Is child sponsorship mentioned in the Bible?

The phrase “child sponsorship” may not appear explicitly in the Bible … but it does say that God calls us to care for orphans and widows. And He commands us to love one another.

If you’ve been feeling the tug on your heart to sponsor a child, here are three Scripture verses for you to consider.

1. James 1:27

“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” (NIV)

This verse is a clear command to help children in need, especially when they are in distress and life seems out of control … like it has this year.

The coronavirus pandemic has affected everyone, but can you imagine the impact it’s had on children already living in poverty? Many of them have no access to proper hygiene, so they’re afraid of catching the virus. And their parents — if they have parents — are out of work, so they can’t afford food.

That’s why investing in a child like Daniela is so important.

Daniela is no stranger to poverty. Her father left the family when she was very young, and her mother can’t find a stable job anywhere in their tiny Guatemalan village, particularly since the pandemic began. With no income and no place to stay, they’re forced to live with Daniela’s aunt.

But Daniela wants more for her future. She wants to have her own home, one without a leaky metal roof and cold cement floors. She doesn’t want to carry a bucket for miles each day just to collect dirty river water for her family to cook with and bathe in.

Daniela can have the future she wants. She just needs to be sponsored.

Through sponsorship, you can help a child like Daniela reach his or her dreams. You will provide essentials like food, clean water, medical care, and educational opportunities to help escape poverty. In short, you’ll be helping an orphan or child in need in distress.

2. Proverbs 22:6

Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. (KJV)

Sponsors do more than just provide for a child’s physical needs. When you sponsor a child, you also train up a child through educational opportunities and spiritual discipleship.

Education is a huge part of child sponsorship. Not only do the children solve math problems and work on their reading skills, but they also hear from God’s Word. Whether it’s through lessons at school or a weekly Bible study, sponsored children are being introduced to God’s love.

And that’s something that has changed Pascal’s life forever.

Pascal was 8 years old when someone first decided to sponsor him. Before, he was living with and even working for a witch doctor because his mother couldn’t afford to send him to school. But sponsorship allowed him to finally receive an education and hear about Jesus Christ.

Sponsorship has taken Pascal further than he ever imagined. He graduated high school, finished college, and is now on his way to becoming a pastor!

All because of education. Training. And the generosity of his sponsor.

3. Psalm 127:3

Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, The fruit of the womb is a reward. (NKJV)

Children living in poverty lack so much, but what they want more than anything is to feel loved. And that’s exactly what sponsorship does!

Just like Psalms 127:3 says, children are a heritage. They’re a gift. They’re special. And every single one deserves love. By sponsoring a child and providing for his or her needs, you demonstrate the love of Jesus. You let that child know that he or she is valuable.

When it comes down to it, sponsorship is more than monthly support. It’s an investment. By sponsoring a child, you provide help for today, but also hope for tomorrow.

Sadly, many children around the world are still without a sponsor. They’re still going to bed hungry each night. And they’re still without an education.

In fact, the number of new child sponsorships is down 94 percent due to the pandemic.

Will you help a child in need today? Even if you’re not ready to commit to sponsoring a child long-term, you can give a gift of $105 to cover three months of basic essentials like food, clean water, medical care, and educational opportunities for a child without a sponsor.

And if you provide your phone number while making your donation, we’ll even text you a photo of the boy or girl you’re helping as a special thank you.

Jesus loves the little children, just like the song says. He welcomed the boys and girls when the disciples would have turned them away.

Today, you can show your love and welcome a child into your life by giving.

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