Sponsor Spotlight: Caroline Chamberlain

Q: Why did you choose to sponsor with JMI?
A: The Lord has used me in ministry with the poor, vulnerable and underserved in both my professional life, with neglected and dependent children in a children’s home and in an adolescent treatment center for 12 ½ years, and in the Bus Ministry at Park Avenue Baptist Church for 20-plus years to teach and love children from all over the city who came each Sunday on our buses. The Lord has instilled in me a heart for the poor, vulnerable and underserved. So when Park Avenue Baptist Church, my church at the time, merged with Rolling Hills Community Church – Nashville Campus and I heard of JMI, my heart was immediately captured. The more I heard of the amazing work being done with children, families, and pastors the more I heard God calling my name. I attended the JMI Gala in November 2019 and signed up to be a sponsor on the way out. One of the best decisions I have ever made.

Q: With Vulnerable Child and Priority Needs sponsorships, you write letters back and forth with your child/family each month. Is there a particular letter you remember receiving that stuck with you?
A: I have written a young woman who was in the Transitional Living Program and moved into Independent Living for 3 ½ years. We have exchanged letters each month since December 2019. One of the things that stands out is our growing relationship. Letters have gone from a general greeting to “my dear Caroline” and from signing her name to “with love, Valentina.” Some of the things she wrote that stuck with me are: “Thank you for reading my letters, it makes me a little happier;” “Thank you for encouraging me with verses and passages from the Bible because I really need that,”  and “I like that there is a faraway person who thinks about me.” She shared pictures with me of her final project in her Interior Design class, and she asks how she can pray for me. It is so wonderful to see her growth as a believer.

Q: What impact have you seen in the life of your child and their family through your sponsorship?
A: Valentina has felt loved and supported through my sponsorship. Not just financially, but emotionally and knowing someone cares enough to write and truly be concerned about her spiritual life, as well as her school and career choices. I felt like a partner with the Transitional Living Program and the Independent Living Program. JMI has given her a safe place to live during her teen years. A place where she has learned about God’s love for her, grown in her spiritual life, social life, has gotten guidance in decision-making, and allowed her to finish her education. Having the Independent Living program available is an amazing support to be able to learn and practice basic life skills necessary to live a successful life as an independent young woman.

He has given me the joy of being invested in another person’s life that lives in another country and that I have never met, but He has melded our lives and hearts together. She is my heart child.

Q: Is there something God has taught you through your sponsorship?
A: God has taught me how He can take my little, which is really His anyway, and use it in a big way in a child’s life. He has given me the joy of being invested in another person’s life that lives in another country and that I have never met, but He has melded our lives and hearts together. She is my heart child. He has shown me how He does His work though the obedience of those He calls. It is truly more blessed to give than receive.

Q: What do you think is the greatest benefit that your sponsored child receives through this program?
A: Learning about the love of Christ–He has died for her, forgiven her, and will lead and guide her. He is her Rock, will never leave her nor forsake her. He is her hope and future. She is safe with Him no matter what the world may throw at her. I believe she has a strong foundation that regardless of what her future holds, she will know that the Lord, JMI, and I love her and will be there for her.

Q: If there is someone considering a commitment to sponsoring a child for the first time, is there any encouragement you’d like to give them?
A: Sponsoring a child will not only support and change their life, but also your life. It will be one of the best investments of time and money you will ever make. It is a wonderful way to put your faith into action. No Regrets.

Taking the step to stand in the gap for a vulnerable child as a sponsor is one of the most meaningful ways to make a real, tangible difference in the life of an impoverished person a world away. Many sponsors who generously choose to support a child in need are surprised by what a personally rich and rewarding experience it can be.  You can learn more in our Complete Guide to Child Sponsorship. 

Are you ready to change a child’s life, as well as your own? Find a child to sponsor here: 

SPONSOR A CHILD