The Positive Side of Sponsorship

The Mission Emanuel Child Sponsorship Program is in a great place right now! As of today, all of our children have been sponsored for this school year. Our Winter and Spring projects were full of people who became new sponsors, many for the first time. What a blessing to so many…especially the children and their families!

Our Sponsorship program connects Americans with Dominican and Haitian children in the communities of Cielo and Nazaret (near Santo Domingo). In most cases, this program is the only hope these children have to receive a great Christ-centered education. Most children enter our schools at preschool age and stay through to 12th grade graduation. Many go on to attend university, which is so wonderful to see. We believe that education is imperative for real change in breaking the cycle of poverty. Over 20 years, Mission Emanuel has seen the proof of this as a new generation of graduates are now forming productive lives and healthy families. It is such a joy to be a part of this important ministry and to see the difference that Jesus makes in the families participating in our program.

By becoming a Mission Emanuel Child Sponsor, many of our American friends have not only had the privilege of being able to invest in the lives of children in need, but

they have also had the opportunity to develop lifelong relationships with these children and their families. Part of that relationship is how the family and sponsor share the cost of tuition. While the portion that the child’s family has to pay is minimal, it does lead to their deeper involvement and avoids the possibility of demeaning the parents by taking the full responsibility away from them.

Occasionally, there does come a time when children leave our schools for a variety of reasons. In most cases, this is due to graduation of 8th grade or 12th grade, but sometimes it is because the families move away or simply choose a different school out of convenience for the whole family. Initially, this can be difficult for sponsors because it can feel like “losing” their sponsor child. However, while they are no longer paying for that child’s school tuition, the investment made in the child’s education will only grow. Continued prayer for that child is much needed and greatly appreciated! So, in that sense, the sponsorship continues.

Ruth

We want to share some thoughts from current sponsors that have experienced the end of sponsorship with a child. Hopefully this will be an encouragement, not only to those who may find themselves faced with a decision to be reassigned to another sponsor child, but for all of you to see the lifelong impact the Mission Emanuel Child Sponsorship Program has made in the lives of so many Americans, Dominicans and Haitians!

It was a happy reunion earlier this month for Kennedy Wilson-Talmadge as she meets her former sponsor child, Ruth. Now graduated and married, Ruth told Kennedy that she always remembers Kennedy’s father (Gary Talmadge) and told her, “All those years ago, your dad came to the school and picked me!” Both young ladies felt very blessed by that decision! Sponsorship is an investment of education and of the heart.

The Williams Family

The Dayne and Stephanie Williams’ family (Garrett, Lindsey & Grayson) are currently the sponsors of 3 children, but have had to be reassigned several times over the years. Stephanie recently shared her thoughts on how she has felt when that happened:

“We have loved building relationships with our sponsor kids. Occasionally, we have lost a sponsor child because they move out of the program. Each time we have been assigned a new child. It’s so exciting to start a new relationship with that child. I love the opportunity and privilege of being a part of helping as many children as possible through the sponsorship program. Reassignment makes that possible. There are so many children and families that could benefit from sponsorship. Each time we are in the DR, I see the board of kids who need sponsors it makes me sad for those still waiting. When we get assigned a new child, I imagine their picture being taken off the board. I love that! It is a blessing and an honor to join with Mission Emanuel in praying for and helping to provide an education for the kids in the sponsorship program.”

Randy

This photo is of Randy who was first sponsored in 2004. Holly’s friend, Amy Balmer Fletcher, started sponsoring Randy from preschool age through 8th grade.

When it came time for high school, Randy’s family chose to send him to the public school. Even though Amy could not visit this time, Holly delivered her love and greetings! Randy won’t forget Amy or the investment she made in his life. Their relationship continues.

Would you like to be a child sponsor?
Check out our Sponsorship page. We have updated information on children in need of sponsors throughout the year. COMING UP: Preschool children are already signing up for the Fall and NEED SPONSORS! Also, 8TH GRADE GRADUATES NEED ADDITIONAL SPONSORS as their tuition doubles if they choose to continue into the High School…it is VERY important to keep them in school until graduation!
Cindy Sweeney
& staff