Earlier this spring, ChildFund President, Anne Goddard, was traveling in Kenya, and one day while driving to Nakaru with Victor Koyi, our National Director in Kenya, they were stopped by a policeman.

As the policeman talked to their driver, the Swahili Anne had learned back in her Peace Corps days in Kenya was coming back. She was able to understand bits and pieces of the conversation. “Where are you headed?” “Who is this foreigner?” “I know ChildFund.” Next thing she knew, Victor was out of the car, shaking hands enthusiastically with this policeman.

He had stopped them because he recognized the ChildFund logo on their vehicle—he wanted to tell them that he was a former sponsored child!

Meeting this policeman, Barako, was one of the highlights of her visit to Kenya, because he confirmed for her how important sponsorship is to children living in poverty.

The bond shared between a ChildFund sponsor and a child in need is among the most important and significant in that child’s life. A sponsor represents hope for a brighter future. Sponsors like you give children the courage to endure day to day and the confidence to do well in school. And these children know their sponsors care about them.

Barako, who is 37 and has a family of his own, knew his sponsor’s name, and he shared how he came from a very poor family. He told us that he wouldn’t have had the opportunity for an education or the training to be a police officer without the 11 years of sponsorship support he received through ChildFund.

It is stories like Barako’s that inspire us—and you—to do what we can to help children living in extreme poverty. With your sponsorship, you’ve shown generosity, compassion, and the willingness to reach out and help one, two, or more children—and we hope you know how grateful we are for your generous support.

Right now, 104,000 deprived and vulnerable children are waiting for a sponsor and that special bond that gives them hope for a brighter future. You have an opportunity to speak out for them and make an even greater difference.

Ask your friends and family to become sponsors. Share with them the reasons why you became a sponsor. Tell them how much you enjoy having that special connection to a child who needs your help. Tell them about the joy you feel when you receive a letter from your sponsored child or a progress report on how well your child is doing, and especially about that lump you get in your throat every time the child says “thank you.”

Please forward this page to your friends and family and ask them to say, “YES, I WILL HELP.” If you are on Facebook, update your status with a link to this page and ask your friends to become sponsors.

You can inspire someone to sponsor a child who might grow up to be a policeman like Barako. Having sponsors opens doors to opportunities these children dream of, giving them career options and changing their lives. These children will never forget the kindness.

You can also download and print this sponsorship form for you’re your friends and family.

Thank you.