Safe At School

HONDURAS – For school children in rural communities in Honduras, all-too-often school is not the safe and secure place that it should be. Such was the case for children in the small village of La Peña.

The local school for first through sixth grade consisted of a tiny, ramshackle structure with no walls. The small building couldn’t meet the needs of the area’s children. Out of the 57 local kids who wanted to attend school, only 22 fit.

The old school was unsafe with no walls.

For the children that were able to attend, the structure’s lack of walls exposed them and their learning materials to the heat and rain. The desks, books, and chairs were all rapidly deteriorating and the building provided almost no protection for the children.

To make matters worse, the school had no bathroom for the students and teacher to use. The children struggled to learn in the unsafe and unsanitary environment.

A New Safe School Advances a Community

But Operation Blessing partners like you didn’t abandon those precious children in their difficult circumstances. Seeing the problems in La Peña, they decided to do something about it.

Construction soon began on a brand new school building of strong cement blocks. Two classrooms were built and outfitted with new desks, chairs, books, and more! Now, there’s plenty of space for the children who couldn’t fit in the old school room. Not only that, La Peña’s new school now boasts three bathrooms, one for boys, one for girls, and one for the teacher, as well as a hand washing station. It even includes a playground for the children to enjoy.

Thanks to Operation Blessing partners like you, the children of La Peña now have a nurturing place to learn, grow, and play. The generosity and love that friends like you have shown has completely transformed their childhood.

Serving Dorian Victims in Ocracoke

Operation Blessing is serving Hurricane Dorian victims like Trudy and her sister.

NORTH CAROLINA, USA – This morning as we rode the ferry to Ocracoke, NC, I couldn’t help but think of Ms. Trudy Austin. The amazing woman had turned down our help yesterday, insisting that we take care of her neighbor first. But today we would have the honor of serving her, and helping her recover from the devastation of Hurricane Dorian.

Dorian Strikes the Island

The night the storm hit, Trudy was in her home with her sister. As the hurricane approached, the eye wall went directly over them with little damage. They thought they were safe. But that was only because they didn’t know what was still to come. For about 20 minutes everything stayed calm. Then disaster struck. When the back side of the eye hit, winds smashed against their home and the water began rushing inside. They had little time to act. The water rose so high and so fast that by the time they decided to evacuate, the back door had jammed shut. “It was seeping through the floor as fast as it was rushing through the door,” Trudy said.

With the backdoor blocked, they looked for other ways to escape. The water kept getting higher and it showed no signs of slowing down. Trudy thought about going through the windows, but neither she nor her sister could lift the heavy old windows. That left only one option: the front door. The very place the water rushed in the fastest.

Trudy tried to open that door, but the water pushed against it so hard she couldn’t get it open either. With no options left, she smashed the glass on her storm door. She and her sister hurried out of the hole and stepped on a porch that looked like a river. “We got out,” Trudy said. “We held on to each other, and we swam over to the cottage.”

Trudy has a raised cottage just behind her house, and that’s where she and her sister found safety. As Trudy sat there watching the raging water, she couldn’t believe her eyes. “I had just been looking the night before on TV about the Abacos,” Trudy said. “And thinking how horrible that they lost everything. How they had to swim out of the house. Then 9 hours later I was doing the same thing.”

Operation Blessing on the Scene with Disaster Relief

Trudy and her loved ones are safe now, but her house suffered severe damage. She has a long hard road to recovery ahead. The people on Ocracoke are resilient. But everyone on this island got hit hard, so there’s not enough help to go around.

Thankfully Operation Blessing is on Ocracoke, serving Trudy and her neighbors in their recovery efforts! As we combed the streets, looking for people who needed aid, we happened upon Trudy. We told her we’d come to serve her in whatever way necessary, and she was so excited! She grew up with a mom who watched the 700 Club and was overjoyed to learn an affiliated group had arrived on the scene. “This team of angels just rolled in on a horse, and they’re here to help,” Trudy said.

As we reached her home today, we found massive mounds of water-soaked debris around it. We began to haul it to the road so it can be safely taken away. Afterwards, we prayed with Trudy and lifted her spirits. We got a lot of serving done today, but Trudy still has more work left to do. We let her know we would come back and help in any way we can.

She expressed how thankful she was not only to our team, but to the people who donate and make all this disaster relief work possible. “Thank you for donating. And keep donating, because it does matter. Take it from me. I’m experiencing it first hand and never thought in my life I would need that.”

A Glimpse of Hope for Abaco Islands

Hurricane Dorian victims at Marsh Harbor in the Abaco Islands.

BAHAMAS – Thanks to the support of faithful donors like you, Operation Blessing responded as soon as possible to help Hurricane Dorian victims in the Bahamas. Our team faced many travel obstacles following this tragedy that devastated the Bahamas and threw the country into chaos. But they persisted in their goal to reach the Abaco Islands with desperately needed aid.

They managed to secure two small boats and loaded them with supplies. After a twelve hour trip on the open sea, they reached the decimated area of Marsh Harbor. The monster category five hurricane had stalled in this area, battering them relentlessly for two days.

Previously, over 17,000 residents called the Abaco Islands home. It’s estimated that the storm destroyed 70% of the buildings. It also took out all infrastructure such as water systems and electricity. The official death toll currently stands in the 40s. However, officials expect it to rise dramatically as the search goes on.

OB’s Director of International Disaster Relief, Diego Traverso, said, “We’ll have diseases coming on because there’s trash all over the place, dead animals, even dead bodies all over the place.” Most relief efforts at this point have focused on evacuating thousands of victims, especially those with critical injuries, from the islands. And many still wait to be evacuated.

Traverso called those remaining “the poorest of the poor.” Some might have to stay on the islands because they have no contacts in other parts of the Bahamas or the U.S. These have gathered in a few large groups to find help and shelter.

Once there, Operation Blessing staff worked tirelessly. Our doctor saw patients and provided first aid and medication to traumatized Bahamians. Our safe water team set up our first solar powered desalination system to give precious clean water to the gathered crowds.

And we handed out hundreds of solar lights to give a glimpse of hope during this dark time. Young children actually danced and played with their lights, finding simple joy in the fact that some relief had made it to them.

We will continue moving in more aid and providing assistance however we can. Traverso said, “We need your help. The Bahamas need your prayers.” At this time, we’re also beginning our outreach to the hard hit areas of North Carolina.

See all the latest on our Hurricane Dorian disaster relief efforts, including touching photos and videos. And please give a special disaster relief gift at this time!

Serving Dorian’s Victims in the Bahamas

https://youtu.be/WtJY21870TI

BAHAMAS – Operation Blessing is helping the Bahamas following the devastation of Hurricane Dorian. Thousands of residents have been displaced, as homes, business, and entire communities were destroyed. Your generous support makes it possible for Operation Blessing to travel to smaller islands like Abaco where residents are in desperate need of critical resources as they wait to evacuate. To learn more about how you can help those affected by Hurricane Dorian, visit ob.org/disaterrelief.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

During times of crisis and disaster victims desperately need your help. Click here to make an online donation today. Your gift can make a huge difference. Thank you for your compassion to bless the hurting.

Poised in Charleston For Dorian Victims

https://youtu.be/ObYgDB6cYzA

CHARLESTON, UNITED STATES – Operation Blessing stands ready to serve the residents of Charleston, South Carolina, who were affected by Hurricane Dorian. Men, women, and children across coastal South Carolina have been left without power and in need of supplies as they recover from the storm. Your generous support is providing these critical resources for families in need. To learn how you can bless those affected by disaster, visit ob.org/disasterrelief.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Helping Persecuted Brothers and Sisters in the Middle East

Persecuted Christians are thankful for help from Operation Blessing friends.

JORDAN – Bubbly and cheerful young Maryam doesn’t even remember the nightmare her family endured in Iraq when she was just a baby. For her, the days are spent playing with friends at her safe, Christian school in Jordan. But her persecuted Christian family has faced—and still faces—many difficult challenges after suffering for their faith.

A Terrifying Escape From ISIS Terror

When ISIS took over their city of Mosul, Maryam’s parents, along with many other Christians, were sent an eviction notice. Be gone in six hours or be killed. The family had to flee their lovely home, their community, and their employment to escape sure death. As they desperately rushed out of the city, the car they had hired was in accident. It rolled over five times and injured Maryam’s mother. Shortly after, ISIS destroyed their house and much of their Christian city.

For the next several years, Maryam’s father, Sameer, moved between Jordan and Iraq in search of any income. Her mother, Nour, found employment cleaning the American Embassy. And her father ended up working as a driver for the U.S. Army. After establishing such close associations with the U.S., they knew they could never return home again.

Persecuted Christians in Crisis

The persecuted Christian family now resides in Jordan. They live safely in that progressive nation, but still suffer at the same time. Similar to so many who fled ISIS, they haven’t been granted citizenship. But they don’t have true refugee status either. They’re stuck in limbo, hoping to find a new country they can truly call home.

Sameer said, “The biggest problem is that I’m not allowed to work, and everything here is very expensive.” Like most men, he just wants to provide a decent home and living for his wife and daughter.

But thanks to Operation Blessing supporters like you, and our partnership with a Jordanian partner called Messenger of Peace, Maryam’s persecuted family is getting the help they need during this transitional time. They received a heater to better face the cold Jordanian winters, several months’ worth of food, and a Christian education for Maryam.

Persecuted Christians in the Middle East Get Crisis Relief

She now attends a school where she gets nutritious meals every day along with her lessons. Maryam said, “I have a lot of friends… I like to eat with them, study with them, and play with them…especially hide and seek.”

So many Christian refugee families have escaped persecution and are now receiving hope, encouragement and assistance through Operation Blessing friends and partners in Jordan. In addition to food and schooling, they get medical care and free lessons for adults in English, sewing and computers. These new skills will hopefully help them once they find a permanent homeland.

Maryam, Nour and Sameer are still waiting to find their final home in a new country. But in the meantime, partners like you have made a huge difference in their lives. Sameer said, “I’m very happy there are Christian people thinking about helping the Christian Iraqi refugees… I’m very thankful for these people doing things for Jesus.”

Young Maryam also thanked those helping them and praying for them. She summed up her thoughts by folding her hands into a heart and saying, “I love you.”

Staged and Ready for Hurricane Dorian

https://youtu.be/uD7WtF7wI4Y

WALTERBORO, UNITED STATES – Operation Blessing is pre-staged in Walterboro, South Carolina, as the East Coast prepares for Hurricane Dorian. Local churches and emergency response programs have been contacted in case of landfall. As the hurricane approaches, Operation Blessing, alongside our generous donors, continues to pray and prepare to help potential hurricane victims facing Hurricane Dorian in South Carolina. To learn how you can get involved, go to ob.org/obdisaster.

Bracing For Hurricane Dorian

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kyd11PooFSY&feature=youtu.be

UPDATE: 9/1/2019

Operation Blessing’s U.S. Disaster Relief Team has been monitoring Hurricane Dorian very closely. This monster storm has been upgraded to a Category 5 hurricane threatening the southern East Coast of the U.S. Coastal residents are bracing for powerful winds, heavy rain, flash flooding, and storm surge. Several of our southern states have declared a state of emergency.

Our advanced team has already deployed with truckloads of food, supplies, equipment, and a shower trailer. They will continue communicating with various local and state emergency officials, church partners, and threatened communities as we prepare for the potential impacts of the storm.

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8/30/2019

UNITED STATES – Hurricane Dorian is racing towards the coast of Florida and is projected to make landfall as a powerful category 4 storm. Because of our generous partners, Operation Blessing stands ready to respond to victims in need once the storm has passed. Our convoy of relief vehicles and supplies is in route to the area. They will be pre-staging just out of harm’s way, poised to respond the moment the storm has passed. Help disaster victims today by going to ob.org/OBDisaster.

Preparing for Hurricane Dorian

UPDATE 9/6/2019

In the Bahamas, we’re continuing to reach deeper into the effected areas with aid. And Operation Blessing stands ready to serve the residents of the Carolinas who were also affected by Hurricane Dorian. Men, women, and children across coastal regions have been left without power and in need of supplies as they recover from the storm. Your generous support is providing these critical resources for families in need. For all the latest, visit our Hurricane Dorian page.

UPDATE 9/5/2019

The Operation Blessing disaster relief team is helping those affected by Hurricane Dorian in the Bahamas. The storm struck the Bahamas as a Category 5, devastating local communities. Thanks to your support, Operation Blessing is staged to provide critical resources to Bahamian men, women, and children. You are providing aqua tabs and water chlorinators to those who are in desperate need of clean water. And more relief will soon be on its way.

We are also pre-staged in several locations and ready to help on the East Coast of the U.S.

UPDATE: 9/4/2019

Dorian has turned north, skirting the coasts of Florida and Georgia while putting North and South Carolina squarely in its crosshairs. Operation Blessing’s U.S. Disaster Relief Team is moving equipment to pre-staged in the Carolinas, to prepare for Dorian’s impact.

In the Bahamas, Operation Blessing teams will soon arrive with emergency relief for the beleaguered survivors. Keep checking here for the latest updates on Operation Blessing’s response to Hurricane Dorian.

UPDATE: 9/2/2019

Hurricane Dorian has caused catastrophic damage in the Bahamas. Operation Blessing’s International Disaster Relief team will soon deploy to the area, bringing emergency relief like medicine, water filters, and solar lights. After the initial assessment team arrives, OB will send in doctors to tend to the sick.

Stateside, OB’s U.S. Disaster Relief Team has pre-staged in South Carolina, ready to respond wherever Dorian makes landfall.

UPDATE: 9/1/2019

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8/30/2019
Operation Blessing’s U.S. Disaster Relief Team has been monitoring Hurricane Dorian very closely. It’s projected to make landfall as a Category 4 Hurricane on the Florida coast on Monday, September 2 or Tuesday, September 3. Florida is bracing for powerful winds, heavy rain, flash flooding, and storm surge. Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency.

Operation Blessing’s advanced team is heading to Ocala, FL with truckloads of food, supplies, equipment, and a shower trailer. They will continue communicating with local and state emergency officials, church partners, and members of the community as we prepare for the potential impacts of the storm. Members of our U.S. Disaster Relief Team will be pre-staging equipment from our Ocala warehouse ahead of landfall.

OB’s Blake Mueller said, “Our overall mission is to end human suffering down there in the disaster related area. And how we do that is by setting distribution centers that have non-perishable items along with hygiene products and cleaning supplies to hand out to the community. Not only that, but we offer free, hot meals to the community.”

If you are in the projected path of the Hurricane Dorian, we encourage you to be vigilant as you monitor the potential impact.

Please join us as we pray for those who have already been affected by the storm, and for those who are in its path.

Stay tuned for updates and potential volunteer opportunities as we see Dorian’s impact unfold. And please consider giving a special gift to our disaster relief fund at this time.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

You Gave New Life to Human Trafficking Victims

THAILAND – Let’s take a trip to the Mekong region of Thailand where you offer new life. In this river basin area full of forests, wetlands, and rare wildlife, you’ll find yourself surrounded by a rich tapestry of tribes, cultures and languages as well.

You’ll also notice that as the modern world collided with ancient tribes in this beautiful region, problems developed. When Mekong became more urbanized, poverty levels rose in the villages. Today, young women often leave their homes in search of work. But without being fluent in the Thai language—and in many cases not having legal citizenship papers—these girls become targets for human traffickers.

Young Women at Risk for Abuse and Human Trafficking

But as you continue to explore this region, you’ll see a bright spot in the troubling situation. Through Operation Blessing’s partnership with New Life Center Foundation, YOU make a huge difference in the lives of trafficked, exploited and vulnerable young women in Thailand. Thanks to your support, the center provides a home, medical care, counseling, advocacy and skills training to help the girls start a brand new life. The center also conducts anti-trafficking campaigns and holds classes in vocational skills. This helps protect other village girls from ever falling prey to human traffickers in the first place.

Laina* arrived at New Life after being sexually abused and giving birth to a child at the tender age of 11. When she arrived, she felt worthless. She said, “I felt irreparable, like a piece of glass that had been shattered.”

Anti-Trafficking Initiatives

But thanks to the care and support you provided through Operation Blessing and New Life, Laina has come a long way over the past two years. She’s experienced restoration through counseling and therapeutic activities. She’s learning to read, write, sew and bake. Laina now says, “I’m finding clarity and relief about what happened, and about my own feelings. I’m learning new, healthy ways to think and gaining confidence in my own value.”

That’s the difference you’ve made in the lives of Laina and so many other girls like her. Thank you for partnering with Operation Blessing to support such vital and life-changing programs around the world.

*Name changed to protect victim’s identity