by Jennifer Greene-Sullivan
I just got a letter!! Here is the post that came from me enjoying my letters from sponsored children today.
There is something so deeply personal about writing letters to my sponsored children through Compassion International. My sweet babies live in Africa and in the Philippines. These precious babies are no longer just names on a page—they are part of my heart now.
Two years ago, I felt led to sponsor a child through Compassion International. What began as a step of obedience has since grown, as I added more children—each one becoming a part of my extended family. I now have the joy of sponsoring a 10-year-old girl in Africa, a 13-year-old girl in the Philippines, and a three-year-old little boy in the Philippines. Additionally, I also had the privilege of sponsoring a 17-year-old who has since graduated out of the program, which was such a blessing to witness.
What I didn’t expect was how much this decision would minister to me.
As a mother, there is something sacred about being able to give—to know that a child is being nurtured, fed, and supported. But what has touched me even more is watching Liam witness it. He is learning, in real time, what it means to love others beyond what we can see. He is learning that giving is not just something we do—it is who we are as the body of Christ.
This week, his AWANA verse is Romans 12:10 (ESV):
“Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.”
Gratefully, I so clearly see this brotherly love lived out in these moments with my sponsored children. I keep their pictures on our refrigerator and share my letters with Liam.
Because our love for them is what it looks like—to honor someone you may never meet in person…
to love across oceans…
to give without expecting anything in return.
This week, I received a letter from Dave’s mother, Judy Ann, thanking me for his birthday gift. Her gratitude was so genuine, so heartfelt, and it brought me right back to a season of my own life I will never forget. In Judy Ann’s letter she explained how much the birthday gift I sent Dave provided for him and for their family. She was able to buy pants, shirts, socks, and toys for Dave, yet she also had money left over to purchase groceries to feed their entire family.
There was a time when I was a single mama, working so hard to provide for my daughters. I remember the stretching, the wondering, the hoping that what I had in the bank would be enough. And as I read her words, I couldn’t help but think—what would it have meant to me in that season to receive a gift of clothes or groceries?
It would have meant everything.
Not just practically—but emotionally. Spiritually. It would have felt like God Himself saw me.
And now… somehow, by His grace, He has allowed me to be a small part of that provision in someone else’s life.
I am in awe.
Because this is not just giving.
This is sowing into His children.
This is participating in the building up of His body—globally, beautifully, and intentionally.
The small financial support I send to them impacts the children, and it reaches farther than I ever imagined.
One of my sponsored children shared that she used her support to buy school supplies, food, and even shared what she had with her siblings and cousins. What began as a simple act of obedience became multiplication. It became provision for many. A repeating debt card transaction each month that I barely notice looks like the hands of feet of Jesus to someone else’s children.
Isn’t that just like Jesus?
I think about the loaves and the fishes—how what seemed small in human hands became more than enough in His, and I realize… He is still doing that today.
Not just in their lives—but in mine.
Because as I give, He is shaping my heart. As I sow, He is teaching my son.
As I respond in obedience, He is reminding me of where I’ve been—and showing me who He is. The Lord has changed my entire perspective.
This is not charity.
This is Kingdom work.
This is love in action.
Ultimately, I am so grateful that He has allowed me—and my family—to be a part of honoring others with brotherly affection.
A Gentle Challenge
To the mothers reading this—what if part of nurturing the future of God’s Kingdom looks like this? What if strengthening the body of Christ begins not only within our homes, but extends across oceans… into the lives of children we may never meet, but are called to love?
Who can you honor today, even from afar? What might God be asking you to give—not out of abundance, but out of obedience?
I want to leave the link to Compassion International just in case you feel lead to sponsor a child too.
Prayer
Father, thank You for the opportunity to love Your children across the world. Thank You for allowing us to be vessels of Your provision. Shape our hearts to reflect Yours—generous, compassionate, and obedient. Teach us to honor others above ourselves and to trust You with what we give. Multiply every offering for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, amen.
#CompassionInternational #SponsorshipMatters #LoveInAction #BodyOfChrist #KingdomWork #GiveWithPurpose #FaithInAction #Romans1210 #MotherhoodAndMinistry #AgingEnglishMajor
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