Compassion International is a fantastic organization that seeks to release children from poverty in Jesus name through a sponsorship program. In this program, a sponsor not only sends money to an impoverished child every month to help them go to school, afford adequate healthcare, learn about Jesus and salvation, eat well, and so on, but they also get to write to the child and receive letters in return.

There is nothing like being a Compassion sponsor- to know that for roughly a dollar a day you get to change a child’s life, to get to write encouraging notes and receive pictures and learn about a child’s country, is a priceless experience.

I will never forget writing and receiving the first letters with my Compassion children, Thomas and Claudine. They colored pictures, described what they wanted to be when they grow up, mentioned their families, and told me all of their favorite things- favorite games, Bible stories/songs, food, colors, etc. Now, we write each other about once a month. I got to celebrate their birthdays and encourage them through the holidays.

They even told me that they are praying for me and my family! Who knew that in three months’ time, three families across the world would be so beautifully connected?

Another beautiful connection is through the Compassion International app. The app allows me to easily access all of the information I could possibly need about my child- where they live, the weather they’re experiencing, what time is it there, the household chores they do, their school performance, and so much more. I can even write and receive letters through the app- which makes sending pictures so much easier.

There are also lists of individualized prayer requests that can remind you to pray for your child often. If you’re a Compassion sponsor and you don’t have the app, then you need to download the app and give it a try.

Still on the fence about becoming a sponsor and using the app?

Well, if you want to help change even more lives than just you and your child’s, consider becoming a sponsor through an Act for Compassion campaign.

Act of Compassion is a branch of Compassion that gets children sponsored while helping people fund-raise. After becoming a sponsor through a campaign, you can still download the app and keep up with your child. The only difference between sponsoring through a campaign or on your own via Compassion’s main website is that a campaign will help even more people.

Don’t have enough money to become a sponsor right now?

I didn’t think I did either, but the Lord works in mysterious ways. He provides for all of His children, including you and that little face staring back at you from the computer screen wearing a name and a number. Trust Him- if He is calling you to child sponsorship, take the risk. You will have enough money. And I promise this is going to change your life, as well as the child’s.

If you still don’t think you can start sponsoring now, look into one time donations via Compassion (or another trusted organization). You can donate animals for families, blankets and meals for refugees, money to children waiting to be sponsored, and more. No amount of money is too small- mosquito nets can save a child’s life and only cost $7.

Let’s make 2018 a life changing year- through sponsorship, through donations, or even through simple acts of kindness for the people you see every day.