This past summer, I had the opportunity to meet Les and Rita Peters, Canadians who began a ministry in Guatemala several years ago. They have been long-time friends of my sister and her family, who have been active in supporting their work from the beginning stages.

I also took the time to read a recent book Rita has written to tell how God has blessed them in very practical ways as they made the journey to Guatemala and have set up different aspects of their work.

For several years, my sister volunteered as the Child Sponsorship Coordinator, and it was through her that I decided to sponsor a child. While visiting her six years ago, I told her I would like to support a girl around the same age as my grandchildren. She gave me some profiles to look at, and Nancy was chosen. She was five years old and in Grade 1, with several family members living in their humble cement block home.

Nancy is among over 1,500 students receiving a Christian education through Impact Ministries. The teachers and staff are personally involved in the lives of their students. I’m happy to be able to play a small part in her life through child sponsorship.

I’ve received some beautiful artwork and brief notes from Nancy (translated into English). One summer, my sister and I picked out some small gifts for her to take on a trip to Guatemala. She hiked up a steep mountain to reach Nancy’s home and deliver the gifts. She was awestruck to realize that Nancy makes that challenging climb every day just to get to school.

Sponsoring a child can make a real difference by breaking the cycle of poverty and illiteracy for many kids around the world. Plus, most sponsorships provide health care, and Christian ones also help them learn about the love and hope in Jesus Christ.

If you’ve ever sponsored a child or supported a missions program, why not jot down your experience? It might just inspire others to get involved too!