I Have a prayer Child — Now What?
[Editor's Note: This article was published in the February 2009 St. Stephen's Sun.]
Our whole group met Felipe and his family quite a few years ago (1998), but Ruth and Mike formed a special bond with them right away. Felipe and our translator and guide Brenda had a joyous reunion when she saw him as we were walking around Sitio Nuevo – the community next to Guillermo Ungo founded by a group of “war wounded”. Brenda had cared for him when they were both taking refuge in the San Salvador Cathedral during the war. His legs had been blown off by a mine. He was now married. Through the years Ruth & Mike have made a special point of visiting him, watching the changes in his family as his children grew - in number and size, admiring his new house when the family moved, etc. So, when one of the young ladies that Ruth & Mike were sponsoring graduated and moved on, it was natural that they would “adopt” 9-year-old Maria Reina – one of Felipe’s daughters - as a “god daughter”. Her face lit up when Mike told her he was her “padrino”. He bent to her level, looked her in the eyes and told her what that meant. It meant that he had an obligation to pray for her regularly, to write to her at least once a year at delegation time (if not more often), watch her grades, and to give her a picture of his family so that she could pray for him. Her obligation was to study and do her best in school.
[NOTE: Although we use the terms “prayer child” and “sponsor”, the children use the terms “madrina” (godmother) and “padrino” (godfather). This is part of their culture, and it is the best way of translating our relationship. If you think about it, isn’t prayer the primary function of a godparent?]
By accepting sponsorship of one of the scholarship recipients, we ask that you accept the obligation of praying for the child on a regular basis. We ask that you communicate at least annually to that child. Yes, there is a language barrier, but if you keep the message simple they can get it translated. Sending a picture of you and your family is a tremendous start. When we started this program in 2003, we did our best to bring a picture of you to the child you were sponsoring. This year, much to our surprise, we saw several of these cards with pictures. We thought they were probably all long-gone – but we were wrong. We know that most of you will never actually visit Guillermo Ungo, although the experience of meeting your prayer child is incredible. One way we try to help is that during each delegation we eat at the homes of different scholarship recipients and we try to tell them something about you. We are your representatives.
We have been told that our annual presence is unusual. They are used to delegations who they see one day, and never hear from again. Although our program certainly will not solve the problems of this small country, it does give the children in the rural area of Guillermo Ungo hope. I believe with all my heart that on some level these children work a little harder and their parents provide a little more support for them because they know they have a friend, somewhere, who believes in them. That is what accompaniment (the foundational philosophy of our program) is all about. Journeying together, learning from each other…”Building Relationships for Better Lives”.
If you are currently sponsoring a child and feel that you can no longer meet the obligation of being a sponsor to a specific child, please let Ruth Cruddas or myself know. We understand that people’s lives and circumstances change. You could also consider co-sponsoring a child with a friend. If you are not currently sponsoring a child and want to - stay tuned. We will have pictures and names soon.
There are several ways to participate in this program for those who are not sponsoring an individual child. We need general financial support, as well as help with fundraising. Your prayers and your assistance in the fund-raising activities are invaluable. We provide funding for: scholarships for 120 children at an average of $60/child, school supplies for the 300 plus children not receiving a scholarship, a few university scholarships and the health clinic. If you have questions, contact Ruth at 768-1580 or Chris at 438-1593.
We are a small church with a big heart, and lots of faith. That is what keeps this program going. Thank You is inadequate, but is all I can say.
May the Peace of God accompany you always.Chris Madsen
Added by Chris April 25, 2009 (10:10PM)
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