Sponsorship Guidelines

Sponsor Qualifications

The only criteria for involvement in sponsoring a child is a love for God, our fellow man, and the ability to follow through with any commitment made. With love as our motive and the Holy Spirit as our guide, we can work together to see God's will "done on earth, as it is in heaven."

Relationship

In getting to know your child, ask specific questions about your child’s preferences on such topics as a favorite Bible verse or story, food, school subjects, color, games, schedule. Inquire about schooling and what he or she is learning in different subjects. Encouragement in schooling and a relationship with Jesus is highly welcomed.

** Certain questions to your child should be avoided. Please do NOT ask if your child would like to come to the USA or encourage that thinking in any way. It is acceptable to tell your child you plan to visit in Romania, if you indeed plan to do so. In Romania, if you make a suggestion that you would “like” to do something such as visit, it is understood to be a commitment. Please be careful in this type of communication unless you are absolutely able to follow through.

To help him/her get to know you in return, send your preferences to the child on similar subjects, send photographs of yourself and the people in your life, send some picture postcards from time to time, describe the city, state, and country in which you live, your family, pets, friends, career, studies, interests/hobbies—whatever makes your life yours.

** Also, whenever you write, try to encourage your child in the Lord, because this is the basis and emphasis that is welcomed in the relationship between you and your child. Focus on his or her spiritual growth and Bible knowledge and the practical applications of living in love and faith. What would you want your child to learn about faith? About becoming a mature Christian? About loving others? You can write out your prayers for him/her, give a Bible verse and a brief explanation of why it is meaningful to you, or a Scripture to memorize, inquire if he/she has any special prayer requests, and tell him or her of things which you would like prayer for on your own behalf.

For those who sponsor small children and babies: A child care worker or missionary will be writing to you on behalf of your child. Please address your letters to the child when you write to the child. The letter will be translated.

You should always note the child’s name and registration number on the envelope so that there is no confusion as to which child is involved.

Correspondence

You may write to your child at any time and may include small, flat items such as photographs, postcards, or stickers. Unfortunately, due to shipping guidelines and customs we are unable to send anything different than what is listed above. Please send correspondence to Calvary Chapel Boise, Attn: Chapel Missions Romania. Correspondence will be sent monthly to the appropriate Romanian Family Center where your child lives.

Gifts

Please check with the sponsorship coordinator before offering expensive gifts or going to visit if you wish to do so. Cultural implications can be very different from the United States. Thank you for your understanding in this matter. You have the amazing privilege to provide your child with a godly foundation through your correspondence and your financial commitment. It is a blessing to see your faithfulness in caring for God’s children.

An additional donation of $15 (given only through Chapel Missions Romania, never sent directly to Romania!) is the recommended form of gift giving for Christmas and birthdays. These gifts will be included in but separately designated from general funds transmitted to Romania each month. You will receive a note from your child describing what he or she received as a result of your gift.

The reasons that this form of gift giving is preferred are:

1. Appropriate clothing and toys can be purchased in Romania at reduced prices over the cost of buying and sending from the United States.
2. Duty charges are eliminated this way.
3. Birthdays are celebrated by providing a simple gift and celebration with the children in the family center. Your financial gift will be used entirely for your child unless the amount exceeds $15. In that event, excess will be used to provide sweets and/or other small items for the children in the home.

Please do NOT put packages or anything other than cards and letters, with nothing more included beyond a photograph or stickers, in the Romania mailbox at the church office. If you want to give your child a specific item, Bible, or other more costly gift, let the sponsorship coordinator know (208-321-7449 or sponsorship@nbromania.org) and the coordinator will get that information to Romania for you. In Romania, they will purchase what you want and give it to the child on the day you specify (as on a birthday, for instance). We will inform you of the cost and you may send that designated amount to Chapel Missions Romania along with your regular donation. Any money designated for gifts should be clearly labeled on the check/form and the sponsorship coordinator should be contacted with the intended purpose of the gift money.

If you desire to give something over and above these suggestions, you might consider putting money aside for your child’s future needs such as establishing a savings account in the USA to be used for unexpected expenses like dental work or medical care for your child or for other needs within the CMR ministry which would benefit your child.

Thank you for following these guidelines and for encouraging your child through your regular correspondence, prayers, and monthly support. You are an important part of your child’s life and your faithfulness is a blessing.

If you have any questions regarding correspondence or supporting a child, please contact sponsorship@nbromania.org or 208-321-7440.