Grandmother and Granddaughter Choose Global Ministries Child and Elder Sponsorship as a Way to Give Back

Many individuals and congregations support children or elders around the world through the Global Ministries Child and Elder Sponsorship program. Two individuals, a grandmother and granddaughter, share their story of why they decided to sponsor an elder through Global Ministries.

Granddaughter, Maddy:  When my grandmother suggested we sponsor a person who does not have as much as we have, I agreed.  We looked at the countries and places where we might sponsor a person.  My grandmother was surprised that I didn’t pick a child, but I wanted to sponsor a person who was older.  They have less energy than children, and maybe less chances to be chosen. We were excited to receive a photo of the person we are sponsoring.  She looks proud and kind. 

Grandmother, Jane: I have always liked sponsorship programs, and when I was still in my early twenties, I sponsored a child through a secular agency.  Later I discovered that our denomination, the United Church of Christ, has a sponsorship program, which I promoted through our association.  The congregation where I was a member chose to sponsor a child through this program, now part of the Global Ministries program. 

As our granddaughter is getting older, I want her to grow up giving back to our community and the world.  She and I volunteer monthly to check six shelves at our local library, and correct mis-shelved books.  Last Christmas, I suggested Maddy and I choose someone to sponsor together.  I showed her the list of countries, and sponsorship opportunities, and have to admit, I was surprised she did not choose a child, but an elder to be our sponsored person.  She chose the Tibetan Refugee Self Help Center as our place to sponsor. It is a joy to give back in this way.

Sponsoring is an easy way to help someone in the world. Sponsors can be individuals, groups, churches, conferences, associations, regions, or a family like Maddy and her Grandmother. Learn more about the Global Ministries Child and Elder Sponsorship program.