In the spring of 2005 I took my 2.5 yr old “Junior” to see his faves- VeggieTales- in a live stage show. As we were leaving, we passed a World Vision table and I just had to stop. Growing up my family had always supported a child/children through a similar program. I remember writing letters to our child and reading their response. The pictures always hung on the window above the kitchen sink (and still do!)- so as not to forget to pray for them daily. Since I was now starting my own family, I knew this was a tradition I wanted to carry on as well. So I picked out a little boy from Guatemala and began our journey with World Vision.
As our little guy grew- so did our sponsored child. We always looked forward to seeing his new picture arrive each year. One year, I vividly remember thinking- wow look how mature he looks (just like most mama’s who can’t believe how quickly their babies grow up). I believe it was the next year that we were informed our child, or should I say, young man, had “graduated” out of sponsorship. In the same letter, we were encouraged to sponsor another child. We immediately went online to find another kiddo.
Now our family had also grown, boy/girl twins added to the crew. So I thought it would be good to find a child who was close to the twins age. As we scanned the 4 yr old faces we found him… How could we pass up a boy with the name BEST! It brought a smile to my face to think about the Joy God must have felt when his earthly parents named him “best”. If that wasn’t reason enough that God was directing us to connect with this little boy across the world in Tanzania- I saw his birth date… The VERY SAME day as our twins! Praise God to think about these 3 kiddos all being born on the very same day!
This God directed pairing has really helped our family connect even more with Best, especially for the kids. When they are thinking about how to pray for him, or what to write to him in a note- it makes him seem more “real”. He is learning the same things we are and playing like us too. It brings the other side of the world a little closer to our own lives.
And while is has been helpful to think about him playing “football” just like my kids are- we still have to confront our vast differences too. Why do his shoes look like that? Why does he need sponsorship and what is it providing him? Not only has sponsoring Best given our kiddos a glimpse of how we are to “love one another” in general, but also how to use our resources to help those in need. It makes the money in their “give” commission jars more meaningful as well.
But I will admit, writing this post has convicted me. Sure we give our monthly support and say a prayer (here and there). But we could be doing more! So this year I “resolve” to do a better job of really connecting with Best- sending him more notes from the kids and small packages. And most importantly- praying for him daily. Do you sponsor a child? I would love to hear your story! How do you connect with and remember your little one?
1 John 3:17-18 If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.
What are you waiting for? Start your World Vision journey- bless and be blessed by the relationship you will build. Bring the Children of the World into your home today!
BENEFITS OF CHILD SPONSORSHIP
For about $1 a day, you’ll provide children in need with access to life-saving basics like:
- Clean water
- Nutritious food
- Life-saving Healthcare
- Quality Education
- Economic Opportunities
- Spiritual Nurturing
- Christian Impact
- And more!
BECOME A CHILD SPONSOR
Change a life with only $35/mo.
- Choose a girl or boy to sponsor. Within 10 days World Vision will send you a photo and information in your Welcome Kit, along with ways to connect with your new sponsored child.
- In 6 to 12 weeks be looking in the mail for your first letter from your sponsored child.
- Sponsorship fosters sustainability. World Vision plans and works alongside community members to help build healthy communities for children.
SPONSOR A CHILD
Sponsor a child today and receive a $20 Family Christian gift certificate!
I am on a mission to help you save. Join me on this frugal living mission and together we will learn how to save more, so we can do more living and give more too!
My children sponsor a child through the teen group in our church. This is a wonderful post about World Vision.
Thanks Rebecca!
That is so awesome! I remember the first time I ever heard about World Vision. I was at my very first christian concert (Casting Crowns) and I was in tears! I love that your family has stepped up to help this sweet little boy! 🙂
I think it is really great that World Vision has tables at concerts and events. Perfect way to get the word out about helping this kiddos acrossed the world.
We have been sponsoring children for many years. It is such an inspiring way to give! Good for you in sharing this with your kids!
Thanks for stopping by Vicki and your kind words.
Way to go! It is wonderful to start teaching these values to your children. They will always remember this.
Thanks so much for “stopping by”! I do hope it will help to create a legacy of giving (like my parents did for me).
When I was in college, my friends and I sponsored a child through a similar organization. We looked forward to reading his letters and knowing that our pennies were making a difference to someone.
That’s so great you did it together- especially knowing money can be tight for college students. What a blessing (on the child’s life and your own!)
My daughter sponsors a child. It was one of the first things she did when she got her first job. He lives in Brazil and they share the same birthday. She writes to him regularly and his letters hang on our refrigerator.
How wonderful Tonya! So sweet that she chose to give this way. And isn’t even more precious that they share a birthday!