Maybe you’ve always been intrigued by the idea of child sponsorship, but something’s been holding you back.
A feeling of doubt … uncertainty … unanswered questions.
Maybe you have friends who love being child sponsors, and they’ve encouraged you to give it a try … but you still find yourself on the fence.
If that sounds like you, keep reading.
We’ve compiled some of the top reasons why people hesitate to sponsor a child — and why those reasons shouldn’t stop you from making a decision that will change a life forever.
I’ve always wanted to sponsor a child, but …
… I don’t know where my money is going
Our sponsorship programs are uniquely designed to meet the needs of individual communities struggling with poverty.
This means that depending on where your sponsored child lives, he or she may participate in a family-help program or community program, live in a children’s home, or attend a special school.
You’ll receive a detailed overview of your child’s specific program when you become a sponsor.
In general, sponsorship will provide your child with essentials such as:
• Nutritious food, clean water, basic medical care, and shelter
• Educational opportunities
• Emotional encouragement and spiritual guidance
Most importantly, every child learns about Jesus Christ as a direct result of being sponsored.
… It seems expensive
The monthly cost of $35 might seem like a lot at first, but when you break it down, that’s really only a little more than $1 a day! Most of us spend at least that much daily on coffee or a snack.
The cost of sponsorship per week is just $8.75 — about the cost of eating one lunch out. It’s probably easier than you think to identify an expense in your life that you could use for sponsorship instead.
And when you think about it, $35 a month is a small investment compared to the enormous impact you’ll make on a child’s life.
… I don’t have time to write letters
In our busy, digital age, sitting down to write a letter can feel like a chore.
Here’s the good news: You don’t need to write lengthy letters for your sponsored child to know you care.
In fact, keeping your letters short makes the translation process easier and means your letter gets to your child faster.
Still not sure you have time to hand-write a letter and visit the post office? You can submit a letter online for a faster, more streamlined experience.
As important as writing letters is for your child, keep in mind that it’s just one component of sponsorship — don’t let it hold you back from becoming a sponsor.
… I wonder if I’ll ever see the impact I’m making
As a sponsor, you will receive an annual update on your sponsored child. This update will include a recent photo and letter from your sponsored child.
Our local program coordinators also send occasional updates about what’s happening in your sponsored child’s specific program. This gives you an opportunity to see the bigger picture of what your child experiences on a daily basis and how your gift is changing his or her life.
You may even have the opportunity to see your impact firsthand — by meeting your sponsored child in person! Learn more about our upcoming trips or contact us to discuss future opportunities to travel to your sponsored child’s country.
… I’m not sure it really makes a difference
Mother Teresa said, “If I look at the mass, I will never act. If I look at the one, I will.”
Sometimes the biggest barrier we face in choosing to act is a feeling of helplessness. We look at all the problems in the world and all the people who need help and hope — and we feel powerless. So we do nothing.
But the truth is, we all have the opportunity to make the world a better place. And it happens one person at a time.
The child you choose to invest in today may someday reach the world for Christ. Maybe he will become a doctor and will heal his community. Maybe she will become a politician and will spark enormous change in her home country.
Don’t discount the impact your investment in one child can make.
You can change the world today — it starts with one child.