I just love Pinterest! I have found so many creative ideas like date night ideas for my husband and me, new recipes to try and an abundance of craft projects.

Speaking of crafts, one of my favorite boards to add “pins” to is my Compassion board.

On this board I have been able to pin many paper craft ideas to make for our sponsored kids.

Pinterest is a wonderful place for us to connect as sponsors and share letter writing ideas. Building on the online letter writing event that Compassion has on the second Friday of every month, we’ve created a new Pinterest board for letter writing and you are welcome to join us as a contributor.

Each month we will select a theme and give you some suggested questions to ask your sponsored child based on the theme. Plus, we’ll offer a link or two for a paper craft that would go well with the theme.

This is a community Pinterest board and we would love for you to pin ideas that go along with each theme. It could be another craft project, a Bible verse or an encouraging quote that would be great to share with your sponsored child.

Since Mother’s Day is just around the corner, that is our theme for the month of May.

How about asking your sponsored child some of these questions:

• What is something your mom always says to you?
• What is your mom’s favorite thing to do?
• What do you and your mom do together?
• What is your mom’s favorite Bible verse?
• What makes you proud of your mom?

Now how about a couple of crafts to go along with these questions?

Send your sponsored child this paper crown to color and give to his or her mom so she can be queen for the day.

What mom wouldn’t love hearing all these things from her child?

Ready to join our new Pinterest Second Friday Letter Writing Club?

In the comments below, please give us the link to your Pinterest profile so we can invite you to start pinning with us on this new board.

We hope you will join us to inspire each other to write to our sponsored children each second Friday of the month!

My Account l Sponsor a Child l Help Babies and Moms l Crisis Updates

I met Esther and Marcos at the Compassion office in Lima, Peru. They help process letters between sponsors and sponsored children. They were both sponsored children themselves.

I met Angie in Ica, Peru. She has just recently been sponsored.

The three of them taught me about the power of a letter.

The Power of a Letter

Esther grew up poor in the country of Peru
She wanted to dream but didn’t know how to
Her stomach often empty, holes in her shoes
Poverty doesn’t ask, it’s not something you choose

Marcos had a mother, she did the best she could do
Life was hard, his belly hungry, in the sands of Peru
He longed for a father, he longed for a dad
He grew into adolescence, he grew into sad

Angie’s sister was sick, her four siblings prayed
Their faces full of tears, while at church they played
Momma held her tight, through the Peruvian night
But her sister grew weak, and gave up the fight

Esther found hope, she found God’s love redeems
She found a church that cared, they told her to dream
They gave her food that filled, and shoes that were whole
She discovered new skills, new purpose, a new soul

Marcos learned to read, to write and to finally understand
That he had another Father, who loved him and had a plan
The church taught him, fed him, quickly growing tall
But he still struggled and wondered the meaning of it all

Angie hugs her momma, she squeezes out the grief
She tells her sis is in heaven, it’s the core of her belief
Her dry mouth is thirsty, water comes once a week
She’s thankful for the church, it delivers her relief

Esther has a new friend, a sponsor from another land
They say they really love her, yet letters they never send
Everyone else seems to get one, a new one every day
She sits, watches and wonders, will one ever come my way

Marcos brain is spinning, he’s wondering if life’s worth living
He doesn’t know where to go, is another day worth giving
But his new friends who sponsor, who write him quite often
Remind him of some wisdom, and his heart begins to soften

Angie’s roof is leaking, it’s made of straw and hay
But her smile is a sign that she’ll make it one more day
Her house is very fragile, but she is standing strong
Around the world a sponsor is telling her she’s not wrong

Esther grew into a woman, with great faith and passion
She grew as a leader, it’s what was taught by Compassion
She struggled not knowing her sponsor’s opinions
Made a vow it wouldn’t happen to other children

Marcos read the letters, memorizing his sponsor’s scriptures
It brought healing to his mind, and to life a clearer picture
He now makes sure that others can receive the same gift
By processing words that give children a positive lift

Angie is still young, she will have a sponsor for years
But she is still yet to get that first letter, so she fears
Will she be like Esther, waiting day after day after day
Or will it be like Marcos, receiving words that will light her way

The good news is Jesus lives in Esther, Marcos and Angie’s heart
Their sponsors gave willingly and it played a huge part
But don’t underestimate the power that a simple letter can make
God’s wisdom does not return void, it’s a gift you can’t forsake

So if you sponsor a beautiful child made by God’s own hands
Write a letter today and tell them about God’s amazing plans
Write them a scripture, one they will surely memorize
Maybe it’s Jeremiah 29:11, God’s promise they will thrive

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Ken Burkey is the Senior Pastor at Green Valley Community Church in Northern California. His family sponsors 6 children, 3 from Burkina Faso, 1 from Haiti, 1 from Mexico and 1 from Peru.
The families of Green Valley Community Church sponsor over 1000 children.

My Account l Sponsor a Child l Help Babies and Moms l Crisis Updates

I recently saw a photo essay that Feature Shoot characterized as Photos of Children From Around the World With Their Most Prized Possessions.

With that title I expected to see evocative photos capturing the strong personal connection between the child and whatever was most dear to him or her. However, what I got was interesting photos of children from around the world with their toys.

I’m not in a position to say that the most prized possession each of these children have isn’t a toy; however, the phrase “most prized possession” and its connection to children reminded me of a story about the immense value our sponsored children place on the letters we write and the relationships they represent.

I even know a little girl in Honduras whose house was flooded, and our project director went in and rescued her from the rising water.

It was up as high as her chest. And he picked her up and carried her out of her house and the whole time, she was reaching back toward the house, crying. And he thought: ‘She must have a puppy in there or she must have a doll or something that she doesn’t want to leave.’

When he put her down on dry ground, she turned around and ran back into that flooding house. She felt around in her little corner of the house until she found her little baggie with her sponsor’s letters in it, and only then, with that in her hand, was she willing to be rescued. She was not going to leave that behind.

That’s how precious it was to her. These sponsors are so much more important in that child’s life than they can possibly imagine.

~Wess Stafford, as recounted by Kees Boer

So, with that background, here’s a different look at what some children around the world consider their most prized possessions.

Burkina Faso

Nicaragua

Kenya

Bangladesh

Ghana

Peru

My Account l Sponsor a Child l Help Babies and Moms l Crisis Updates

Letters are the heart and soul of this ministry. For many of us, the letters we exchange are the closest we’ll ever come to our sponsored children. And even though we may understand the impact of our letters, it is still difficult to actually make the time to write a letter. That’s just reality.

Well, let me provide you with some motivation. You may remember this post.

Once again this year I worked with a team of editors on letters to sponsors, this time written by church pastors. Together, we read more than 5,400 letters, one from each Compassion child development center around the world.

Within these letters were a thousand things to move us to write to our sponsored children more regularly. So my editors compiled a new list of the top 10 reasons to write your child.

If reading this list doesn’t motivate you to write a letter, I’m not sure what will. And be prepared … number 1 is a doozy.

Top 10 Reasons to Write Your Sponsored Child

• TEN
  Those letters are treasured by our children and their families. They are kept where they cannot be rained on — even if other household things can be rained on. (from Kenya)
• NINE
  Some of the children who have graduated from their child development centers are now worship ministers, teachers and professionals. They cherish all the letters and memories, mentioning that the letters from sponsors helped them overcome obstacles during the formation of their lives. (from El Salvador)
• EIGHT
  Whenever children are surprised by the arrival of letters from their sponsors, we can see their faces shine with happiness and we see that this reflects the joy in their hearts. Nothing compares to their joy, and it is something that comes from inside. (from Brazil)



• SEVEN
  The letters are like gifts for children. When they receive them, it makes them feel that they are worth it, that they are taken into account, that someone loves, remembers and cares for them and asks God for their lives. If you have not written to your child, you do not know how he or she will be blessed. (from Ecuador)
• SIX
  For many children who do not have a dad or a mom at home, who have not received love and affection, their sponsors are their most important friends. There are many children who share needs or secrets only with their sponsors. (from Nicaragua)
• FIVE
  Each year we receive about 80-90 letters and the children are excited to answer them. Some tried to write in English, even though they don’t know English, by using the Google translator. But the translation wasn’t understandable so we asked the children to rewrite their letters in Thai and then the letters were translated. (from Thailand)



• FOUR
  The letters from sponsors are important because the children are enthusiastic and joyful to receive them. They feel somebody cares about them because those are not simple letters — these lines transform the heart of a child. (from El Salvador)
• THREE
  It is wonderful to see the children’s smiles when they receive letters from their sponsors, as they feel the love and care from people who, without knowing them, express how important and valuable the children are. Most of the children do not receive such affection in their homes from their parents or caregivers. It is amazing to know that there are people like you who take time to write and express your love and care for the children. (from El Salvador)
• TWO
  I want to share with you that when a child receives a letter it is like a little message of love that moves him or her to do extraordinary things and to dream. We want the children to become dreamers. Help us in the love of Christ. (from Nicaragua)



• ONE
  Every Saturday we pray for the sponsors. The other day I took a giant world map and a 9-year-old girl stood up, pointed to the country where her sponsor lives, and said:

  “How is it that someone who lives so far away can love me? Maybe it is like God, that even when we are far away and don’t know Him, He still loves us.”

  I cried. I cried a lot. (from Ecuador)

My Account l Sponsor a Child l Help Babies and Moms l Crisis Updates

When you need an idea to get your next letter started, you might turn to one of these questions. I hope you find them, and the questions I’ve shared in previous posts, helpful. Which questions have you used when writing to your sponsored child?

Food

1. How would you describe one of your favorite meals?
2. How do you prepare one of your favorite meals?
3. Who taught you to cook or who cooks for you now?
4. What role does food play in holidays or celebrations?
5. What’s your favorite holiday food/special food?
6. Does your family have any food-related traditions?
7. How does your typical family/group meal proceed?
8. Who is the best cook you know?
9. Where did your family’s favorite dishes originate? How did they become favorites?
10. Have you ever eaten a dish from your child’s country? What did you think?

Your Local Church

1. How would you describe your pastor?
2. What do you like about your local church?
3. What role do you play in your local church?
4. How do you use your gifts, skills, and passions in your church?
5. Who is your best friend at church and how did you become friends?
6. Why is your local church important to you?
7. How is your church active in the community and world?
8. How does being a part of the church challenge you?
9. How do you know God wants you to be part of this church?
10. How did God lead you into ministry within your local church?

My Account l Sponsor a Child l Help Babies and Moms l Crisis Updates

Here are 10 great reasons to write your sponsored child. Don’t miss your chance to make a difference in his or her life!

1. You were hand-placed for a purpose.
   God paired you with your child for a reason. Ever think about that? Out of all the kids in the world, He picked your child. Out of all the sponsors, He sent you. You have unique words of encouragement, insights, and experiences that your child needs to hear.
2. You can change your child’s story.
   It might seem like just words on a page. But something in your letter will change your child’s thinking, draw him closer to God, encourage her to dream. Don’t know what that is? Trust God to work that out. All you have to do is start writing.
3. It takes less than five minutes.
   It doesn’t take long to send a quick note to your child — especially with our new online letter-writing tool. Pick a fun template, write a few words, upload some photos, and you’re done. It’s a five-minute investment your child will never forget.
4. It might be the most important thing you do all day.
   Between deadlines and to-do lists, it’s easy to lose sight of why we come to work every day. Writing to your child is a great way to refocus, reprioritize and remember why we do what we do. Most of all, you’re speaking life and hope to a child who desperately needs that reminder.
5. You can break the lie of poverty.
   Poverty is a lie that says, “You don’t matter.” You help shatter that lie with every letter you send to your sponsored child.
6. You can bring stories to life.
   Don’t know what to say? Share photos — your kids, your pets, your last hike. Don’t let the fact that your activities and experiences might seem foreign to your child, or that your home or clothes are nicer, keep you from sending photos. Your pictures help your child dream and explore.
7. You can make your child’s day.
   In many of our child development centers, receiving letters is a huge celebration. Imagine how special and honored your child will feel when reminded — in front of all his friends — that someone halfway around the world is thinking of him!
8. You can make God real.
   Your words can help your child understand that God is real. As you remind your child that you are praying for him or her, share favorite Bible verses, and talk about your own faith journey, you’re helping to shape your child’s journey as well.
9. You can send more than words.
   Did you know you can send a special gift with your letter? If it’s lightweight and relatively flat, you can include a special surprise with your note: stickers, coloring pages, etc. Click here for a complete list of guidelines.
10. You can make your child smile.
    There’s a certain type of smile that comes from genuine joy — from feeling truly loved. Each time you write, you’re inspiring a smile. What are you waiting for?

My Account l Sponsor a Child l Help Babies and Moms l Crisis Updates

Over the past few months I’ve shared how, while we often don’t know our sponsored children very well, we want our letters to have a personal feel. I’ve found that explaining about ourselves is a great way to start letters and build relationships.

Try answering these questions about yourself and current events. Expand as much as space permits.

Your Family

1. What are your closest family members like?
2. What happens when your extended family gets together?
3. What do you believe is God’s purpose for your family?
4. What is your biggest challenge as a family?
5. How has God been faithful to your family?
6. What prayers has God answered in your family?
7. Who else in your family knows Jesus? How did they come to know Him?
8. What’s your favorite thing about your family?
9. In what way does your family work together best?
10. What role has your family played in your faith journey?

Current Events

1. What’s something significant occurring in your town or region right now?
2. How are you praying about a significant event in your child’s country or region?
3. What does the Bible say in relation to a current event that concerns you?
4. How do you overcome anxiety when facing worrisome events?
5. What goals have you set for yourself? How much progress have you made?
6. What news has recently made you happy?
7. How has a recent event impacted your faith?
8. How does your life fit into a larger trend or situation in your area?
9. What role has your church played in an area event?
10. Why do you care about what’s happening around you?

My Account l Sponsor a Child l Help Babies and Moms l Crisis Updates

Many of you have asked about the larger pieces of mail that you send your sponsored child. The correspondence team processes this mail and they really go above and beyond to make sure your mail makes it safely to the children.

Suzanne works on our correspondence team and has graciously offered some tips on how to make sure we can process the larger mail pieces you send to us:

• Include your sponsor number and child number (not just the name) on your letter. This lets us send the letters right away instead of setting the package aside for research that can take up to two weeks.
• Be sure to also include your sponsor number and child number on the back of pictures, stickers, etc. in case they fall out of the envelope during processing.
• Use staples instead of tape to attach your pictures. Sometimes the humidity in other countries renders the tape useless.
• You can send musical cards. It’s not only your sponsored child who enjoys musical cards – our correspondence team likes to dance to the music too!

Feeling low on creativity about what larger mail pieces to send to your child?

That’s OK — I feel that way sometimes too. But I’ve found some really cute ideas for things you can send your child. Enjoy!

• Have a calendar made for you.
• Create a photo notepad.
• Create and print your own photo calendar:
  • Instructions for a PC
  • Instructions for a Mac
• Make a pocket mini-book:

• Create a small table-top calendar:

• Cut out and send a paper-star garland:

Lastly, one of our Advocates, Yvonne, suggests tracing your hand and sending the cutout to your sponsored child. Include extra paper so your child can trace his or her hand and send it back to you:

You could even make something like this with the hands:

What paper items have you made to send to your sponsored child? Share your ideas with other sponsors in the comments below!

My Account l Sponsor a Child l Help Babies and Moms l Crisis Updates

Writing frequently to sponsored children is great for everyone. It lets the child know he or she is special, and it tends to keep the child more on your mind and in your prayers.

Sometimes it’s hard to know where to begin a letter to your sponsored child. Here are twenty questions to help you get your letters started.

Your Spiritual Life

1. How has God recently answered your prayer?
2. How have you sensed God’s leading at different points of your life?
3. Who is your spiritual role model?
4. When have you needed to repent?
5. How has God comforted you in trouble?
6. Why do you love God?
7. How did you become involved in your local church?
8. What do you believe are some of God’s purposes for your life?
9. What was your latest sermon or class study about? How has it impacted you?
10. What is a challenge in your relationship with God?

Your Sponsored Child

1. What is your prayer for your sponsored child?
2. How do you remember the child throughout the week or month?
3. Why does this child matter to you?
4. What have you recently learned about the child’s country?
5. What do you hope the child will learn about God or spiritual life? (This could be a truth or skill.)
6. What do you appreciate about this child? (Comment on recent letter, the child’s prayers for you, artwork in a letter, smile in the photo, or something else.)
7. What do you want your sponsored child to remember when facing discouragement?
8. What concern of yours would you like your sponsored child to pray about?
9. What do you think about the child’s latest letter or picture you received?
10. How has being a Compassion sponsor changed you?

My Account l Sponsor a Child l Help Babies and Moms l Crisis Updates

 In the vast majority of American Christian homes, it’s not too difficult to notice our refrigerators — covered in array of family pictures, Christmas cards, and often a photo of a sponsored child in another country.

Without hesitation, most of our friends will gush about their sponsored child and proceed to pull out their most recent letter from the field — a handwritten note accompanied by a crayon sketch of the child’s family, signed by the child’s all-too-elaborate-and-difficult-to-pronounce name.

While I am overjoyed to see my friends’ excitement for their child and hear the stories they have to share, I can’t help but wonder: Do sponsors know the importance of their sponsored child’s name?

This past summer I spent several weeks in a remote village in the northern region of Ghana, West Africa. As I walked streets flooded with African children chasing white faces, I couldn’t help noticing their sincere gaze and hesitant stutter as they attempted to say one of the few English words they knew: “Name?”

I would tell them my name — and they would giggle and hold my hand, saying my name over and over as if it was the greatest thing they’d ever heard.

“Kristin!”

They’d say it again and laugh …

“Kristin!”

I still love to hear and see the passion of others who sponsor a child, and the stories they have to share.

Except now, since returning to the States, I listen to their stories and I follow up with a heartfelt question:

“Does your sponsored child know your name?”

While the significance of a name may not carry as much weight as it previously did in Western culture, one’s name is still the most distinguishing characteristic an individual in a developing country clings to.

It tells their story — their lineage, their present and the legacy they will leave.

Your sponsored child would be thrilled to know that you see his or her face on your fridge every day … but he or she is even more excited to receive a letter from you.

This holiday season, will you take a few moments to sit down with your family and write a letter to your sponsored child?

Share that you see her face daily, that she fills your prayers, and that you are honored to hear from her. Be a part of your child’s Christmas, and share with him the most important thing he longs to hear from you — your name, and your commitment to his.

My Account l Sponsor a Child l Help Babies and Moms l Crisis Updates