At Living Water Adopt-a-Child, we are passionate about following Jesus’ call in Matthew 25:40 to serve “the least of these,” whether in our local communities or around the world. One of the ways we are blessed to do this is through child sponsorship.
Sponsorship is the heart and soul of our ministry. Founded in 1980, we have remained dedicated to serving children in Guatemala and Albania who are in deep poverty, both physically and spiritually, for decades. Children have been at the core of our ministry efforts since our founding–because heavenly treasures (like the lives of children) are worth investing in. We also offer sponsorship opportunities for widows (Women in Need program) and those with special needs (M25 program).
If you have heard child sponsorship but are unsure what it means, we have outlined a few of our most frequently asked questions below.
How is child sponsorship different from adoption?
While the terms sound similar, adoption is completely different from child sponsorship. International adoption involves legally adopting a child as your own. The child lives with you full-time and becomes your responsibility as part of your family. It is a permanent, loving, parent-child relationship.
Child sponsorship is a monthly financial contribution that directly benefits a child in need. The cost of sponsorship covers many essentials such as food, clean water, and essential medical care. While you may “adopt” the child in a relational capacity, the child remains with his or her family or guardian and is served through your financial gift, as well as any correspondence you keep.
How much does it cost to sponsor a child?
Sponsoring a child is an investment of $40 a month. This allows us to directly provide your sponsored child with food , essential medical and dental care, connection with a local church, and regular pastoral support in his or her own community. We are passionate about providing sustainable resources and helping those in need to find support within their community.
In what countries do you sponsor children?
Currently, we offer sponsorship for children in Guatemala and Albania. We have teams on the ground in both countries serving children in extreme poverty through our feeding centers and church programs.
What does child sponsorship cover?
With your generous monthly sponsorship, we are able to provide nutritious meals, food parcels and discipleship. We also give them access to medical and dental clinics with essential care they would most likely not receive otherwise. We share the gospel with each sponsored child and connect them with the churches we plant within their local Guatemalan or Albanian community, so they can receive ongoing care and support. By first meeting their physical needs, we are able to minister to them spiritually as well.
How do I become a sponsor?
Becoming a sponsor only takes a few minutes. Simply navigate to our Sponsorship webpage, browse the child who are available to sponsor, and set up your donor account online.
Can I visit my sponsored child?
Yes! The children love to meet their sponsors. We encourage every sponsor to visit the child they sponsor at least once through one of our mission trips. Even if you are unable to make the trip, keeping a regular correspondence with your child makes a very real, meaningful impact. Not just on your child’s life but on our sponsors’ lives as well.
Why child sponsorship?
Child sponsorship is a unique, tangible way of embodying the gospel to children in need. Just as God adopts us through Jesus’ redemptive work, we have the opportunity to spiritually adopt children in need and become the hope of Christ to them in a very real way. It is lived-out obedience to our calling to care for the widows and orphans, feed the hungry, and heal the sick.
On Earth as It Is in Heaven
We are grateful to be able to continue caring for those in extreme poverty in Guatemala and Albania– bringing a bit of heaven to earth, one child at a time.
If you would like to partner with us in bringing the hope of Christ to children around the world, would you consider becoming a sponsor? Your sponsorship changes not only a child’s life but also powerfully transforms your own.
