Everybody hopes for something. Some people have giant hopes: world peace, a better future for their children, a loving family, or a meaningful future. Others hope for more tangible things: more money, a better job, or respect. But the one billion children living in abject poverty in the world, with limited or no access to education, housing, food, or water, simply hope for a future free of poverty, hunger, and disease.

Although we see images and read stories about children living in these conditions, most of us can’t even contemplate that level of poverty and despair. Those images and reports are difficult to see. They’re shocking. They overwhelm us and may make us feel guilty or helpless. After all, what can one person do to help lift children from extreme poverty? 

There are no easy solutions and no magic wands to change the situation. But, there are ways you can help. It’s a Herculean undertaking, but it can be done if we work together.

Trapped in a Cycle of Poverty

Imagine if a child stuck in the cycle of poverty has the potential to cure cancer, end world hunger, or implement world peace but has no opportunity to discover and cultivate their talents. The next Albert Einstein, Maya Angelou, or Steve Jobs could be in a situation that would prevent them from flourishing. Even if they aren’t capable of making mind-boggling discoveries, each child has the potential to hone a skill. But, there’s no way to know what exceptional skills and talents may be available to the world without opening the right path. 

While education is critical, it’s challenging to learn without basic needs. The effects of hunger, malnutrition, and stress on brain development can be devastating and irreversible. Hunger and stress also affect the functioning of the brain that determines decision making.

Sponsoring a Child Provides Hope

The late entrepreneur and activist whose work lifted thousands of people out of poverty,  Leila Janah, said, “Talent is equally distributed, but opportunity is not.”

Hope offers opportunities to children living in poverty with poor living standards. Opportunities to get an education, develop their full potential, and escape the cycle of poverty to obtain a better future. Each of us can be that beacon of light that brings hope and opportunity. Sponsoring a child is an actionable response to poverty. It’s a simple yet powerful way to make a difference and even change the world.

When you sponsor a child, you are giving that child the chance to have the same opportunities as the children in your community. Your gift of $35 a month provides basic needs, such as food, clean water, clothes, and shoes. It also gives children fees for school, access to medical care, opportunities for extracurricular activities, and Biblical teaching and spiritual nurturing. While the causes of poverty are complex, sponsoring children gives them a chance to break free from the cycle of poverty.

Sponsors have the chance to develop a personal relationship with your child through letter writing. Communicating with your sponsored child is encouraging and life-giving. You’ll be able to learn about your child’s life, family, and academic achievements, as well as share your personal story. You can even travel with CRF to meet your sponsored child. Christian Relief Fund makes it possible to change lives. 

Sometimes it’s difficult to see hope in a situation. But, the Bible says that true hope is unseen. And if we can be hopeful for one thing, such as our salvation, which is also unseen, then we can be hopeful for other things too.  You can deliver hope to a child. Whether you sponsor a child, make a cash donation, or simply share the message with friends, family, and associates, you can change the trajectory of a child’s life.

Sponsor a Child Today!

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