They Get You: The Simple and Powerful Magic Behind Child Sponsorship Programs

Compassion International is my favorite charitable organization, because they connect children with sponsors in a long-term, one-to-one relationship.

Last month, I was volunteering with them at a worship concert in NYC, to help connect concert attendees with children waiting for sponsors. One man came to our sign-up table and asked me, "So.... if I give you this money, what do they get?"

And I started rattling off a list. "They get medical care, and health check ups, and access to education, and vocational training, and SUPPORT in their education and growth from a mentor! You make sure that they always have clean water, and nourishing food, and a safe place to play and be kids. You make sure they are looked after, so that no one abuses or exploits them. They get to hear the Gospel, and see in an extremely tangible way how God remembers them and loves them...... And what else...... Oh!! And they get YOU!"

I had almost forgotten the most important thing. But the fact that the child gets to know the name, and read letters written by their sponsor's own hand is unbelievably powerful in their lives. For a kid in poverty to hear that a total stranger from a completely different part of the world chose them, and believes in them, and has mad affection and love for them? It changes everything. And they find energy and grit to stick with school and press towards their goals, even when everything around them says to quit, and start earning money however they can. Because they believe there is more for them.

And there is. And it works! This org has been in action for almost 70 years. And they have generations of sponsored kids who now have broken out of the cycle of poverty, and are pillars in their communities, and sponsors themselves. 

Today, 8/21, Compassion's goal is to get 200 kids matched with sponsors, so that they will be set up to start this upcoming school year strong. If you've ever toyed with the idea of getting involved with a child sponsorship program, this one has my highest commendation. 

I've been sponsoring through them for 7 years now, and I could tell you a thousand beautiful things about how I've seen "my" kids grow up and bloom-- One of my older girls has already started attending University, a wildest dream come true. Another graduated high school this June- a feat in itself-- and just last month was offered, and accepted a career job. Unheard of in her village! It's astounding and awesome for me to be a part of their journeys. As for my younger ones, the rest is still unwritten. But they are off to a strong start, and they are going places. (Can you tell I'm a proud sponsor? My kids can too!) And that's the power. They get YOU. 

If you have any questions, as you consider if it’s something you'd want to be a part of, I'm here for you! Ask away, and then dive in to a relationship that will change their lives and yours too. Here’s to your next love story in the making.

https://www.compassion.com/child-sponsorship/back-to-school.htm