Writing letters to your sponsored child is a great way to start building a relationship. The more regular you write, the greater the potential for a strong, close relationship. Opening a letter can be a thrilling experience, especially for a child facing hardships; whether you're responding to a letter from your child or initiating conversation for the first time, your words can make a significant difference in their lives. These letters often serve as a crucial source of motivation, helping children face challenges, stay in school, and pursue their dreams, reinforcing how much their sponsor cares for their wellbeing and walk with Christ.
The process of writing (and even deciding what to write) can seem daunting, especially if it's your first time sending a letter to your child. Many sponsors find themselves questioning what to say, how to say it, and when the best time to send their letters is. We've composed this article to help you write a letter to your sponsored child that is warm, personal, and maintains cultural sensitivity.
First, lets start with how to send a letter.
Ways to Send a Letter
1. Email (preferred): Emails offer a quick and efficient way to stay in touch. You can send your letters as a Word Document, PDF, Google Doc, or plain text email to sponsor@ripplesfromthewell.org, don't hesitate to attach photos that share a glimpse of your life and family with your child! You can sent your letters via Email at: sponsor@ripplesfromthewell.org - Please title your email subject in this format: Letter to {Sponsored Child} by {Your Name} this helps us find letters easier if needed!
2. A Physical Letter: Writing a letter by hand or typing it out and mailing it adds a personal touch. Send your letter to Ripples from the Well, 1125 E. 4th Avenue, Hutchinson, KS 67501. Feel free to include printed family pictures or drawings! Adding photos, drawings, or paper crafts makes your letter more personal and engaging. However, avoid sending bulky items due to customs complications.
All communications are screened for safety and cultural appropriateness, and we may reach back out in the rare event we suggest changes.
What to Write About:
Often, deciding what to write about is the hardest part. Fortunately, we have ideas, tips, and prompts built from our staff, other sponsors, and the children themselves to get you started! This guide aims to help you craft letters that build a strong, supportive bond with your sponsored child, reassuring them that they are valued, no matter their circumstances. Our staff will translate any letters that need to be translated to a local dialect. Here are some ideas of what to write about, and a general format you can follow!
Personal Stories: Your daily life, family, and experiences are a window into a new world for your sponsored child. Share about your family members, pets, and day-to-day activities.
Open-Ended Questions: Encourage your child to share by asking about their life, interests, and dreams. Questions about their favorite school subjects, hobbies, or what they aspire to be are great conversation starters.
Encouragements and Compliments: Your words of encouragement can be a powerful force in your child's life. Celebrate their achievements and express confidence in their abilities and future!
Cultural Exchanges: Share how you celebrate holidays and traditions. This not only gives a glimpse in to your life and culture, but also creates a sense of closeness.
Format:
Letters don't have to be long! Especially If your child doesn't speak English, shorter letters are more quickly translated. We recommend using our HOPE format to guide you when writing!
H - Hello!
Start your letter with a warm and personal greeting or prayer. Use the child's name to make them feel special and valued right from the beginning.
O - Observe
Mention something specific that the child has previously shared with you, such as an achievement, school subject, a challenge they faced, or an update from their last letter. This shows that you pay attention and value your communication with them. If you are reaching out for the first time, mention and ask questions about their favorite sport or song!
P - Personalize
Share a bit about your own life, faith in Jesus, experiences, family, or a lesson you've learned. This could be a simple story from your daily life, an interest or hobby you have, or something inspirational. It's a way to let the child learn more about you and see a glimpse of your world!
E - Encourage
End your letter with words of encouragement, affirming the child's worth, strengths, and potential. Include a question or two to encourage a reply and keep the conversation going. This is also a wonderful place to share a short, uplifting quote or Bible verse that aligns with the encouragement.
Here is an example letter format you can take inspiration from when writing!
Hi {Child's Name}!
My name is Emily and I am from a city called Gold Coast in Eastern Australia! I have been praying over you already and I am so excited to get to know you as your sponsor and friend!
I saw you love music and playing the keyboard, that's awesome! I also love music and recently started learning how to play the guitar. It's been challenging but also very rewarding. Do you have any hobbies or new skills you've been wanting to learn? I would love to hear more of what you enjoy doing!
I also saw you live in Jinja by Lake Victoria, that's so cool! Our weather is very close, usually it's warmer here and sometimes can get a little cold. I like to spend time outside when it's warm and often run races in the Autumn and Spring when the weather is cooler! On the weekends I serve at my church on the prayer team and my faith in Jesus is the biggest part of my life, guiding me through challenges and decisions I face! On the week days I as a Physical Therapist helping people to have gotten injuries from sports or are recovering from surgery! What do you want to be when you grow up?
I am excited to hear back from you and I am praying for you! I am proud of you and I am praying you will do well in school this year! God has amazing plans for you and we can have confidence in trusting in His timing!
Blessings,
Emily
What to Avoid in Letters:
When crafting your letters, it's crucial to focus on providing encouragement, support, and spiritual upliftment to the child, aligning with Ripples' principles rooted in conservative evangelical Christian beliefs. To ensure all communications, photographs, and materials are suitable and respectful of the child's environment and our Christian values, please adhere to the following guidelines:
• Refrain from discussing the material wealth or possessions in your life, such as the size of your house or the type of car you own, to prevent highlighting economic disparities.
• Avoid sharing photographs that display your personal belongings.
• Do not include your home address, email address, or phone numbers in your correspondence.
• Try to avoid using idioms or slang that may be confusing or misunderstood. (E.g. Break a Leg, Under the Weather, Any Which Way)
• Resist the urge to propose visits or promise specific gifts, which may set unrealistic expectations or create logistical and ethical complications.
• Refrain from discussing topics related to sexuality, unmarried cohabitation, or same-sex partnerships, to stay within the bounds of a Biblical Christian perspective.
• Avoid depicting or mentioning items that could be deemed harmful, including alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, illegal substances, or topics inappropriate outside of your passport country such as firearms (mentioning hunting is okay).
Additional Writing Prompts:
- What new skills or knowledge are you learning at the moment?
- Do you have a favorite story or verse from the Bible? What makes it special to you?
- What does a day in your life look like currently?
- What activities or responsibilities do you have at church or school?
- What are your favorite of your hometown thank you like to do?
- What is your favorite subject in school?
- What is your favorite food?
- Can you tell me about a teacher who has been a big part of your life? What are they like?
- In what ways has God answered your prayers recently?
- What part of your life do you feel like Jesus has changed the most?
- What do you want to do when you grow up?
- What's your favorite game to play with friends?
- Can you tell me about a time you helped someone and how it made you feel?
- What's the most interesting thing you've seen or done this year?
- What's your favorite song?
- What makes you really happy?
- What's your favorite thing to do on a sunny day?
- Do you like to dance?
- What do you do in your free time?
- Who told you about Jesus for the first time?
Time to Write!
We hope that this blog has been helpful in writing a letter to your sponsored child! Please email us with your letter or any questions at sponsor@ripplesfromthewell.org!
