Everyone loves getting a letter in the mail, including the children who receive letters from their sponsors! These children cherish their letters, finding special places to keep them safe or to display them proudly. And they will read and reread them for years to come.
Letters can also serve as a great source of encouragement. That’s why we wanted to give you some tips on how to encourage your sponsored child through your letters!
1) Share a verse or quote that inspires you.
Do you have a quote or Bible verse that lifts your spirits every time you hear it? Chances are it will encourage others too! Sharing something that is meaningful to you is also a great way to bond with your sponsored child.
Ask them if they have a verse or quote that is meaningful to them too. Our children love sharing their favorite Bible verses. On an episode of News from the Nations, a Children of the Nations Uganda graduate, Sharon Akello, shared not just one verse for encouragement, but many!
• Galatians 2:20
• Isaiah 40:31
• Deuteronomy 31:6
• Psalms 21:1
Sharon’s favorite verse is Psalms 121:1, “I lift up my eyes to the hills—where does my help come from?”
2) Write about a moment that brought you joy
This is a good exercise for not just encouraging others, but for encouraging yourself as well. It can be something as simple as I had a fun day at the park with my kids or Today I saw some pretty flowers! When life becomes stressful, it helps to think about the everyday things that bring us joy. Sharing this can encourage others to do the same!
3) Tell them you are praying for them
It is always comforting to know that we have support from other people and from God. You can also ask your sponsored child if they have anything they want you to pray for.
4) Share a piece of good news
Have you recently had a reason to celebrate? A birthday? A wedding? A graduation? Share the good news! It will help your sponsored child feel as if they are celebrating with you.
5) Tell them how much you enjoy their letters
Let them know how meaningful it is to receive letters from them. If you have saved all their letters or you reread them when you need some encouragement, tell them! It is nice to know when you have brought a smile to someone’s face.
6) Ask personal questions
This is a great way to get to know your sponsored child better. It is also a great way to show them you care! Here are some questions you can ask:
• What is your favorite subject in school?
• What is your favorite food?
• What is your favorite sport or activity?
• What is your favorite Bible story?
• What do you want to be when you grow up?
Thank you for taking the time to encourage your sponsored child. You can find other guidelines for writing letters here, including letter templates, how often to write letters, and suggestions of what else to include.