About Operation Care International
Serving the lost, the least, and the lonely,
from Dallas to the ends of the earth.
OUT OF TRAGEDY, A CALL TO SERVE
Desiring to serve God and her community after the tragic death of her husband, God called Susie Jennings to give blankets to the homeless in downtown Dallas in November 1993. The homeless called her “The Blanket Lady.”
That modest beginning was the genesis of Operation Care International (OCI), which has grown to encompass multiple ministries and major events each year in Dallas, Texas as well as missions to the homeless and destitute children in nations around the world.
Mission Statement
Vision
In obedience to God, Operation Care International facilitates worldwide opportunities for the lost, the least, and the lonely to experience the love of Jesus Christ and the promise of eternal life.
The Lord Jesus Christ
Chief Executive OfficeR
The Leadership Team
Ms. Susie Y. Jennings, R.N.
Founder and President
Susie Yanson Jennings is Founder and President of Operation Care International. A Registered Nurse by profession since 1978, Susie stepped out in faith and obedience to God’s calling leading to her resignation from a supervisory position at Baylor University Medical Center Dallas in January 2011. She then became a full time missionary to those in need. Susie continues to lead OCI with the help of a board of directors and a multitude of volunteers.
Susie joined First Baptist Church Dallas in 1982, within months of arriving in the United States from her home in the Philippines. She received invaluable Biblical knowledge under the teaching of the legendary Dr. W.A. Criswell, one of the godliest men she has known. She taught preschoolers for twenty (20) years at her church.
Desiring to serve God and her community after the tragic death of her husband, God called Susie to give blankets to the homeless in downtown Dallas in November 1993. The homeless called her, “The Blanket Lady.” That modest beginning was the genesis of Operation Care International (OCI), which has grown to encompass multiple ministries and major events each year in Dallas, Texas as well as missions to the homeless and destitute children in nations around the world.
Her guiding principle for the vision of OCI is in Romans 8:28, “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”
Bill Krahulik
Warehouse Adviser
Bill Krahulik was introduced to Operation Care International (OCI) in 2005 when a member of his church home team invited every family to the OCI Christmas event at the Dallas Convention Center. Several families attended and served together in the adult footwashing and shoes section. Bill has held many roles and been involved in several activities with OCI ever since.
Bill met Candi, his wife, while they attended Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois. They have been married for 39 years and have two children, Chelsea and Zachary. Candi is a certified Spiritual Director and has many volunteer interests, including footwashing at OCI events. Chelsea is Program Manager of Clinical Pastoral Education at Children’s Health in Dallas and Sam, her husband, is a Hospice chaplain. They are expecting twin girls later this year. Zachary is a firefighter and paramedic for the City of Garland and Elizabeth, his wife, was a church youth pastor before having twin girls a few years ago.
Bill worked in many financial services and leadership roles with ExxonMobil Corporation in the United States and abroad for 35 years. After he retired in 2020, he began serving in the OCI warehouse. Currently, Marcos and Bill coordinate and complete all activities in the warehouse, including the receipt of products from donors and vendors, the distribution of products to community partners and individuals, and the logistics for every large OCI event.
Bill likes the Philippians 4:13 verse, “For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” This is for every child of God in every situation in life.
Marcos Herrera
Warehouse Manager
Marcos Herrera was introduced to Operation Care International (OCI) while doing moving and construction work for Ron Batts (the current interim Chairman of the Board). He began working for OCI in 2016. His first assignment was to go through products from emptying storage units and move the contents to the Joseph Storehouse for distribution.
Marcos has become a vital part of the success of OCI. Through his work at the warehouse and each OCI event, he has earned the respect of all of the staff and volunteers.
He is continually seeking opportunities to improve the warehouse operation and logistics of distributing to the needs of the homeless and impoverished. His attention to detail, organization skills and work ethic, have had a profound effect on the effectiveness and productivity of OCI. Everyone enjoys working with Marcos and he is often asked by volunteers to help with personal projects.
Marcos is dedicated to providing for his wife and children both physically and spiritually. His son Jasiah, daughter Jaslene, and his wife Margarita volunteer at OCI events and joyfully serve in whatever capacity is needed. Marcos is the coach of his son’s youth soccer team. For over 10 years, he has mentored them by starting every game with prayer and ministering to the team and their parents.
Marcos and his family are members of the Central Park Church in Garland, TX. Since childhood, a favorite scripture is Psalm 121:1-8, reminding us that God is our helper, keeper, protector, and “will guard your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forever.”
Mrs. Aimee Iarussi
Social media strategist, MARKETING
Aimee’s professional career began with significant roles in three major commercial banks from 1980 to 1998. She started at the Bank of New York, where she handled International and Domestic Fund Transfer Investigation and Compensation. From 1990 to 1995, she served as an International Operation Banking Officer at Security Pacific, which later merged with Bank of America. Aimee continued her international banking career at American Express Bank from 1995 to 1998.
In January 1999, Aimee moved to Texas and transitioned into professional tech support. Within nine months at Stream International, she was promoted to Quality Analyst, providing technical support for HP products. She led Quality Evaluation and Training for over 1,000 agents in Dallas and another 1,000 agents in India. Aimee also conducted Quality Interviews for the Quality Manager at a new call center in Canada and trained its first group of agents, who subsequently received a first-place support award.
Aimee reported directly to the President of the company and provided Quality Evaluation and feedback to Department Managers, ensuring agents received constructive feedback to enhance productivity. Her training of 60 agents with the lowest scores in Dallas resulted in an improvement in First Call Resolution scores from 64% to 98% within a month.
Since 2004, Aimee has been an entrepreneur, dedicated to helping businesses grow within the community and across the U.S. Aimee organized monthly networking events with as many as 250 attendees and news media speakers to help local businesses.
In 2008, Susie and Aimee met at Aimee’s PR Networking event. Aimee helped promoted the first fundraiser Gala took place on October 30, 2008. This event marked the beginning of Aimee and Susie’s collaboration with Operation Care in the planning and fundraising for Operation Care. Aimee documented the 2nd fundraiser Gala, took place on October 17, 2009, in a video showcasing the event and its impact on Operation Care Christmas Gift for the homeless in 2008: Watch the video. Earlier that year, a reporter was a speaker at Aimee‘s PR networking event and interviewed Susie about Operation Care. This interview can be viewed on Aimee‘s Business PR YouTube channel: Watch the interview.
On March 12, 2012, Aimee was certified and trained by Google to provide 360-degree panorama photography, publishing these virtual tours through Google’s Business Photos program. She was among the 3 Trusted Photographers in Dallas/Ft. Worth and among the 5 in Texas selected to promote this initiative. As the program grew, Aimee traveled extensively, offering photoshoots for businesses across the U.S. Aimee founded Aimee’s Marketing Agency in 2018 providing a comprehensive range of digital and social media marketing services.
In 2023, Aimee and Susie reunited at a networking event, rekindling their partnership in supporting Operation Care International. With her expertise in website development, digital and print marketing, technical skills from HP, COBOL programming, internet and social media marketing, photography, and videography, along with a vast network of over 4,500 members across 10 networking groups, Aimee has become an invaluable asset to Operation Care, helping it grow and fulfill its mission to serve God by aiding the homeless.
Aimee met her husband, David, in 1979 and got married in 1983. As a blended family, they have four children and eight grandchildren.
Aimee currently sings at two churches in English, Spanish, and at a contemporary youth mass weekly. Her journey in singing for the Lord began in 1974 and has continued since 1993.
The Bible verses that Aimee like to share in her BIO here are: Give Thanks, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, and Set Your Heart on the Highest, 1 Corinthians 12:31
Board of Directors
Ms. Susie Y. Jennings, R.N.
Founder and President
Susie Yanson Jennings is Founder and President of Operation Care International. A Registered Nurse by profession since 1978, Susie stepped out in faith and obedience to God’s calling leading to her resignation from a supervisory position at Baylor University Medical Center Dallas in January 2011. She then became a full time missionary to those in need. Susie continues to lead OCI with the help of a board of directors and a multitude of volunteers.
Susie joined First Baptist Church Dallas in 1982, within months of arriving in the United States from her home in the Philippines. She received invaluable Biblical knowledge under the teaching of the legendary Dr. W.A. Criswell, one of the godliest men she has known. She taught preschoolers for twenty (20) years at her church.
Desiring to serve God and her community after the tragic death of her husband, God called Susie to give blankets to the homeless in downtown Dallas in November 1993. The homeless called her, “The Blanket Lady.” That modest beginning was the genesis of Operation Care International (OCI), which has grown to encompass multiple ministries and major events each year in Dallas, Texas as well as missions to the homeless and destitute children in nations around the world. Since December 2020, OCI developed partnerships with 52 countries.
Her guiding principle for the vision of OCI is in Romans 8:28, “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”
Mr. Ron Batts
Interim Chairman of the Board
Ron is a member of First Baptist Church of Dallas and has served a number of nonprofit organizations as a board member, including his role of board chairman of Operation Care for 12 years. Ron and Susie developed the vision to hold the “largest Christmas party for Jesus” in December of each year; this vision became a reality in December 18, 2004. Ron has more than forty (40) years of executive leadership experience that enables him to bring strategic thinking, problem-solving and growth planning expertise to Operation Care.
His former corporate positions include: President of Lemonade Day/Prepared4Life, senior vice president of sales and store operations for Things Remembered, president of outlet stores for Levi’s Dockers, senior vice president of retail for Haggar Clothing, and senior vice president of store operations for Charming Charlie, and President and CEO of Christian Community Action in Lewisville, Texas.
Ron and his wife, Martha, who is the Human Resources Director at Criswell College, have two wonderful and godly children, Chandler and Kathryn. Chandler graduated from Texas A & M Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and is a recruiter for Pacific Life Insurance Company. He is married to Nina, and they have two sons, Aiden and Noah. Kathryn graduated from Texas A & M Suma Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Accounting. She is a CPA and is employed with Ernst & Young in Dallas as an audit manager.
Ron’s favorite Bible verse 1 Samuel 16:7, “For God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
Mrs. Michelle Welch
Secretary
Board member Michelle Welch began her service with Operation Care in 2011 by volunteering in the ministry warehouse and by participating in the annual Christmas Gift for the Homeless for several years. She joined other volunteers in washing the feet of homeless men and women and in caring for their personal and spiritual needs.
In 2014 Michelle traveled with the Operation Care team to the Holy Land as part of Feed the 5,000, an evangelism outreach to Israel. As parents of four daughters, she and her husband Don are active in Covenant Church, where Michelle praises with the choir and is a leader in Celebrate Recovery, a Christ-centered 12-step program. Her ministry background includes volunteering with Kairos Prison Ministry International, Via de Cristo, and Epiphany, a ministry to incarcerated youth. She has been the manager of Valero and Country Stores for twenty years.
Michelle’s favorite scripture, I Peter 2:9, illustrates her devotion to serving Christ and ministering to the needs of His people:
“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possessions, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light.”
Mrs. Burgundy Eaton
Treasurer
When Burgundy Bearden Eaton came to Operation Care as a volunteer from First Baptist Church of Dallas, she told Susie Jennings, “You are living my dream.” She had always wanted to serve in missions, but after marriage and the responsibilities of a growing family, Burgundy decided her mission field would be right here at home.
Now blessed with four grown daughters and seven grandchildren, she considers it a blessing to be part of OCI’s team of volunteers.
Burgundy has a varied work background, including traveling for BMS Cat, Inc. and working in banking with the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas . As a resident of Coppell, she has served on PTO boards for many Coppell ISD schools and has helped open three elementary schools.
Growing up in Lubbock, Burgundy was exposed to the preaching of Dr. W.A. Criswell, whose teaching greatly influenced her spiritual life. She determined that if her family ever lived in the Dallas area they would drive to First Baptist Church, whatever the distance. After her husband was transferred to Coppell, Burgundy joined the church and has volunteered many years as a Sunday School and Vacation Bible School teacher. In 2003, she joined other church members who boarded a bus to help out at a charitable Christmas event. It was not until 15 years later when reading the book, ”31 Days of Mountain Top Miracles”, she realized her group of volunteers had been partnering with Susie Jennings, the event’s founder.
Burgundy’s dream of serving in missions came true when she realized she could do missionary work at her home church and in this city. She considers helping the homeless by serving on the board for Operation Care to be an answer to her heart’s prayer.
Burgundy’s favorite scripture, Galatians 5:22-23, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
Ms. Janice Rodgers
Member at Large
Janice says It is the Lord’s miraculous, creativity, and even humor that brought her to OCI, long after a brief acquaintance with Susie Jennings where they each had a Nurse Leadership role over 30 years ago, at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas, Tx.
Both Susie and Janice had experienced tragic loss of a loved one back then and their lives continued in different areas geographically.
Fast forward to midway through 2022, God unveils a new plan for Janice, fulfilling her passion to serve the homeless and see salvation revival. Janice, widowed 3 years ago, rediscovers Susie Jennings, also a widow, and is that same nurse who had taken blankets to the homeless, living in tents under the bridge 30 years ago.
After a series of small miraculous events happening, God had fun with Janice and saved the last van seat for her to go on her first mission trip that recently toured in Poland, Hungary, Romania and Ukraine, serving the orphans and homeless. She was able to watch God’s plan unfold, and like Sarah, laughed at seeing these works of God at her older age!
Janice recently accepted a position on the Board of Directors. She has served OCI as a volunteer chairing registration for the 2022 Gala, and 2022 Christmas Gifts event. She works once a week at the office as a life coach, and giving human resource assistance and many other areas of need as they arise.
Her previous work has included: Director of the Operating Room, Director of Hospice Care, Grief Support Group Leader. Currently has been teaching and leading Stephen Ministry at Rheas Mill Baptist Church, and helps the new “He Gets Us” outreach as an encourager. She also is instrumental leading a project of serving the Dallas homeless with her Bible Fellowship Group taking food, personal care gifts, and clothing, and her favorite- evangelism.
Her new favorite Bible verse became Jeremiah 29:11-14a: For I know the plans I have for you, “declares the LORD,” plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me and I will listen to you.
James Bobby Heard
Video Manager
A licensed minister of the Gospel, James Bobby Heard is known in media circles as simply Bobby. He is a well-seasoned broadcast television director and Voiceover Artist with over 13 years of experience in media. Throughout his professional career, Bobby has worked with many famous names, artists and musicians from over the world in league with internationally recognized organizations.
As a visionary, Bobby founded Pro Production Media Group LLC, a media company now based in Dallas,TX. His many compelling films and inspiring documentaries have received accolades and news media attention. Bobby describes himself as “a humble servant of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” His ministry has taken the form of teaching and encouraging small groups with a hybrid approach, helping men overcome their personal struggles and find their real identity. He works alongside his wife Sandra to coach couples whose marriages need healing. The couple are parents of two living children and a deceased child and have four grandchildren.
:
Psalm 40:1-2
I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.
Mr. Mario Ojeda, Jr
Member at Large
Mario first met Susie Jennings in 2019 when taking part in the birthday celebration of Christ event hosted by Operation Care International while being part of another smaller charitable organization started by him and his wife, Charlotte. Both have been actively volunteering to serve since then or when called upon. Mario comes with a background in the trucking and freight logistics industry that spans 25 years.
From the small west Texas town of Fort Hancock, Mario went on to study at the University of Texas at El Paso. He was not to get his degree until his return later in life when he enrolled at Western Governors University. Mario earned his bachelor’s degree in marketing while transitioning into the logistics brokering field. Positions over the years include over-the-road trucking, training, safety management, brokering, and recruitment. His former employers have been CFI Truckload, DSV Global Logistics, and currently is account manager at ARPCO Transport Services in Grapevine, Texas.
Mario is son to a former preacher of a small-town church when growing up, and accepted Christ as his savior at 14 years old. At 46 years old, and when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Mario was hospitalized for 10 days while battling for his life. During this time, he heard the calling of the Lord to place his God-given gift of relationship-building and marketing to use in building His Kingdom on earth. He has heeded that call by first being mentor to all the grandchildren he and Charlotte share together. Mario and Charlotte have been members of Gateway Church in Southlake, TX since their marriage in 2018. Mario leads a bible study group for working professionals under Gateway Church called Phalanx Shield. Hobbies include calligraphy, long-distance cycling, Latin language reading and composition, teaching his grandkids how to play chess, and he knows 5 languages (English, Spanish, Latin, Italian, and French).
The scripture by which Mario finds inspiration for his daily life is Psalms 91:1-2, “Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust Him.”
Advisory Board
Dr. Bron Barkley
Minister of Outreach
The Nathaniel Foundation
Ms. Catherine Benavidez-Anderson
President and CEO
IMO Injury Management Organization
Mrs. Tanya Bramblett
Owner
Bumper Man, Inc
Mr. Jerry Carmody
President
The Carmody Group
Mr. Scot Clevenger
Senior Vice President
McDonald Realty Group
Ms. Dianne Etheredge
President
Etheredge Design Associates
Dr. Ron Harris
Founder / President
Media Alliances International
Dr. O.S. Hawkins
Ret. President / CEO
Guidestone Financial Resources
Mr. Al Hewitt
Residential Mortgage Loan Originator
Premier Nationwide Lending
Mrs. Donna Skell
Executive Director
Roaring Lambs
Mrs. Suellen Roberts
Founder / President
Christian Women in Media
Rev. Jack Shaw
Founder / President
Best Leadership Group, Inc.
Mr. James “Jim” Spalding
Real Estate Agent
Infinity Real Estate
Dr. Victoria Sarvadi
Co-Founder and President
The Nathaniel Foundation
Mr. Steve Pitzner
Counsel Attorney
Kenneth G. Wincorn, P.C.
What We Believe: A Statement of Faith
- We believe in the verbal, plenary inspiration of the Bible, and that it is the ONLY infallible and authoritative Word of God.
- We believe that there is ONLY one God, eternally existent in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
- We believe that Jesus Christ possessed all the attributes of Deity, and was equal with the Father and the Holy Spirit, but in accordance with the will of the Father, voluntarily took on human form, was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, performed miracles in the power of the Holy Spirit, provided a vicarious and atoning death, was bodily resurrected and ascended into heaven to be seated at the right hand of the Father. (Acts 1:3)
- We believe that the ONLY means to be cleansed from sin is through saving faith in the precious blood of Jesus Christ, which was shed for us when He died on the cross. Salvation is available to whosoever receives His grace by trusting in Jesus Christ alone for their salvation.
- We believe that the Holy Spirit woos sinners, drawing them to Christ, and the regeneration of the Holy Spirit is absolutely essential for personal salvation. Through the in-filling power of the Holy Spirit, the Christian is enabled to live a holy life.
- We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ will return to receive His church in the clouds and take them with Him to Heaven. Sometime thereafter He and His bride will return to this earth in power and glory to set up His kingdom. Thereafter everyone will experience a bodily resurrection at the final judgment. Those saved by Christ will enjoy eternal fellowship with God. Those who have died in their sins will experience eternal punishment.
- Because of OCI’s unwavering belief in the Holy Scriptures as God’s inerrant Word:
- OCI believes in the sanctity of marriage, and recognizes and accepts only the Biblical model for marriage that being one man and one woman coming together for life, in the inseparable union described in Gen. 2:24-25 and Ephesians 5:22-33.
- OCI also believes in the sanctity of life, recognizing that the Word of God teaches that human life begins at conception, and that man has no right to terminate such a life, whether the person in question is in the womb of his or her mother, or an old and enfeebled person who can no longer care for themselves. Any such taking of a human life should be considered murder and a violation of God’s law.
