Are life’s hardships weighing you down?
Norma Baltazar understands this feeling.
Norma relied on a small pig farm to make ends meet, but when African Swine Flu struck, most of their pigs died, wiping out their primary source of income.
Her daughter then took on the responsibility of providing for the family.
However, Norma’s world was shattered when her daughter tragically passed away from lupus. The loss left her grieving deeply, and also without the means for necessary check-ups or medication.
As she was still trying to recover, another blow came. A year later, her husband had a tumor which prevented him from working.
“I don’t think of myself anymore. I only think of my family,” she shared.
Not long after, her husband passed away, leaving Norma utterly heartbroken and without a steady income. Each day that followed seemed to deepen her sorrow, as the weight of her losses grew heavier, and the future appeared increasingly bleak.
Despite her grief, Norma found a glimmer of hope when Operation Blessing’s Medical Brigade arrived in her community in Ilocos. Norma lined up early in the morning with her sister-in-law.
The Medical Brigade provides free medical care such as general checkups, and dental and optical services. They also provide free medicines and hygiene kits.
The volunteers greeted them with kindness and care, providing not just the essential medical check-ups and medications that had become so hard to afford, but something even more precious—God’s Word and prayer.
“Our community really needed this medical brigade,” Norma shared.
As the team prayed with her and shared God’s comforting words, Norma experienced a warmth in her heart she hadn’t felt for a while.
She remembered she wasn’t alone, that God had not forgotten her even during her tough times. At that moment, her heavy burden started to lift, giving way to a fresh feeling of peace and hope.
Norma’s story is a beautiful reminder of how God’s love reaches us even in our most desperate times. As Psalm 34:18 NLT says, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; He rescues those whose spirits are crushed.”
Let Norma’s story encourage you to keep hoping, no matter what problems you face.
Your support can bring hope and healing to others who are struggling like Norma. Share your blessings and help Operation Blessing conduct more medical brigades all over the Philippines. Partner with us today!
