With the breakup of the USSR in 1991, Kazakhstan gained freedom. However, as one of the largest of the former Soviet republics, its' people still struggle from the effects of communism ravaged on their economy. While the economy is beginning to improve, the rewards from the booming energy sector, good harvests and foreign investment haven't reached everyone. Those in rural villages like Uliana and Dmitry still suffer the scourge of poverty. The elderly couple struggles to live off of a small pension. There is no money for Dmitry's medicine.

Operation Blessing sponsored programs are giving people the opportunity to lead a healthier and more educated lifestyle by:

1. Tending The Sick -- MedEx Kits are community first aid kits with enough basic medicines and supplies to support a poor community of up to 200 people effectively treat minor injuries and illnesses. Numerous MedEx Kits are strategically given to local schools or community leaders for use by the entire community.
   
   
2. Equipping for Life -- We not only assist people in times of crisis, but also help them overcome forces that keep them in the vicious cycle of poverty.
   
   a. Back-To-School: Warm winter clothes are given to impoverished school-aged children. Without these items, many would not be able to attend classes during the frigid winter.
   
   b. Bless-A-Child: Handicapped, sick and malnourished children and their impoverished parents are invited to summer camps. The kids are fed nutritious meals, learn life and social skills in specially designed activities and receive medical check ups while their parents learn the basics of nutrition and proper parenting.
   
   c. Soup Kitchens: Partnering with area churches and businesses, our team regularly prepares and serves hot meals to the hungry in several areas.

Join us in breaking the cycle of suffering around the world. Please give a gift today!

Teen Girl Finds First Friend in Kazakhstan Zhanar and her mother Madira lived a lonely existence in Kazakhstan’s Turar village. There wasn’t any of the normal teen socializing after class or slumber parties at the 15-year-old’s house. She didn’t go to school or have friends. Zhanar had Downs’s syndrome. She passed the hours by watching dancing on TV. There wasn’t a class in the area designed to meet the special needs of a student like her.