Issuu

blessings OPERATION BLESSING

SEPTEMBER 2021

Stories of how YOU help the hurting around the world.

RUNNING INTO YOUR

ARMS OF LOVE

NOT BY BREAD ALONE PAG E 1 0

STILL THERE LONG AFTER THE STORM PA G E 1 6

STREAMS OF MERCY NEVER CEASING PA G E 2 2

Happenings

4 6

Catch up with the goings-on at Operation Blessing!

Myanmar Refugees Endure Nightmare— You Respond! You sent relief to victims of political violence

Not by Bread Alone

10 2

Your kindness gives more than just food to a droughtstricken village

Inside this issue

Running Into Your Arms of Love

You gave a little Peruvian girl surgery that truly changed her life

Still There Long After the Storm

16 18

You reached out to Lake Charles with continued flood recovery aid

Industrious Woman Gets Help in Hard Times You supported an unemployed North Carolinian with food

Streams of Mercy Never Ceasing

Your love built a water project in Rebeca’s community

operationblessing.org | 977 Centerville Turnpike, Virginia Beach, VA 23463 | (800) 730-2537 3

OPERATION BLESSING

HAPPENINGS PERU: So many families have been blessed in Peru because you support small businesses there—and they in turn bless others with their colorful creations!

MOZAMBIQUE: Thousands of citizens have been displaced in Mozambique due to internal violence, but you provided these families with food to get through this challenging time.

LOUISIANA: Long after the story faded from the media, you continued to bless flood victims in Lake Charles by sending volunteers to aid and encourage them. 4

INDIA: In addition to sending vital oxygen supplies to India during a deadly COVID-19 surge, you also sent hot meals to COVID patients who were under strict quarantine.

NIGERIA: Appendicitis can be deadly without proper care. Matilda smiles brightly because you gave her the surgery she needed not only to survive, but thrive.

ISRAEL: Single moms in the Holy Land struggle just as they do here in the States, but friends like you are providing relief to their families through our partner, CBN Israel. 5

China

Myanmar Thailand

Operation Blessing friends send vital relief to victims of political violence

MYANMAR

Myanmar Refugees Endure Nightmare—You Respond!

any citizens in the nation of Myanmar (formerly Burma) have been living through a nightmare. As the military government violently attacked opposing groups, residents fled to the region bordering Thailand. These displaced families desperately needed your help. Although minority groups in this nation have struggled for decades, the situation recently came to a head following a coup in early 2021. The country quickly erupted into violence, with the new regime attacking civilians who protested the coup. Thousands sought refuge along both sides of the border. And each of those citizens had a personal and unique story of tragedy. A Christian mother of four shared her experience with us. As Naw May’s* husband served with the forces opposing the new government, her family’s situation grew more and more dire. She is part of the ethnic group known as the “Karen” people. Continued on page 8

Continued from page 7

“There were shootings, and the bullets fell inside our area. The village leader told us to dig a hole for hiding,” Naw May said. “We had only spades and hoes to dig the ground. We used stones and wood to cover the hole.” During pauses between attacks, the family would emerge from the hole to cook and eat. “The battles go on and on. Guns and bombs can come anytime and anywhere.” Like so many others, Naw May took her children and fled in the hope of finding safety. “The whole village ran away—so we had a large group—but we had to separate to hide and run,” she said. During the three-day journey to the border, they hid in temples and villages along the way. “We had to walk along the river and hills, and I carried my youngest child.” Finally, her family reached safety in one of the Karen people’s camps near the Thai border. And that’s where your love reached out to Naw May and to so many others like her on both sides of the border. You have been sending supplies like tarps for shelter, bags of rice, vital medications, and headlamps to see in the dark nights. The Operation Blessing staff also prays with the recipients during this difficult time. Now living as refugees in their own country, Naw May and her children find it hard to be away from their belongings, their home, their farm animals, and their father. They have no idea what the future might hold or what they might return to. However, your kindness and support have encouraged them, and Naw May sends her blessings to you.  *Name changed and face blurred to protect identity

We’d love to

TALK TO YOU!

Did you know there is a way to help even more hurting people without affecting your monthly budget? We’d love to talk to you about some creative and exciting ways that you can give a meaningful gift without hurting your budget. Stocks | IRA Rollovers | Legacy Giving | Gift Annuities | And More! Call 1-757-226-3815 | email PlannedGiving@OB.org | or visit ob.org/plannedgiving

1-757-226-3815 9

Not by bread alone Your kindness gives more than just food to a drought-stricken village

here was a time when Nempaso sent her five children to bed night after night with only a glass of water in their stomachs. Your love now sends them to bed comfortably full. Once a vibrant and hopeful woman, Nempaso watched sadly as disasters began to distort her life. First, COVID-19 10

hit her community of Arapal, a small, remote village in northern Kenya. She and her husband survived the fear and uncertainty of the pandemic while caring for their children, but now they face a different crisis. Arapal has been struck with a severe drought. Owning several goats, Nempaso’s family had gotten

KENYA

by off this milk supply and the ability to exchange it for other goods. Then, the drought took a large portion of their livestock, so they had less to trade. They tried to sell goats just to buy food and basic supplies. However, the drought and COVID severely impacted the market, so there was no one to buy the goats. “Sometimes when it gets absolutely unbearable, we grudgingly slaughter a goat, just so our children won't die from hunger,” Nempaso explained. The situation became so dire that Nempaso’s family often survived simply on water. “I remember a day when I couldn’t even face my children because I had nothing to give them,” she said. “I thought we might die! It could only be God who gave us strength to survive.” Their future seemed grim. But that’s when your love stepped in! When Operation Blessing heard of the drought in Arapal, we traveled to the village

to provide critical relief made possible by your kindness. Because of your generosity, Nempaso and her neighbors were blessed with food and basic care supplies to sustain them through this season. “When I saw all the food that you gave us, I praised God and thanked Him for providing for my family,” Nempaso rejoiced. “My children could hardly believe their eyes when they saw the food. They asked me, ‘Mama, is all this food just for us?’” Thank you for your compassionate heart! Your love provides comfort in tough seasons and refreshment through life’s droughts.

PERU

Raysa loved to run, but her feet made it difficult.

RUNNING INTO YOUR ARMS OF LOVE

YOU GAVE A LITTLE PERUVIAN GIRL SURGERY THAT TRULY CHANGED HER LIFE

hree-year-old Raysa had been born in one of the many poor communities of Iquitos, Peru. When her mother, Magaly, was six months pregnant, an ultrasound revealed Raysa had a serious condition called equinus. This would severely limit the mobility of both of her feet and could cause the child significant pain. The news shocked Magaly. She wondered if Raysa would ever be able to walk and play like other children. “When I found out

my daughter was going to be born with complications, I felt helpless ... depressed.” Nevertheless, when the time came to give birth to Raysa, Magaly experienced great joy at the sight of her beautiful daughter. After the delivery, doctors told her that she could seek help for Raysa’s feet once the baby turned one month old. Magaly followed up and found treatment for her daughter. “The doctor helped us instantly, but after a month and a half, Raysa got sick and had to stop her therapy,” said Magaly. Continued on page 14 13

Continued from page 13

The second time they sought help for Raysa, it also fell through. And Magaly’s hope began to fade. Raysa’s unresolved condition broke her mother’s heart. “Every time I tried to put her sneakers on, she cried because it was uncomfortable for her feet,” Magaly recalled. In the midst of these difficult moments, the COVID-19 pandemic reached their area. As the pandemic unfolded, Magaly did her best to take

Raysa grins hopefully to the camera despite her painful condition.

Magaly and Raysa received the wonderful news that you would provide treatment.

care of Raysa and her other children. She contemplated various ways to get Raysa the surgery she needed to repair her feet. “Once I ... said to myself that if the time came, I would sell my house to pay for Raysa’s surgery,” said Magaly, although she knew that would be a devastating loss for the family. However, thanks to your compassionate heart, a different door opened. When the quarantine ended and transit resumed, a doctor put Magaly in touch with Operation Blessing staff. They found that Raysa, now age 3, needed surgical treatment on both feet, followed by casts and physical therapy. Because of your faithful support, all treatment for Raysa was given at no cost to her mother. This time, the corrective surgery proceeded as planned and there were no complications. Today, with your help, Raysa is overcoming her struggles! “I am very happy

Now Raysa can wear tennis shoes and run without pain.

and thankful to God, our Father,” said Magaly. “Now Raysa can walk. I’m so grateful to all of the people that helped Raysa, from the bottom of my heart.” Because of you, young Raysa will be able to grow like other kids. She can now wear normal sneakers to run outside and play, and she no longer cries from pain in her feet. Her mother, Magaly, can now rest knowing that her child is thriving and enjoying life, thanks to your love. 15

STILL THERE LONG AFTER THE STORM You reached out to Lake Charles with continued flood recovery aid

lood victims in Lake Charles, Louisiana, were dealing with the aftermath of disaster long after the media attention faded. But thanks to the compassionate support of friends like you, they were not alone.

LOUISIANA

Operation Blessing staff and volunteers were there to continue giving life-changing aid to residents in need. Elridge, a longtime resident of Lake Charles, was one of the people you blessed with vital assistance during this time. Just weeks after he’d finished repairing his house from last year’s Hurricane Laura, he found himself escaping through knee-deep flood waters. Almost unbelievably, flooding damaged his home for the second time in a year, and the 65-year-old felt ready to give up rather than face the daunting challenge. He said, “It’s rough. I’m not healthy enough anymore.” But thanks to you, Operation Blessing arrived and helped Elridge get back on his feet! “You surprised me this morning!” Eldridge said with a

cheerful chuckle. The team of volunteers and staff removed soggy sheetrock and other damaged materials from his home. “It’s a good thing they came,” he said. “Thank God there’s an Operation Blessing.” Hard at work at Elridge’s house, Operation Blessing teams were honored by a visit from Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser. He said, “Today I wanted to come by and thank Operation Blessing for the hard work you’re doing here in the community.” He said that he is especially grateful since many of the homeowners in these areas hit by unprecedented flooding didn’t have flood insurance. Thank you for offering a brighter tomorrow to Elridge and the city of Lake Charles. You have been a light in the darkness during their difficult time.

Industrious Woman Gets Help in

Hard Times

You supported

an unemployed North Carolina woman with food 18

“We have to let you go.” These are words Joanne never wanted to hear. The industrious North Carolina native has never shied away from hard work. In her small town of Ahoskie, she worked two jobs. But when COVID-19 hit, Joanne’s world was turned upside down. She

NORTH CAROLINA

lost both of her jobs, including one she’d held for over seven years. “I’ve been looking online, filling out applications, and filing for unemployment,” Joanne said. “And hoping and praying.” While Joanne diligently looked for a new employment opportunity, her finances grew very tight. “I just had to make adjustments in every area of my life,” Joanne said. “There was nothing to be splurging on at all. Some days I can get sad and depressed, but I have to count my blessings.” Then your love walked into her life at just the right time! Joanne heard of Empowerment Temple, an Operation Blessing partner in her town. Empowerment Temple receives truckloads of groceries every month to distribute throughout their community. And you help make that happen! Their ministry director, David Robertson, explained how the coronavirus pandemic has affected distributions in their community. “COVID-19 came

in last year and people were out of work and unemployed,” he said. “We had a rapid increase in need. We called the Operation Blessing staff, and they started giving us food every week. Instead of having our food pantry once a month, we started having it four times a month. So it was such a blessing to help people during this traumatizing time. Such a blessing!” Your compassion shone through when Joanne visited Empowerment Temple to receive the groceries needed to help sustain her through this season of her life. She was overjoyed with the blessing of ample food, which alleviates the burden on her shoulders. Thank you for your continued support of Joanne, her neighbors, and all of those impacted by COVID-19. Joanne said, “Thanks, thanks, thanks, and more thanks! What you all do makes a great difference and it is a blessing—the true meaning of the word blessing!” 19

Celebrating Girls! Celebrating Girls! Thank you for making a huge difference by empowering girls to take charge of their lives, health, and education. International Day of the Girl is coming on October 11, but we celebrate it all year long. LET’S HEAR IT FOR GIRL POWER! Visit ob.org/girl to learn more 20

Help People in Need—

Volunteer by Starting Your Own Virtual Fundraiser Today All it takes is a few clicks and shares to help hurting people around the world. Have you ever dreamed of working as part of a team of passionate people blessing those in need? We invite you to get involved in a new and creative way. You can volunteer as a virtual fundraiser and inspire your friends and family to help hurting people. With a few clicks you can set up your own personalized fundraising page. Then share the link through email or social media. As you share your heart for struggling families, you can inspire those around you to make a difference too. It couldn’t be simpler—or more exciting! Watch our “Join in the Fundraising” video for easy-to-follow instructions at: ob.org/fundraiser

$335 $200.00 4

of $500.00 goal raised

HONDURAS

Streams of Mercy Never Ceasing Your love built a water project in Rebeca’s community

ingle mother Rebeca was exhausted from thirst. She and her daughter woke up each day to the heartbreaking reality of no clean water. She thought it would never be different, until you changed everything. A native of San Juan, Honduras, Rebeca and her neighbors have worked this land for generations, making it their home and raising families there. But for over a decade, they’ve struggled to access one of life’s most important natural resources: water. Rebeca spent part of every single day searching for water. Her 4-yearold daughter, Brithany, often joined her— trekking the woods, mountainside, and dirt paths for hours. To Rebeca’s dismay, they only ever found streams contaminated with dirt, bugs, and animal waste. Rebeca and Brithany regularly saw their elderly neighbors traveling the treacherous paths, as well. No one was free from this necessary chore. Rebeca recalls the night she awoke to Brithany vomiting. The child also had a fever and severe stomach pains. Rebeca could only provide her with natural herbs and

home remedies. Seeing her daughter in pain filled Rebeca with anxiety. She knew in her heart that Brithany’s illness was a result of dirty water. When Operation Blessing learned of San Juan’s water crisis, we took action. In partnership with villagers, and thanks to support from generous friends like you, we built a water system in the heart of San Juan. Our Honduras team identified a source of water in the highest part of the mountain near the village. With the assistance of local villagers, they constructed a double filtration system and installed a 15,000-gallon tank. The water is filtered, chlorinated, and distributed through a network of pipes. “Now the water is reaching each house, and all the people are happy,” said Saul, a local villager. Thank you for your kindness! Compassion like yours has transformed the community of San Juan with a new clean water system. Rebeca no longer spends hours to find water and Brithany is better protected from waterborne illness. Your mercy will bless these villagers for many seasons to come. 23

CHILDREN AND FAMILIES IN CRISIS ARE CRYING OUT FOR YOUR HELP! So many people around the world are facing a crisis right now. Whether they’ve endured political violence, drought, or storm, your love can make a tremendous difference in their lives. Give a special gift today at

operationblessing.org

ob.org/give

(800) 730-2537