. Your generosity helps jumpstart their road to recovery, offering hope amidst the devastation.

As Operation Blessing continues its Nebraska tornado response, your support is vital in helping rebuild lives and restore hope to these resilient communities. Together, we can make a lasting impact and stand beside those in need during their most challenging times.

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Tornadoes Rip Through the Heartland

UNITED STATES – Over the weekend, more than 100 tornadoes tore through the heartland of the U.S., ripping apart communities, homes, and lives in Nebraska, Iowa, Texas, and Oklahoma. As a result heartland tornado victims are in need of support.

Reports are still coming in, but it’s clear that these storms left unimaginable destruction and despair in their wake, as well as several deaths. Right now, our hearts are aching for those affected by this tragedy.

We immediately deployed a team to the affected areas in Nebraska and nearby Iowa to offer disaster relief and support. We’re currently on the ground in Nebraska helping with clean up and repair efforts.

Operation Blessing is committed to standing with heartland tornado victims during this difficult time. But we can’t do it alone. Will you join with us and help those who are hurting?

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Your support is crucial in enabling us to extend our reach and provide assistance to as many struggling community members as possible. Your generosity will offer hope, healing, and restoration to people who are suffering. We also ask that you please pray for our relief team, and for the all those affected by these terrible storms.

Providing Support for Heartland Tornado Victims

Together, through the power of prayer and compassion, we can make a tangible difference in the lives of shattered people in the heartland of the U.S. Thank you for your unwavering support and solidarity during this critical time. Stay safe, and God bless you.

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Bringing Water and Hope to Taiwan Earthquake Victims

TAIWAN – When a 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck Taiwan, it triggered massive landslides and left a trail of destruction in its wake. Among the hardest hit areas was Taroko in Hualien County. There, Taiwan earthquake victims found themselves without access to clean water due to damaged water tanks. For residents like 52-year-old Lai Lijing, who relies on these tanks for her daily water needs, the situation was dire.

“The ground shook,” Lai recounted. “I woke up, and everything on my desk fell over. When my younger brother came, I told him what happened to the water at the back. My brother ran to check and saw that the water tower was broken. So, he turned off all the main switches.”

Challenges Faced by Taiwan Earthquake Victims

Lai found herself in a difficult position; she is physically challenged and mainly lives on government assistance. Affording a new water tank seemed like an insurmountable obstacle. “I don’t have any income,” she explained. “If I really want to buy it, I can only save a little and wait for a long time.”

To make matters worse, the demand for water tanks following the earthquake was high, and the supply was low. That made it even harder for affected families to acquire the necessary equipment.

Operation Blessing’s Taiwan Earthquake Response

Recognizing the urgent need, Operation Blessing swiftly responded. Our team partnered with the Chinese Christian Relief Association (CCRA) to address the water crisis in the aftermath. Thanks to the generous support of compassionate friends like you, Operation Blessing was able to procure nine water tanks for nine households in need, including one for Lai.

Your kindness and generosity have made a tangible difference in the lives of these earthquake survivors, providing them with access to clean water and restoring a sense of normalcy amidst the chaos.

Your Compassion Makes a Difference

Lai expressed her heartfelt gratitude for the support she received: “Thank you for donating this water tower for my home. Thank you very much!”

Your unwavering support enables Operation Blessing to respond swiftly to disasters worldwide, bringing hope and relief to those who need it most. By being a hero to survivors like Lai, you are making a profound impact on their lives and helping them rebuild in the wake of terrible hardship.

As Operation Blessing continues to respond to disasters worldwide, your ongoing support is crucial in ensuring that no one is left behind. Together, we can restore hope and bring lasting change to communities devastated by natural disasters.

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Neighbors and Heroes: A Story of Recovery in Slidell, LA

LOUISIANA – In the wake of a powerful EF-2 tornado that left many Slidell, Louisiana residents reeling, Operation Blessing swiftly responded to provide critical assistance and support. The devastating storm struck with little warning, leaving behind a trail of hazardous debris and widespread property damage.

“We had no time to prepare,” said one resident about the twister. “I mean it was there, and it was gone. I was here for Katrina, but this seems to be more damaging than Katrina was.”

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Community Pillar Dane Prioritizes Neighbors’ Needs

Among those impacted was Dane, a former Marine and motorcycle enthusiast who has been a beacon of support for his community since moving to the area. Known for his generosity and willingness to lend a helping hand, Dane’s neighbors respected him greatly.

“Dane is one of a kind,” shared a neighbor. “When Dane moved into the neighborhood, he was immediately like friends with everybody. He made himself known.”

Operation Blessing Teams Provide Relief and Hope

With the generous support of our Operation Blessing family, our disaster relief team visited the damaged homes to remove debris and offer hope. Dane, true to his character, prioritized his neighbors’ needs even before his own home.

“Operation Blessing came and asked me if I knew anybody who needed help, and I was like, ‘Yeah, my neighbors,'” Dane explained. “I said, ‘You know, they need help.'”

Slidell Tornado Assistance Extends to Essential Supplies and Repairs

Operation Blessing provided water, food, and other essential supplies to Dane’s neighbors. Our team then returned to ensure Dane’s own needs were met as well.

“I really didn’t expect that,” Dane shared. “I was hoping that my neighbors could get some help, and they really came through. They bought all of the material and actually helped me put my fence back together and saved me and my disabled brother from having to do it; it really was a blessing.”

Support and Prayers Make a Difference in Disaster Recovery

In times of disaster, it is the generosity of friends like you that enables Operation Blessing to help families and neighbors take their first steps towards recovery. Whether through volunteering, giving financially, or offering prayers, your contributions make a significant difference.

“If you can pray for Operation Blessing and you’re an intercessor and you don’t have anything other to offer than that, that’s the best,” Dane emphasized. “I get excited, and people are like, ‘Why are you excited? Your house just got hit by a tornado.’ And I’m like, ‘Yeah, but wait till you see what God does with this mess, because He’s going to come through. You just have to wait.'”

Provide Hope to Slidell Tornado Victims!

Together, we can continue to bring hope and restoration to disaster victims as they navigate the challenges of rebuilding their lives. Thank you for your compassion and support. To donate to disaster relief, click below or visit https://www.ob.org/mc/obdisaster/.

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A Helping Hand for Slidell Tornado Victims

LOUISIANA – After a sudden twister tore through their town, Slidell tornado victims were forced to deal with the damage. Residents like Linda recounted the helpless feelings she and her husband felt. “I would just love to walk away and not look back,” she said. They needed friends like you to offer help and hope in their time of need.

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Though Linda and her husband were unharmed by the storm, their property took a beating. Large fallen trees and debris littered their yard. As retirees, the couple didn’t know what to do. “My gosh, how are we gonna get through this?” Linda thought.

Providing Support for Slidell Tornado Victims

But Operation Blessing supporters like you didn’t let Linda and her husband deal with this burden alone! You sent a team of hardworking staff and volunteers to clean up their property. The team got to work clearing heavy debris from their yard, restoring hope for the couple. “I bawled,” said Linda with tears in her eyes. “They have a good name, Operation Blessing, because that’s what they are. They are our heroes!” Thank you for showing love to Slidell tornado victims like Linda and her husband.

You Can Help Disaster Victims!

More people still desperately need help, and you can be a lifeline for them. Partner with us to help the hurting. When disaster strikes, your partnership makes all the difference. To support disaster survivors, visit https://www.ob.org/mc/obdisaster/.

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Today, Davina Can Run Without Rickets

NIGERIA – It hurts to be judged before people really know you. Young Davina knew this all too well, as her severely bowed legs brought attention to her like a neon sign—but that didn’t dampen her spirits. This sweet 5-year-old girl was born with a condition called rickets, which made her legs misshapen. But she just kept moving, overcoming the difficulties she faced with an infectious smile and a passion for life.

charity help to afford surgery for Rickets

The Difficulty of Movement with Rickets

Full of energy, she loves to dance and doesn’t shy away from playing soccer and other games with friends. But it’s hard to stay on your feet when your legs won’t cooperate. She often ended up on the ground, battered and bruised. In fact, most days it hurt her just to get up and walk, but there was too much life to live for Davina to stay down. And while she might have come home with bruises, she got out there and tried her best to be part of the action.

This became all the harder, however, when people singled her out or ridiculed her. Davina’s mother, Saratu, shared, “Some days ago someone described my house by telling someone it was ‘the house with the girl who has bowed legs,’ and this made me cry.”

Aside from her condition, life was already challenging for Davina, her siblings, and her widowed mother. Her father had been sick and bedridden for two years, and then he passed away. Being ill for so long, he was unable to set them up for a life without his provision. Since he died, their family has barely survived on the support of others.

Unable to Afford Surgery

Living in a small, underdeveloped town in Nigeria created even more obstacles for the family. Their area is out of the government eye and has very weak infrastructure—particularly where healthcare is concerned. It would have taken a miracle for Davina’s family to even access the facilities and physicians needed to give her corrective surgery—and that’s if they could have afforded it. Surgery to repair Davina’s legs was just one of many impossible dreams—until now.

God made a way, thanks to you! When our Nigerian surgery coordinator named Eyen met Davina, he knew there was hope for this precious girl. Because of your compassion, he and the rest of our life-changing surgeries team were able to connect Davina with skilled physicians and provide her with corrective surgery free of charge. Thanks to you, we were also able to be by Davina’s side throughout the process, to support and encourage and answer any questions.

Free from Rickets.. Because of You

Davina came through wonderfully, and her surgery turned out to be a tremendous success! Today, her legs are beautifully straight and she is free from rickets! She’s able to run and play with freedom and grace, and her future is looking bright— because you help make miracles happen.

“Thank you,” Saratu said, “for fixing my daughter’s legs. I have always dreaded the cost of having the corrective surgery for Davina. Right now, I am overwhelmed with joy, and I pray that God will greatly multiply Operation Blessing for the show of love.”

Standing with Louisiana: Slidell Tornado Relief

LOUISIANA – On April 10th, a powerful EF-2 tornado tore through Slidell, Louisiana. The tornado, with winds reaching 115-125 mph, damaged homes, businesses, and infrastructure, leaving residents in desperate need of assistance. Operation Blessing quickly mobilized its disaster relief team to respond to the crisis.

Volunteers and Staff Offer Help and Hope to Affected Communities

Operation Blessing’s relief staff arrived on the scene to assess the damage and provide immediate assistance to tornado victims in partnership with local Louisiana volunteers. Teams have been working diligently to remove downed trees and debris from properties, allowing residents to begin the process of rebuilding their lives.

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Offering Support to Tornado Victims

In addition to the physical support, Operation Blessing has been providing emotional and spiritual support to the tornado victims. Team members have been offering prayer and a glimpse of God’s love to those who have been affected by this devastating event, reminding them that they are not alone during this challenging time.

Assessing the Full Extent of the Damage in Slidell and Surrounding Areas

The Slidell tornado was part of a larger severe weather system that brought torrential rains, damaging winds, large hail, and the threat of additional tornadoes across the Gulf Coast states over multiple days. Louisiana Governor Landry toured the impacted areas in Slidell to assess the damage caused by the EF-2 tornado, underscoring the severity of the situation. As the full extent of the damage is still being evaluated, it is clear that the Slidell community will require ongoing support and assistance in the coming weeks.

Thanks to friends like you, our team is there for the people of Louisiana, helping residents clean up debris, remove fallen trees, and assist in any way we can to get them through these devastating times.

You Can Help Disaster Victims!

Would you please reach out and give a special gift to help disaster victims in this difficult time? You can be a light in that darkness, providing the love, support, and encouragement they need. Find out how when you visit www.ob.org/disaster-relief or www.ob.org/volunteer today!

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