Today I met Owen. He is 8 years old and loves soccer, reading, and writing. He is a good student, ranking 3rd out of his class of 200. If he studies hard enough, he might get the opportunity to reach his dream of becoming a pilot one day. His parents work very hard to give him opportunities, to give him the chance to work hard and even to hope.
Today I also became Owen’s sponsor. My wife and I are excited to be a part. Becoming a Compassion International child sponsor is more than providing food, resources, education, and training to kids. The children and their families are grateful for that, but one of the biggest highlights for the kids is the chance to write letters and build a relationship with their sponsors over the years. In fact, some Compassion programs report a 20% improvement in school performance among children who receive 2 or more letters a year.
You can also have the privilege to invest in a child’s life by becoming a sponsor. It make seem like you are giving little money or little effort, but it creates a big impact. I can see it in the results and in the sparkle in Owen’s eyes when he spoke of sponsorship.
Owen will be blessed by having you as a sponsor, my brother. And you will be blessed by having Owen as your sponsored child. Just wait until he sends you that first letter with a little crayon-like picture he draws you.
Seriously, I want to reach through the computer screen and hug Owen so tight!! Love him working the muscles just like my little guys do! But we have a cutie of our own we are sponsoring in Ghana. And I would definitely choose to hug him first if I could!
~Lisa-Jo
He is precious! I love him!
We also sponsor in Kenya (at #745 & #819). Love that last picture! Praying for your trip…may God be with you!