Maria’s Total Life Makeover!

Nineteen-year-old María lives in Iquitos, Peru. After her mother died—and her father abandoned them—she decided to raise her four younger siblings alone.  

“I am both mother and father to them at the same time,” Maria told us.  “I take care of them, feed them, provide clothing, medicine and school fees. It’s hard,” she admits.   
 
To earn money, Maria sells herbs and vegetables on the sidewalk near the market, just like her mother before her. That barely covers the basics.  Meanwhile, the house they live in is falling apart.   

“I’m afraid the wind will knock it down.  When the wind shakes it, we huddle in a corner; I hug my siblings, and we all squeeze onto my bed,” she said.  
“I can't fix my house due to lack of money.  And the business is struggling.”   

Then, thanks to YOU, Operation Blessing built them a new, sturdy house on stilts that protects them from wind and rain and the river when it rises.  We also provided them with beds, table and chairs, and a gas stove for the kitchen.    

“Now my siblings sleep in their own beds.  When the rain comes, we are safe, and we laugh together. We enjoy it,” Maria said with delight.   

Then, we gave Maria what she needed to grow her business at the marketplace, including lots of new items to sell.  And the business is growing!  

“I feel blessed for everything I have received; my sales have improved. Now we can eat three meals a day!” she exclaimed.  “Thank you to the people who changed our lives—for the business—and the house.  I have peace now because you helped us. Thank you!!”  

What a beautiful example of how CBN partners share the love of Jesus around the world with people in need! If you’re not yet a partner, we invite you to join us today. Help bring God’s love through initiatives like clean water wells, medical missions, feeding programs, and so much more—all in the name of Jesus! Join us today and become a part of what God’s doing through CBN partners.