September 2024 Blessings Magazine

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Rising from the Ashes of Tragedy

Your kindness rekindled hope for Naserian and her children

Happenings

Catch up with the goings-on at Operation Blessing!

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Brighter Days Ahead

You transformed Sonam’s life from one of pain to possibility

Be a Part of the Blessing Movement

Learn how you can help the poor and hurting every day!

You help us teach children how to protect themselves

You Answer Texans’ Prayers

Thank you for reaching out with disaster relief after a flood and hurricane

You are bringing hope and healing to struggling families in Mexico

KENYA: Thanks to friends like you, Operation Blessing is constructing a two-bedroom house, with a stand-alone kitchen and bathroom for Sammy and his three children–two of whom have brittle bone disease.

PERU: Because you care, Lourdes and other expectant mothers received practical workshops, baby gifts, and prenatal care through Operation Blessing.

UNITED STATES:

Your generosity provided Ben and Brenda with high quality food and nutrition when they suffered from hunger in America.

MEXICO: Before you brought help, Fransisco’s community lacked reliable access to safe drinking water and proper sanitation. Today, they experience better health, reduced strain from carrying water, and overall improved quality of life.

PHILIPPINES: Thanks to your love and support, Operation Blessing covered the full cost of Catriona’s cataract procedure, giving this precious child restored sight and new eyeglasses.

HONDURAS: Because of your generosity, Operation Blessing provided this family with support for their small business in the Boca del Monte community market.

YOU TRANSFORMED SONAM’S LIFE FROM ONE OF PAIN TO POSSIBILITY

BRIGHTER DAYS AHEAD

Childhood should be one of the most fun, carefree times of life. It’s often a period when you feel brave enough and bold enough to take on the world. Your body can bend and stretch in ways that will all too soon be unimaginable. Yet for far too many children, this isn’t the case.

Sonam, a young girl in India, embodies some of these traits. She is brave and bold, yes—but because she was born with a clubfoot, her life has not been carefree.

Clubfoot is a common birth defect that affects the muscles and bones in one’s feet. It typically causes the foot to point down and inward. In most cases, this affliction can be fixed without invasive surgery, but due to the severity of Sonam’s condition, she would need multiple surgeries.

Sonam’s foot was so drastically misaligned that the girl was forced to walk almost completely on the top side of her foot. Her ability to run and play like other children was limited—that is, until friends like YOU stepped in!

Your outpouring of kindness not only changed Sonam’s life, but it also AFTER BEFORE

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“I am helpless,” Sonam’s father told us when he applied for surgery assistance. “I am afraid for her future and the pain she goes through.”

As a farmer, Sonam’s father works hard. Yet the five-part medical procedure necessary to heal Sonam cost more than he could afford. Thanks to Operation Blessing’s Life-Changing Surgeries program and donations from our online community, Sonam received the operations to heal her clubfoot.

Her family will forever be grateful for the kindness and compassion shown to their child by friends like you.

“I truly believe it’s a miracle,” said Sonam’s mother. “I used to feel sad seeing her condition, but now my husband and I are very happy and blessed that Sonam has fully recovered.”

Sonam has grown into a spirited teenager who no longer has to face ridicule or discomfort from her once clubbed foot.

After gaining full mobility, the jubilant girl can focus on her schooling—and her dream of becoming a teacher.

Sonam bravely faced her surgeries and treatments.
She is now ready to face a bright future thanks to you.

Join the Blessing Movement!

Would you like to wake up each morning with the amazing feeling of knowing you’re making a difference?

You can be a part of building blessings across the globe every day. Whether it’s through food for struggling neighbors, life-changing surgeries, clean water for vulnerable villagers, or vital disaster relief,

you can be the blessing the world desperately needs. Get involved in rescuing the hurting on a daily basis for as little as $19 a month. You can make it possible for us to respond to urgent cries at a moment’s notice. In return, you will receive a chambira fiber cross, handmade by Peruvian artisans, as our gift to you!

ob.org/blessingbuilders

Protecting Vulnerable Kids from Predators

You help us teach children how to protect themselves

For the past 15 years, Martha has been a schoolteacher in Iquitos, Peru. Passionate about education and the well-being of her children, she works tirelessly as both a mom and an instructor. And if you could see the happy faces of the kids in her classroom, you’d understand the special rapport that exists between this teacher and her students.

However, there’s one area where even experienced teachers like Martha often need help: teaching their kids about the perils of sexual abuse. The numbers are staggering. Every year in Latin America, some 2 million children and adolescents are sexually exploited. The vast majority of the time, abused kids say the predator was someone they knew and trusted. But thanks to you, Operation Blessing has responded by

implementing Yo Digo No (I Say No), an original program created to train elementary school children to protect themselves. Since 2017, in four Latin American countries, we have helped train over 20,000 children and 5,000 adults through the program.

“We are delighted and thankful that Operation Blessing has selected us to bring these important programs for our kids,” Martha said. Teachers at schools like hers undergo training to help them spot and intervene in potential abuse situations.

Using songs, coloring books, puppets, games, Superbook characters, and other materials, instructors teach children—in ways kids can understand—how to identify, say no to, and report sexual abuse.

The classes meet over a course of four to five weeks. During that time, children learn vital lessons like identifying untrustworthy people, not

keeping secrets, and running from danger. They also have opportunities to speak with psychologists as needed. Parents receive an overview of the training, as well.

As director of the program for her school, Martha gives Yo Digo No high marks, including the special march held at the end. “The march against child abuse … promotes parents’ vigilance and ensures that children remain alert to any instances of harassment or abuse directed toward them.”

Martha is in a unique position to understand and appreciate the program. “As a teacher and mother, I am overjoyed by the positive experience and blessing that Operation Blessing brought to our school,” she said. “I want to express my thanks to each one involved in this wonderful organization. This kind of initiative is a great blessing for our children.”

ISING FROM THE R

Your kindness rekindled hope for Naserian and her children

stipend there, which helped sustain her family.

Then last year, Naserian’s daughter Cynthia was diagnosed with a benign brain tumor. Medical costs were piling up, and Naserian could not afford the critical procedure the 7-year-old child desperately needed. That’s where your compassion stepped in. Your incredible support covered the cost of Cynthia’s surgery and freed Naserian from the overwhelming stress of expensive medical bills. Then, months after Cynthia was released from the hospital, another catastrophe struck.

“The tragedy happened on a Sunday,” Naserian began. “We woke up, I prepared breakfast, and then prepared everyone for church. While at church … I started seeing people dashing outside one by one. Someone shouted there was a house on fire. Finally, I got the news that it was my house that was on fire. I rushed out only to find everything razed to the ground. We lost everything.”

The shock was so intense that Naserian could barely walk, and she needed the support of her friends to keep her from collapsing. Naserian cried out to God and found comfort in the story of Job from the Bible, reminding herself that she still had reasons to be grateful.

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To give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning. Isaiah 61:3

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You completely turned life around for Naserian's kids.

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Out of options, Naserian and her children moved into a tiny structure built of tin. Although they had lost all their belongings in the fire, the space was still too cramped for the family of four. They shared a single mattress, a heartbreaking contrast to their home before it had burned down. Now, they had no beds, no clothes, and limited food. Forced to cook inside the little room, Naserian told us the smoke from the open fire choked the family, causing coughing fits and irritating their eyes.

Naserian felt deep sadness as she watched her children suffer. She recalled, “I had no other plan or solution at the time, but to pray and wait upon the Lord. … I had no land or

livestock I could sell to make money to build a new house or even use to meet my family's needs. I cried to God … as the burdens that weighed my heart were heavy and overwhelming.”   Once again, the committed kindness of donors like you was ready and waiting to provide hope in a time of crisis. Operation Blessing built a new concrete house for Naserian and her family, complete with a standalone kitchen and bathroom. Your generosity also provided food, clothes, school uniforms, and stationery for the children, ensuring they could continue to attend school.

This spring, Naserian and her children moved into their sturdy new home. Naserian said, “When Operation Blessing completed the construction of my house, I was overwhelmed with joy and gratitude as I could finally move into my new home with my family. From the main house to the kitchen and the restrooms, I am forever and eternally grateful.”

Through every trial, your loving compassion helped to ease the burdens carried by Naserian’s struggling family and provided a foundation of hope and stability on which to rebuild. Naserian expressed her deep appreciation, saying, “Since the passing of my husband, to my daughter falling ill, and now my house burning down, Operation Blessing has indeed been a blessing to me and my family. They have been by our side to love and to hold through it all.”

Your love has transformed the lives of Naserian and her children in miraculous ways. “I want to say a very big heartfelt thank you to Operation Blessing for all they have done for me and my family,” Naserian said in gratitude. “May the Lord greatly bless the desires of your hearts and the works of your hands. You are indeed God sent.”

Operation Blessing has indeed been a blessing to me and my family. They have been by our side to love and to hold through it all.” Naserian

Naserian joyfully received the keys to her new home.

You Answer Texans’ Prayers

Thank you for reaching out with disaster relief after a flood and hurricane

I've been telling these people behind me that God sees you. … And now Operation Blessing has come out alongside of us to partner with us, to show them God's love and that they truly are not forgotten. —Tammy

When floodwaters suddenly surged through Cleveland, Texas, they swept away more than homes and possessions. For many— especially those already experiencing homelessness—the floods threatened to wash away their last shred of hope.

But because of friends like you, hope didn’t disappear. It arrived in Operation Blessing trucks, loaded with the lifesaving supplies you provided.

“We prayed this morning. We didn’t have the provisions,” shared Tammy, a local volunteer who serves Cleveland’s homeless community. “And I pulled up to the shelter, and Operation Blessing was there.”

Your generosity rushed our disaster relief team to the scene with emergency meal kits, clean water, tarps, and other essential supplies for families along the river and those living in homeless camps.

For people like Shawn—who lived in before he was forced to evacuate—your kindness made all the difference. “We’re glad to have you folks, and we’re very grateful to receive these

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blessings.” Your support provided not just material aid, but also a powerful reminder that these people matter, that God loves them dearly, that He sees them and sent them help at a critical time.

Just a few months later, Hurricane Beryl pummeled the same general region of Texas. This time the small town of Brazoria was one of the hardest-hit locations, and again, you answered prayers by reaching out with hope, comfort, and tangible relief.

Residents struggled in the brutal heat of summer without power, and many lost their food supplies. But you sent water, ice, and food. Thanks to you we were also able to provide hot meals and volunteer help to clean up downed trees that littered yards and even blocked some people from their homes.

One senior resident named Paula said, “I believe in angels, and y’all are earth angels.”

Thank you so much for answering prayers and reaching out with the love of God during these challenging times in Texas.

You supported our volunteers as they helped residents recover from Hurricane Beryl.

Brightening

TOMORROWS IN

You are bringing hope and healing to struggling families in Mexico

Chiapas

Extreme poverty has long marked many of the rural villages throughout the Chiapas region in southern Mexico. Families have struggled to meet their most basic needs—like access to healthcare, finding water to drink, and earning a livable income. They had little hope until you came along and gave them a brighter future in so many ways. Your love has provided holistic care that is transforming their lives and communities.

Thank you for bringing smiles to precious kids in Chiapas.

Making a Difference Through Medical Brigades

Guadalupe worried about the health of her unborn baby. Health care in her area was extremely limited, and the nearest hospital was nearly two hours away. She longed for reassurance that her baby was developing properly, but she was struggling to find access to an ultrasound. Many of the residents in this area are poor farmers, totally dependent on nature to support their families. Even if they could leave their land to get needed medical care, they often couldn’t afford it. You sent a medical brigade with doctors, dentists, pediatricians, and community health volunteers to treat more than 100 people in Guadelupe’s area. When she heard the strong beating heart and watched her little one on the ultrasound machine we had brought, Guadalupe could finally breathe a sigh of relief. Her baby was doing well. She said, “Knowing that we have good health helps us feel at ease.”

And your love didn’t stop there. It continued to work in the lives of families across the region.

Surgeries That Are Truly Life-Changing

For months, Mili (age 12) was often doubled over in severe pain from gallstones. She missed school and couldn’t even care for her cat. The surgery Mili needed cost thousands of dollars—more than her mother, as a single parent, could ever afford.

Another child, 6-year-old Lia, couldn’t run, play, or even cry because it caused her hernia to swell. She dreamed of being free from pain so she could roller skate, but her mother was not able to cover the cost of an operation.

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Lia with her mom and sister

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Surgery for these young girls was not obtainable until the love of strangers like you intervened. Our compassionate Operation Blessing family provided a surgery marathon so that Mili and Lia, along with 13 other patients, could get the care they needed to live better lives. And their parents didn’t have to bear the crippling cost.

In addition to providing life-changing medical care, you also freed entire families from the burden of poverty in other ways.

The Miracle of Clean Water

People living in many communities throughout Chiapas had no running water or bathrooms. Women and children spent hours navigating dangerous paths to streams or old wells. And the water they brought home was contaminated with bacteria. This, combined with poor sanitation, meant disease spread easily and children often got sick.

Thanks to our generous partners, hope finally arrived in several of these small, isolated communities. Residents received rainwater harvesting systems and hygiene stations with toilets, showers, and faucets. They learned about waterborne diseases, water conservation, and proper hygiene techniques to help them safeguard their health for years to come.

Mili and 14 other patients received the surgeries they needed thanks to you!
Generous friends like you provided rainwater harvesting systems.

A mother named Juana and her five children (ages 2 to 17) no longer have to walk an hour every day to fetch water. Your generous care changed their lives. “My water tank looks beautiful,” Juana told us. “My children will no longer have to go with the donkey for water. Now, we will have it right here at home.”

You are giving a

Empowering Women Through Microenterprise

You also helped women in several communities launch their own businesses and earn additional income to support their families. Eight women in Nachig improved their sewing skills and learned to create products like bags and garments. You provided them with the materials they needed—sewing machines, thread, scissors, needles, and irons—to start and maintain a thriving business.

Determined women in San Isidro make the long journey each week to the market in Berriozábal with high-quality eggs from chickens they are raising—thanks to the training friends like you provided. For participants like Karen and Alejandra, the training opened up doors of opportunity they’d never had before. “We feel very grateful for the support that Operation Blessing provides us, so we have more opportunities to sell and learn.”

Around the world, your kindness is transforming entire communities like those in Chiapas, Mexico, and giving families in poverty the tools they need to build a brighter tomorrow.

hand up to women in Mexico through small businesses.

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