51. Sponsor a Child from Another Country

Several Christian agencies seek to bring the gospel to children in other countries One that helps people sponsor children is Compassion International. This ministry helps more than 950,000 children in more than 24 countries.²¹ Invite your family to sponsor a child from another country.

Recently my parents decided to sponsor a little girl from Brazil. She comes from a poverty-stricken, single-parent home. My parents know they’re making a difference in her life and are helping her attend school and learn about the God who created and loves her.

Have your children draw pictures and send photos and other fun, small gifts to your sponsored child. Many of the children write back, and your children may even gain a pen pal!

There are many other wonderful Christian organizations that assist children in foreign countries, such as Mission of Mercy. However, before deciding to donate to any charity, be sure to investigate them, either through the Better Business Bureau web site at <www.bbb.com> or the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability at <www.ecfa.org>.

Up for Discussion

How can you become a youth spokesperson for impoverished children in your church and Sunday School and among your friends? How does knowing you’re helping a real child who otherwise wouldn’t have the basic necessities help you know you’re making a difference? What can you do to help raise money for the monthly sponsorship? Do you feel this money is well spent? Why are your family’s prayers for the child you sponsor critical?

Read 1 John 3:1. What does it mean to you to know that the child your family sponsors is a child of God? How do you personally know that God loves and cares for you? For the child your family sponsored?

How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!

—1 John 3:1