And don’t be afraid to make it fun…

As a Compassion child advocate, I am a bit of a nag when it comes to letter writing. I have been blessed with the opportunity to visit Compassion kids at their projects and in their homes, and if I could explain the profound effect and joy a letter can have on a child living in unimaginable poverty, it might make you cry. I have had children actually run home to get their sponsor’s letters to show me–letters from people just like you. With fast heartbeats and out of breath, they return to show me their wilted, well loved letters!

I have seen the letters that I have written to my Compassion child. She brought them with her on a 5-hour bus ride to meet me on a Compassion tour for child fun day. On another visit to my child’s home, the entire family knew where the letters were; treating them like an heirloom. I was, am, and will continue to be humbled by this — it seemed like such a simple thing to do. Really not much of a sacrifice by comparison. Do I dare say that writing to our Compassion child is as important as our sponsorship? You may be the first person to tell a child he or she is loved. You may be their first glimpse of Jesus. Your letter will be a treasure!

So, what about letter writing? What do we say, how do we say it? Compassion provides letterhead with each letter you receive and you can print their letterhead at www.compassion.com  BUT…don’t be afraid to have fun!  Shake it up a little. As long as you include your child’s name and number and your  sponsor number on your letter or card, you can use your own stationary, invent some, build a memory for your child with fun paper and cards that you make. Make sure it doesn’t exceed 8.5″ X 11″ X 1/4″ and is a paper product. Other than that…don’t be afraid to get elbow deep in glue, colored paper and stickers! There is no wrong way to love a child in Jesus’ name. Make it fun for both of you! God created children to be lighthearted, open and hopeful. They are easily awestruck, as we too should be in our faith walk.

We hosted a Compassion letter writing night at our church and discovered we’ve all remembered quite well those Kindergarten skills we learned long ago. Some put a photo of their face on a palm tree or flower, others used glittery stickers spelling their child’s name…each letter unique and wonderful and so much fun to create and write!  Some put in simple Bible scripture, others simply said “I love you.” Some had never written to their sponsored children–ever. Others did rarely. Still others were new sponsors looking for tips. We showed Compassion’s tips, provided tons of art supplies for building fun letters and the Holy Spirit breathed. People who had feelings of guilt for not writing had that guilt replaced with joy. This is no small thing. “For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.” Mat 18:20  God will use every circumstance in our lives for His glory…even a gluey letter to a child.

For letter writing tips from some letter writing pros, go to www.ourcompassion.org and search for letter writing groups. Brothers and sisters in Christ sharing creativity ideas, websites and God’s love. Please…write to your child and don’t be afraid to make it fun!

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