blessings OPERATION BLESSING
FEBRUARY 2020
Stories of how YOU help the hurting around the world.
Sending your love
TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH
FAITHFUL FEEDING
PA G E 1 0
THE HEART OF YOUR LEGACY PA G E 2 1
BETTER HEALTH FOR HAITI
PA G E 2 2
Inside this this issue issue
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Whole and Healthy in the Highlands Your love blesses a community on Peru’s Lake Titicaca
Happenings
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Catch up with the goings-on at Operation Blessing!
A Happy Heart in El Salvador
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You sent a life-changing surgery in Liam’s most critical hour
Faithful Feeding
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You gave food supplies to a struggling widow in Indiana
Sending Love in Their Darkest Hours
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You are providing help during times of disaster and crisis
The Heart of Your Legacy
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Learn about our Lasting Legacy Society
Better Health for Haiti
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You offered love, medical care, clean water, and more to villagers in Penkwa
operationblessing.org | 977 Centerville Turnpike, Virginia Beach, VA 23463 | (800) 730-2537 3
OPERATION BLESSING
HAPPENINGS MEXICO: Food security programs in elementary schools are teaching children how to grow their own food, supplying nourishment and teaching sustainability.
INDIA: You are providing
medical clinics and healthcare for rural villages through a partnership with Bangalore Baptist Hospital.
IRAQ: As refugees flee from Syria to Kurdistan to escape a humanitarian crisis, you are sustaining them with hot meals, water, and supplies. 4
PERU: Operation Blessing is able distribute medicine to those living in remote communities thanks to your support!
KENYA: Your kindness is
teaching residents of the Embositit village how to use water filters to supply clean water.
PHILIPPINES:
Thanks to Operation Blessing partners, victims of the Mindanao Earthquake were provided with critical supplies as they began to recover.
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EL SALVADOR
Heart A HAPPY
IN EL SALVADOR
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he most joyous day in Mabel’s life was when she learned she was pregnant. Throughout her pregnancy, she cared for her own body and her baby’s health. She experienced no complications and Mabel blissfully anticipated being a mother. But upon the birth of her precious baby boy, Liam, Mabel and her husband, Jorge, received gut-wrenching news. Their baby’s heart was not fully developed. Liam spent many of his first days in the hospital, in the intensive care unit under strict supervision. He was diagnosed with a ventricular septal defect and more problems with his heart’s arteries. Mabel and Jorge were blindsided by the news. Liam eventually had enough strength for his parents to take him home, but the doctor warned Mabel that the five small holes in his heart would continue to expand as Liam grew, causing problems for her son.
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You sent a life-changing surgery in Liam’s most critical hour
Over the next 10 months, Liam’s health issues worsened as the doctor predicted. He reached a critical point of needing heart surgery in order to save his life. “When the doctor called us and sat us down to explain our son’s situation, my eyes filled with tears,” Mabel recalled. “I felt helpless.” Both Mabel and Jorge immediately began to pray, asking God for a miracle.
Mabel had not been working due to Liam’s medical needs and Jorge received income only from a small family business. As people with limited resources, they knew it would take a miracle to afford the surgery. “If Liam isn’t operated on this year, my son may lose his life. That’s how clear and specific the doctor’s words were,” Mabel said. Time was running out. Continued on page 8 7
Liam is now smiling and thriving after you provided his surgery. Continued from page 7
Mabel had heard of Operation Blessing through a local health ministry. She reached out, hoping that this could be the miracle she needed. And the OB El Salvador office gave her the answer she had been praying for—Liam could be helped! Thanks to generous Operation Blessing partners like you, Liam received the operation he desperately needed. His arterial duct was mended and the defects in his heart were closed. 8
The surgery was a success, changing the course of Liam’s life forever. He is now in recovery, recently having celebrated his first birthday with health and happiness, and it’s all thanks to you.
“It is indescribable—this happiness that we have. We hope that you will continue to help other families and children who need it so much.” – Liam’s mother, Mabel
“We have no words to thank you for what you have done for my son!” Mabel said. “It is indescribable— this happiness that we have. We hope that you will continue to help other families and children who need it so
much, because as parents we only want the best for our children.” Thank you so much for giving life to Liam and for being the miracle Mabel and Jorge prayed for. Your generous heart gave Liam’s a new rhythm to beat to!
HE HAS SENT ME TO…
SET AT LIBERTY THOSE WHO ARE OPPRESSED LUKE 4:18
This month as we honor World Day of Social Justice please join us in praying for all those bound by human trafficking, injustice, and poverty. And consider giving a special gift to help them at ob.org/rescue
FAITHFUL FEEDING You gave food supplies to a struggling widow in Indiana
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ardships in life have never slowed Betty down. As a caretaker for her adult son, Randy, the 82-year-old widowed mother possesses a quiet strength. Randy’s motorcycle accident over 30 years ago
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left him without one leg. He also deals with mental disabilities and is not able to live on his own. Even when Betty lost her husband of 40 years, she drew from God’s strength to sustain her through difficult seasons.
INDIANA
“I thank Him for all the help He gives me,” she said. “I couldn’t make it without Him!” Betty used to work hard at grocery stores in order to maintain a steady income. But when she suffered multiple strokes, Betty had to stop working to take care of her health. Now she must survive on $900 a month while also supporting Randy. “It's tight every month!” she said. But when Betty first visited Operation Blessing partner Bread of Life in Indiana, a new world of security opened for her. The ministry provides monthly food supplies to struggling families. Canned vegetables, beans, cereals, and other nutritious foods fill kitchens like Betty’s each month thanks to your generosity!
Bread of Life’s ministry director, Jim, knows firsthand how life-changing this simple supply of food can be for a family. “We see these people come in here and want to give us a hug and cry, and it really makes our day,” he said.
Betty can now spend her income on bills and other expenses for herself and her son, resting confidently in the support of faithful donors like you. Thank you for your heart to see widows and the disabled cared for all over the world. 11
whole and healthy IN THE HIGHLANDS
Your love blesses a community on Peru’s Lake Titicaca
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he Ccapi Uros people have built a floating world for themselves on Lake Titicaca in the Highlands of Peru. They live on islands made from tortora reeds that they weave together. These mats of reeds support the homes, schools, and villages of the people who live on the lake. Life here is hard and progress often comes slow. Julieta, who’s been here since birth, said, “None of us could finish school… There wasn’t even a kindergarten during that time.” She then adds, “But there is now!” Continued on page 14
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PERU
Continued from page 13
Operation Blessing’s faithful friends made a new school possible by providing a badly needed restoration for the old building. Today, Julieta’s daughters, Rosi and Marisol, attend the renovated school. However, before they could fully reap the benefits of a quality education, Rosi and Marisol faced another seemingly insurmountable problem— anemia. In fact, not only did Rosi and Marisol suffer from anemia, many of their classmates did too. Anemia, a condition
where a person does not have enough healthy red blood cells or hemoglobin, is often caused by low iron and a poor diet. Anemia can cause serious health problems as it lowers the body’s ability to absorb oxygen. It can lead to heart problems, severe fatigue, and, in children, developmental issues. Unfortunately the reduced oxygen at Lake Titicaca’s extreme altitude of 12,500 feet only made the situation worse. For Rosi, Marisol, and the
For Rosi, Marisol, and the other children at their school, their diet simply didn’t supply the
NOURISHMENT THEY NEEDED to overcome anemia.
other children at their school, their diet simply didn’t supply the nourishment they needed to overcome anemia. When Julieta took her daughters to the community health center, she learned about their condition. “I realize it is because of anemia that children do not learn well and tend to sleep,” Julieta said. “They are not happy when they come out to play.” Once again, faithful partners like you made all the difference for Rosi, Marisol, and all the children at their little school! Because of your support, Operation Blessing
began providing nutritious, protein-rich meals every day. Julieta and the other moms pitched in with the cooking. OB also began offering iron supplements to help the children overcome anemia. This simple program changed everything for the precious children of this Ccapi Uros community. Anemia is a thing of the past and the children are now growing healthy and strong! “I am so thankful that my children can study in a kindergarten where they receive everything they need,” Julieta exclaimed. “I’m thankful for Operation Blessing!” 15
WORLDWIDE
SENDING LOVE IN THEIR DARKEST HOURS You are providing help during desperate times of disaster and crisis
And here are some of the other crises you've responded to recently, both with immediate aid and long-term assistance.
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hanks to you, Operation Blessing is able to rush relief to people in disaster and crisis situations. Whether the emergency results from natural causes, or manmade turmoil, you reach out to victims in their darkest hours with love and support. Over the last several months we’ve been very busy helping victims of Hurricane Dorian and Tropical Storm Imelda.
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SYRIAN AND KURDISH REFUGEES – HELP IN THE MIDST OF TURMOIL
When Turkish forces invaded Syria, families fled the conflict area with little beyond the clothes on their backs. Many poured over the border into the Kurdistan region of Iraq, while others remained trapped in Syria. One aid worker said, “If you talk to people here…you will feel their sadness, their suffering. They’ve lost hope.”
“If you talk to people here… you will feel their sadness, their suffering. They’ve lost hope.” – Aid worker in Syria
Christians, Kurds, Yazidis and Muslims alike all left the area, looking for a safe place to take refuge from the turmoil. Immediately, you sent aid via our Kurdish partners, the Barzani Charity foundation. You provided food, water, blankets, shelter, hygiene kits, and more to the weary refugees on both sides of the border. Together with Barzani, we shipped convoys full of supplies to those in need. Even after the official cease fire, the area remained dangerous and conflict-ridden. The Turks seemed intent on an ethnic cleansing. Before long, hundreds of thousands were reported to have left the region in search of peace. And you continued sending relief their way. PHILIPPINE EARTHQUAKE RELIEF – IMMEDIATE AID FOR THE HURTING
Starting in late October, multiple earthquakes shook the Philippines destroying homes, business establishments, infrastructures and farms. The Cotabato area was first hit by a 6.3-magnitude earthquake, followed by several Continued on page 18 17
Earthquake victims in the Philippines received medical care thanks to you! Continued from page 17
aftershocks leaving 22 dead, 424 injured, and 4,800 families traumatized and displaced. An Operation Blessing team rushed in to help following the earthquake. Thanks to your faithful support, we’ve distributed close to 1,000 relief packs to affected families. They’ve received tents, blankets, food, hygiene kits, and medicines. In addition, you are supplying victims with clean water, medical care, trauma counseling, and vital encouragement. The OB team has even been providing fun activities for the children, to keep them occupied and lift their spirits during this painful time. MEXICO BEACH, FLORIDA
– LONG-TERM HURRICANE HELP
Ten months after Hurricane Michael struck Florida, Mexico Beach was still a shadow of its former self. Many families struggled in the aftermath of this destructive 18
storm. But thanks to your support, Operation Blessing volunteers returned to help those who hadn’t yet recovered, including Marie and Herman in Mexico Beach. The couple lived just a few blocks from the gulf. They drove home several days after the storm to a scene of total devastation. The house stunk of stagnant water. The roof had collapsed, and their possessions were destroyed. The couple’s insurance company helped them replace the roof, but the inside remained
gutted down to the studs for 10 months. Between Marie’s Parkinson’s disease and Herman’s heart and respiratory issues, they were running out of hope of ever having their house inhabitable again. Then you sent OB to help! Marie wept and still seemed incredibly overwhelmed as we arrived at her home. OB volunteers quickly installed new drywall, ceilings, insulation, and flooring to get the Petersons back into a real home. “I want to tell you how grateful I am for your sacrifice and service!” Marie said.
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Ray of Hope During their darkest disasters, your love sends a ray of hope.
Over the last year you reached out during so many natural disasters. Abroad, your support empowered us to respond to cyclones, hurricanes, and earthquakes. Here in the States you sent love to places like Nebraska during floods, Ohio in the aftermath of a tornado, and North Carolina following Hurricane Dorian. In addition to financial support, thousands of Operation Blessing volunteers demonstrated their love personally to victims here in the states. Whether the most urgent need was food, hygiene supplies and clean water, or help for overwhelmed homeowners, you gave hurting people a brighter tomorrow! Get involved—volunteer at ob.org/volunteer
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THE OF YOUR LEGACY
God’s Word encourages us to fix our eyes on the things that endure. An inheritance is temporary and fades as it’s spent. However, a Legacy is something tangible you place in the hands of others that lives on. Today we’d like to invite you to join our Lasting Legacy Society! Through a simple beneficiary designation to Operation Blessing in your will or estate plan, you partner with our mission to provide hope and help to suffering families, transforming lives. A planned gift to OB can provide help to desperate parents so they’ll be able to feed their hungry children, emergency relief to those devastated by disaster, medical care and clean water to communities facing disease and drought, and much more. If you’ve included Operation Blessing in your will, trust or other beneficiary designation, please let us know. We’d love to officially add you to our Lasting Legacy Society. And more importantly, we want to make sure you’re thanked today and your legacy is honored tomorrow. BENEFICIARY DESIGNATIONS SHOULD MENTION THE FOLLOWING: Name:
Operation Blessing International Relief and Development
Address:
Planned Giving, CSB 112 977 Centerville Turnpike Virginia Beach, VA 23463
Tax ID:
54-1382657
For more information, call Planned Giving at 800-730-2537, email PlannedGiving@OB.org, or visit OB.plannedgiving.org 21
HAITI ALABAMA
Better Health for Haiti You sent love, medical care, clean water and more to villagers in Penkwa
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hanks to you, villagers in Haiti now have better health. You sent a medical brigade to Penkwa, where they’re desperately needed. A sizable team of health professionals, including doctors, an optometrist, pharmacists, nurses, and even a midwife spent two days in the rural area. There they provided medical care, health education, water filters, chlorine, medication and more to give these precious Haitians an improved quality of life. 22
Jean was pregnant with her third child, but it was the first time she had ever seen a midwife. She was thankful to learn that she and her children are all in good health. And thanks to the clean water and healthy meals you provide at her kids’ school, she knows they’re likely to stay that way. “Thank you very much for coming. I salute the good work you do in our community. It is very important,” Jean said. However, Olicia’s children suffered from skin infections. She tried to take them to the closest hospital, but it’s over three hours away on foot. By the time she finally got her children to walk so far, they arrived too late to be seen. To make matters worse, she knew she couldn’t afford the medicine they would need, and none of her home remedies were working. When the family heard
that, because of you, an OB medical brigade would visit their village, they felt hopeful at last! After their consultation, the children received the badly needed medications to clear their skin for free. Olicia was given a vital health screening as well, and the staff sent her home with chlorine, to kill germs and protect her family from waterborne illnesses.
She said, “Thank you for coming and providing us with medicines.” These are just a few of the many villagers whose lives were touched because of your love. And we echo their heartfelt thanks. 23
LET’S HELP
more people THIS YEAR THAN EVER BEFORE!
By working together—and stretching ourselves just a little bit further—let’s expand our reach and touch even more people with the love of God and a powerful hope for the future. ob.org/give
operationblessing.org
977 Centerville Turnpike Virginia Beach, VA 23463 Copyright © 2020 by Operation Blessing
(800) 730-2537