By: Audrey Houser   |   Posted: July 27, 2023

If you sponsor a young child through Compassion, you’ll probably exchange letters with their caregiver until the child is old enough to read and write. This is an exciting chance to encourage and share the love of Christ with the family of the child you sponsor.
Letter Writing Sponsorship

Tips for Writing to a Young Child’s Caregiver

If you sponsor a young child through Compassion, you’ll probably exchange letters with their caregiver until the child is old enough to read and write. This is an exciting chance to encourage and share the love of Christ with the family of the child you sponsor.

Written by Audrey Houser
Photography by Junieth Dinarte, Tigist Gizachew and Sara Navarro
Mother writes letter with child

Communicating with the child you sponsor is a precious and rewarding part of being a sponsor. A special part of Compassion’s sponsorship program is getting to witness a child’s growth, joy and the countless ways you equip a local church to make a difference in their life.

If you’re sponsoring a younger child, most communication will pass through their caregiver. Detailed below are some helpful tips and tricks for encouraging the young child you sponsor and the person who’s raising them.

Establish a strong relationship

The better the communication with your child’s caregiver, the better the communication between you and your sponsored child will be. Express gratitude, empathy and encouragement. Be intentional and uplifting as you communicate with them.

“From the first letter we received from Anllelo’s sponsor, she became part of our family. We pray for her. We are thankful.”
Orieta, mother of 8-year-old Anllelo in Peru

Ask the caregiver specific questions

Although your young sponsored child likely can’t write to you directly, asking their caregiver questions is a great way to learn more about them. Here are some examples of questions to ask when you send a letter:

  • What activities and hobbies does your child enjoy? What about you?
  • What is your child learning in school?
  • What part of the sponsorship program has your child enjoyed the most?
  • What are some specific needs your family has that I can pray for?

Exchange photos or artwork

Exchanging artwork or photos is a great way to connect with your Compassion child and get a sense of their personality, passions and gifts.

It’s a simple exchange that brings lots of joy and gives you items to treasure as the child you sponsor gets older.

Include a prayer for the family

Prayer is a powerful way to show the child you sponsor and their caregiver that you are invested in them. Write out a prayer for comfort, safety, provision and guidance. Let them know that you are a dedicated source of spiritual encouragement and support.

Communicating with your young sponsored child’s caregiver is a chance to share the love of Christ with even more of the child’s family. Don’t underestimate how much your words mean to both your sponsored child and their caregiver!

“Reading my son’s sponsor letters encourages our family to grow closer to God and to trust him. It’s a joy for us, and we feel excited,” says Orieta.

Write today!

a boy hold up a letter

Engage, encourage and uplift your sponsored child through a letter.

Write a letter
a boy hold up a letter

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