There’s something special about sponsoring a family with your family. Mark and Pat Cooper, along with their niece, Sara, sponsor all four kids in a Moldovan family together. When Pat had a brain tumor removed three years ago, she never imagined how God would use it to minister to one of the children. “We know, without a doubt, we are supposed to be in his life,” she says. Read more about their sponsorship story below.
Q: How long have you been a sponsor?
A: We have sponsored through JMI for a year and a half.
Q: Why did you choose to sponsor with JMI?
A: My niece, Sara, went to Moldova. She found four children in a family that all needed a sponsor. She sponsored one of the daughters, and quickly we grabbed the other three children to support! We wanted to do this together with Sara!
Q: With child and teen sponsorships, you write letters back and forth with your child each month. Is there a particular letter you remember receiving that stuck with you?
A: Wow, every time the kids always write the sweetest things to us! For example, “I am very happy when you send me letters.” “I really enjoy writing to you. “ “You are wonderful people. I love you.” “I love you very much.” Every single time, they always say that they love us. Over the top!
But there is a particular letter that we received that stuck with us. About three years ago, I (Pat) had a brain tumor. The surgeon removed the tumor, but I will always have some minor trouble with my speech. When we began sponsoring these Moldovan siblings, we learned that the older son, Marius, has a brain tumor. We know, without a doubt, we are supposed to be in his life. I wrote to Marius about my brain tumor. He wrote me back, “My mom and I go to the doctors. But we hope everything goes well. We pray that God will make everything go well. Thank you for everything, for your support and love for me and my family.”
Q: What impact have you seen in the life of your child and their family through your sponsorship?
A: They always thank us so much for the school supplies, toys, hygiene items, etc. We always send them pictures of our lives, especially our grandchildren. They always notice our pictures and they ask about our grandkids. It means a lot to them that we share about our family. They know we are always praying for them.
Q: Is there something God has taught you through your sponsorship?
A: We have been convicted to commit to pray for them about their future. We want Marius to find the right doctor to be healed. We want them to have a bright future. We really love that Justice and Mercy always communicates with us every month through letters, pictures, smiles, and monthly updates. We love Justice and Mercy!!! We absolutely found the right place to sponsor children!
Q: What do you think is the greatest benefit that your sponsored child receives through this program?
A: For them to know that God has a great plan for each of them. As Scripture says, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future,” Jeremiah 29:11 NIV. My sponsored children will know without a doubt that God loves them. They know that they have hope and a future.
My sponsored children will know without a doubt that God loves them. They know that they have hope and a future.
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: Do it! We are some of the most prosperous people in the world. We all have enough money to have a place to live and even have an air conditioner for when it’s hot outside. We have a car to drive to take us wherever we want to go. We can buy groceries whenever we need them. When you first start to sponsor, you will think, “I am giving them money, and I will be a blessing to them.” But then, you will understand this verse:
“Give to others, and you will receive. You will be given much. It will be poured into your hands—more than you can hold. You will be given so much that it will spill into your lap. The way you give to others is the way God will give to you.” Luke 6:38 ERV
If you have more questions about the role of a sponsor, check out our Complete Guide to Child Sponsorship.
We are always looking for more sponsors to help change the lives of children, families, and pastors across the globe. Learn more below.
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