What is the moment like when a child learns they have a sponsor? Where are they when they receive the good news? Who is there with them? Are they excited? Emotional? Nervous?
If you are curious about these questions, we’re excited to give you some answers!
Many children receive the news at their Compassion Child Development Center. “You have a sponsor!” a staff member tells Diana. Celebration ensues. Diana quickly learns her sponsor’s name and where they are from. She asks questions and begins writing her first letter.
Staff comes to Paul’s house to tell him he has a sponsor. Paul is only 1 year old, so his family hears the news together. They have the opportunity to ask questions like “Where is our child’s sponsor from? What is their family like? Will they come visit us some day?” Even though Paul may be too young to fully understand, his family celebrates because they know his life will change now that he has a sponsor.
It is a joyous moment, especially for children who have patiently waited for a sponsor. Children smile and families cheer. They laugh and ask questions. Some even cry.
Take a look at Keylin’s story to get a glimpse of the moment when a child learns they have a sponsor!
Keylin’s Story
Keylin and her family at their home in Tipitapa, Nicaragua.
Keylin is 9 years old, living in Tipitapa, Nicaragua. She shares a small home with her mom, dad and two sisters.
Life is challenging for Keylin’s family. They often do not have enough money for food and her mom is almost always sick. Keylin cries for her mother. Her mom worries too. She wonders what would happen to her children if she got really ill.
The family desperately needs hope.
Keylin goes to the Compassion center near her home at a local church. She receives meals, attends lessons and learns about Jesus.
But Keylin notices that she is different from many of the other kids at the center. They have something that she doesn’t have; something she desperately wants. They have a sponsor, and Keylin doesn’t.
Children like Keylin, who are waiting for sponsors, are supported by our Unsponsored Child Fund. The Unsponsored Child Fund helps provide support for the development center and the child during that waiting period.
Keylin receives the same care the children with sponsors do. But there are two significant differences: she does not receive letters and she does not have the hope of someone thousands of miles away praying for her and her family.
She sees other children receiving letters from their sponsors. Letters filled with love and encouragement and empowerment. Keylin watches on, hoping for letters of her own and fervently praying that God would provide a sponsor.
Watch this video of Keylin at her development center to see what happens next.
The moment a child learns they have a sponsor changes everything. They now have someone thousands of miles away praying for them. They have someone who will write to them. They have someone who will love them, encourage them and believe in them.
The child you sponsor experienced that very moment. Their joy probably looked a whole lot like Keylin’s joy. And now, they are waiting to hear from you.
If you sponsor a child, write him or her today!
Remind the child you sponsor of how loved they are. Even if he or she is too young to understand your letters, your words can make their entire family feel cared for and encouraged!
Write words of love today! ›››
Note from Editor: While this post was originally published in 2014, it has been updated with a current story and information.
