Helping those in need is part of living a Christian life. Whether that’s putting money in the church collection, giving books for a church fundraiser, or organizing a bake sale, Christian charity is at work. Every prayer and every action, however small, helps a cause. But when the problem is something as huge as child poverty, what can ordinary people do to make a difference?

Millions of the world’s children don’t have enough food. They have no clean water or medical aid. About 21,000 children die every day because of poverty. How can we help even one of those desperate millions to survive?

Some believe that child adoption might be the answer. If a family in the U.S. can raise these children then their lives will be changed forever. But to adopt a child is a major step and the cost is high. There is usually a mass of red tape to adopt a child from the developing world and the process is long and expensive. To adopt a child, that child must leave his or her country and community. This is a huge emotional and physical undertaking for a vulnerable child. The new parents must be willing to take responsibility for his or her emotional, physical and financial needs as well as coping with a prolonged period of adjustment. Adopting a child can be very successful, but it costs a lot in terms of lifelong commitment. It requires a huge investment, and not just in terms of cash.

Rather than choosing to take the major decision to adopt a child, there are alternatives to change a child’s life for the better.

For alternatives when the cost to adopt a child is too Brand Cialis high, through child sponsorship, a compassionate person can ensure that a child in the developing world is given the chance to remain in his or her own community and grow healthy and be cared for. Without the high cost to adopt, a child who is sponsored will not only be lifted from the depths of poverty but also be given long-term hope for the future. Among other alternatives, sponsorship, involving a small, fixed sum every month, provides a child with:

* food assistance and clean water
* health care, including immunizations and checkups
* secure shelter
* education and training opportunities

When the cost to adopt a child is too high, by the alternatives of sponsorship, the child will be specially chosen by the sponsor and the two of them will be able to build a relationship through regular letters, photographs and progress reports. There may even be the chance to pay a visit to the sponsored child in his or her own country.

Sponsorship programs bring great joy all around. The alternative of financial help through sponsorship transforms the child’s life, but unlike formal adoption the child can remain with his or her own family and community. Then there is the added joy of getting to know the loving person who makes that possible.

Several charities provide alternatives for sponsorship programs in developing countries, all of which can be checked for reputation and accountability. Many potential sponsors who decide the cost to adopt a child is too high are then drawn to charities with a Christian dimension. These provide needy children with spiritual as well as material nourishment. The sponsored children will have the opportunity to learn about Jesus and about God’s love. They gain great strength as their faith and knowledge grows.

There are children in need in countries all over the globe, including India, Bolivia, Tanzania, Bangladesh, Peru, Uganda and many other countries in the developing world. As an alternative to the high cost of adoption, a sponsor can change a child’s life, bringing him or her love and hope for the future. They also cherish the knowledge that someone far away really cares.

Author Bio: The author is a freelance journalist who regularly writes on behalf of organizations who support adopt-a-child programs. She also supports child sponsorship programs and sponsors a child.

Category: Business/Non Profit Organizations
Keywords: adopt-a-child, sponsors a child