Bringing It Home

Get out the globe and have a geography lesson. Invite your children to put a sticker on the globe where you live and then find where your sponsored child lives and add a sticker there. Discuss how you would get there if you wanted to visit.

Start a scrapbook or bulletin board and begin with pictures of your child, the country map and flag, and typical living conditions.

Encourage your children to write a note to your sponsored child, and send it via the link on your child’s sponsorship page. Put this note and your sponsored child’s response in the scrapbook or on the bulletin board.

Discuss your sponsored child’s needs, then regularly pray together for him or her. Create prayer reminders such as a bookmark, framed picture or magnet.

Explore God’s Word for verses that reflect God’s heart for the oppressed and impoverished. Use these verses to inform your prayers.

Research the culture of your child’s country and people group. Include searches for language, religion and livelihoods.

Explore information about your child’s school. Do they wear uniforms? Do they have books and libraries? What does a typical schoolroom look like?

Learn about the games and toys enjoyed by children in that country. Football—what we know as soccer—is a global sport. Go out and kick the ball around with your children. Challenge them to make a toy out of recycled material.

Visit the GlobalFingerprints blog and download a colorful poster that illustrates the cycle and significance of sponsorship—great for discussing with your older children.

Research what your sponsored child might typically eat at a meal, as well as how many meals a day. Replicate that with your family for one day. You may need to visit an international food store. And be prepared: A typical meal may not include more than rice or beans.