Dear Friends,
In response to your gift to OBI, I join the beneficiaries in saying thank you for your generosity.
As I write, I also have with me reports of the ripple effect of what you have sown in the last month.
*** 16269 people received medical care in 51 medical camps
*** 570 cataract surgeries were performed. 519 pairs of eye glasses were distributed
*** 1574 HIV patients were given medicines for opportunistic infections with food supplements and counseling
*** 7500 people benefited through 25 potable bore wells
We also have a story to share about our recent trip to Turuk, South Sikkim. We were quite challenged by the need we saw in this part of our country. Though the journey to the remote and rugged terrain was a hard one, yet we rejoiced that we have been able to be your extended hands to these wonderful people who have not been able to avail of medical treatment for their ailments due to the distance and economic situation. But that is what we are there for….reaching the people at their point of need.
Among the many lives we encountered during our Sikkim trip was 23 year old Ijak Rai. Life has not dealt kindly with him and his 2 younger siblings. They lost their mother 7 years ago. They have been cared for by their father since then. Ijak Rai was pained that he could not support his family. His father, Tusidas Rai struggles hard as a farmer to provide for his family. He grows vegetables in the small piece of land he owns. But the high altitude and extreme weather conditions makes it difficult for cultivation. The income is barely enough to support the entire family.
To reduce the burden carried by his father and supplement the family income, Ijak Rai wants to start a small business. Though the investment he needed is not much, yet, it is unthinkable due to the financial constraints the family is going through. The bleak future haunted him day and night. Not having had the privilege of going to school, he wants his siblings- Yojana and Sulaiman to get the best education possible. He wants to ensure that their dreams of becoming a doctor and engineer are realised.
In addition to all his problems, he had blisters in his mouth which made it difficult for him to eat and talk. He was not able to consult a doctor due to lack of money. The pain became unbearable. When the OBI Team showed up in his village for a medical camp, Ijak Rai registered himself and hoped that he will be able to get the much needed help for his painful blisters. He was indeed treated and given medicines to cure the blisters. Moved by the Operation Blessing’s team love and care, he opened and shared his dreams about his family.
OBI explored the ways to help him out. We learnt that the people of this hilly region are very fond of chicken so there is a great demand for this meat. We decided to set up a poultry farm for Ijak. The necessary materials were provided to him for the shed. He was very excited and determined to build it all by himself. He was then given a few chickens to start his business.
Adding to the joy, OBI provided the necessary school supplies – school bags, uniform, note books, shoes and stationery – for Ijak’s brother and sister. They were thrilled to wear their new school uniforms and became more determined to study well and prove themselves.
The blisters from his mouth are now healed. His poultry farm is doing well. Ijak is slowly seeing his dream taking shape- being able to support his family and seeing to it that his siblings do well in their studies and be assured of a better future. Along with this, he spends time with them and teaches them music.
This is what he has to say: “I can feel my life beginning to take a new shape. You gave me such a wonderful opportunity. I am confident I can lead a good life and give a better future to my family. My father’s burden is reduced. I am so grateful to Operation Blessing!”
It is your gift dear friends that has lifted the enormous burden from Ijak’s life thus adding immense joy!
To be able to make a difference like this is something we strive to do everyday. Thank You for being a part of this journey.
DO CALL US FOR PRAYER REQUESTS ON OUR TOLL FREE NOS. Hyderabad- Nireekshana - for Telugu Counseling call us on 1 800 425 4077 - Thiruppumunai - for Tamil Counseling call us on 1 800 425 5077 Gurgaon - PRI Line- Ek Nayee Zindagi 0124 4286777 The Lord Bless You in every area of your life.
With Warm Regards,
Dr. Rajesh Dasari
India Director, Operation Blessing India
PS: Our new office address is:
Operation Blessing India
H.No: 2-80, Survey No: 60&61,
Near CMR Engineering College,
Medchal, R.R. Dist 501401 (Hyderabad),
Andhra Pradesh
OR
Operation Blessing India,
Post Box No: 2177,
Secunderabad – 500 003, A.P., India.
For any queries, please call- 09866616078, 09848046859
All donations in India are eligible for tax benefit under Sec.80G, Director of Income Tax (Exemptions) Hyderabad. F.No. DIT (E)/HYD/80G/65(04)/09-10
