So when you sponsor a child...

Have you ever thought about what it means for the child on the other end?  It's got to be a mix of emotions, including elation at the thought of someone thousands of miles away choosing to sponsor them--and perhaps a bit of uncertainty.  "Why did they pick me, instead of someone else?"  "Do they really care?"  We may not be able to answer the "why me" question, but if we are diligent at writing letters, we can let them know that we actually do care about them.

But take it a step further, and consider what it means for the family.  What does your sponsorship of a child say to the child's parent(s)?  What do you hope that it means?

For me, I hope that sponsoring a child says to the parent that I'm stepping alongside them to help them care for their child.  Not that I'm trying to take their place as a parent, or that I look down on them for being poor and therefore unable to sufficiently care for their family.  But that I care enough to reach out to help, and share the blessings that God has given to me.  They know their child.  It is their responsibility to love and raise their child to the best of their ability.  But I'm coming alongside them to pray for their child, that the child will grow up to be the best they can be.

I love this post on Compassion's blog from a few days ago, about the mother of one of Compassion's Moody Scholars. 

http://blog.compassion.com/ana-morales-a-hero-of-the-faith/