From Disaster to a New Beginning

When a 7.8 magnitude earthquake hit the southern Philippines, people living on the coast were struck by two disasters at the same time.

Gary said, “The shaking was so violent the houses were literally dancing. I honestly thought my home was going to collapse. Then we were terrified when we saw the sea receding so fast.”

The earthquake triggered a small tsunami that crashed into the coast.

“It felt like the end of the world,” said Gary. “My family was the only thing on my mind.”

Gary’s family and home were spared, but his fishing boat was destroyed. It was their only source of income. Gary’s daughter, Solen, was in shock.

Solen explained, “It was mixed emotions. First, pure panic. Then, total heartbreak over losing everything. It broke my heart seeing the boat engine that my dad had worked so hard for, gone.”

They had no way to fix their boat or get food and other essentials. Like many others in the area, their situation was becoming desperate. That’s when Operation Blessing arrived with food and hygiene kits.

Solen said, “Relief packages, rice, and canned goods are what kept us alive. Without that food, I don’t know what we would have done.”

Then Operation Blessing helped their community rebuild. New fishing boats were given to 11 families including Gary’s.

Solen said, “I am very thankful. We will cherish this with all our hearts.”

Gary added, “I’m just so happy and grateful that someone was watching over us. I could never have gotten this on my own. To Operation Blessing and everyone who helped, ‘Thank you so much.’ Without you, help never would have reached us.”