a request

Dear friends,

I'm writing to ask you to consider praying about sponsorship of one of the children I met when I visited Swaziland last year. You have probably heard me talk in person about Lesibovu at some point in the last 10 months since I returned from my trip. I have passionately shared about the need for sponsors for these children with many people, and am again asking individuals now to consider it if they have not previously.

Last November, we began our sponsorship project with 82 children in need of a special friend who would pray for them, who would write occasional notes to them, and who would commit to a gift of $34 per month, which provides needed food, shelter, assistance with school fees, and discipleship through the Children's HopeChest CarePoint. We now have just 38 children remaining to connect with an individual or family who will be able to build a relationship through letters, and possibly visits, and will give a child in need great hope.

*I have been touched by those who are on very limited income who have taken the responsibility as a privilege and signed up quickly to sponsor.

*A family of five chose five children to sponsor, and brought me to tears. *Anther couple thoughtfully decided on a child who looked older, knowing they could really write and communicate with this young man, to encourage him at a crucial point in his life.
*Another family chose a little girl who shared the same name as their mother, and have prayed faithfully for their other family member across the world. 

Families are seeing the impact that giving personally to a child in a specific community that we are all connected to is really powerful. These children know each other, as we do. They play and worship together, live near one another, go to the same schools; just like we do. We can even travel to visit them together and spend one-on-one time with these friends, letting them know that the common love of Jesus binds us, and that we can pray for each other. Our communities are connected in a beautiful way that honors Christ, not limited by time or space.

These kids are real, precious children, so similar to my own, yet they are living in a world of hardship I could hardly imagine - except that I have seen it. Water is a precious commodity. Food is scarce, and without the CarePoint, most wouldn't have even a daily meal consistently. Disease is rampant, and 1 in 5 children are orphans. Adults that live to be 50 years old are rare. Sounds hopeless, almost.

However, there is hope! They need to know the source of hope is Jesus. Now that we know of the dire situation, we have a great task before us, but there is such a simple, effective solution. Partnering with HopeChest provides basic necessities, but also weekly discipleship, which means the cycle of hopelessness can end, through godly teaching, and loving interaction from Swazi young adults who are investing their lives into the children of Lesibovu. This is a program that works - now members of this discipleship team actually involve former CarePoint children who are now training and giving back to their communities.

I don't want anyone to miss out on the blessing that sponsorship can be. If you have contemplated signing up as a Lesibovu sponsor and just have not had time to peruse the profiles, or handle the steps of completing the online form, please let me know. I am eager to help in any way I can. I have profile cards available for you to view anytime, or you can see them here: hopechest.org/community/lesibovu

If you are already sponsoring - THANK YOU! You are such a blessing to the children of Lesibovu by your faithful gifts. Another way all of you can help - Do you have a small group, a Bible study, a few neighbors, or a class that would like to hear how they could become sponsors? I would love to come share with them, so please let me know. If you are not led to commit to a child sponsorship, please pray as we share the need with others. Thank you for your time!

Jennifer

John 14:18  I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.