Your sponsored child is excited to hear from you!

Writing to your sponsored child is one of the most meaningful parts of your relationship. And for many children, receiving a letter is one of the most meaningful and anticipated moments of their year! Your words remind them that they are seen, valued, and loved. Even a very short note can bring deep encouragement. Children treasure and often reread their sponsors' letters many times over the years, also sharing them with their families.

Below, you will find helpful tips and answers to common questions about letter writing. Or click here to see a few sample letters!

How do I send a letter?

You're welcome to write to your child anytime! Please email your letter to [email protected] or mail it to:

Haven of Hope Global Ministries
PO Box 947
State College, PA 16804

You may send handwritten or typed letters, greeting cards, artwork, photos, etc. Emailed letters and photos can be sent as attachments or included in the body of your email. If you handwrite, print is easier for children to read than cursive—but if you use cursive, we will transcribe it for them.

It is helpful if you write your child’s full name somewhere on your letter or in your email.

You may also include small, lightweight, and preferably flat items with your letter—such as stickers, bookmarks, coloring pages, notepads, or friendship bracelets. Please do not send playing cards.

Important: Everything must fit inside a standard #10 envelope, greeting card envelope, or 6x9 envelope (or smaller).

How will my letter be delivered?

To help letters move efficiently, we will send them overseas digitally. Soon after arriving at our office, your letter will be scanned and emailed to Zambia or Uganda, where ministry staff will print it for your child (in black and white). Your original letter, along with color photos and any small items, will be hand-delivered to the child later, by a U.S. staff member or mission team traveling overseas.

When will I receive a reply?

You can expect your child's reply in the mail within a few weeks to a few months, depending on our students' school calendar. (They typically write only when school is in session.) Each letter you receive will include a photo of your child, so you can continue to watch them grow.

How often should I write?

We encourage you to write to your child at least twice a year, but you’re welcome to write more often—there’s no limit! And there's no need to wait until you have time to write a long letter. A few sentences is enough. Just knowing you took the time to write brings joy and encouragement to your child.

If it’s helpful, you might consider putting reminders on your calendar at times of the year that work best for you to write.

What should I write about?

Your letter doesn’t need to be long or polished. What matters most is that it's personal. One of the best ways to connect with your child is by sharing simple, everyday details about your life. Your child will love hearing what your world looks like, just as you enjoy learning about theirs.

Children especially enjoy hearing about things like:
  • Your family—who you live with
  • Your pets and their names
  • What your city or town looks like
  • What you do for work
  • What your daily life is like
  • Your favorite foods
  • Your hobbies and what you do for fun
  • Things you have done recently

You might also ask your child a few questions—about school, family, friends, or what they enjoy—so they have something to respond to.

Words of encouragement are especially meaningful. Let your child know that you’re thinking of them, praying for them, and proud of them. You might include a favorite Bible verse, something God is teaching you, or even a short written prayer for them. You can also share your own prayer requests.

But you don’t have to include everything—a few details go a long way. Want help getting started? View sample letters and Bible verse suggestions.

What should I avoid writing?

To help protect children and maintain healthy communication, please do not include personal contact information such as your address, phone number, email, or social media details. Avoid extending invitations or making promises—especially about visiting your child in their country or bringing them to your country someday. And please do not share any content that is graphic, unsafe, or otherwise inappropriate for children.

What kind of photos can I send?

Photos often become the most treasured items a child receives. You might send photos of yourself, your family and friends, your pets, the place where you live, or even simple things like your favorite meal. Some sponsors take photos of themselves holding their child’s picture—the kids love this!

It’s perfectly fine to share a photo of your home or daily surroundings. Children are naturally curious about how their sponsors live. At the same time, we encourage you not to focus too much on material possessions, as the children we serve have few possessions of their own.

Please keep in mind that photos should be appropriate for children and respectful of different cultural standards of modesty. This means that people should be fully clothed in all images—avoiding swimsuits or revealing clothing.

Can I share my Christian faith?

Absolutely. Haven of Hope is a Christ-centered ministry, and we encourage you to write openly about your faith in Christ. Sharing how God is working in your life can be a powerful testimony to your child and their family. Your words may help them grow in their faith and understanding of Him.

Can I share about hard things?

Yes. If you’re going through a difficult season—such as an illness or the loss of a loved one—it’s okay to share that with your child in a simple and age-appropriate way. Also invite them to pray for you. Children and their families care deeply about their sponsors and take prayer requests seriously.

If especially hard news needs to be shared in a letter—such as the passing of a sponsor—ministry staff will gently help the child process it.

Can I write to my child's family?

Yes—you’re welcome to include a few words for your child’s family members. A simple encouragement or prayer for them will mean a lot.

Who writes the letters I receive?

As you read letters from your child, you may notice differences in handwriting or wording over time. This is completely normal. Children in nursery and primary school often receive help from teachers, who may write on their behalf or provide the English words they need to express themselves. As children grow older, they begin writing more independently.

No matter what, each letter reflects your child’s voice and participation in a way that is appropriate for their age.

Why haven't I received a letter?

Children write in response to the letters they receive—so you’ll begin hearing from your child after you’ve written to them. They can't wait to reply to you!

If it has been several months since you wrote a letter and you still haven't received a reply, please contact us. It is possible that your child's letter has gone missing in the mail—in which case we will be happy to send you another copy of it.

Do my letters really matter?

YES! Your letters can make a real difference in your child’s life. Through your words, they will be reminded that they are known, valued, and deeply loved. Some children seldom receive this kind of personal encouragement at home—hearing it from you can be a source of great joy and comfort.

Building a relationship through letters also helps motivate children in their education. Knowing that someone believes in them and is cheering them on often inspires them to do their best. And God may use your letters to draw your child closer to Him, as you remind them of His love for them too.

Simply hearing from you matters more to your child than you may realize. Even a short, heartfelt note can mean the world.

Ready to write to your sponsored child?

Still have questions? Contact us.