A Surprise for the World

It was an ordinary day in 1978 when Pat Robertson announced on live TV, “I’ve got a surprise!” That was the start of what would become one of the greatest humanitarian organizations in the world: Operation Blessing. 

He explained the inspiration for starting Operation Blessing came from the words of Isaiah 58. “It says if you draw out your bread to the poor, if you look after the hungry, if you clothe the naked, if you take the homeless into your house, He says then, ‘this is what I’m going to do for you: I’m going to answer your prayers; you’re gonna call out, and I’m going to answer you; your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard, and I’m gonna look after you.’”

On that historical day, Pat said, “There are a lot of people in this audience who may be in need of food—who need shelter or who need clothing. There are also a lot of people in our audience who have an extra suit, more food than they need, extra shelter—something they can provide to those people. So why don’t we put them all together?”

That idea became known as Operation Blessing and soon grew into one of the country’s largest humanitarian organizations.

Changing Lives Through the Years

Today, 45 years later, Operation Blessing is a nonprofit, humanitarian organization dedicated to partnering with YOU to demonstrate God’s love by alleviating human suffering. Your love has shown through Operation Blessing in the U.S. and around the world. Together we’ve provided hunger relief, medical care, clean water, and disaster relief to millions across the globe.

Through compassionate, efficient, and locally-focused programs we are able to target the specific needs of those we serve. This gives our partners an opportunity to truly be the hands and feet of Jesus for those who are suffering and in need.

Check out some of our most memorable moments!

Your Love Reaching Millions

1978

Introduced by Pat Robertson during a live broadcast of The 700 Club

1986

Expanded into Operation Blessing International

2004

Responded to a major Indonesian tsunami with tons of relief supplies and huge quantities of medication; we also built a brick factory

2008

Operation Blessing launched the China Quake Project after a devastating earthquake shook Sichuan Province, and we worked to completely rebuild new homes for many families

2011

Provided relief after a tsunami and earthquake in Japan, even providing boats for fishermen

2016

Battled the Zika virus in Latin America through innovative mosquito-fighting techniques

2020

Provided protective equipment, disinfectants, and hunger relief during COVID-19

2023

Reached out with compassionate aid during a historic Turkey earthquake, Maui fires, a catastrophic Morocco earthquake, and the Israel conflict with Hamas

1983

Recognized by Ronald Reagan at a National Religious Broadcasters Convention

1996

Launched the “Flying Hospital” which served tens of thousands of patients over the following years

2005

Provided massive relief following Hurricane Katrina, including mosquito-fighting fish

2010

Responded to the major Haiti Earthquake with tons of supplies and long-term aid

2014

Manufactured large quantities of chlorine to fight Ebola in Liberia

2018

Focused our relief efforts to specialize in the four main pillars of Clean Water, Hunger Relief, Medical Care, and Disaster Relief

2022

Gave aid to Ukrainian war victims and refugees

Thank you for taking a moment to celebrate our anniversary with us. And thank you so much to all of you who helped make this incredible humanitarian journey possible. We look forward to many more years working together with you!

God bless you.