Sponsor Guidelines

Correspondence

Sponsors are encouraged to write your sponsored child.  The school in Merger has requested that sponsors send letters or cards for Christmas, Easter and for the child’s birthday.  Receiving them at about the same time helps to distribute the letters more efficiently.  Letters should be no longer than one page in length.

Here are some suggestions of things you could write about:

• Describe your family and include a photo.
• Write about the terrain/climate/people where you live.
• Share your favorite Bible stories and verses.
• Remind your child that you pray for him or her regularly.
• Explain how your family includes your sponsored child in daily life (e.g., praying for him or her or displaying his or her photo in your home).
• Express what a privilege it is to be your child's sponsor.
• Affirm that God loves him or her and has a great plan for his or her life.

When writing be sensitive to the child's economic situation.  Avoid discussing things like the size of your home or the kind of car you drive. When sending photos do not include ones that show your possessions.  Be aware of what is in the photo's background.  Many of the children will not have received letters before so these will be very special and encouraging to them. 

The letters should be sent directly to Johny Philippe and not to Glenwood.  The name of the child and the MSP number should be on the lower left part of the envelope.  Send letters and cards to:

Johny Philippe
Unit 2109 UEBH
3170 Airmans Dr.
Ft Pierce, FL  34946

Since the correspondence is sent from Florida to Port-au-Prince only once a week, it can take a couple weeks for your letter to get to Johny so please allow for this time.

As far as communication from the child to the sponsor, this has been difficult because of the number of children and because most cannot read or write. This is still being worked on, but they will at least try to send periodic updates about the school.

Gift giving

It is requested that no gifts be sent to the child.  It is too difficult to be equitable with the children at the school and with siblings.  For the last three years Glenwood has sent money to the school for a Christmas party.  Johny and Rosadite purchase some small gifts for the children and hold a party at the school for the children and their parents.

Financial

The financial commitment to sponsor a child was originally $20 per month.  Beginning with the 2010-11 school year, this was increased to $30/mo.  The additional $10/mo is to help provide a meal for the children and teachers. 

Payment should be made to Glenwood Community Church.  Please attach a note with the MSP number of your child.  Payments can be made on whatever frequency works best for the sponsor.

If you would like to contribute to the annual Christmas party, designate your gift for Merger Christmas Party.

It is hoped that the Lord will enable you to support the child you have selected for as long as the child is in the school.  If circumstances arise that do not permit you to continue financial support, please let the church office know.