Why sponsor a child?
The one-to-one child sponsorship model is an incredible way to connect with a young person in need on an individual level. More than simply providing gifts or goods, child sponsorship is an avenue for meaningful connection, meeting needs, and impactful care. Justice & Mercy International’s sponsorship programs can be found in some of the most remote and vulnerable communities in the world. In Moldova and along the Amazon River in Brazil, JMI finds the most vulnerable children, who have the biggest need for the generous support of a sponsor. Through a robust needs assessment, our in-country field staff identify these acutely vulnerable children who are then made available for sponsorship. From there, sponsors partner with JMI to address the child’s spiritual, physical, emotional, and intellectual needs. JMI’s approach is whole-person care that recognizes the innate dignity and value in each and every person. We believe that every human is created in the image of God, and this truth propels our holistic care for the vulnerable. Read our Guide to Child Sponsorship.
How do I set up a sponsorship?
Simply go to justiceandmercy.org/sponsor. to view the different types of sponsorship we have available.
Email [email protected] with questions/inquiries about different types of sponsorships and/or what would be the best fit for you.
What does the $45/month Vulnerable Child sponsorship cover?
Amazon Vulnerable Child sponsorship covers:
- Gospel-centered programming conducted by Indigenous volunteers aimed at helping the child grow spiritually, intellectually, and emotionally
- Hygiene supplies
- School supplies
- Connection with a local church for the child and the child’s family
- Education and resources about child protection
- Access to a translator for quarterly communication with their sponsor
- Help with miscellaneous expenses (medical, dental, etc.) as needed
Moldova Vulnerable Child sponsorship covers:
- Gospel-centered programming is conducted by JMI staff who visit at least once a month. This programming aims to help the child grow spiritually, intellectually, and emotionally.
- Seasonal clothes, shoes, and accessories (including hats, gloves, underwear, socks, etc.)
- Hygiene supplies
- School supplies
- Access to a translator for monthly communication with their sponsor
- Help with miscellaneous expenses (medical, dental, etc.) as needed
How can I communicate with my sponsored child?
Click on My Profile at the top of our website to get started. This article will walk you through the process step by step!
What are JMI’s expectations for corresponding with children?
One of the most meaningful parts of sponsorship is building a relationship with your child through letters. Your words remind your child that they are known, loved, and being prayed for by someone across the world. A simple note of encouragement can make a lasting impact.
We encourage you to write your first letter within a week or two of beginning your sponsorship. Introduce yourself and your family, share a few things about your life, explain why you decided to become a sponsor, and let your child know you’re excited to get to know them. As your relationship grows, you might share updates about your family, favorite hobbies, holidays, or everyday life. Photos are always appreciated and often become treasured keepsakes.
You are also welcome to include a favorite Bible verse, tell your child how you’re praying for them, or share ways God has been at work in your own life. These simple, personal touches often mean more than you realize.
Our hope is that every letter reminds your child that they are precious to God and deeply cared for by people who are cheering them on from afar.
Please avoid:
- Making promises you may not be able to keep.
- Suggesting or encouraging adoption or relocation to the United States.
- Discussing topics that are not age-appropriate.
- Criticizing or comparing churches or Christian denominations.
- Sharing personal contact information or communicating with your child outside of JMI’s approved channels.
If your child shares something that concerns you, such as a difficult family situation or past trauma, please know that our local staff are actively involved in each child’s life and are best equipped to provide care and follow up. If you have questions or concerns about anything your child shares, we’d be glad to talk with you.
How often should I write my sponsored child?
You can write your child in the Amazon once a quarter. Set a recurring reminder on your phone or computer so you don’t forget!
You can write your child in Moldova once a month, and writing within the first 10 days of the month makes it easier for our staff on the ground to deliver your letter that same month. Set a recurring reminder on your phone or computer so you don’t forget!
If you need ideas for what to write to your sponsored child, visit https://justiceandmercy.org/sponsor-letter-writing-resources/.
How do I set up a sponsorship payment or make a one-time gift?
When are sponsorship payments due?
If you are providing monthly support, it helps us to have it in house by the middle of each month in time for our end of the month wire transfer of funds to Moldova.
Will I receive an acknowledgement of my gifts for tax purposes?
Yes. You will receive an end-of-year acknowledgment. Receipts will be sent by January 31st, and for the fastest delivery, please ensure we have your correct email address on record. Receipts sent via US mail will be postmarked no later than January 31st.
What methods of payment are available?
Option 1: You may choose to set up an ACH payment directly through our sponsorship platform Reach on your JMI profile.
Option 2: Credit or Debit Card Draft. This can also be set up by adding a sponsorship to your cart through your JMI profile or our website.
Option 3: Mailing a check. You can mail a check monthly, quarterly, or yearly to JMI at 1304 44th Ave. N Nashville, TN 37209. Please put your child’s name in the memo line.
Please email [email protected] with any financial questions
Is it possible to mail gifts to my sponsored child?
Mailing packages is very expensive and unreliable. If you would like to send your child a birthday gift or a Christmas gift, you can use this giving page. We ask that you donate a minimum of $30 per child, and to keep things equitable, a maximum of $50. It is also helpful if you donate at least 6 weeks prior to Christmas or the child’s birthday so it has time to be transferred to our staff on the ground who purchase the gifts in country.
Should I offer my sponsored child advice?
It is inadvisable to provide a child with advice. Most of us are not professional counselors and are unfamiliar with Moldovan customs and attitudes. Nor do we realize all the ways in which our suggestions to children can be misconstrued. Even well-intentioned adults can do more harm than good despite their best intentions. You can help the most by offering words of encouragement or sympathy, congratulations, and helping children to think for themselves.
What is JMI’s policy regarding communicating on matters of faith?
For the country of Moldova, we believe it can be helpful and appropriate for you to tell a child about your personal relationship to Christ. We do not believe it is helpful or appropriate to force that conversation or engage them in discussions about denominational superiority, doctrinal issues, or make blanket statements about the rightness or wrongness of controversial issues such as abortion, gender preference, etc. Many of our kids have been exposed to a variety of faith expressions and they very well may ask your opinion about the differences they perceive. If a child initiates such a question, you may want to encourage them to read certain Biblical references and formulate their own belief. If you have ongoing concerns, encourage them to speak with one of our staff.
What type of social services does JMI provide its sponsored children?
Children who are in our Transitional Living Programs are provided with services such as assistance with job placement, English and computer proficiency, training in life and business skills, and counseling. For children in our Vulnerable Child Programs, we partner with social workers and local churches to monitor and protect the well-being of each child to the extent we are able.
I have heard that other organizations sponsor children in Moldova…does that represent a problem?
No. In our view, the more advocates and services an orphaned or destitute child has access to the better! Our money is used in different ways than that of other organizations and for different phases of life. JMI will attempt to avoid duplicating sponsorships within our own organization without worrying about what others may or may not be doing.
Is there anything else you think I should know?
Yes. In order to responsibly ensure the safety of the children in our programs, sponsors should be aware that correspondence with children is not considered a private matter. All emails are translated by our staff. JMI staff are provided training in identifying any content that might be deemed inappropriate or represent a potential risk to children. We assume that in those rare instances in which there is a questionable comment, sponsors have simply made statements that were poorly worded, and the author would be notified if a statement was reworded in translation. However, more questionable comments or innuendos will be brought to the attention of executive staff for follow up with the sponsor in question.
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