When Food Is Cut Off

Before Covid 19 came to the Philippines, 10-year-old Joshua was part of an Orphan’s Promise daily feeding program in this mountain community in Puray, Rodriguez Rizal. 

Joshua’s dad, Felix, is a single parent.  He had to travel every day to the city to work. What he earned wasn’t enough to feed his 3 children.  So Joshua has been helping out.  He carried large sacks of charcoal from the mountain to sell in the market.       

“I bought food for my brothers and sisters!  That’s how I spent the money I made from selling charcoal. It’s really hard work but I knew I had to help out,” said the 10-year-old told CBN.  

When Covid 19 hit everything came to a stop.  Felix was not allowed to travel to the city to work. All feeding programs like the one supporting Joshua and other kids with daily meals were suspended by the government.   

“It’s been even harder now for us now,” said Felix from a safe distance. “Of course I can’t work so we can’t even buy food. Now we boil bananas just to get by.  We have to divide what would have been one portion for one person—into 4 servings.”       

Because Joshua’s family lives in a remote community, they’re often the last to receive help from the government. 

“I was losing hope. I just prayed and asked God to keep my kids from getting the virus,” Felix said.

So Operation Blessing made arduous journey over river beds and off road up the mountain to bring help for Joshua and other families. Instead of group meals for the kids, we brought them food packs filled with rice, canned goods, milk and other supplies.   We’re planning to deliver more food packs in the weeks ahead.

“Thank you to the people who help Operation Blessing. And thank you for remembering us and for reaching us even though we are so far away. I really thank God for you!” said Felix to the partners of CBN and Operation Blessing.