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 child about your family, church, work, spiritual life, interests, hobbies, pets, etc., consider talking to your child 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.