Did you know that a simple note can change the trajectory of a child’s life? It’s true! For children living in poverty, life is challenging and filled with hardships. They may feel overlooked, forgotten, and alone. But when they receive a note, it shows that they are not alone and that they matter. To be known, thought of, and prayed for is immeasurable. It can give them a sense of purpose and worth, and it can help them to believe in themselves and their dreams.
When someone takes the time to reach out to a child in need, they are saying, “I see you, I care about you, and I believe in you.”
Imagine the joy and excitement in your sponsor child’s eyes when they receive a note from someone who cares about them, someone who has taken the time to write a few simple words of encouragement and love. For a child living in poverty, these moments of connection can provide hope, validation, and a sense of belonging. Ultimately this can be life changing.
Many times, we feel like writing a letter is a daunting task that requires hours of investment to make it sound good. We often get overwhelmed and end up not writing at all. But the truth is, it only takes a few minutes. You can simply jot down a few sentences and attach a photo from your phone.
By taking the pressure off of yourself to write a long and impressive letter, you’ll be able to communicate with your child more often and build a relationship with them.
Think of it like sending a text to your sponsored child. You simply want them to know that they are on your mind and that they are an important part of your life. You don’t need to write a perfect letter or have a special talent for writing.
All you need is a heart full of love and a few moments to let your child know that they matter.
Ask them a question or two, share something you’ve done recently, and simply let them know that they are on your heart. You can even include a photo of you, your loved ones, or somewhere you’ve been recently. A picture is worth a thousand words, and it can help to bridge the distance between you and your sponsored child. It can help to make the connection more personal and meaningful.
The impact of a simple note can extend far beyond the moment it is received. It can be a source of hope, connection, and love for a child living in poverty. But it doesn’t stop there. Maybe one day, when they are grown up and reflecting on their life journey, they will look back on the notes you sent and realize how much they meant to them. They’ll remember the feeling of being known, thought of, and prayed for by someone who cared enough to write a few words of encouragement and love. They’ll cherish the memories of the moments they spent reading and rereading your letters, feeling the warmth of your affection and support.
And maybe, your sponsored child will be inspired to make a difference in someone else’s life, just like you did for them. They might remember the impact your notes had on their life and feel compelled to pay it forward by helping someone else in need. They might become a mentor, a volunteer, or a donor, motivated by the kindness and generosity they experienced firsthand.
The power of a simple note to change a child’s life is incredible. It can inspire hope, foster connection, and ignite a desire to give back. So, as you write your next letter, remember that you are not just sending a few words on a page, you are making a difference in a child’s life. And who knows what that difference will lead to in the years to come?
You have the power to make a difference in a child’s life with just a few words. And the best part? It only takes 5 minutes.
Think about it – just 5 minutes of your time could change the way a child sees themselves. It could give them hope, encouragement, and a sense of belonging that they might not otherwise have.
So, why not take a few minutes right now to send a note to your sponsored child? The best part is, it’s so easy to do. Just email your message to children@forwardedge.org and you’re done. It’s that simple.
Don’t let the busyness of life hold you back from making a significant difference in a child’s life. By doing so, you’ll not only be making a positive impact on a child’s life, but you’ll be enriching your own life as well. After all, there’s nothing more rewarding than spreading the love and kindness of Jesus to those in need.
Forward Edge International has sent over 1,500 mission teams over the past three decades. During that time, we’ve gathered a few tips common among those who’ve successfully raised funds for their trip. Fundraising not only helps support your trip financially, it also provides a way for your friends and family
It started with a simple nudge—a last-minute feeling that I was forgetting something important. Rushing through the airport, I couldn’t shake the urge to buy a Bible. I didn’t know why, or who it was for, but I trusted the feeling. A week later, in a small village in Ghana, that Bible found its way into the hands of Talata, a girl who had never heard of Jesus. This is the story of how God’s quiet whispers and a small act of obedience became part of something much bigger than we could have imagined.
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by Joseph Anfuso I had no idea in the spring of 1980 that a two-day trip to Nicaragua would not only change the trajectory of my life, but cause me to reimagine Jesus’ commission in Mark 16:15: “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” At
10 yrs. old
Entered the program: March 2025
Rashidah lives with her parents and 3 siblings in a two-room unplastered, bungalow-style house with a dirt floor. Rashidah shares a bed with one of her siblings. The home has no electricity; lighting is provided by a onebulb solar panel. They have a semi-constructed outdoor kitchen where they cook with wood, and a private toilet facility on which they hang old bedsheets for privacy. Water is fetched from a borehole which is quite far away and sometimes they must buy from a neighbor.
Rashidah’s family was initially following Islam but has gone back to the protestant faith of her father.
Plus bonus group fundraising ideas!
