Changing Lives One at a Time

But Jesus said, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children.” - Matthew 19:14 

Two years into our marriage, Stacey and I made a decision and a commitment that would change our lives and ultimately the lives of scores of children over the years. The decision? To sponsor a child through Compassion International. When we started, we had very little money, but felt convicted by the Holy Spirit to take a step of faith. It started with a little girl in India and has led us to sponsor 6 more children over the years, including Guadelupe, a little girl we sponsor now from Ecuador.

Through the years we have been able to meet several of the children and their families and experience how they live and their cultures. We have seen them grow up, learn about their families, schools, cities and cultures. They have prayed for us and sent us letters to encourage us and let us know how they are doing. Some have had to leave the program to go to work to support their families We have seen many of them graduate and then go off to college. Some have gotten married and started families of their own. In many ways, we have been blessed far beyond what we could ever imagine as we see what God has done in the lives of these children.

Since Bridges was started, over 100 children have been sponsored through the church as we have held sponsorship days at church. In many ways this is how we have been able to share the Good News of Jesus and disciple children all over the world. It is hard to explain how important sponsorship is to the children who receive it.

On one trip to Ecuador, I was able to take with a group of pastors, we got to visit a little boy in his home. He took out a box from under his bed and showed us all the cards and letters he had received from his sponsors over the years as well as a Bible he had received from them. That day I was humbled at what God was able to do through that kind of relationship.

It was on that trip that I had a type of epiphany. It was while I was on a bus with a good friend of mine and while we were going from one site to another, it hit me: Why can’t we do that where we live? There are children at home who live very much like the children we are seeing, and they are right in our own backyard. Why can’t we start a program like this where we live? It was the beginning of a dream that is now coming true.

After many years of prayer and hard work, the Inspiring Hope Learning Center is up and running through our nonprofit, Bridging the Gap right here on our campus in the Ministry Center. Over 20 students, from Elementary School to High School are part of the program, many of which come daily after school where they receive mentoring, tutoring, a snack, biblical teaching, and time just having fun together. It is an amazing community with the students, their families, and the volunteers all creating a culture of love and encouragement. I volunteer there several times a week and am so moved by what God is doing in the lives of the students. It is hard to described what an amazing place the Learning Center is.

And now, again after much prayer and hard work, Student Sponsorship is going to be a reality at the Inspiring Hope Learning Center just like through Compassion, but here, right here in our community, on our campus. People just like you will help sponsor a student in the center. Through this sponsorship you will get to pray for them, build a relationship through letters and visits to the Learning Center, and help encourage them in life.

Sponsorship is $50/month and will help with program expenses such as snacks, field trips, and overall costs, but also provide them with a Bible and a birthday present. Above all, it is an opportunity to show the love of Christ and help them grow to become all they were created to be in Jesus’ Name.

Student Sponsorship will be available at Bridges Church on Sundays, and you will be able to pray over and select the specific student you would like to sponsor, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide you to just the right child. It is an amazing opportunity to help a child find and follow Jesus, and not only that particular student but their family as well.

I often wondered why God moved us to the Old Town area. When we first launched the church, we thought we might end up in the Pfafftown area where there is a lot of growth. However, God knew exactly what He was doing when He put us here on Reynolda. The children in this community here in the Old Town area need to discover the love of Christ just like any other children. That is why the Inspiring Hope Learning Center exists, and you can make a huge difference in a life through student sponsorship.

To find out more, visit the Missions Table in the lobby at Bridges or contact us at info@bridgeschurch.net.