Comments on: Sponsorship: It’s a Family Affair

By: Hannah

Hannah — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 02:18:28 +0000

Great story!
When I started sponsoring, I didn’t know much. I assumed the siblings were in the program. Then I read in a blog post about the limits to how many per family are permitted, which does seem best.
I’ve tried to ask about siblings/etc; but don’t get much info. Also, with my 1st child, the profile said he had 6 kids in his family. When I received his packet, it was changed to 4. I’d rather not ask why at this time. When I received the first (form) letter, there were 2 names in the sibling section. There were also 2 names in the parent/guardian section, though online it says he’s living with his mom and his father died. Again, I don’t want to ask now.
My second child’s profile said she has 2 children in the family. I just received my first letter from her. It was written by her mother which COMPLETELY surprised me. Her mother said there were 5 children and told me about a little brother and a grand-sister (Not sure what that is. Anybody?). That only comes out to 3 children. No idea who the other 2 are.
I mention the families in my correspondence. I pray for the families and let the children know that I am. My first child asked me to pray for his mother and that she was sick. I ask how she is and I remind him I’m praying for her. When I got the letter written from the (on Friday! Yay!) I wrote back and included a brief note to the mother on another sheet of paper, thanking her for her kind words and assuring her that I was praying for the entire family. I hope that’s okay???? If not, someone will tell me, I’m sure.

By: Catherine Hilger

Catherine Hilger — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 18:39:18 +0000

@Rebecca - Dear Rebecca, Before sending a family/child gift, I pray. I ask God to direct me in my giving. Then I consider what is going on in our world (i.e., Global Food Crisis, natural disasters, etc.), then I consider how large my child's family is, does my child come from a single family home? All of this comes into play when sending a gift. I have Compassion automatically deduct the standard amount ($25) for birthdays and Christmas and then let the Holy Spirit guide my giving throughout the year. Since Evelyne is in Africa, my family as sent an extra $25 several times since the food crisis. My child in Rwanda is being raised by a single mom, so one time I sent $25 with a note that specifically said it was for her to spend as she felt needed for her family. Stay within Compassion's guideline for giving, but give. You're giving makes more difference than you could ever imagine. One time, my measly $25 gave the family of our sponsored child in Brazil the opportunity to purchase close for him and his three brothers! I hope this helps! Cat

By: Compassiondave

Compassiondave — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 11:45:36 +0000

Loved that Catherine–thanx!

By: Amy Brooke

Amy Brooke — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 03:45:56 +0000

Great perspective. I recently received my first family photo after sponsoring for a couple of years. It was such a treat. Kay (as I call her)has been a delight. I would sometimes ask her about siblings and such and I never got much of a response. But this picture showed me that she is one of four — the eldest. She wrote about how her whole family loves me prays for me. It was very touching. I’ve posted the two pictures I sent at http://amylbrooke.blogspot.com/2009/03/supporting-future-farmer-in-rwanda.html if you want to see!

By: Rebecca

Rebecca — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 00:42:47 +0000

For me, its definitely been a family affair! I’ve received 2 letters from my little boy in Haiti and the first letter was written by his mum and the second by his brother! So, I’m assuming they will read my letters too!! =D

It is indeed exciting that through the sponsorship of 1 child, we can bless a whole family! =D And although I’ve only been sponsoring for 2 months, they’ve been such a huge blessing to me! Does anyone have any suggestions on when is a good time to send family gifts? (e.g. any particular time of the year etc.)

By: Amber Van Schooneveld

Amber Van Schooneveld — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 22:48:27 +0000

Hi Mike, I’m afraid I’ve never been to Philippines. Sorry!

By: Mike Stephens

Mike Stephens — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 22:00:53 +0000

Amber I have read part of your book “Hope Lives” but today I think I am going to sit down and read it cover to cover so I don’t miss anything!!! Thanks for writing it. I went to Nicaragua last and year and greatly enjoyed it, and am all set to go to the Philippines June 6-18 this year!!! Which I still cannot believe!!! What advice do you have for me to make the most of my trip? I promised Angelo one of the 3 boys I sponsor there that I will dunk a basketball for him with 2 hands so that has kept me busy. (I can touch the rim with two hands now, but I need to add a good 7 inches to dunk with 2 hands) I wasn’t sure how many times you had been to the Philippines so I thought a little pre-trip advice couldn’t hurt. Feel free to email me if you like Thanks!!!

(michaelstephens56@yahoo.com)

By: Michael

Michael — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 19:46:18 +0000

When I went to the home of one of our sponsored children, I was pleased by the reaction of the other children in the family. There was no sense of jealousy that their sister was sponsored, and not them. It was a wonderful day, and I was made to feel like one of the family.

By: Amber Van Schooneveld

Amber Van Schooneveld — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 18:31:37 +0000

When I got to visit my sponsored child in India, his two teenage sisters were so obviously eager to meet me. It really touched me and hit me how my encouragement could impact a whole family and their outlook.

By: Juli Jarvis

Juli Jarvis — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 18:04:41 +0000

Wonderful post! I know sponsorship affects the whole family — I’ve seen it many times. We visited a family that had several children in the Dominican Republic. My friend sponsored the oldest boy, Oscar. There was a baby in the crib that didn’t look very well; we feared he would not live much longer. However, the first letter from Oscar spoke about all his family, and he said, “…even the baby is doing better!” That was such a thrill for us!