The effects of COVID-19 has impacted every man, woman, and child in the U.S. Many have lost their jobs due to quarantine and now live with food insecurity. But thanks to our generous partners, Operation Blessing partnered with Youth World in Dallas to feed hungry residents in their time of need. To learn how you can get involve, go to www.ob.org.

The post You Are Feeding the Hungry in Dallas! appeared first on Operation Blessing.

Food Distribution in Times of Crisis

But thanks to faithful friends like you, Operation Blessing has been actively feeding the hungry for decades! And during this changing time of crisis, we continue to look for innovative ways to get food into the hands of the hungry around the world.

Here in the U.S., our semi-trucks collect literal tons of free groceries from manufacturers! The food is then delivered to our distribution partners throughout the country and given to those in need. The sick, the elderly, the disabled, the unemployed and the working poor can all receive the nutrition they desperately need.

During this time of crisis, we won’t back down with our hunger relief efforts. Instead, thanks to you, we’re ramping them up to meet the growing need around us. Many school children are staying at home and millions find themselves recently unemployed. But with your help we’re determined to bless as many as we can.

COVID-19 Crisis Causes Food Shortages

Even during normal times, single mom Stephanie struggles to support her four kids, largely due to the fact she suffers from kidney disease. But it’s gotten even more difficult during the coronavirus crisis. “It’s been a little tough,” she shares. “I’m used to them being at school for breakfast and lunch, and then with them being home, it’s harder to come up with food.” She reached out to our distribution partner, Rescue Church, where she found the help she needed to feed her kids. She sent a special message for you. “Tell them thank you! I really appreciate it. It’s a blessing.”

Anthony’s family also got the help they needed thanks to you! He and his wife both lost their jobs due to the COVID-19 crisis. He had no way to support his wife and child, but then you gave him bags filled with food. “We don’t have money to go buy things, and even if we did, there’s nothing on the shelves here,” he said. While he hopes to get back to work before long, he said, “I’m just thankful for everything. Really thankful!”

Other grateful recipients have been sharing the food you supplied with elderly neighbors and kids in need. You are making a huge difference in this difficult time!

In this time of the coronavirus pandemic you’ve also been supplying medical protective gear and disinfectant supplies all around the world, as well as continuing our work in supplying the clean water essential for good health and hygiene.

Thank you again for your heart of love and faithful giving that makes this food distribution possible.

Fighting Hunger Today and for the Future
For all the latest on the coronavirus crisis click here

The post Hunger Relief During the Coronavirus Pandemic appeared first on Operation Blessing.

UNITED STATES — Stevie grew up in a town surrounded by darkness. The city in Indiana where she was born and raised is known for its high suicide rates. Stevie even personally knows many relatives or close friends who took their own lives.

She thought she had escaped the gloom and found happiness with her husband and their young son, Thorben. But then her husband began to change, bringing the darkness back. He exhibited behavior that was troublesome to Stevie. Despite Stevie expressing her concern to him, her husband continued in the same unsafe patterns. They separated soon after.

The Stress Of Being A Single Mother

Due to the stress of being a single mother, Stevie also lost her job. Then she learned that she was nearly six-months pregnant. Stevie was completely shocked by the news. “I honestly thought my symptoms were just stress-related,” she said.

After the birth of her second son, Asa, Stevie began to work as a bus aid for the local school system, but even with her regular income, she was struggling to make ends meet. “Things [have been] very tight,” Stevie said. “Diapers are not cheap!”

Your Donation Helped Provide Groceries And Food Security

But recently, Stevie found Operation Blessing partner Bread of Life not far from where she lives. She visited the ministry and, because of you, was able to receive a carload full of groceries – including diapers!

“We need more people who do good things. I’m really thankful!” Stevie said.

Thank you for providing food security Stevie and her sons during her time of instability. You are faithful in filing the gap for single parents who are struggling to pay bills, and you are supporting families as they get back on their feet.

Watch our video: Fighting Hunger Today and for the Future

The post You’re Providing Food Security for a Single Mother appeared first on Operation Blessing.

Battling Coronavirus Around the World

During the global COVID-19 crisis, Operation Blessing friends like you are reaching out all around the world. During this pandemic you’re sending aid like masks, protective medical gear for frontline responders, and disinfectants to prevent the spread. In places like China, the Philippines, Guatemala, Mexico, the U.S. and more, you are making a real difference in this fight against coronavirus. With you’re help we’re also continuing our regular food distributions and ramping them up in certain areas in the U.S.

Reaching Out During the Coronavirus Crisis

Because of your faithful ongoing support, Operation Blessing is able to move quickly to help contain the coronavirus. You’re also blessing those suffering from the financial hardships this crisis has created. With your assistance, we’ll continue responding to the changing needs all around the world as the crisis unfolds in days to come.

Please pray for government officials, scientists, medical workers, and our entire world at this time as we fight the COVID-19 crisis. See more about our global response here: https://www.ob.org/tag/COVID19/ 

Watch a special video message in response to coronavirus from OB President, Gordon Robertson. 

The post Responding to Global COVID-19 Crisis appeared first on Operation Blessing.

PADRECOCHA, PERU – Segundo and his wife Eliana worked hard at their small businesses; Segundo with his handicrafts, and Eliana with her home-run grocery store. However, they could never make enough money to properly support their family. Thankfully, you are helping families like Segundo’s with your faithful partnership. You gave Segundo the tools and supplies he needed to create an abundance of beautiful traditional handicrafts. You gave Eliana a supply of groceries to kickstart her home business. Thanks to you, this precious family now has the means to thrive instead of survive. Thank you! To learn more about how you can help support livelihood programs, go to ob.org/microenterprise.

The post A New Business for Segundo appeared first on Operation Blessing.

People all over the world are living amidst a pandemic that has swept the globe. COVID-19 has affected every man, woman, and child either directly or indirectly. But thanks to generous friends like you, Operation Blessing has been able to mobilize to help the most vulnerable. You have provided resources like virus-killing chlorine and N95 masks for health care providers and first responders. We are grateful for your heart to see suffering alleviated during this trying time. To get involved, go to www.ob.org.

The post How YOU Are Fighting COVID-19 appeared first on Operation Blessing.

UPDATE March 27, 2020 –

Thanks to your amazing ongoing support, we continue reaching out during this time of conronavirus crisis. Here are just a few of the latest updates on how you are fighting this pandemic.

•  With your help, we donated 1000 N95 masks to Sentara Hospitals and 1000 N95 masks to Children’s Hospital of the Kings Daughters in Virginia, as well as giving seven local cities another 1000 N95 masks each, More mask distributions are planned in several other states.
• OB Philippines will be visiting 20 hospitals in the coming days. They are giving away disposable head covers, shoe covers, gowns, masks, alcohol, gloves, bath soap, ferrous sulfate tablets and ascorbic acid tablets. A pastor will accompany them to pray and uplift the spirits of those on the front lines.
• In Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador and Puerto Rico, OB is producing chlorine to distribute to government and medical agencies.
• Our U.S. disaster relief team is working to get more buckets from The Home Depot filled with cleaning supplies out to governments and first responders in Hampton Roads, Florida, and Dallas areas.
• Our Hunger Strike Force will continue meeting the needs of the 12 Hub food pantry locations in the Hampton Roads area  as well as sending food to distribution partners all over the country.

See all the latest Coronavirus Crisis outreach here

Watch a special message from OB President Gordon Robertson

Learn how you’re blessing hospitals with protective N95 masks

Your love is sending food to those in need during COVID-19

Disinfecting supplies for first responders

UPDATE March 20, 2020

In the U.S., because of you, we quickly reached out to our food distribution partners, and began sending even more free groceries and water to those hit by the financial hardships of the crisis, including children who lost school meals and workers who lost wages. With your help, we also reached out to first responders in the communities surrounding our headquarters in Virginia.

“Many of us are working remotely right now, or being asked to, but these folks can’t,” said Hannah Slusher, operations manager for Operation Blessing. She went on to explain, “We actually provided…one thousand N95 masks, and in partnership with The Home Depot, we also provided them with disaster buckets.” The police officers greatly appreciated these buckets full of cleaning and disinfecting supplies.

Operation Blessing always stands ready to respond to crises and reach out to those in need. With your ongoing support, we’ll be able to continue offering humanitarian aid during this COVID-19 crisis and long into the future. You are in our thoughts and prayers at this time.

Norfolk Police Department

 UPDATE March 17, 2020

The coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, is an active threat in the U.S., and the government is responding with strong recommendations on social distancing, quarantines, school closures, and limitations to certain industries. The virus has greatly affected the economy, and many families now face financial hardships. Thanks to your ongoing support, Operation Blessing is actively working with our food distribution partners around the U.S. to make more free food supplies available for individuals in need during this coronavirus crisis. And we will continue monitoring this global pandemic to evaluate how we can help all around the world.

Download our free Coronavirus Fact Sheet here.

February 12, 2020

WUHAN, CHINA: Both China, and the world at large, are facing a deadly new crisis. The coronavirus has exploded onto the world scene with devastating consequences. The quickly spreading virus has created a huge threat to the population of Wuhan, the epicenter of the corona outbreak, killing over a thousand and infecting many more.

The Coronavirus Crisis

Cases of coronavirus (also known as COVID-19, 2019-ncov, and novel coronavirus) have also been popping up around the world, including in the U.S. Coronavirus symptoms appear much like a cold or flu, and can be difficult to spot initially. So extreme quarantines and travel bans have been enacted to prevent the spread. Currently, no vaccine is available to stop the corona breakout.

Fighting the Corona Breakout

But take heart! Coronavirus charity efforts are making a difference. Thanks to you, Operation Blessing is hard at work battling the coronavirus. You are sending critical supplies to Wuhan during this dangerous time, including approximately 22,000 masks and thousands of protective suits. With your faithful support, we will continue to monitor the situation and help as much as we possibly can.

Pray for Victims in Wuhan, China

In the meantime, please pray for those infected by the virus and those in susceptible areas. Pray for governments to enact wise policies to stop the spread. Pray for medical professionals to find solutions and prevent deaths. And pray for those risking their safety to care for the suffering.

Thank you again for your support. If you’d like to give a special gift to help victims of crisis and disaster, please visit our disaster relief donation page.

The post You Are Battling the Coronavirus Crisis appeared first on Operation Blessing.

Watch as Operation Blessing President, Gordon Robertson, offers encouragement during these uncertain times. Right now, you are providing hope for families all over the world through your support. Thank you for your generosity and prayers as we tackle this outbreak one day at a time. To learn more about how you are helping fight the coronavirus, visit ob.org.

The post A Special COVID-19 Message from OB President Gordon Robertson appeared first on Operation Blessing.

The outbreak of COVID-19 has caused a shortage of medical masks across the country. Hospitals need masks in order to keep patients and medical workers as safe as possible. Your exceeding generosity gave local hospitals in the Hampton Roads area donations of thousands of medical masks. YOU are on the front lines working to fight the coronavirus outbreak. Thank for your faithfulness! Visit ob.org to learn more about how you can continue to help.

The post You Gave Masks to Local Hospitals During the COVID-19 Crisis appeared first on Operation Blessing.

HAMPTON ROADS, Virginia – You are responding to the global COVID-19 outbreak in the US and around the world. In partnership with The Home Depot Foundation, you delivered relief buckets to emergency responders in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia. These buckets are full of the sanitizing supplies necessary to keep emergency equipment clean during these uncertain times. Thank you to The Home Depot Foundation for helping supply these critical gifts. And, of course, thank YOU for responding to the needs of so many during this unprecedented pandemic. To learn more, go to ob.org.

The post COVID-19 Supplies for Local Emergency Responders appeared first on Operation Blessing.

Zawadi is a single mother of 5 living in Kilifi, Kenya. Like so many others in the Chapungu Village, she struggles every day to find water. When she locates a source that isn’t already dried up from the intense heat, the water is still very dirty. It is filled with disease and parasites that cause sickness and diarrhea for Zawadi and her children. But thanks to generous partners like you, Operation Blessing was able to change this! Your kindness made it possible to drill a bore hole well in Chapungu, providing clean, easily-accessible water for Zawadi. You have given hope to dozens of men, women, and children as their lives have been transformed through clean water. To learn how you can alleviate suffering for those around the world, visit www.ob.org/cleanwater.

The post Clean Water For Single Mother in Kenya appeared first on Operation Blessing.

COLOMBIA – The humanitarian crisis in Venezuela rages on. Political upheaval and unrest have created a nearly unlivable situation. Many Venezuelans have no access to medical care, electricity, or clean water. Food is scarce and people are starving. Thousands upon thousands of Venezuelan refugees made the dangerous trek to flee over the border to Colombia this past year.

Operation Blessing Humanitarian Aid To Venezuelan Refugees

Thanks to your compassion, Operation Blessing was there to help. You made it possible for us to spend several months in Colombia providing clean water systems, medical care, and food for hurting refugees in need of humanitarian aid. Over the past year, these systems have provided tens of thousands of gallons of clean water for those in need.

Venezuela Medical Aid

As the crisis still continues, you recently provided more medical brigades and continued upkeep on the clean water systems OB installed. Because of you, OB teams offered desperately needed humanitarian and medical aid for hundreds of Venezuelans. Perhaps most significantly, because you care, we were able to help a young mother just in time!

Paola fled Venezuela with her 8-year-old daughter, Durasca, while expecting her second child. She explained, “I’m pregnant and delivering in Venezuela is inhumane. It is not possible, there are no medicines. There is nothing over there.”

Paola and her daughter had been walking over difficult terrain for three days when they arrived at the OB medical brigade just over the border in Colombia. There the doctors examined her and discovered she had placenta previa, putting her baby and her life at extreme risk.

But you made it possible for us to rush Paola and her daughter to the nearest hospital for emergency care. Paola said, “I’m truly thankful to God first of all, and to you all who have been angels.”

Your Support Helped A Mother And Baby In Venezuela

She and the baby received the help they needed, but so many Venezuelans still need our humanitarian assistance. “You are loving people, and I ask you, as a Venezuelan, do not stop giving that support to those Venezuelans that are walking.”

The post Life-Saving Aid for Pregnant Venezuelan Refugee appeared first on Operation Blessing.