Connecting with Lesibovu - Part 1: Sponsorship

For $34/month, you can impact the life of a child at the Lesibovu CarePoint in Swaziland. I have been asked several times already what that money goes toward. Here is a breakdown of that money, so that you can see how much directly affects your sponsored child.

80% ($27.2 per child) goes to directly support the care of children at Lesibovu

 

-   50% of the 80% is material benefit (i.e. food, shots, educational support). This amount is where we can physically see the money directly at work.

 

-   30% pays for cooks, discipleship team members, social workers, letter writing translation, gas to get the food to the CarePoint, etc. The benefits are important, but not as visible since they involved others aiding the children and ministry.

20% of the $34 ($6.80) stays in the US to pay for employees and administration of Children's HopeChest. Their work here, spreading awareness of the needs throughout the world, and sharing with us at events like this three day launch weekend, are invaluable help to educate more people and involve more communities. 

That 50% going right back to the CarePoint is a great proportion of money invested in the lives of these children. That alone will make a difference as they receive daily balanced nourishment, when they previously hoped for one meal per day . However, they also will receive medical care, vaccines needed to fight common illnesses like tuberculosis, and help with school fees. In Swaziland, public school is not free, and uniforms are also required, which both are very challenging to families who are already overwhelmed with poverty. Education is a precious luxury that can change the course of many lives, but is not something to be taken for granted. I'm grateful CHC makes that a priority as well as feeding these children. 

Beyond the very important monetary investment, something even greater happens when the CarePoint is sponsored. Relationships are formed with missionaries who are involved with the CarePoint, and there is weekly, important contact with native Swazi adults who disciple the children and are consistently in their lives.  These discipleship team members are wonderful examples of the hope that sponsorship gives - some of them now have grown up seeing CarePoint support impacting their own lives, and have chosen to commit to education and ministry, giving back to their communities. We have seen firsthand how American missionaries are welcome and accepted. However, Swazis on the Discipleship Team are especially respected and make such a difference, as they truly realize the obstacles these children have ahead of them, and have shared similar circumstances. 

As much as I may passionately care for the children of Swaziland, I cannot relate to going hungry and walking hours to receive one bowl of food per day. I have never feared for a place to sleep, nor gone without clothing or clean water. Unfortunately, these issues are normal problems for Swazi children, and Swazi adults can truly relate to their struggles and are so vital to the ministry. We had the pleasure of spending time with several D Team members. Their joy was contagious, and their devotion to serving God by pouring their lives into the children at the carepoints was a beautiful thing to behold. 

$34 per month is a small investment if we can comprehend the eternal value it can have. It is worth inconveniencing ourselves out of a family meal eating out, or a few coffee treats each month. That money has measurable impact on children, and quickly, and Alli and I have witnessed it firsthand. Please pray that God will guide you in deciding if this is a commitment you can make, and join with us. I believe that you'll also be challenged and encouraged by the relationship that is built with your sponsored child. Correspondence between you will allow you to hear ways to pray for the child, how your investment is impacting his/her life, and may lead you to a visit to meet your child in person one day.