When hope feels out of reach, it has a way of showing up where it’s needed most.
This is the story of how hope found Tonya Vinluan.
Tonya, a mother from an Aeta community in Sitio Dueg in San Clemente, Tarlac, has known hardship all her life.
“Sometimes, my family wouldn’t eat for two days. We would just sleep it off because there was no food,” she recalled.
So when she became a mother, Tonya did everything she could to provide for her kids. She planted crops, carried 50 to 60 kilos of seeds across two mountains, and even walked the city streets asking for help—just to put food on the table.
Despite all her efforts, it was not enough to sustain their growing needs. Hope slipped through her fingers as she watched her children suffer, their eyes reflecting a pain no child should bear.
Seeing other children live in comfort while hers endured hardship shattered her heart a little more.
Hope felt distant. Slipping. Almost gone.
When hope fades, where do you find the strength to hold on?
For Tonya, hope came through an unexpected answered prayer—Operation Blessing’s Bless-A-Child program. Through it, God reminded her that she was not forgotten, and neither were her children.
Through Bless-A-Child, children in underserved communities receive healthy meals, free medical check-ups, and essential school supplies. The program ensures that every child has the opportunity to grow strong, learn well, and dream big.
Beyond meeting immediate needs, Operation Blessing also empowers parents through livelihood assistance and trainings—helping them create lasting changes in their lives.
“This is a big blessing for us here in our community. For people like us who live in far-flung areas and have no capacity to provide for our families, your heart to reach us is amazing,” Tonya shared.
Her family’s situation improved greatly, and it’s all because God’s hope reached them right where they are.
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” (Galatians 6:9-10 NIV)
Do you want to continue sharing God’s hope with our kababayans like Tonya?
Your support for Operation Blessing will enable us to reach more families and communities – bringing hope and joy to their doorsteps. Be our partner today! Visit cbnasia.com/give or contact 0998-551-1990 or 0939-921-5543.
