MEXICO – How do you start over after 43 years?

With hard work, a little encouragement, and a helping hand.

Laura was 57 years old when her employer of more than four decades went bankrupt. (more…)

HONDURAS – Lourdes had no idea how she would provide for her five children after her husband tragically passed away last fall.

Unable to read or write, she struggled to find a job that would allow her to also care for her children, from 12-year-old Belkin all the way down to little Rirsi, who is only three. (more…)

For two weeks we are sharing a series of inspiring stories and videos as part of our annual partnership drive. As you reflect on these stories, consider joining our efforts and renewing your support as an Operation Blessing Monthly Partner.

GUATEMALA – Elsa lost nearly everything she loved in only a few short months.

A tropical storm flooded her home, destroying all of her family’s possessions and the house itself. After salvaging what they could, her family moved to a new area. There they set up a small store for Elsa to run, supplementing their depleted income. (more…)

GUATEMALA – Orphaned at a young age, Juan and Joseline have been living with their grandparents in an impoverished area of Guatemala.

But when a tropical storm hit their community this year, floodwaters tore their home apart, destroying everything they owned—and leaving them with only the clothes on their back. (more…)

BETHLEHEM, Israel – At the Al Basma Center, Operation Blessing is helping provide meaningful activities for the disabled in Bethlehem through unique and creative projects such as paper and brick making, weaving, wood carving, aquaponics, and more. (more…)

JAPAN – The severed bow of a fiberglass fishing boat jutted out from under a huge pile of mangled ropes and rotting fishing nets. Under mounds of smashed plastic crates and pieces of foam were fragments of countless other boats. These vessels, once afloat and filled with fishermen’s catch, were now in a boat graveyard filled with the wreckage of the local fishing industry. In a separate pile, mangled metal had been separated for recycling. (more…)

MOTOYOSHI, Japan – For coastal fishing communities in Japan devastated by the tsunami, replacing their boats is a crucial step toward getting back to work—and eventually rebuilding their lives.

Because of the long waiting list for purchasing new boats in Japan, it can take months to get a fishing vessel. (more…)

MEDAN BELIZE, Haiti – The rainy season has officially started in Haiti, and while the rains are needed for crop production, for many people the season spells trouble. Last year flooding from heavy rain spread cholera, resulting in the tragic death of thousands of Haitians. (more…)

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…)

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…)

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…)

SENEGAL – Rarely is it good news when an employee reports that a company office is “In The Red” but on this occasion it’s very, very good news. (more…)