Child Sponsorship

Child Sponsorship: Grown Up and Following Christ
May 17th, 2012 10:05 AM

Jim & Drew Everett’s time in Uganda is now coming to a close.  Please pray for them as they travel back and process their months ministering to the beautiful people of Uganda. 

We just received a quick update from Drew after they traveled with some of the older AMG Sponsored children on a mission trip to a secular university in Uganda. 

“Have you ever wondered what happens to those children who were sponsored in the AMG Uganda program, when they became older?  Spending 12 hours on a bus (and that’s only one way) and three days with these first alumni who are now in university  is enough to make anyone proud, smile with joy, and need a good set of earplugs.  Their caring Christian love towards each other never wavered even after late nights and early morning wake-ups at 4:00.  Each one worked hard at being part of a team and yet giving the glory to the others and the Lord.  The infectious laughter nearly blew the windows out of the bus, but didn’t quite reach the crescendo of their singing which was accompanied by the rhythmical drumming of their empty water bottles.  And they freely shared the roasted corn bought road-side, fried grasshoppers, and roasted matoki (type of bananas).  Shouts of “There’s some more!” accompanied the many zebras we saw, Uganda cobs (a smallish deer with long antlers), and a big crocodile…and we weren’t even in a game park. 

Dr. Reuben, our national director decided that it was time for these first graduates from our program to be taken on a mission’s trip to test their wings.  They were to give a three-day conference at a secular college on “Do not defile yourselves” taken from Daniel 1:8.  To see the spiritual maturity of these young people as they held workshops, preached, lead worship, and just hung out with around 300 other college kids was amazing!  The depth of their Bible knowledge is a true testimony to the excellent training they received from AMG when they were kids.  Jimmy and I wished that we were as articulate and poised as they gave the heart rending stories of their lives and why they were orphans and yet through AMG were given a hope for the future.  One of our favorite boys, Willbano lost both parents, had to build his own house and was imprisoned by his uncles (at the age of 14) who wanted to steal his family land.

Many of the young adults Jimmy and I were together with we have known since they were in primary school and have watched with wonder as they have grown into beautiful, bright, Christians.  I only wish I knew all their US sponsors so I could tell them personally how their giving has made a change in these lives that is beyond measure.”

We praise the Lord that we have been able to be part of these young adults coming to know Christ and growing in Him with the help of our sponsors and our co-workers in Uganda.  Please continue to pray for the Children’s Ministry in Uganda and all over the world, that those children in our sponsorship program will come to know Christ and follow hard after Him.  

Posted by Karen Farney in Child Sponsorships, Uganda   |  0 Comment(s)

Child Sponsorship: Home of Hope
May 11th, 2012 8:00 AM

The first child my husband and I chose to sponsor is living at the Home of Hope Orphanage in the Philippines putting a special place in my heart for this orphanage 1000s of miles away.  For many children, including our child Bobby, HOH offers a refuge and a family for abandoned or orphaned children.  The hope of the Gospel is preached, children are helped with their studies, they receive love and care from the Christian staff, and enjoy much laughter with the other children.

Home of Hope

Lucia Buenavides is one child whose life was turned around when she stepped foot into the Home of Hope Orphanage. 

I am very thankful to God for bringing me here at Home of Hope where I came to know the Lord and His saving grace.  Even if I don’t have my real biological parents with me I have felt the real love of family at Home of Hope from the staff, the other children and all those who worked here.  I experienced what real family love was even though I know it was difficult for them to take care of children who were not their own and yet expecting nothing in return.  I felt I was special.  I thank Home of Hope for sending me to school, for taking good care of me, and for providing my school needs.  It was here that I developed my talent in singing, playing the guitar and cooking.  I also learned to do household chores for I know that I would really need them in the future.  I know that I was a naughty girl but the staff had great patience with me.

While Home of Hope provides a loving family environment for the children the social workers actively seek out family members of the children because they understand the importance of having that connection.  Lucia met her biological family for the first time last year.

Last August, I was shocked to see and meet my true family whom I did not expect to see nor had any knowledge whether they were still alive or not.  I was glad to meet my biological family yet Home of Hope is where I felt real family love, was sent to school, and through which I came to know the Lord.  I learned to be content with what God has given me.  For 17 years, I did not know my family but at the Home I found my Life.  If not I would be like a plant that withered because no one cared for it.  Without God and Home of Hope, I would not have been able to meet my biological family. 

Now, I know the importance of knowing and being with God.  I continue to pray to God to know His plan for my life.  The best message I learned here at Home of Hope is “Your Life is God’s Gift to You; Make it Your Gift to God.”  I thank God for all the assistance that Home of Hope has given me.  I cannot pay back all what they had done for me and I know that what I went through in my life was all God’s plan for me.  Again, I would like to thank God, Home of Hope and my sponsors for the unending help to me.  My best dream is to be prosperous in the future and be the best child of God. 

At AMG we are honored, thankful, and blessed to be part of changing children’s lives for the better through Home of Hope Orphanage and many other childcare centers around the world.  We praise God that through the generous gifts of Lucia’s sponsor her life was eternally impacted and changed.  Pray for each of our children currently living at Home of Hope and attending childcare centers all over the world that they would come to know and understand the abundant life given freely through Jesus Christ. 

Posted by Karen Farney in Child Sponsorship, Philippines   |  0 Comment(s)

Child Sponsorship: My Sponsor and Me
April 26th, 2012 7:30 AM

Narisara has come a long way from when she first started attending AMG childcare center in Thailand thirteen years ago. Today, she is studying for a bachelor’s degree at the university. Her heart-warming testimony speaks of how God intervened in her life and the special relationship she has with her sponsor.

“Thank God that AMG taught me that how to care for myself and others. My sponsor has given me a chance to study. I received my sponsor’s letter every year. I have seen their concern, mercy and good intention although we have not met. They have given me an opportunity to know the love of God. I hold God in my center life. I would like to thank AMG for the opportunity for many children. An important thing is children received Jesus Christ in their life and also me. AMG made me know Jesus Christ. I will use my knowledge in my daily life when I graduate. I promise I will love God, walk with God and serving God forever.”

Narisara

Posted by Stephanie Pickard in Child Sponsorship, Thailand   |  0 Comment(s)

Child Sponsorship: A Life Changed
April 25th, 2012 7:37 AM

Nesya, in Indonesia, gives a glimpse of how a life was radically changed through child sponsorship.

“I thank God because so far He has always been helpful to me. Since childhood, I lived with my father and mother, but with lack of financial condition. The Lord Jesus is really good. My mother and father were having difficulty, even living in poverty. But God gave our family help through the center. Here I was given nutritious meals, guided and nurtured. This is God’s blessing and goodness in my life. Here also I began to know Jesus personally. After a few years, I decided to accept the Lord Jesus as my Lord and personal Savior.

Through the care center I grew in my spiritual life.I was taught to always rely on God for all things, and to always give thanks in all circumstances, in a state of joy and sorrow. The Lord Jesus is my Savior. He loves me. Even to this day. Now I have a good job. I can help my family cope with economic hardship. I hope sponsors know how their support is very beneficial for children from poor families like ours. And that by their support, children from poor families, such as me may have a better future than their parents. The Lord Jesus blesses us. Amen.”

Nesya

Posted by Stephanie Pickard in Child Sponsorship, Indonesia   |  0 Comment(s)

Child Sponsorship: A Week Like No Other
April 19th, 2012 7:33 AM

Imagine the excitement of youth at Hebron Childcare Center in Bangladesh on their way to a four day camp at the beach!  Bangladesh is one of the poorest nations in the world. Children at Hebron do not have access to education, electricity or even roads in some cases. A trip to the beach can be a once in a lifetime opportunity.

Director Phillip Tripura organized the camp at Cox’s Bazar, the largest beach in Asia. The main theme was "Purity in Life (Psalm 119:9)." The focus was to teach youth how to keep themselves pure in Christ and how to obey the Word of God. Topics included choosing good friends and building a relationship with God according to prayer and God’s Word. Youth learned about “Relationship and HIV” and a gardening program.

A young girl, Jany, was changed by participating in Bible Camp. She had never been out of Hebron Childcare Center, except to go home for Christmas once a year. She describes seeing the sea for the first time and what she learned at camp.

“I am so lucky that I was able to attend Bible Camp. I read about Cox's Bazar in our book, but this was my first time to visit. I enjoyed the sea even though I was scared when I first stepped in the sea water. I was scared of the big waves, but this was a great experience for me.

The Subject for the camp was "Purity in Life." I am thankful to our director because he clearly taught how we can keep our life pure, how we can depend on God, how we can choose a good friend and how we can build our relationship strong with God.

Madam Dr. Alina Khyang taught on "Relationship and HIV." I heard about HIV, but I did not know details of it. As a teenager and child of God, I will always keep safe myself from all bad relationships. Now I know how I can protect myself from that temptation by surrendering my life in God.

I enjoyed Revival nights with lots of songs, games and tract distribution to the tourist at Cox's Bazar. Sharing our personal testimony with tourists was a great idea. I love to do that.

Above all, this camp was excellent for me and touched in my life. Please pray that my life will be dedicated for Christ and my relationship will be stronger in Christ.”

Posted by Stephanie Pickard in Bangladesh, Child Sponsorships, Camp   |  0 Comment(s)

Child Sponsorship: Answering the Call
April 12th, 2012 9:00 AM

Often times we (the child sponsorship department) are blessed by the generosity of our sponsors.  Earlier this week we received a note from one of our sponsors which said:

“Dear folks at AMG,

Please find enclosed a check for the first month of sponsoring a child.  We currently sponsor two children, but want to have the opportunity for another.  My granddaughter recently finished a study of the book of James.  One day she said to me, “I want to be a doer of the Word, and not a hearer only.” From the mission conference at our church she, who is 9 years old, had gathered information of different ministries.  She had the AMG brochure and has filled it out.  She and I together are sponsoring this child.  Her part will be paid by extra chores at home.  We are excited!”

Upon reading this letter we were touched by this young girl who is willing to give up her free time and do extra chores in order to help a child on the other side of the world.  On the same day I received a phone call from a current sponsor whose daughter wanted to sponsor one of the children on the website.  What an encouragement that these young ones understand the need and the call God places on his children to help the poor and share Christ with those who have not heard.  It is also a challenge to us, are we answering God’s call?

“Then he said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross daily, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it.”  Luke 9:23-24

Posted by Karen Farney in Child Sponsorships   |  1 Comment(s)

Child Sponsorship: A Reason to Celebrate!
April 9th, 2012 7:30 AM

In Guatemala, children are required to go to school until 6th grade. After this time, many students are pressured to drop-out of school in order to satisfy their daily needs. For those who persevere, a high school diploma is enough to become a teacher, policeman, construction worker, administrator, or almost any career they choose.

Edvin Edilcar was one student who accomplished his dream to graduate. He received a diploma in Industrial and Electronic Expert. He shares that even though the journey was difficult, he was determined to finish.

“God allowed me to enter the program at age seven. I did not like going to school when I started attending Oratorio Childcare Center. However, they motivated me. They talked about the word of God and helped me in my studies. I had many troubles. I failed the 4th primary because I neglected my studies. My father took me to work in wood construction. I injured one of my hands and was hospitalized for two weeks in a hospital in the region. The next year I struggled, but passed 4th grade.

My parents were poor. Without help, I would not have been able to study. Since my childhood I enjoyed playing soccer in school because it motivated me. I also like attending because I had many friends. I received school supplies, scholarships, food and Christmas gifts each year. My family and I are extremely grateful for the immense help to me for the past thirteen years.

This is how I met one of my dreams to graduate. AMG has been a blessing in our community both materially and spiritually. They spoke the word of God to me in the project and it has been very helpful.”

Pray for the Guatemala graduates as they seek employment and practice what they have learned.

Posted by Stephanie Pickard in Child Sponsorships, Guatemala   |  0 Comment(s)

Child Sponsorship: Bright Future
March 21st, 2012 10:03 AM

When you begin sponsoring a young child you have no idea what kind of impact you will have on their lives with just $28 a month to provide them with food, medical care, an education, and the love of Christ.  It is always a joy to learn of a child who has come through the program, following Christ and living a full life, because someone across the ocean decided to be their sponsor.

Esther in Uganda recently graduated from the program.  Saturo, AMG Uganda Child Sponsorship Coordinator, wrote to her sponsor:

As AMG Uganda we would like to express our thanks for the support you rendered to Ester since childhood.  Through AMG Uganda, she was also able to know Jesus Christ and she is now born again Christian. 

Because of AMG support, Esther was able to go to the college and acquire skills in tailoring and designing.  At the center she got other skills such as, art and craft, speaking in public, reading books, cooking, gardening, baking, and etc.  She is now a self reliant girl and resourceful to her family members.  We are now proud of her and we believe that her future in bright.

Esther wrote a separate thank you note to her sponsor:

Praise the Living God!  How are you and how is your family? For me I am okay and also my family member they are fine. 

I first thank you very much for supporting me in my studies.  I finished my course in Tailoring and now I am working on my own.  I thank you very much may the Lord our God reward you and add you more abundantly.

I now work under someone; I can buy washing soap, clothes, and shoes for myself.  I am working hard to save and I want to own my own shop and train others in tailoring.  All this is because of your love and sacrifice that I became somebody.  On my knees, I am very grateful to you.  I credit you for my future which I am convinced that it will be bright.  I salute you my sponsor.

I recently went to Kampala for a meeting with all the other Alumni and we learned many things.  Like how we can help our fellow young children at our center and I hope God will use me to help them. 

Greetings from my family members especially my mother and my friends.  May the Lord our God keep you and bless you in your life.

We praise God for bringing Esther a sponsor and working in her life!  

Posted by Karen Farney in Child Sponsorships, Uganda   |  0 Comment(s)

Child Sponsorship: The Importance of Letters
March 14th, 2012 8:00 AM

Did you know that you can write to your sponsored child? YES, in fact we encourage you to write to your sponsored child.  Letters are a huge part of the child sponsorship program at AMG.  It allows a sponsor and a child to build a relationship even though they are oceans apart.  As a sponsor myself, I know what a blessing it is to be part of my child’s life not only because I have the opportunity to support them but to be part of their life through letters of encouragement.  Through the years of correspondence and after meeting Jemima (one of my sponsored children in Uganda) I have learned what a difference writing to your child can make in their life.  I’ll never forget one letter I received from Jemima about a year ago; I had recently sent her a few photos of my husband and I and she told me that as a family they bought a picture frame to display the photos in.  To me, this shows how important a sponsor is to a child; to put their photo in a photo frame, to keep safe and to display to all who enter their home.  I was completely blown away and humbled.  Each letter a child receives from their sponsor is kept safe and read over and over because it is precious to them.  I also know, from visiting AMG sponsored children in Uganda, that the children LOVE to write to their sponsor.  

If you take the time to write to your child I guarantee it will make a huge impact in their lives.  Encourage them in their studies and encourage them to read their Bible and follow hard after Christ.  All it takes is just ten minutes to write a simple note to your child that will bless them more than we could imagine.  Start today!

Posted by Karen Farney in Child Sponsorships   |  0 Comment(s)

Child Sponsorship: The Difference
March 13th, 2012 8:00 AM

Over the past year on the AMG blog we have shared many stories about the difference sponsoring a child can make.  Last week Ken Ivins, AMG Mission Adventure Team Leader, was in Peru and he had the joy of seeing his sponsored child, Norma.  You can read about when he first met Norma here.

“We arrived at the Good Shepherd Childcare Center, and immediately I scanned the room for Norma.  It only took a second.  I called her name and her face lit up.  Yeah, she remembered me, but she was eating.  I sat patiently (which was not easy) to wait for her to finish.  She quickly did, went and washed her plate, and then joined me and sat on my lap.  The world could have stopped right then – I was loving seeing this girl again.  From the dirty, sore ridden girl who would not smile or look you in the eye for more than a second, to a gorgeous little girl – well dressed, very clean, sweet smile, very friendly – it was night and day from last year.  We spend most  of the afternoon together.  She was kind enough to share me with the rest of the kids, but boy was I anxious to pick her up again every time I put her down.  I talked with her mother and shared how Dee and I had decided to sponsor her.  I told her that Dee was anxious to see Norma and will be here in December.  I am really looking forward to that encounter.  I fear we might end up with another kid at home, but since that is impossible (and impractical) I fear even more that Dee might not want to leave when it is time to go.  Anyway, Norma and I went outside at one point in time and I was teaching her to dance and spin – just like I used to do with my girls when they were as young as her.  Memories flood back when you look into the eyes of such a beautiful girl and are reminded of your daughters.  Eventually we said goodbye, but the team and I did not want to leave, the kids did not want them to leave, and my heart was torn as well.  What a great day.”

In my three years serving at AMG I am still amazed how much of a difference one person can make in the life of a needy child.  All it takes is one person who is willing pray, support, and love a child to make a difference for Christ. Over and over again I see these sweet children come to life once someone chooses to sponsor them.  It gives them hope for a bright future and ultimately brings them closer to Christ because at each childcare center the love of Jesus is taught every day.  

Posted by Karen Farney in Peru, Child Sponsorships   |  0 Comment(s)