Picking up from their Pangasinan trip in the north, a new batch of Operation Blessing volunteers set-up for another medical mission. Traveling this time to the north-east of Manila, Angat Bulacan was their next destination. The Angat Dam is located in this town. It serves as one of the major water resources of Metro Manila.
The two-hour travel was scenic adding-up to the excitement of Medical Doctor, Chari Ramos . Being a new medical volunteer, she enthusiastically shares her intentions of using her medical skills and training for missions. As she prepares for her residency in Pediatrics she hopes to one day perform her medical expertise to show children how God cares for them.

The team arrived in Barangay Binagbag, wherein the people were patiently lined-up, ready to be seen by the doctors. And as the medical clinic was about to begin heavy rain started to pour. Trapped under make-shift tents, everyone cramped. Some areas where the people lined-up got flooded. Mothers carrying their babies got weary. Little children started to cough. Everyone was just wet! And although it took over thirty minutes for the rain to stop, that did not dampen their spirits. "Wet and wild" as they say, the clinic resumed as the sun this time shone to its fullest. All the volunteers served cheerfully despite the inconvenience of being wet under the humid sun. Serving was a joy.

And service was rendered even better when Asia's Diva, and 700 Club Asia co-host, Dulce, serenaded everyone. Belting out songs of praise to the Lord she encouraged and inspired the locals to entrust their lives to Jesus Christ. But a rather unique and effective way of sharing her passion of the Lord was when Dulce spoke in Visaya - her native tongue. Majority of the families living in the area have Visayan backgrounds that made it easier for them to understand more about the love of God. Thirty-one year old mother, Madel Cinco was happy to meet a famous "kababayan" (town mate) share about the need for the Lord. It truly was a treat for a community of low income farmers and their families that an anointed songbird bless them with music.
Visiting with Dulce was 700 Club Asia host Peter Kairuz. They dedicated a deep well for the small community of seventeen (17) families. Local resident Jocelyn Chavez was very happy to have a new well in their area. Now, she won't have to fall in line as early as three o'clock in the morning just to fetch water for her family.

Fourteen year old Rose Ann used to walk through a muddy path just to take a bath. But after making herself clean, she would have to walk back the same path, making her bathing useless. She jokingly added that with the deep well very near their house, she now can smell better than the carabao! (Water buffalos love dipping themselves in mud - trivia huh?!).

Together with the dedication of the deep well, were 2 public toilets as well. Two more are being built for the residents to benefit from. Barangay Captain Rodolfo Santos was very grateful to the people with golden hearts who made it possible for them to have these amenities. It would take years for a project of this kind to be done, he added.

Four years ago, Renato Chavez incurred fracture on his right femur. Jobless due to his injury, he could no longer shoulder his medical expenses. Recently, Operation Blessing was able to sponsor his radiological exam. And together with Operation Blessing and its partners, Renato will soon have the metal plate fixture in his right thigh taken out.

With the one day clinic, two hundred eighty three (283) patients were given free medical attention. Forty six (46) locals were given free dental services. Fourteen (14) patients were screened for laboratory testing. Physical therapy home instructions were given to three (3) patients. One hundred seventy-nine (179) children went home happy with their new toys and were fed with nutritious snacks. And most of all, endless opportunities of presenting the Gospel of Christ were shared to the locals.

Another day of mission had ended but you still can see the volunteers dynamic in their looking forward to the next one. Operation Blessing continues to be faithful to its calling to reach out to the different places of the Philippines and Asia. And with your continued partnership, everyone in these under privileged communities will be able to smell a whole lot better than the carabao.