God’s children at Compassion center NI-176 in Nicaragua.
What does it mean to be a child of God?
When considering this question, I read through recent letters from some of my sponsor children, and a few words came to mind repeatedly: faith, hope, honesty, enthusiasm and love. As I found examples of these wonderful qualities in my children’s letters, I began to copy their words.
Who better to answer this question than God’s own children from all over the world?
FAITH
“Regarding the project, I can tell you that I feel very happy because I learn more about Jesus.” – Santiago, 11, Colombia
“I always pray for you and your family. Please pray for me and my family.” – Wagner, 17, Guatemala
“I am thankful to God for helping me to import knowledge to other people by being a leader in the Awana ministry.” – Anjelo, 19, Philippines
“I like praying, singing and listening to the word of God.” – Tuyumvire, 13, Rwanda
HOPE
“I am working hard in my studies because I want to be a lawyer to work and help my mother. Another dream is becoming a musician to praise God with all my love.” – Eliasar, 12, El Salvador
“I hope we shall one day meet and you will teach me how to swim.” – Seline, 15, Kenya
“When I grow up, I want to learn how to give classes to all children so that they can learn to read. I would like to help the sick so that they will be saved from sickness.” – Winston, 12, Guatemala
HONESTY
“For today I do not have much to say.” – Swalehe, 15, Tanzania
“The boy says that what he likes most about the project are lunches and snacks.” – Miguel, 7, Colombia
“She would change the dumps and put them far away from her community.” – Hania, 7, Guatemala (written by her teacher)
ENTHUSIASM
“I am so grateful and happy to write to you again.” – Matthew, 11, Uganda
“I want you to know that I got the awesome letters you sent me.” – Santiago, 11, Colombia
LOVE
“You have a beautiful and smart daughter.” – Solanyi, 7, Colombia
“When will you come to Tanzania.” – Winnie, 13, Tanzania
“I close with kisses, hugs, love and care for you.” – Paula, 9, Colombia
“Thank you very much for your love, your prayers and your pictures… Kerri, I also love you very much.” – Samuel, 9, Colombia
“We are also happy and thankful to God because we have you, and we consider you as part of our family.” – Melody, 6, Bolivia (written by her mother)
“Thank you very much for your visit. It was a special day. Love you. Kisses for you.” – Esteban, 9, Nicaragua
These children of God show us all what we must strive to be: faithful, hopeful, honest, enthusiastic and full of love.
Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” – Mark 10:14-15
Please share in the comments section something your sponsor child has taught you about being a child of God.
Giving Gratefully 
Kerri, I love this! You are right when you say these children show us that we must strive to be: faithful, hopeful, honest, enthusiastic and full of love. So many times when I have read my children’s letters they always give thanks to God for everything. I honestly think its because they know that he is everything because they have known what it is like to have nothing but him. My children have taught me so much. I never expected that part of the sponsorship relationship, but am so glad that is part of it. This was a really great post!
T – that really is a special aspect of sponsoring. They bless us in so many ways. I didn’t expect that, either, but it happened almost immediately upon sponsoring my first child.
I absolutely loved reading the tidbits of your kids’ letters. What a creative idea for a post!! I especially enjoyed the honest responses.
Thank you – I felt like they could really say it best. The kids always have a great way of wording their thoughts and feelings.