Kumar Periasamy

Fighting hunger in America

Friday, October 21st, 2011

Loading supplies from warehouse

CHESAPEAKE, Va. – It’s 4:30 a.m. when Leroy’s alarm goes off, and he soon sets out to collect donations for the 13 senior citizen homes where he distributes food.

For the last 20 years, Leroy has faithfully been serving the less fortunate in his community—one might think that it was his full time job. But he just laughed when I posed that question to him. (more…)

Education for impoverished children in Afghanistan

Wednesday, September 28th, 2011

Mohammad is a shoe-shine boy in Afghanistan.

AFGHANISTAN – As I walked into a restaurant for lunch, I was greeted with a big smile by a young boy, Mohammad. He was a “shoe-shine boy” to all the customers. He seemed very bright, handsome, and industrious. Sadly, his father was killed by a road side bomb and his mother had no skill set that would allow her to earn an income. In fact, she had no other choice but to beg on the busy streets of Kabul. (more…)

A family freed from hunger

Friday, June 3rd, 2011

Denis and Mirna's family would often go hungry until they met Operation Blessing.

HONDURAS – Denis and his wife, Mirna, were waiting for us to arrive so that they could prepare pastelitos (patties made of wheat flour). As soon as we got to their house, Mirna began filling the pastelitos with different things such as beans, corn, rice and potatoes. (more…)

Vegetable gardens help rural families in Honduras

Thursday, May 19th, 2011

OB Honduras is helping villagers like Daiman improve their nutrition through vegetable gardens.

El CHAQUITE, Honduras – We were up on Puca mountain—7,000 feet above sea level. Our vehicle could not go any farther because it was too steep, so we packed our gear and walked for about an hour. It was a tiring walk. I was breathing heavily and my legs and knees were hurting, but I wasn’t going to give up so easily. (more…)

Breakfast cereal helps students learn in Guatemala

Wednesday, May 18th, 2011

Children at a school in Guatemala receive a free breakfast from Operation Blessing.

ZACAPA, Guatemala – We left at 5:00 this morning heading to Zacapa, east of Guatemala City. The cool weather quickly turned hot as we arrived at the community where Operation Blessing is providing breakfast for 100 children. (more…)

A Mother’s Day to remember

Wednesday, May 11th, 2011

Thanks to a profitable harvest of corn, Josephine and her daughter are now able to be cared for properly.

Guatemala—Today (May 10) is Mother’s Day in Guatemala. I am way up north in a village called Chahal. I did not realize that even here they celebrate Mother’s Day. In a simple way, the schools recognize the mothers. There were no flowers or gifts given, just a simple thank you. (more…)

Aid worker faces challenging journey to reach flood victims

Tuesday, November 2nd, 2010

Kumar Periasamy of Operation Blessing transports water purifying Lifesaver Jerrycans to relief camps in Pakistan
PAKISTAN – All that is racing through my mind is to get the Lifesaver jerrycans out of customs. I am told that it would take a few days; meanwhile, people are suffering without clean drinking water. (more…)

Pakistan’s forgotten people

Monday, November 1st, 2010

The story of Sakina, a young beggar, is a sad, but very real example of the lives of the poor in Pakistan.

LAHORE, Pakistan – The story of Sakina, a young beggar, is a sad, but very real example of the lives of the poor in Pakistan. (more…)

Dignity for Egypt’s disabled children

Monday, October 11th, 2010

In Israel, Operation Blessing supports and orphanage for disabled children.

ZERIAB, Egypt—When I met Romany, I learned that he had almost been run over by a horse cart. Why? He is blind. I cannot even tell he is blind because he looks directly at me when he speaks. No one has to hold his hands when he takes me through the narrow roads to the center for disabled children that he manages. Only the voice of a person guides him to where he wants to go. The center is on the third floor of the building and he knows every step to his office. I never once saw him falter. (more…)

Pakistan Relief Blog 7: Food for flood victims

Tuesday, September 14th, 2010

Operation Blessing distributes food to flood victims in Nowshera, Pakistan.

NOWSHERA, Pakistan – It is 5:30 p.m. in Nowshera. The sun is setting, and it is almost time to break today’s fast. By this time of the day people are hungry and thirsty; they are worn out because of the hot weather; and they have not eaten since 4:30 this morning. (more…)

Pakistan Relief Blog 6: From a house to a tent

Thursday, September 9th, 2010

Operation Blessing brings clean water to flood victims in Pakistan with a Lifesaver Jerrycan.

PAKISTAN – Most of the flood victims had simple homes made out of mud and straw. All their lifelong savings were used to build these “dream homes.” (more…)

Pakistan Relief Blog 5: Aid for Survivors

Tuesday, September 7th, 2010

Operation Blessing provides medical aid to flood victims in Charsadda, Pakistan.

CHARSADDA, Pakistan – Mohammed had a look of sadness on his face. Every time I asked him a question he would answer me in a sentence without any emotions. The flood destroyed his life savings. (more…)

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