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'''Operation Blessing International Relief and Development Corporation (OBI)''' is a [[Faith-based organization|faith-based]] [[Nonprofit organization|non-profit organization]] headquartered in [[Virginia Beach, Virginia]], [[United States]]. Founded in 1978, OBI operates in more than 90 countries, focusing on [[disaster relief]], medical aid, clean water, [[hunger relief]], community development, and orphan care programs.<ref>{{Citation |title=United States Agency for International Development (USAID) |date=2011 |encyclopedia=Encyclopedia of Disaster Relief |url=http://dx.doi.org/10.4135/9781412994064.n303 |access-date=2024-02-15 |place=2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks California 91320 United States |publisher=SAGE Publications, Inc.|doi=10.4135/9781412994064.n303 |isbn=978-1-4129-7101-0 }}</ref>
'''Operation Blessing International Relief and Development Corporation (OBI)''' is a non-profit organization based in Virginia Beach, Virginia, USA. Founded in 1978, OBI operates in over 90 countries, providing assistance in areas such as disaster relief, medical aid, clean water, hunger relief, community development, and orphan care.


== History ==
'''History'''
Operation Blessing International was founded on November 14, 1978, by businessman and televangelist [[Pat Robertson]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-06-15 |title=The Day Pat Robertson Surprised Everyone by Suddenly Announcing the Creation of Operation Blessing |url=https://www2.cbn.com/news/us/day-pat-robertson-surprised-everyone-suddenly-announcing-creation-operation-blessing |access-date=2024-03-02 |website=CBN |language=en}}</ref> It's stated purpose is to assist people facing challenges by connecting their needs, such as clothing and appliances, with donations from viewers of ''[[The 700 Club]]''.


OBI collaborates with local churches and organizations to provide assistance to low-income families, including food and financial aid. In 1990, the organization transitioned its focus from individual assistance to funding outreach centers throughout the United States, focusing on local ministries, food pantries, and shelters. OBI's international activities include medical aid, hunger relief, and disaster response efforts. The organization became officially registered as a [[501(c)(3) organization|501(c)(3) nonprofit]] in 1986, following a partnership with Development Corporation.
OBI was established by businessman and televangelist Pat Robertson in 1978. Initially focused on providing individual assistance, the organization later transitioned to funding outreach centers and local ministries. In 1986, OBI became a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit.


== Activities ==
'''Activities'''
[[File:Operation Blessing in Port Charlotte after Hurricane Ian.jpg|thumb|right|A team from Operation Blessing assisting a homeowner in [[Port Charlotte, Florida]] after [[Hurricane Ian]].]]
=== Disaster relief ===
Operation Blessing has been involved in domestic relief work for victims of many natural disasters, such as severe flooding in [[Nebraska]], tornadoes in [[Mississippi]], and hurricanes [[Hurricane Michael|Michael]] and [[Hurricane Florence|Florence]] in Florida and North Carolina.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Blessing |first=Operation |date=2018-09-21 |title=PRESS RELEASE: Operation Blessing International Now Coordinating Volunteer Cleanup Efforts In New Bern, NC |url=https://www.ob.org/press-release-operation-blessing-international-now-coordinating-volunteer-cleanup-efforts-in-new-bern-nc/ |access-date=2024-03-02 |website=Operation Blessing |language=en-US}}</ref> Internationally, Operation Blessing has assisted victims of humanitarian crises in [[Ukraine]], [[Poland]], [[Turkey]], and [[Kenya]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-03-02 |title=Operation Blessing sending humanitarian supplies from Chesapeake to Ukrainian refugees |url=https://www.13newsnow.com/article/news/nation-world/ukraine/operation-blessing-humanitarian-aid-ukraine/291-278e4778-7685-448b-a86d-8753e303040f |access-date=2024-03-02 |website=13newsnow.com |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Help for earthquake victims in Turkey |url=http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/europe/10/25/iyw.howtohelp.turkey.quake/index.html |access-date=2024-03-02 |website=www.cnn.com |language=en}}</ref> With a focus on public health, Operation Blessing was involved in working to combat the spread of [[Zika fever]] through educational initiatives, distribution of [[Mosquito net|mosquito nets]], and providing [[insect repellent]].<ref name="Operation Blessing launches effort to combat Zika virus in El Salvador, Haiti">{{cite web | url = http://pilotonline.com/news/local/health/operation-blessing-launches-effort-to-combat-zika-virus-in-el/article_6ae724fb-cd81-558e-be67-be55e2268751.html | title = Operation Blessing launches effort to combat Zika virus in El Salvador, Haiti | accessdate = 2016-06-01 | publisher = The Virginian-Pilot}}</ref>


Disaster Relief:** Providing assistance to victims of natural disasters both domestically and internationally.
OBI's involvement extends to various natural disasters, including the [[April 2015 Nepal earthquake]],<ref name="Operation Blessing delivers food, supplies to Nepal">{{cite web | url = http://hamptonroads.com/2015/05/operation-blessing-delivers-food-supplies-nepal | title = Operation Blessing delivers food, supplies to Nepal | accessdate = 2015-05-07 | publisher = The Virginian-Pilot}}</ref> the [[Typhoon Haiyan|2013 Typhoon Haiyan]] in the Philippines, the [[2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami]],<ref name="New fishing fleet signifies progress in Japan">{{cite web | url = https://video.msnbc.msn.com/nightly-news/46693862#46693862 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120313224111/http://video.msnbc.msn.com/nightly-news/46693862#46693862 | url-status = dead | archive-date = 2012-03-13 | title = New fishing fleet signifies progress in Japan | accessdate = 2012-07-20 | format = Video | publisher = NBC}}</ref> and the [[2010 Haiti earthquake]] and accompanying [[2010-2011 Haiti cholera outbreak|cholera outbreak]].<ref name="CHOLERA in HAITI: a view from a first responder">{{cite web |title=Cholera in Haiti: a view from a first responder |url=http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-506270?ref=feeds%2Foncnn |accessdate=2012-07-20 |publisher=CNN}}</ref>


<nowiki>*</nowiki>Medical Aid:** Offering medical care and supplies in underserved communities.
⚫
== Partnerships ==
Operation Blessing has partnered with several organizations and nonprofits, including the [[Mayo Clinic]] of Minnesota,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Clayton |first=Cindy |last2=Online |first2=Pilot |date=2016-02-29 |title=Operation Blessing helps to fight the Zika virus in Mexico |url=https://www.pilotonline.com/2016/02/29/operation-blessing-helps-to-fight-the-zika-virus-in-mexico/ |access-date=2024-03-02 |website=The Virginian-Pilot |language=en-US}}</ref> [[International Justice Mission]], [[Free Wheelchair Mission]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Blaesser |first=Whitney |date=1 March 2010 |title=Free Wheelchair Mission Final Report |url=https://pdf.usaid.gov/pdf_docs/PDACQ476.pdf |access-date=1 March 2024}}</ref> and [[Tide (brand)|Tide]] Loads of Hope.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gamble |first=Procter & |title=Tide Loads of Hope Commemorates first Anniversary of Haiti Earthquake with the Introduction of a Documentary Short Film |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/tide-loads-of-hope-commemorates-one-year-anniversary-of-haiti-earthquake-with-the-introduction-of-a-documentary-short-film-113344549.html |access-date=2024-03-02 |website=www.prnewswire.com |language=en}}</ref> OBI has also conducted annual food distributions with professional sports teams such as the [[Kansas City Chiefs]], [[Kansas City Royals]].<ref>{{cite web | publisher = Chiefs | title = Chiefs & Royals Help Feed Kansas City | year = 2007 | url = http://www.kcchiefs.com/news/2007/06/11/chiefs__royals_help_feed_kansas_city | accessdate = 2007-08-31 | place = Kansas City | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20070930203537/http://www.kcchiefs.com/news/2007/06/11/chiefs__royals_help_feed_kansas_city |archivedate = 2007-09-30}}</ref>


<nowiki>*</nowiki>Hunger Relief:** Distributing food and providing nutritional support.
⚫
== Affiliation ==
Operation Blessing is a member of the Association of Evangelical Relief and Development Organizations (AERDO),<ref>{{cite web | publisher = AERDO | title = Member Organizations | year = 2007 | url = http://www.aerdo.net/directory.php | accessdate = 2007-08-31 | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20070720023250/http://www.aerdo.net/directory.php | archivedate = 2007-07-20}}</ref> and is registered with the [[Federal Emergency Management Agency]] (FEMA)<ref>{{cite web | publisher = FEMA | title = Thousands of Volunteers Embark On Massive Gutting in Orleans Parish | year = 2007 | url =http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=34493 | archiveurl =https://web.archive.org/web/20070308170542/http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=34493 | archivedate =2007-03-08 | accessdate = 2007-08-31}}</ref> and the [[United States Agency for International Development]] (USAID).<ref>{{cite web | publisher = USAID | title = Ocean Freight Reimbursement Success Stories | year = 2007 | url =http://www.usaid.gov/our_work/cross-cutting_programs/private_voluntary_cooperation/ofrstories.html | accessdate = 2007-08-31 | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20070816123951/http://www.usaid.gov/our_work/cross-cutting_programs/private_voluntary_cooperation/ofrstories.html | archivedate = 2007-08-16}}</ref> It is also a national member of the [https://www.nvoad.org/ National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NVOAD)], [[Combined Federal Campaign]] (CFC), Christian Service Charities, Christian Service Organizations of America (CSOA), the Global Compassion Network, the Virginia Trucking Association, and the [[American Trucking Associations]] (ATA).<ref name="Operation Blessing Affiliations">{{cite web | url = http://www.ob.org/_about/affiliation.asp | work = About | title = Affiliations | accessdate = 2012-07-20 | publisher = Operation Blessing}}</ref>


Community Development:** Supporting local initiatives aimed at improving living conditions.
== Financial accountability ==
Operation Blessing is a member of the [[Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability]] (ECFA),<ref>{{Cite web |title=Operation Blessing - MinistryWatch |url=https://db.ministrywatch.com/ministry.php?ein=541382657 |access-date=2024-02-15 |website=db.ministrywatch.com}}</ref> and is audited annually by [[KPMG|KPMG, LLP]].


Orphan Care:** Providing care and support to orphaned children.
⚫
== Controversy ==
{{see also|Pat Robertson controversies}}


⚫
'''Partnerships'''
In 1994, Pat Robertson made pleas on ''[[The 700 Club]]'' for cash donations to Operation Blessing to support airlifts of refugees from Rwanda to Zaire. ''[[The Virginian-Pilot]]'' later discovered that Operation Blessing's planes were transporting diamond-mining equipment for the African Development Corporation, a venture Robertson had established in cooperation with Zaire's dictator, [[Mobutu Sese Seko]], whom Robertson had befriended earlier in 1993.<ref name=guardian>{{cite web | url = https://www.theguardian.com/film/2013/sep/05/mission-congo-pat-robertson-aid-rwanda | title = Mission Congo: how Pat Robertson raised millions on the back of a non-existent aid project | accessdate = 2013-09-07 | work = The Guardian|archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20130914151028/http://www.theguardian.com/film/2013/sep/05/mission-congo-pat-robertson-aid-rwanda |archivedate = 2013-09-14|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="Mission Congo">{{cite web|url=http://tiff.net/filmsandschedules/festival/2013/missioncongo |title=Mission Congo - Toronto Film Festival |accessdate=2013-09-07 |publisher=Toronto Film Festival |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130904062149/http://tiff.net/filmsandschedules/festival/2013/missioncongo |archivedate=September 4, 2013 }}</ref> According to Operation Blessing records, Robertson owned the planes used for Operation Blessing airlifts.<ref name="Operation Blessing Press Release">{{cite web | url = http://www.ob.org/press-releases/#2013 | title = OBI Responds to Malicious Mission Congo Allegations | accessdate = 2015-10-12 | publisher = Operation Blessing}}</ref>


OBI collaborates with various organizations, including the Mayo Clinic, International Justice Mission, Free Wheelchair Mission, and Tide Loads of Hope.
A 1999 report concluded that, while Robertson's request for donations to Operation Blessing had been misleading, it was not an intentional attempt to commit fraud.<ref name="Guardian Newspaper Apologizes">{{cite web |title=Guardian Newspaper Apologizes |date=13 December 2013 |url=http://www.christianpost.com/news/guardian-newspaper-apologizes-donates-to-pat-robertsons-operation-blessing-for-inaccurate-report-on-mission-congo-documentary-110715/ |accessdate=2014-02-11 |publisher=The Christian Post}}</ref> A September 2013 article in ''[[The Guardian]]'' reported that Operation Blessing's volunteers recited Bible passages to dying refugees. Robertson was accused of taking credit for work that was done by [[Médecins Sans Frontières]].<ref name=guardian/>


⚫
'''Affiliation'''
In a December 2013 [https://www.theguardian.com/theguardian/2013/dec/12/corrections-and-clarifications article], ''The Guardian'' issued an apology to Operation Blessing, retracting many of their accusations, acknowledging that they had not mentioned a further report that cleared Operation Blessing of any wrongdoing, and agreeing to donate to their "relief efforts for victims of the [[Typhoon Haiyan|typhoon in the Philippines]]."<ref name="The Guardian">{{cite web | url = https://www.theguardian.com/theguardian/2013/dec/12/corrections-and-clarifications | title = Corrections and clarifications | accessdate = 2014-02-11 | work = The Guardian| date = 12 December 2013 }}</ref>

OBI is affiliated with the Association of Evangelical Relief and Development Organizations (AERDO), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

'''Financial Accountability'''

OBI is a member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA) and undergoes annual audits by KPMG, LLP.

⚫
'''Controversy'''

In 1994, allegations arose that OBI was involved in questionable activities in Rwanda. However, a subsequent report concluded that there was no intentional fraud. In 2013, The Guardian published an article making accusations against OBI, which were later retracted and apologized for. these accusations and apologized to OBI.


== References ==
== References ==

Revision as of 12:37, 31 March 2024

Operation Blessing
Founded1978
TypeNon-Government Organization
FocusDisaster Relief & Development
Location
Area served
90 countries
MethodDirect Aid / Program Funding
Key people
Gordon Robertson (President & Director)
Revenue
USD $90,081,546 (2023)[1]
Websitehttps://www.ob.org/

Operation Blessing International Relief and Development Corporation (OBI) is a non-profit organization based in Virginia Beach, Virginia, USA. Founded in 1978, OBI operates in over 90 countries, providing assistance in areas such as disaster relief, medical aid, clean water, hunger relief, community development, and orphan care.

History

OBI was established by businessman and televangelist Pat Robertson in 1978. Initially focused on providing individual assistance, the organization later transitioned to funding outreach centers and local ministries. In 1986, OBI became a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

Activities

Disaster Relief:** Providing assistance to victims of natural disasters both domestically and internationally.

*Medical Aid:** Offering medical care and supplies in underserved communities.

*Hunger Relief:** Distributing food and providing nutritional support.

Community Development:** Supporting local initiatives aimed at improving living conditions.

Orphan Care:** Providing care and support to orphaned children.

Partnerships

OBI collaborates with various organizations, including the Mayo Clinic, International Justice Mission, Free Wheelchair Mission, and Tide Loads of Hope.

Affiliation

OBI is affiliated with the Association of Evangelical Relief and Development Organizations (AERDO), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

Financial Accountability

OBI is a member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA) and undergoes annual audits by KPMG, LLP.

Controversy

In 1994, allegations arose that OBI was involved in questionable activities in Rwanda. However, a subsequent report concluded that there was no intentional fraud. In 2013, The Guardian published an article making accusations against OBI, which were later retracted and apologized for. these accusations and apologized to OBI.

References

  1. ^ Operation Blessing International. "IRS Form 990 for Operation Blessing International Relief & Development Corp".
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