Common Questions about the Seed of Hope Program

What kind of life does my sponsored child have?
Your child is located among some of the most downtrodden people in the southern hemisphere, where boys and girls face incredible disadvantages as they grow up. Often considered subhuman by society, these children have little understanding of their value in the eyes of a loving Creator. They are among the most poor and needy, children who go hungry every day. More often than not, poverty forces every family member—children included—to labor to provide the barest of essentials. Often there is no work available and this simply compounds the problem. They are often treated with less concern and care than animals and can be the recipients of cruel abuse and angry beatings. It’s not a common occurrence to hold a bar of soap, eat an ice cream cone or cradle a doll. Survival is their only goal. Their health is compromised; their growing bodies are crippled. But in God's kingdom, every child, including yours, has the prospect of a life filled with hope, purpose and eternal joy. For these children, Seed of Hope offers a bright—and safe—haven. Our goal for each enrolled child is a clear understanding and personal experience of the love of God.

Research shows that 85 percent of all people who receive Christ do so before age 18. For the first time, these children have bright futures, both for the present time and eternity. And we believe God will use their lives to bless others as well.

What makes Seed of Hope unique?
Seed of Hope springs from the foundation upon which Gospel for Brazil was built—a calling to plant churches among the unreached in northeastern Brazil. And that is why the impact of your sponsorship is so powerful. The philosophy behind our children's outreach program has a twofold approach:

• First, we put Jesus Christ at the center of all we do.
  It is a fact: Whether healthy or sick, rich or poor, people face eternity without Christ if they do not know Him. Therefore, our highest goal is to share the message of salvation and forgiveness through Christ. The ministry of Seeds of Hope is simply a natural extension and outflow of that desire. So when you meet your sponsored child's physical needs, you also do much more. Your gift of compassion helps break the cycle of poverty, illiteracy, and superstition.
• Second, we take a “big picture” approach.
  Each child we educate is part of an extended family. As these boys and girls begin to understand God's love, expressed to them in very practical ways, they take the message home to fathers, mothers, siblings, uncles, aunts and grandparents. As a result, hearts and homes previously resistant to the Good News are now open to the witness of native missionaries like never before. Your love and care reach far beyond just one individual. As you extend hope to your sponsored child, that same hope is passed on to many more.

In addition, we send 100 percent of your child sponsorship donations directly to the Seed of Hope programs on the field without deducting anything for administrative costs.

What is my role as a Seed of Hope sponsor?
When you make a commitment to sponsor your child, you become a link in that child's life to freedom and purpose. provide a valuable education and lay a foundation for a future of promise. Your ongoing prayer for your sponsored child is an investment that has the potential to bear eternal rewards-not only in one child's heart but also in a family, a community and very possibly an entire nation.

How does my gift reach my sponsored child?
When you send your donation for your child, Gospel for Brazil exchanges it into the local currency and forwards it to the field office in Ubaúna.  The Seed of Hope leaders who oversee the center in which your child is enrolled ensures that your child is cared for.

What specific benefits will my sponsored child receive?
As a sponsor, you give your child:

• The opportunity to hear the Gospel.
  Your child will learn Bible verses, stories and songs that clearly present the message of Jesus' love and His redemptive sacrifice.
• Education.
  The child learns to read and write and is given the education to which he is entitled by Brazilian law. This means that a future of hope is guaranteed.
• Nutrition.
  During the school day, your sponsored child will receive a healthy, balanced meal.
• Medical care.
  The Seeds of Hope leaders who care for the child you sponsor will monitor his or her health and provide care as needed. Extra attention is given in areas where dengue is prevalent. In addition to periodic checkups and medical treatment, children also learn basic habits of good hygiene, such as washing hands, trimming fingernails and bathing regularly.
• Development of social skills and self-confidence.
  From the earliest ages in kindergarten, children are given opportunities to play games and practice basic rules of courtesy.

Can I write to my child?
You can write to and receive letters from your child. Letters should be sent to:

GFB Seed of Hope Correspondence
803 S College Rd Ste D
Wilmington, NC 28403-4414

Your letter will be translated and sent on to the center that is caring for your child. When you receive correspondence, it will be translated (if needed) and forwarded to you.

How will I receive news about my sponsored child?
Our Seed of Hope staff will periodically send you an update on the child you sponsor. This report will give you information on health, family circumstances and school progress. You will also occasionally receive a new photo.

May I send my child a special gift or care package?
For the sake of fairness, Gospel for Brazil's policy is to take care of children's needs on a general basis without giving some boys and girls extra things that others might not receive. For this reason, we cannot accept special gifts for children.

What happens if I must discontinue my support?
If you are unable to continue sponsoring your child, he or she will still continue to receive an education—and all other benefits—through Seed of Hope. We will immediately find another sponsor to cover the child's ongoing education and care without interruption.

How long should my commitment last?
We give sponsors the opportunity to support children throughout their entire education. Our desire is to see each child complete high school, but we understand that each child's circumstances vary and some may conclude their studies before then. We will inform you of these or any other such changes and will give you the opportunity to sponsor another child in need.

We are convinced of the Lord's sovereignty, deep love and abundant provision for these children. Some supporters may desire to assist their sponsored child for the entire length of his or her education; others may choose only a year or two, depending on individual situations. We are sincerely grateful for the support you give toward your sponsored child's ongoing education, yet we also understand that your circumstances may change. You may discontinue your sponsorship at any time.

How can I pray for my sponsored child?
Prayer is the most effective and precious gift you can give the child you sponsor. When children are admitted to the Seed of Hope program, a whole new world opens up to them. They learn to read and write, play games and sing songs. Most important, they hear of God's love for them and His plan for their lives. Our desire is that this becomes a personal reality for each child entrusted to us, and your prayers are a vital part of making that happen.

• Pray for an open heart to the Holy Spirit. In every Seed of Hope program, each child has the opportunity to hear and understand how treasured he or she is in the eyes of God.
• Pray for a supportive family and community. Initial response from parents can be negative; over time, however, parents usually become very receptive.
• Pray for your child's health and safety. Throughout the desert northeast of Brazil, children face dangers such as dengue, contaminated drinking water and class oppression.
• Pray that the Gospel planted in your child's heart will bear fruit. One child's education through Seed of Hope could mean the transformation of an entire village.