How to Write a Letter to Your Sponsored Child

One of the greatest joys a child receives is a letter from his or her sponsor. Sponsored children usually save all of the letters they receive and read them over and over again, they are such a source of encouragement and love for them.

Writing to your sponsored child is so important, but it might sometimes be a little difficult to think of things to write–especially at first, when you’re just getting to know them. The following are some letter-writing tips that might help. You can also use this GREAT acronym to guide you.

G — Greeting

R — Remember something your sponsored child has said in his/her last letter and build on it.

E — Explain something about yourself or your world.

A — Ask your sponsored child questions about his/her life.

T — Ta Ta! Say your goodbyes. This is a great place to share a Bible verse and a word of encouragement.

Sample questions for your child:

  • How did you get your name? What does it mean?
  • What is your favorite part of school? What are you learning right now?
  • What happens during a typical day for you, i.e. school, work, play? What do you like to do in your free time?
  • What’s your favorite holiday and why? What’s your favorite holiday food/special food?
  • What’s one of your favorite Bible stories or passages? Why? How has God recently answered your prayers?
  • What do you like about your church? Do you use your talents and skills to serve in your church?
  • What’s your favorite thing about your family? What are your closest family members like?
  • Who is your best friend and how did you become friends? Does your best friend attend the  sponsorship program with you?
  • How would you describe one of your favorite meals? Do you like to cook?
  • What’s something significant occurring in your town or country right now?
  • What goals have you set for yourself?
  • What has recently made you happy?
  • What is your biggest challenge right now? How can I pray for you?

Sample Letter-Writing Prompts for You

In addition to telling your new friend about your family, church, work, spiritual life, interests, hobbies, pets, etc., consider talking about the following things:

  • What is your prayer for your sponsored child?
  • How do you remember the child throughout the week or month?
  • Why does this child matter to you?
  • What have you recently learned about the child’s country?
  • What do you hope the child will learn about God or spiritual life? (This could be a truth or skill.)
  • What do you appreciate about this child? (Comment on a recent letter, the child’s prayers for you, artwork in a letter, smile in the photo, or something else.)
  • What do you want your sponsored child to remember when facing discouragement?
  • What concern of yours would you like your sponsored child to pray about?
  • What do you think about the child’s latest letter or picture you received?
  • How has being a Child Sponsor changed you?
  • Have you ever eaten a dish from your child’s country? What did you think?

Send Something Special with Your Letters

  • Include small items that can fit in a first-class mailing envelope such as photos, poetry, stickers, etc.
  • Share photos of anything you have told your child about; you family, friends, work, the area you live in, etc.
  • Include some artwork.

Note: Please be conscientious and sensitive about sharing information, stories, or pictures that would show or describe the stark economic contrast between your living situation and your child’s.

Sending your letter

Through your My Account, easily send letters, photos, video messages, or gifts. You can also use email or traditional mail. Every note lets your child know they are known and loved.

If you are having trouble connecting to your My Account, please contact our Child Sponsorship Administrator, TyAnn Hunt, at tyannhunt@forwardedge.org or (360) 558-5897.

finances

Financially Free

Conventional wisdom on wealth has been expressed throughout the ages. Ancient Greek philosopher Democritus wrote, “Happiness resides not in possessions, and not in gold, but rather dwells in the soul. By desiring little, a poor man makes himself rich.” Founding Father, Benjamin Franklin stated, “He does not possess wealth that

Go to Blog »
community

Banana Bread Recipe from Ghana

Most everyone has made banana bread at one time or another. In fact, you may already have your favorite banana bread recipe. Maybe you like it more moist, maybe you like it with walnuts… but chances are you haven’t tried a banana bread recipe from Ghana! Bananas are an important

Go to Blog »
living on mission

The Privilege of Sharing

Living from overflow is not a theological prosperity concept like “name it and claim it” or “blab it and grab it”; it’s a perspective shift in regard to wealth. The attitude behind this mindset is, “since I am overflowing with what I need, who can I bless today?” In 2

Go to Blog »
mission trips

Teens in Short-Term Missions

One of the most impactful things I learned as a teenager was that God will do extraordinary things through you whether you are 5 or 45, 15 or 52; He has no age restrictions and certainly does not follow the boundaries that we build up ourselves. Even now, at 21,

Go to Blog »
Transform a Child's Life Through Sponsorship

Miredita (hello), my name is Oltin

  • location

    Kosova

  • 9 yrs. old

    08-25-2016

Entered the program: March 2025

Oltin and his twin brother, Olti, live with their parents and little brother in a small borrowed third floor apartment in a newer, safe neighborhood. The only drawback is that they live close to a bus station and there is a lot of traffic. The owner of the apartment lives abroad and is allowing the family to stay there.

Oltin's parents are both employed. His mother is a hairdresser and his father works as a driver but they still do not make enough to provide for all of the family's needs. Oltin's grandparents recently passed away which has made things more difficult as they were helping the family financially and also helping to watch the boys while their parents were working.


Sponsorship Level What's this?

Three $38 sponsorships are needed to cover the complete holistic care of one child. Cover one, two, or three sponsorships.