04/03/2026
"Courage is contagious. When a brave man takes a stand, the spines of others are often stiffened." -Billy Graham
Thank you to all of you who have supported this awesome non profit supporting our service men/women!
Here's an update from our friends at Operation Empowering Hope!
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This month we added another Chaplain. This takes us up to 16 Chaplains and 4 Religious Affairs Specialists/Sgts. When I texted and spoke with our new Chaplain (Chaplain K3) in Hawaii. He is replacing Chaplain M who moved to Texas for further education. Monday I couldnโt get through to him by phone so I left a message that I had worked with the previous Chaplain, Chaplain M2 and his current 56M Ssgt D and that the Coffee Bar refill and Candy Bar Bundles were on the way. His text back was, โOh wow this is awesome.โ When we talked by phone the next day he shared that he hadnโt believed it was possible and reached out to Chaplain M2 to see if we were real. Chaplain M2 told him we were legit and to enjoy the blessings from heaven! We went on to have a great conversation and may be doing some joint projects in the future related to su***de prevention. I will introduce more about Chaplain K3 in our newsletter.
We connected a Chaplain in Virginia with another non profit and arranged 500 Bibles dropped off. They turned out pink camoโฆ. So we ordered another 500 Bibles, specified only green camo! Another Chaplain in Hawaii requested Bibles that were small enough for deploying Soldiers to carry with them. A donor showed up with 39 Bibles that fit the need for Soldiers deploying to South Korea for a 9 month rotation.
We finished several drives for Chaplain Store supplies that were successful. They are currently divided into boxes and being prepped to ship to six different Chaplains. Each item (example deodorant, Sudoku book, Dude wipes, toothbrush, etc.) comes with a note that shares OEHโs appreciation, the salvation message and the fact they can get confidential counseling from their Chaplain that will not affect their military record. If at all possible the Chaplains contact information is included.
A super youth group had an amazing service night. We joined them for supper and worship. The kids did an amazing job creating 50 Thank You bags, 419 Candy Bar Bundles on their way to 2 different Chaplains, 20+ Chaplain Encouragements and 83 letters for the next Candy Bar Bundle session.
At the end of January a Chaplain reached out to request Arctic Tent Packs- each carried enough supplies (candy bars, granola bars, hot drink mix, a letter and packet of wipes) for the 9 Soldiers living in an Arctic Tent during training exercises. This took the stress of counting off his shoulders, allowing him to love on and connect with the Soldiers. We were able to get funding to cover the request and get them in the mail a week later. They all arrived before they deployed to the field. The Chaplain shared they were helpful to increase morale while they were out in the field. Another one of our Chaplains also deployed to the Arctic tundra for the same testing. He was equipped with Candy Bar Bundles to encourage his Soldiers. We are so thankful to God that there were no fatal injuries happened, only 14 Soldiers were injured. Temperatures hoovered well below zero but the training was successful.
The needs of our Chaplains are huge to encourage and make connections with the Soldiers they are assigned to. We would love if you considered partnering with us. Some easy ways to partner with us:
-Do a drive for supplies. We have an amazon wish list with a QR code link and barrels as well.
-Join us May 16th during Armed Forces Day and write letters to Soldiers. I would love to equip you with stationary for kids, a letter template and a short video. Any paper works for adults!
Donate: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=UWL9QHAMCN4F8
Operation Empowering Hope
9125 Hampshire Ave N
Brooklyn Park, MN 55445
Cell: 612-747-5024
Email: operationempoweringhope@gmail.com
Web: www.operationempoweringhope
