Hope Sunday and Child Sponsorship

This past Saturday and Sunday, I had the opportunity to present child sponsorship for World Vision at my home church. God had really been putting it on my heart to speak out for children around the world that are in need of a sponsor. Child sponsorship is one way to give them the HOPE you find in Hope Sunday. Throughout the preparations for my presentation and "5 minutes of fame," God stretched me and grew me in ways that only He can do. I'm grateful for this experience of going outside of my comfort zone and hope you'll read my story below:


My Story ....
Hi, I'm Michelle Nikolai -- mother of Caleb & Sonya and a wife to my husband, Tim. I hope that my story will inspire you to get involved with child sponsorship or another program that has touched your heart.

About two and a half years ago, Tim and I decided to sponsor Henry.

Henry Yordan Mellado Avalos
Age 5

Henry is a 5 year old boy from Guatemala that loves to play with cars and color. His favorite color is green. He also likes soccer. We've been learning more about Henry as we exchange letters, photos, and drawings from him.

Recently, he wrote that he is thankful for the card and picture we sent and that he will take care of it. I got teary eyed just knowing how much that meant to him.

Age 2

We also sponsor a sweet little girl named Lisbeth. She's the same age as our daughter -- they share the same birthday too! We just started sponsoring her a little over a month ago so all we know is that she is from Guatemala and likes to play with dolls. We can't wait to learn more about her as her family corresponds with us.

Why we felt called to become a sponsor:

Our family decided to do child sponsorship because it was a way to make a difference not only on an international level, but a personal level as well. 

Tim and I have volunteered for World Vision in the past and learned more about the struggles of these children and families in need. We saw sponsoring a child as a way to share our blessings with them and also as a good teaching and learning opportunity for our family.

How has sponsoring a child affected me?:
Sponsoring both Henry and Lisbeth has made me much more thankful for everything that we do have and I've noticed that I'm not as stingy with giving anymore. I’m constantly learning that it’s not about me or even about World Vision. It’s about serving God and glorifying Him through these children and by being the answer to their prayers.

What does sponsorship do for a child and their community?: World Vision sends us updates every year on on how Henry and his community have benefited from our sponsorship. Henry has received school supplies, routine check-ups, and vaccines. His school received desks and medicine for their first aid kit. They were also able to have a Vacation Bible School for the kids and a teen leadership program.

These are just a handful of ways that World Vision works in communities around the world.

For only $35 per month, we’re able to give a child and their community HOPE for a better today and a better tomorrow. That might mean not eating out as often or just saying “no” to that new gadget or those new shoes.

Jesus said:
“Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” (Matthew 25: 40) How awesome is it to know that WE serve Christ by serving others?

I really encourage all of you to prayerfully consider sponsoring a child. These children and families need so little and we have so much to give. Think of the children. Think of their future. Think HOPE.

A child is waiting for you here.

A letter from Henry