How can I best support my sponsored child in a pandemic?

“Why is the sky blue?” “What makes the seasons change?” “Why do I have to wash my hands?”

Even during the best of times, kids are full of questions. So, as you can imagine, your sponsored child probably has a lot on his or her mind right now. In fact, you’ve probably got a lot of questions yourself. Will you be able to take that much-needed vacation you planned for this summer? What will school look like when your kids or grandkids return in the fall?

It’s an uncertain and scary time, especially for children living in poverty. In addition to worrying about catching the virus, many kids are concerned about parents who have lost their jobs and lockdown restrictions that means they can’t see their friends.

So how can you help?

Here are a few ways you can best support your sponsored child during this pandemic:

1. Pray for your sponsored child every day

Although this may seem like such a simple thing, it’s one of the most effective. There’s power in prayer.

The Bible says in 1 John 5:14, “Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us” (NKJV). That’s a wonderful promise! Every time you pray for your sponsored child, the Lord hears you. He sees the need, and He hears the requests.

Pray for your sponsored child’s continued health. Pray for protection from the virus. Pray for his or her family. Pray for safety.

Finally, pray that God gives your child the peace that passes all understanding. Pray that every time fear begins to bubble up, your child is reminded that he or she is not alone.

2. Write a message to your sponsored child

Children love hearing from their sponsors. It reminds them how much you care, and many kids save their cards and letters for years because they mean so much to them.

Take some time today to write a letter to your child. It doesn’t need to be anything long or fancy. He or she will love hearing from you no matter what you say!

Of course, during this time of crisis you’ll want to be extra sensitive and cautious when writing your letter. Avoid asking potentially painful questions like how the pandemic has affected your child’s family financially. Instead, stick to more general questions like “How has your family been doing lately?” or “How can I pray for you?”

As you write your letter, consider adding a Bible verse to remind your sponsored child of God’s faithfulness … even during the coronavirus. After all, what brings more comfort than God’s Word? Click here for some suggestions about specific Bible verse to share.

Once you’ve finished your letter, address your envelope to:

[Sponsored Child’s name and ID #]
c/o World Help Child Sponsorship Program
P.O. Box 501
Forest, VA 24551

Please note that letters to and from your sponsored child will likely be delayed because of changes due to COVID-19. However, you can still mail your message (or email it here), and we will make sure it is delivered as quickly as possible. It will make your sponsored child’s day when it arrives!

3. Continue sending your monthly support

Your support has always been vital for your sponsored child. Each time you give, you help to provide essentials like healthy food, clean water, educational opportunities, and medical care.

The need for these necessities is even greater now that our sponsorship programs around the world and impoverished families like your sponsored child’s are trying to navigate the extra challenges of the coronavirus.

Thank you for faithfully supporting your sponsored child every month … especially during this global pandemic. Your gifts are more important now than ever before, and your child is so blessed to have you as a sponsor. Unfortunately, many kids who were waiting for a sponsor before the pandemic may now have to wait much longer than they thought.

The Children of the World choir — our main avenue for recruiting new sponsors — had to end their tour early this year because of the pandemic. Since the choir stopped traveling and sharing about sponsorship, the number of new sponsors each month is down over 94 percent! And it will likely continue to drop over the next three months.

If you would like to help cover three months of necessities for a child waiting for a sponsor, please click here.

We are so glad you have chosen to sponsor your child and stand with him or her through the hard times. Your prayers, letters, and monthly support are a lifeline during this crisis.

You may not be able to answer every question and completely calm every fear that your sponsored child has … but there’s no greater encouragement or comfort than your continued love.

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