Do you remember doing arts and crafts when you were a little boy or girl? As children we could make art out of anything. From macaroni noodles and yarn we created necklaces and bracelets. From clay and pipe cleaners we made elaborate sculptures. And even from sticks and dirt we sketched masterpieces.
And now remember presenting those works of art to someone you loved. The pride you felt as they exclaimed how beautiful they were.
Children around the world feel that same desire to create beauty for the people they love. That’s why a group of children in Bolivia gathered together all of the arts and crafts supplies they could find to create treasures for their sponsors.
We wanted to showcase some of our favorite art projects for you — as a reminder that although the coronavirus pandemic is delaying letter delivery, the child you sponsor is thinking of you. Please enjoy these nine photos of children’s messages and art for their sponsors!
Abdiel, 10, holds a poster for his sponsor that reads, “Dear sponsor: Never stop trusting God. I am praying for you. Thank you for your help.”
Judit and her sisters created this piece of art that spells out the names of her sponsors, Lonnie and Carol, with bottle caps, flowers and straws.
“My sponsors always told me they pray for me and my family,” says Judit. “I’m very thankful to them; I miss them and value them very much. I’m concerned about how they are. It’s wonderful to know how great their love is for us and that, despite the circumstances or that their situation is worse than in Bolivia, they continue helping us.”
Kevin and his entire family made a sign for Kevin’s sponsor. It says, “Believe in yourself and everything will be possible.” Kevin and his family pray for Kevin’s sponsor each week.
Angel, 7, wrote a message out of pasta noodles for his sponsor. It reads, “I love you very much Vicky, Steve, Laux, Sarah and Joe. God bless you. Sincerely, Angel.”
Lianna and her twin sister created a sign for her sponsor, encouraging her to take care, have good spirits and promising to pray for her.
David made a sign for his sponsor out of leaves and wrote out the words to Philippians 4:19: “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”
Caleb made his sign out of clay that he cut out with his mother’s cookie cutters. It reads, “Dear sponsors, the Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.”
Edgar spelled out his sponsor’s name with flowers and included her photo in his art project, which reads, “Kathy, God protect you.”
Eduardo went through all of his letters from his sponsor, Kirk, and wrote down the phrases that he said make him happy. They include: “You’re special and unique,” “We pray for you,” and “Precious Eduardo, you’re special, smart and cute.”
There are moments when keeping faith is a struggle and situations can bring one down, but knowing there is someone in another country smiling in thanks is a beautiful encouragement to keep going.
Thank you for encouraging a child in poverty! We hope these children have, in turn, encouraged you!
Reporting by Galia Oropeza.
