blessings OPERATION BLESSING
JUNE 2019
Stories of how YOU help the hurting around the world!
You Are Fighting HUNGER Today and for the FUTURE
ON THEIR FEET AT LAST
P A G E
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YOU GAVE JOEL A CHANCE
P A G E
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HUNGER IN AMERICA
P A G E
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HAPPENINGS
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Catch up with the goings on at Operation Blessing!
ON THEIR FEET AT LAST
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Your support transforms the lives of a family in Peru
YOU SENT RELIEF AFTER HISTORIC FLOODS IN NEBRASKA OB partners and volunteers bless flood victims in the Midwest
Inside this this issue issue
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FIGHTING HUNGER TODAY AND FOR THE FUTURE
You are helping the hungry with both immediate and long-term relief
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YOU GAVE JOEL A CHANCE TO GROW AND BE STRONG Venezuelan refugees receive food, water, medical care, and hope
HUNGER IN AMERICA
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Through this feeding program, you fill the empty cupboards of hungry neighbors
BLESSINGS FOR CYCLONE IDAI VICTIMS Your support brings hope to devastated cyclone victims as they begin to recover
operationblessing.org | 977 Centerville Turnpike, Virginia Beach, VA 23463 | (800) 730-2537 3
GUATEMALA: Thanks to OB friends like you, school children in Corozo Milla have safe water and a handwashing station.
HAPPENINGS OPERATION BLESSING
EL SALVADOR:
PAKISTAN: Areej has a new opportunity to support her family and improve her life thanks to a cosmetology skills training program that you provided.
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Thanks to you, Eunice and many other vulnerable children now have bags of food supplies, and she got to try cereal for the first time!
NEBRASKA: Operation Blessing volunteers surround flood victims with encouragement, hope and help during their desperate time.
HAITI: Because of your generous support, vulnerable village children in remote areas of Haiti receive free dental care.
COLOMBIA: Not only are you giving Venezuelan refugees medical care, safe water, food and hygiene items, you’re now providing a baby feeding station too!
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ON
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PERU
THEIR FEET
last
Your support transforms the lives of a family in Peru
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uan Carlos is a devoted single father to his four children, but every day was a struggle to earn enough money to feed them. Juan got up at 5:00 a.m. to prepare the plantain snacks and snow cones that he would spend the rest of the day selling in order to buy food for his family. Several years ago, Juan Carlos’ wife left him, taking their two youngest children with her. Juan Carlos was heartbroken. “She had taken my daughters, and I didn’t know where they went,” Juan Carlos recalled. Three Continued on page 8
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months later, when Juan Carlos found his daughters, it was obvious that they had not been well taken care of or properly fed. Juan Carlos brought them home with him and has been caring for all four of his children ever since. The family lived in a dilapidated house perched on stilts to protect them from the seasonal river floods. But with a leaking roof and walls made of nothing more than sheets of plastic, the home did little to protect the family from the elements. Despite all his hard work Juan Carlos and his family were struggling. This single father needed help, and Operation Blessing’s faithful partners reached out to give him a hand up. It wasn’t long after a local OB volunteer met Juan Carlos that Operation Blessing gave Juan Carlos’s business the boost it needed to grow and provide for his family. A new gas stove, pan, spatulas, and sealing machine will now help Juan Carlos take his business to the next
"I am so happy to have a new house where I am safe with my dad and my siblings." Carlos
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level. “Now, thanks to OB, I have everything I need to continue selling,” Juan Carlos said. “I like my new stove and my frying pan!” And, thanks to your generosity, the blessings didn’t end there. After seeing the dangerous condition of Juan Carlos’ house, OB Peru decided to build the family a brand-new, safe home. “I am so happy to have a new house where I am safe with my dad and my siblings,” Juan Carlos’ son, Carlos, rejoiced. “Thanks to OB, I am here.” It is thanks to the generosity and compassion of OB partners like you that Juan Carlos and his children now have plenty to eat and a beautiful new home. This is the kind of long-term, sustainable transformation that your support of Operation Blessing makes possible. Thank you for blessing Juan Carlos and his children!
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NEBRASKA
YOU SENT RELIEF AFTER HISTORIC FLOODS IN NEBRASKA
OB partners and volunteers
bless flood victims in the Midwest
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When historic flooding inundated much of the Midwest earlier this year, the destruction went beyond what many residents had ever experienced. “In 20 years I’ve never had [water] get up into the cabin,” said Jack, a long-time resident of the area. “But the flood just came through and did a lot of damage to a lot of houses around here.”
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Linda, another long-time resident, echoed Jack’s sentiment, “Even as a child I can’t remember Fremont being surrounded by water like it was,” she said. “Now everything is destroyed.” For flood victims like these, the task of cleaning up and rebuilding can be incredibly overwhelming. But, thanks to faithful Operation Blessing friends like you, Nebraskans like Jack and Linda did not have to face these challenging times alone. As soon as the waters began to recede, Operation Blessing’s U.S. Disaster Relief team arrived on the scene. They set up headquarters at Good Shepherd Church in Fremont, Neb., and the call for volunteers went out. It wasn’t long before teams of blue-shirted Operation Blessing volunteers were arriving at homes like Jack’s and Linda’s to tackle the difficult work of tearing up ruined floors, cutting out soaked drywall and insulation, and hauling off water-logged furniture and appliances. Volunteers also helped grieving families sort through and recover treasured memories and possessions. Flood victims were thankful for the help. “We are so appreciative to Operation Blessing for coming and helping us,” Jack said. Linda shared a similar sentiment saying, “We can’t say enough thank-yous for you guys to come and help us out like this.” Thanks to your generous support, and the selflessness of all the Operation Blessing volunteers, flood victims in some of the hardest hit areas of Nebraska have received help, relief and hope during a very hard and painful time. Thank you for your kindness and compassion that is touching lives in Nebraska and around the world! 11
WORLDWIDE
FIGHTING HUNGER Today and for the Future You are helping the hungry with both immediate and long-term relief
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ccording to the United Nations, one in nine people in the world don’t have enough food, and a lack of proper nutrition causes nearly half the deaths in children under five years old. Those are astounding statistics. It’s clear our world is facing a massive hunger crisis. But as a supporter of Operation Blessing, you can feel confident that you’re fighting hunger all around the world all throughout the year. In each region and situation, OB staff carefully look at the surrounding issues to choose the solution that will provide the most impact. Because of this, not only are you helping hungry children, families and individuals with their urgent needs for food and nutrition, you are also helping them in lasting ways that will make a difference long into the future! Here are a few of the ways you are fighting hunger.
FAMINE RELIEF
When famine and drought strike vulnerable areas like Kenya and South Sudan, many are robbed not only of food for their tables but also of their income opportunities. Thanks to you, Operation Blessing rushes to the scene to provide immediate relief to the suffering and malnourished.
AGRICULTURAL & FARMING PROGRAMS
In parts of Latin America and Africa, Operation Blessing supporters supply villages and schools with agricultural training, irrigations systems, greenhouses, chicken coops, and farm animals. These offer struggling families and individuals a chance to grow food long into the future and sell the excess to better provide for needs like education and medical expenses.
NUTRITIONAL SUPPORT
Many children around the world lack the nutrients they need to grow and thrive such as protein and iron. In Burundi, you supply a feeding program for young children in partnership with a local hospital. And through our nutrition programs, you give schoolchildren in places like Kenya and Peru the extra support they need. Not only do you supply supplements and nutritious school meals, but in parts of Latin America you also offer cooking classes to teach mothers how to cook healthier food for years to come. Continued on page 14 13
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DISASTER AND CRISIS RELIEF
When crisis and natural disaster strike, basic needs like food, hygiene supplies, and clean water often go unmet. But you send support to disaster victims in dire circumstances. Through hot meals following hurricanes in the U.S. and floods in Mexico; hamburgers for Venezuelan refugees; and the distribution of nonperishable food supplies for earthquake and volcano victims in Guatemala, you help provide relief during the darkest times of crisis and disaster.
BUSINESS AND LIVELIHOOD SUPPORT
One of the best ways to provide hunger relief long into the future is by offering a hand up rather than a hand-out. Through skills training and small business support, you are changing lives for generations to come. Whether it’s a handicraft business in Latin America, a small store in Africa, training in cosmetology or sewing for women in Pakistan, or one of the many other opportunities available, you are helping families to earn more income to consistently provide food for their children.
U.S. HUNGER STRIKE FORCE
In the U.S., even many working families have a difficult time making ends meet. You bless them by making possible the distribution of millions of pounds worth of free food to local food pantries and other partner organizations. Large corporations donate food, and with your help, we send out our fleet of Hunger Strike Force semi-trucks to get that food into the hands of those who need it most.
SUMMER FEEDING PROGRAM
Here in America, many children depend on free school breakfasts and lunches to get the nutrition they desperately need. These same children often go without food on the weekends and during school breaks. But caring friends like you are making a real difference through Operation Blessing’s U.S. summer feeding program.
FRESH START for GLORIA’S FAMILY
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loria, a widow in Peru, was struggling to feed her children, Eddin (9) and Alondra (3). The children’s father recently passed away, leaving the family in a desperate situation. Heartbroken, Gloria said, “Now I am alone with my children and must make every effort to keep moving forward.” Gloria scrambled to support her family any way she could—working on a farm, domestic jobs, and the like—but after their recent loss, the kids couldn’t bear to be away from her and grew sick with grief. So, they often went without food. Eddin missed eating meat, and one day Alondra cried that her stomach hurt from hunger. Gloria tried selling firewood near home, but the income was never enough. When OB Peru heard of the situation, our teams immediately provided emergency food supplies to the family and medical support for little Alondra who was battling anemia. But OB also wanted to provide long-term change for this deserving family. Friends like you helped us surprise Gloria with a new vegetable business at the local market. Gloria said, “Thanks so much for the great blessing!”
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COLOMBIA
you gave joel a chance to grow and be strong VENEZUELAN REFUGEES RECEIVE FOOD, WATER, MEDICAL CARE AND hope Meet 6-year-old Joel from Venezuela. Like so many other children in his country, he recently fled with his mother, siblings, and cousins to Colombia, where he now survives as a refugee. The reason—as he simply put it, “We don’t want to be hungry anymore.” Due to political and social unrest in Joel’s homeland, food has become scarce, and the country is facing a severe humanitarian crisis. But since help can’t get into Venezuela, many families, like Joel’s, are taking the dangerous and exhausting trip to Colombia by foot. They enter through illegal, unofficial crossings plagued by gangs, then walk uphill many long hours to the nearest towns. And they’re already starving before they ever leave home. Joel said, “There was no food there,” in Venezuela. “I don’t want to be hungry. I like to eat because I want to grow up, and if I eat… I will grow and be strong.” He remembers all too well going hungry. He and his little sister cried, but their heartbroken mother could only answer, “We don’t have any food.” So the family walked for three days in hopes of finding nourishment and help. Suffering pain in his feet and knees, Joel begged to sit and rest, 16
“ ” I want to grow up, – Joel, 6-year-old Venezuelan refugee
but the family had to keep moving. Joel prayed along the way that nothing bad would happen to them. Finally, safely into Colombia, they were met by an Operation Blessing team, who drove them to a YWAM shelter. By that time, Joel was sore, dehydrated, and suffering from a headache. Thanks to friends like you, Joel and his family received the care they had been so desperately needing. Joel was treated by a doctor provided by Operation Blessing and given all the electrolytes and medications he required free of charge. Joel reported, “I feel very happy. I didn’t see a doctor for three years.” At the YWAM shelter his family received food, clean water, and had their feet washed and tended to. OB also gave solar lights to refugees as needed. Because of your support, Operation Blessing will continue helping Venezuelan refugees like Joel during this extreme time of need. You’re sending love and encouragement along with vital care and supplies to Colombia. Safe water teams are installing systems at shelters and camps, OB staff provided hamburgers—a rare commodity in Venezuela—and a party to cheer up downtrodden Venezuelans, and OB doctors are making sure refugees get healthy and stay healthy. Thank you for bringing hope into this desperate situation!
FATHERS MAKE A
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OF DIFFERENCE “Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.” - I Corinthians 16:13-14 ESV Operation Blessing celebrates loving and dedicated fathers around the world this Father’s Day.
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VIRGINIA
HUNGER
in America
Through this feeding program, you fill the empty cupboards of hungry neighbors
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ula has experienced many difficulties in her life, but she can look back and see how God’s hand has stayed upon her. Most recently, she’s thankful that God reached out to her through you to provide food for her family. This sweet lady was born and raised in Norfolk, Virginia. Eula loves the Lord and loves her family. Passionate about serving children, she has worked for several childcare facilities, and even ran her own home daycare for 12 years. She now diligently helps care Continued on page 20 19
“You all really blessed me. I love tuna fish, and the pasta and cereal… oh my Lord. Thank You, Jesus!” – Eula Continued from page 19 for her grandchildren. Because she’s had multiple surgeries, heart conditions and eyesight problems, Eula has been unable to work in recent years, and she gets by on disability. But the food stamps that she receives every month simply don’t supply enough food for her and her grandchildren. Despite her continued health issues, Eula remains passionate about serving the Lord and others. She actively volunteers, feeding the homeless and single mothers as she’s able. “I like to bless others because God blessed me to be here,” she said. Eula was excited when you sent blessings her way through an Operation Blessing food program. Originally designed to provide hunger relief for school children who suffered without adequate nutrition on weekends and school 20
vacations, OB’s program is also providing free groceries to seniors in low-income areas. Volunteers in the region meet weekly at the OB warehouse to pack food to feed the poor. The bags of groceries are then distributed through YMCAs strategically located in vulnerable areas of the community. Eula said, “The stuff that’s in the bag is really helpful for my grandkids and myself. Everything counts… You all really blessed me… I love tuna fish and the pasta and cereal… oh my Lord. Thank You, Jesus!” In addition to feeding herself and her grandkids, Eula plans to use what she can spare of the food to cook meals to bless those around her. Thank you for making such a difference in the lives of children and seniors in need. As the long,
lean summer months begin for school kids in America, your support will be truly fighting hunger. You also support hungry Americans through OB’s Hunger Strike Force that sends semitrucks loaded with groceries to food pantries all throughout the
country every month. And when disasters like hurricanes, floods, and tornadoes strike, you provide hot meals for hurting Americans in need. In Eula’s words, “You’re very kind and caring, and I give ya’ll an A+!”
MAKING AN IMPACT WITH BENEFITS
Rolling over your IRA’s “Required Minimum Distribution” can reduce your tax bill while supporting a cause you care about. Compare taking your RMD versus making an IRA Charitable gift to OB.
Regular RMD
• You pay income tax on your distribution • May push you into a higher tax bracket • Your tax dollars go to Uncle Sam
IRA Charitable Gift
• You will pay no income tax on your gift • Qualified Charitable Distribution counts toward RMD • You can designate your gift the way you want
For more information contact us by email at PlannedGiving@OB.org
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BLESSINGS for Cyclone Idai Victims Your support brings hope to devastated cyclone victims as they begin to recover
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ituated on the southeastern side of Africa, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Malawi were recently devastated by Cyclone Idai. Following one of the most destructive storms to affect the area, the death toll is reported to have climbed past 1000, while a cholera outbreak is making its way through the region, infecting thousands. The millions who have been devastated by Idai’s high floodwaters, raging winds, and powerful mudslides are suffering through the aftermath of this natural disaster. Homes were washed away, livelihoods demolished, and stability was rocked in the wake of this storm. Those affected by Idai were led to regional command centers set up by
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ZIMBABWE
the government where food and clothing was distributed. But conditions were far from ideal in these camps, as hundreds gathered in each, seeking refuge and scarce resources. Aiding with medical treatments in a Zimbabwe camp, Dr. Rudo Chitiga explained, “Usually during the day you can hang around [in the common area], but where do you sleep at night with your children? And now they have found this place, but at the moment it’s still with everyone else, so you’re beginning to feel very uncomfortable.” Yet thanks to the generosity of partners like you, Operation Blessing arrived at these camps with critical resources to meet some of these victims’ most basic needs. After the distribution of solar lights, women gained a sense of safety at night while traveling to the washing well and sleeping with their children. As aquatabs and water purifying kits were handed out, desperate families received a sustainable source of precious, lifesaving water. These resources are also being distributed at hospitals and throughout rural, remote
villages. One is home to several elderly women who have been left vulnerable in this disastrous time. Peter Kimaru, Director of OB Kenya, described their wonder and appreciation when receiving solar lamps. “They clapped their hands and were very joyful and very grateful just to receive these lights,” he said. Thanks to your unwavering kindness, Operation Blessing continues to reach the newly homeless, devastated, and stranded victims of Cyclone Idai throughout Zimbabwe. To all Operation Blessing partners, Peter said, “We absolutely could not have done this without you.”
YOU
CAN PUT AN END TO HUNGER and bring a smile to precious faces around the world. Go to ob.org to help today.
operationblessing.org
977 Centerville Turnpike Virginia Beach, VA 23463 Copyright Š 2019 by Operation Blessing
(800) 730-2537