December 2023 Blessings Magazine by Operation Blessing

blessings OPERATION BLESSING

DECEMBER 2023

Stories of how YOU help the hurting around the world.

Your Love Brings

JOY to the World

YOU ARE REMAKING THEIR WORLD PA G E 6

BRINGING JOY THROUGH SURGERY PA G E 1 0

JOY OVERFLOWS FROM CLEAN WATER PA G E 2 1

Happenings

Catch up with the goings-on at Operation Blessing!

4 You Are Remaking Their World

Helping a family in Peru beat the odds

Bringing Joy through Surgery

10 2

Friends like you changed the story of one family in India

Inside this issue

Helping for the Long Haul in Hawaii How your love brought joy to families after the wildfires

16 18

Disaster and Crisis Relief Made Possible by You in 2023! You have blessed thousands following catastrophes

Food, Dignity, and Hope After an Earthquake

How you helped Moroccan families begin restoration

Joy Overflows from Clean Water

Children no longer cry because of dirty water in Mexico

operationblessing.org | 977 Centerville Turnpike, Virginia Beach, VA 23463 | (800) 7303

OPERATION BLESSING

HAPPENINGS COSTA RICA: Compassionate friends like you gave children like Andy an eye exam and new glasses, completely free of charge!

MOROCCO: After the devastating earthquake in Morocco left thousands of villages destroyed, faithful supporters like you provided food and hope with over 2,700 bags of food for families in need.

ISRAEL: Unprecedented attacks on Israel left innocent civilians in danger for their lives … but generous supporters like you provided urgent shelter and aid to those who needed it most. 4

PERU

MEXICO: Because of your kindness, 15 life-changing surgeries were provided to families in Mexico, bringing them healing and hope.

ARMENIA: Your gracious giving allowed Operation Blessing to provide vital supplies for Armenian refugees facing persecution.

PERU: Your love and support provided Abraham and his family with clean water! They now have a faucet at their home, and also a bathroom. 5

PERU

arllory lives in the outskirts of Iquitos, known as the capital of the Peruvian Amazon. Surrounded by rainforest, this area in northeastern Peru is also known for its extreme poverty. In this difficult environment, Marllory has her work cut out for her. The 29-year-old single mother cares for her four sons: Daniel (10), Ezequiel (7), Sandro (4), and Mateo (1). Since

their father abandoned them, Marllory has struggled alone. Each day meant desperately trying to keep their heads above water. With such young children, Marllory has had limited options. For years, she’s been selling empanadas and other food items at a stand outside her home. She also does laundry for others whenever she can—anything to put food on the table. “I have four sons,” she explained, “and I want to give them a good future. I would

YOU ARE p

REMAKING o THEIR WORLD HELPING A FAMILY IN PERU BEAT THE ODDS

like them to turn into good, professional men. That’s why I must work every day to get the meals my children need.” It hasn’t been easy. In the last two months, due to a lack of supplies, she hasn’t been able to keep her business running. Some days, that means she can feed her sons only a single meal—two at most. Occasionally, she’s had to resort to borrowing from her neighbor to make sure her growing boys get the nutrition they need. In addition, Marllory worried about the decrepit condition Continued on page 8

“THERE ARE DAYS WHEN THERE IS NOTHING TO EAT, AND THAT HURTS MY SOUL SO MUCH, BECAUSE I HAVE TO SEE MY CHILDREN SUFFER AND CRY AND I DO NOT KNOW WHAT TO DO.” –MARLLORY

Continued from page 7

of their home. The walls were moldy and rotting, and the roof had holes in it. Whenever there was a heavy storm, her children would get scared. Not only was the house unsafe, but it had no bathroom inside. Without the financial resources to fix up her house, Marllory knew it would be impossible to get the necessary repairs made. Then, with your help, Operation Blessing came alongside this family to provide the support they needed. Thanks to generous donors like you, we were able to build a new house with two bedrooms, a bathroom, living room, a dining room, and even all the furnishings they needed!

But that’s not all your generosity made possible. Marllory also received supplies for her food and empanada business, which will assure her enough income to provide better nutrition for her children. Best of all, her new business is attached to her home so she can care for her children. “I am very grateful to everyone,” Marllory said.

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“I THANK GOD IN THE FIRST PLACE—AND THE OPERATION BLESSING STAFF WHO CONSIDERED ME TO BE ABLE TO RECEIVE THIS GREAT BLESSING AND SUPPORT.”–MARLLORY 8

Merry

Christmas FROM YOUR OPERATION BLESSING FAMILY

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. – Isaiah 9:6 (ESV)

p INDIA

JOY Bringing

through Surgery

ittle Abhijeet’s life was off to a difficult start. At 4 years old, he had a massive cyst on his forehead. Even though it was benign, it caused a lot of problems. The cyst pressed against his left eye, pushing it closed and obstructing his vision. And when it swelled, his eye watered. Like most young boys, Abhijeet loved to run and play, but his vision problems meant he often lost his balance and fell down. He couldn’t even walk properly. He needed constant supervision and assistance. As you can imagine, Abhijeet’s parents worried about their only son. But the remote rural village in India where they

Friends like you

CHANGED THE STORY of one family in India

lived didn’t offer many options. Plus, as farmers, they simply didn’t have any extra income to save toward the surgery he desperately needed. Abhijeet’s father already worked hard to pick up extra jobs to cover their most basic household expenses, leaving his wife, Gunita, at home to care for their boy. “We are very poor, and we are unable to manage the expenses required for surgery,” she told us. “We are afraid for him and his future.” They took Abhijeet to a more modestly priced government hospital close to their village, but sadly, the facility was not equipped to do a surgery like this. He needed a private hospital. Gunita was crushed.

That’s when compassionate supporters like you stepped in to help. A group of Operation Blessing friends pooled their resources and provided the surgery to remove the cyst on Abhijeet’s forehead for this precious family—paid in full. After his operation, Abhijeet could see clearly for the first time in his life. He could walk, run, and play with other children his age without difficulty. This little boy couldn’t contain his joy! You also brought joy to his suffering parents. “It was impossible for me to bear the cost as well as see my son suffer,” said Abhijeet’s father. “It brings me and my wife joy to see his face and see him smile.” 11

HAWAII

HELPING

FOR THE LONG HAUL IN

HAWAII HOW YOUR LOVE BROUGHT JOY TO FAMILIES AFTER THE WILDFIRES

O S

ENDS Y

HA A L M

y 12

G..

P AI

he people of Hawaii will forever remember August 8, 2023. In what’s being called one of the deadliest wildfires in U.S. history, flames overtook the island of Maui and almost completely destroyed the once-beautiful city of Lahaina. Although evacuation orders were given, storm winds drove the fire so far and so fast that people were trapped before they could escape. “Telephone poles were falling down left and right, and fires were getting started from all of the live wires hitting the ground,” recalled Alan, a wildfire survivor. He said that because of the strong winds, it all unfolded in minutes. Alan tried to flee with his sons—including little 4-year-old Kaipo—but the road was gridlocked as fires burned within sight of their vehicle. Everyone wanted out. “Fire was everywhere, burning everyone’s houses, making its way toward everyone and their vehicles as they tried to get away,” Alan said. Thankfully, he and his boys did survive the blaze, but their whole world had gone up in flames. Continued on page 14

Continued from page 13

Friends like you were there in a flash. Even as the inferno raged, members of Operation Blessing’s disaster relief team rushed to a neighboring island in Hawaii to offer help as soon as the fires died down.

Because of our generous supporters,

the staff was able to immediately begin procuring emergency supplies for people who were suffering—items like water filtration systems, tents, clothing, and generators.

Once the fires were contained, the extent of the devastation became clear. As they raced across over 3,200 acres of land, those destructive wildfires had taken more than 110 lives and destroyed 2,200 buildings—homes, businesses, medical facilities—in the process. When the ash settled, 11,000 people were homeless. For many, one of the hardest things about losing their homes was losing their livelihoods, as well. Some people had manual labor jobs requiring tools that were ruined by the flames. As soon as we heard about this need, Operation Blessing supporters like you

’

leapt into action to offer help. As it turned out, fishing and diving gear was critical for these island people, who still supplemented their families’ incomes via the water. And what a difference the tools and gear made for people like Alan! “That chainsaw as well as the dive gear was … I don’t know what to say … you guys gave me something that I can use to provide for my ohana (family),” Alan shared. “To have stuff like that handed to us is like a dream come true. It’s hard to believe this is really happening. … Big mahalos (thanks) to you all. Thank you, guys, for taking the time and opportunity for helping those in need. You guys are truly a blessing.” The fishing gear, along with some gas-powered grills you provided, ensured that disaster survivors had something to eat. But the next question was: Where would they live? Many stayed in tents provided by Operation Blessing, but they needed a more long-term

solution as they worked to rebuild their homes and community. And once again, you heard their cries. In partnership with King’s Cathedral Church and Family Life Center, we worked to provide temporary homes for displaced Hawaiians. These ready-to-assemble shelters are specially engineered to be set up in minutes and in all sorts of configurations. But they’re also designed to feel like a home. The shelters will include private bathrooms and kitchens, hooked up to a fresh water system that Operation Blessing is working to install. Together, these homes will help form the ’Ohana Hope Village. Operation Blessing even helped transport these homes across America for the people of Maui. Because you cared, those who lost all they owned can have a safe, secure place to lay their heads and look forward to a brighter future. You’ve truly brought joy to their world. Thank you!

DISASTER AND CRISIS RELIEF MADE POSSIBLE BY YOU IN 2023!p You have blessed thousands following catastrophes.

Arkansas Tornado

Texas Tornado Mexico Hurricane Otis

Ohio Train Derailment

Morocco Mudslide

Florida Hurricane Idalia Mississippi Tornado

Maui, Hawaii Wildfires

Peru Mudslide 16

This year you have reached out to help thousands of people around the world following major disasters with lifesaving supplies, recovery assistance, and comfort. You’ve also provided crucial aid during crises in places like Israel, Armenia, and Ukraine.

Thank you for being a beacon of hope in dark times! Ukraine War Victims and Dam Burst Turkey Earthquake

Israel * War Victims and Displaced Families

Poland Ukrainian Refugees Armenia Christian Refugees

Myanmar Cyclone

Kenya Drought

Guam Typhoon Philippines Oil Spill and Volcano

Indonesia Flood and Explosion

*Israel Image credit: Anas-Mohammed / Shutterstock.com

MOROCCO

J FOOD, DIGNITY, AND HOPE AFTER AN EARTHQUAKE HOW YOU HELPED MOROCCAN FAMILIES BEGIN RESTORATION

ust as 14-year-old Oumaima’s family settled in for a good night’s rest, suddenly the shaking began. Cups and plates clacked, and items started leaping from their shelves. The crash of glass breaking mingled with muffled shouts as the walls and roof groaned. Panicked, Oumaima and the others fled for their lives. Thankfully, her family made it out safely. But they had nothing to go home to. “Our house was completely destroyed, and not just our house, but every house in the village,” Oumaima shared, vividly remembering that terrible night. The village of Ait Said was one of many remote mountain villages in western Morocco that was completely destroyed by the 6.8-magnitude

THE GOOD NEWS IS, FRIENDS LIKE YOU FOUND A WAY TO HELP, RUSHING AN OPERATION BLESSING RELIEF TEAM TO MOROCCO IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE EVENT

earthquake. The September event was the strongest to hit Morocco in more than a century, and its destruction reached even to some of the ancient parts of Marrakesh more than 40 miles away from the epicenter. Worse than the structural damage is the reality that thousands of people were killed or hurt in the quake. Sadly, these rural communities rarely have much access to medical care as it is, so many people with earthquake injuries were in serious danger.

Thanks to your support, our international disaster relief staff began working to transport critical supplies to the mountains where the need was greatest, and it was there that we got the chance to help the injured. Operation Blessing gathered our volunteer doctors and nurses from around the world and Continued on page 20

Continued from page 19

formed skilled medical brigades. Another pressing need was for food. The earthquake decimated stores and roads, and people had no way to quickly restock. So faithful Operation Blessing supporters sent food bags to bless families. When these grateful survivors opened the parcels full of staples like rice, tuna, lentils, and oil, it made their day.

OUMAIMA’S FAMILY SAID: “WE ARE VERY THANKFUL BECAUSE WITHOUT THIS GENEROSITY WE WOULD DIE OF HUNGER.” As people’s hunger was eased, they began to have a brighter outlook on life and a better chance

to survive and work toward restoration. But clean water and sanitation still presented significant obstacles, especially for people living in tents. Our team of experts immediately set to work creating a solution by providing water filters to families so they could safely drink, cook, and bathe. Then we installed bathrooms with sinks for better hygiene—all thanks to you. Now, displaced Moroccans can wash their hands and live with dignity even in temporary shelters. The difference compassionate givers like you are making in Morocco is astounding. You’re helping bring joy to their world during a painful time. A resident named Mohammed shared his gratitude: “Thank you, guys, for helping us with food, water, tents, and clothes. People are coming from around the world to help us. Thank you so much for wanting to help us in our time of need.”

MEXICO

Joy Overflows from Clean Water CHILDREN NO LONGER CRY BECAUSE OF DIRTY WATER IN MEXICO

hen 8-year-old Claudia was still a very small child, she would cry when she had to gather water with her family. Helping her parents carry water from the cisterns a halfmile away had been a chore for Claudia since she was just 5 years old—old enough to carry a quart. During the dry seasons, she took the long, dangerous journey two or three times every day. She often slipped and fell on the slick, steep path. Sometimes, she even had to crawl up the hill. “It was a lot of weight on my body,” Claudia said. “My shoulders hurt a lot.” Her water often spilled out of the bottle she carried. Once, the bottle even broke! She did her best to plug the holes and carry the little water she had left back home. Continued on page 22 21

Continued from page 21

Her parents understood this was hard on Claudia, but the family had no choice. “Water is very important,” said her mother, Deyra. “It is for many things: to wash clothes, dishes, bathe, cook food … everything. Without water, we can do nothing.”’ Access to safe water had been a long-term problem for the families living in the remote community of El Mirador in Chiapas, Mexico. Their only source was the cisterns that stored untreated water that frequently made the residents, especially children like Claudia, very sick. “I often had stomachaches and my little brother did too,” she told us. “We thought it was the water, but we didn’t know another way.” Thankfully, friends like you had a solution. Our generous donors supplied a rainwater catchment system that would offer filtered water for the entire community. In addition to the new water system, they also provided ecological dry toilets for every household, so residents would no longer have to use the fields behind their homes. Better sanitation would prevent the spread of disease, and so many

had their health and dignity restored by the kindness of others. Claudia was excited. She would no longer have to risk slipping and falling just to get water for her family. “Just like that, we can drink water!” she said. “And I haven’t been sick from my tummy!” Her mother is relieved. “Now we have safe water right at home. My youngest son never has to know what it is like to carry water.”

WHEN YOU SEND JOY AROUND THE WORLD THROUGH THE GIFT OF CLEAN WATER, YOU DON’T JUST HELP FAMILIES IN NEED TODAY—YOU CHANGE THE LIVES OF THEIR CHILDREN, GRANDCHILDREN, AND FUTURE GENERATIONS FOR YEARS TO COME.

LAST CHANCE! It’s your last chance for tax-smart giving before December 31. Don’t miss out on the opportunity. Contact your Operation Blessing planned giving specialists today. Call: 800-333-2372 Email: Plannedgiving@ob.org Visit: ob.org/PlannedGiving 23

Urgent End-of-Year Need! So many people are crying out for hope right now. They need water; they need food; they need medical care. Simply put, they need YOU! Help us meet crucial year-end needs at ob.org/give

operationblessing.org

977 Centerville Turnpike Virginia Beach, VA 23463

(800) 730-2537

Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®). ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. The ESV® text has been reproduced in cooperation with and by permission of Good News Publishers. Unauthorized reproduction of this publication is prohibited. All rights reserved.