Sponsorship FAQ

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.

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.

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

Click on My Profile at the top of our website to get started. This article will walk you through the process step by step!

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.

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/.

To set up a monthly recurring gift, simply go to https://justiceandmercy.org/one-time-gift and enter the amount of your sponsorship. In the notes section, enter the name of the person you are sponsoring. You can also use this form to make a one-time gift in any amount.

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.

Yes. You will receive an end-of-year acknowledgement.

1. Automatic Bank Draft.To set up automatic draft, mail JMI a voided check, and note how much you would like us to withdrawal from your account each month and on what date (1st, 15th, 30th). Please also indicate your child’s name in the memo line. Our address is 1810 Columbia Avenue Suite 100 Franklin, TN 37064..

2.Credit or Debit Card Draft. Simply go to https://justiceandmercy.org/one-time-gift and enter the amount of your sponsorship. In the notes section, enter the name of the person you are sponsoring.

3. Mailing a check. You can mail a check monthly, quarterly, or yearly to JMI at 1810 Columbia Ave. Suite 100 Franklin, TN 37064. Please put your child’s name in the memo line.

Please email [email protected] with any financial questions

Mailing packages is very expensive and unreliable. We suggest you deliver gifts (no more than $25 value recommended per child) in person as a part of a mission team or through one of our mission teams. Email [email protected] if you are interested in sending something with a mission team, and a member of our stateside JMI staff will let you know when the next team is leaving.

If you would like to send your child a birthday gift or a Christmas gift, click the cake or Christmas tree icon when you log into your MyJMI account (https://my.justiceandmercy.org). We ask that all Christmas and birthday gifts stay within $25 per sponsored child and that you send the money in at least 6 weeks prior to Christmas or the child’s birthday. If we have a birthday for your child on file, you can find it on your MyJMI page. If not, we recommend that you ask your child in an email, and our translator will get that information at the next orphanage visit.

Yes, but we encourage you to limit gifts to no more than $25 and to be aware that gifts children ask for the most are probably things that are more susceptible to theft. We recommend that gifts are items of clothing (including socks, gloves, etc. depending on time of year), inexpensive jewelry, candy, etc.

Any gift you provide a child of any value is likely to be stolen…one of the distasteful realities of life in an orphanage. Therefore we discourage indulging children with such items as bicycles, cell phones, iPods, expensive jewelry, etc.

Requests to be brought to America will become more frequent among our children as they hear of others receiving those opportunities. Do not assume that this is the absolute best thing you can do for a child. Certain pathologies in children do not become apparent until they are introduced into a stable environment. Simply inform them that you are not able to do so. Unfortunately, the kids we serve have had lives full of unfulfilled promises, and we do not want to add to that list. We are thankful for your cooperation in this matter.

Agreeing to keep confidential requests is a potentially damaging practice and is strongly discouraged. Children living in institutional environments are prone to hearing and sharing inaccurate information and contributing to rumors that may or may not have any basis in fact. If a child tells you he has something important to tell you but you have to promise not to tell anyone, your response should be: “I will be glad to listen to you, but I can’t make you any promises that might cause you or anyone else harm.” Beyond that you should encourage them to share their concerns with a JMI staff member.

Conversation about family is customary and appropriate in Eastern Europe. Most of the children you encounter will have traumatic childhoods and no child should be encouraged to reveal things about themselves that are apparently embarrassing or shameful to them. It is okay to ask a generic question or two such as, “Do you have a mother, father or siblings?,” “where do they live?,” “do you see them often,” etc. If you are in Moldova and attentive to their tone and facial responses, they will indicate whether they are comfortable with your questions. However, you should never comment about a parent as being right or wrong, good or bad (although, if a child reveals a history of abuse, it would be appropriate for you to say, “That wasn’t your fault,” and leave it at that). A good rule of thumb is to not engage children on this level unless you have been educated in counseling.

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.

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.

Children who are in the graduate living, and transitional living programs are provided with such services as assistance with job placement, English and computer proficiency, training in life and business skills and counseling. All sponsored children living in orphanages will be monitored for any physical need not attended to by the orphanage….JMI will work to meet those needs.

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.

There is a high incidence of suicide and institutional abuse in Moldova. Your connection with your sponsored child is an invaluable resource in keeping them from being anonymous and hopeless. Any suspicion of child abuse, neglect or potential suicide should be reported immediately to Steve Davis, Executive Director, at [email protected].