Letter Writing Tips

Child Sponsorship - Letter Writing Ideas 

We want to encourage a closer relationship between you and your sponsored child. We want to show them we care and think of them, pray for them often and love them even from around the world. There are dark messages that often surround these children, especially those in poverty. One of the loudest messages is "you don't matter." Letters from a sponsor may be the only outside encouragement or communication a child receives apart from the home director and staff. A picture is a constant reminder that they are not alone or forgotten and they will keep all of the pictures and letters in a special place to remind them that someone does care about them and their future.  Never underestimate the positive impact your letters can have on your sponsored child. Here are a few recommendations and guidelines:

NOTE: Keep in mind the situation your sponsored child may be in, and take into consideration their age and grade in school. Their English is limited so they will need help with translating and they may still be learning how to write. This is a great opportunity for them to practice both skills!

Sample Topics: 

•  A brief description of your family; children also love having a picture of their sponsor's family to hang up.

• Share about your relationship with Jesus Christ, and prayer requests. Share a Bible passage and how is it meaningtful to you. Ask them if they have any prayer requests and favorite passages or Bible stories as well.

• Your favorite pasttimes, what you did on vacation, or a general description of where you live (no specific addresses please). Ask about favorite things or highlights in their life. 

• A description of your work, your church or school (work should be of interest to older children).

• Encourage your sponsored child in any successes he or she has achieved; inquire about their goals in life and how they want to accomplish them.

Topics to Avoid: 

•  Describing your material possessions, such as the kind of car you drive, the size of your home, etc. This will only make the difference between you and your sponsored child more obvious.

• Please DO NOT make any promises.
  

• Do not use American slang or idioms that may be difficult to understand or translate.
  

We are so excited for you to have the opportunity to have a closer relationship with your sponsored children through these letters. May God bless you and your sponsored child!

"You, LORD, hear the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry, defending the fatherless and the oppressed, so that mere earthly mortals will never again strike terror." Psalm 10:17-18