Standing in the Gap: A Special Call to Sponsor an Older Child

Every year, as a new school year begins, our social work department prayerfully identifies a class of children in desperate need—children who, without intervention, would not have the opportunity to attend school, receive a nutritious daily meal, or grow in a safe, loving environment where they are taught about Jesus.

Thanks to the incredible generosity of our sponsors across Canada and the United States, the large majority of these precious children are matched with someone who supports their journey through The Arms of Jesus. These sponsors are not just providing food or books—they are offering a future. A hope. A reminder that they are seen, known, and loved.

But not every child is sponsored right away.

Some children come into our program a little older than others. Perhaps they’ve recently come to us through tragic circumstances, or perhaps they’ve been supported quietly by the mission itself for years—sustained by your prayers and our emergency funding while we wait for someone to stand in the gap.

In some cases, their original sponsor has passed away and gone to be with the Lord. In others, these children were never chosen for sponsorship—yet they’ve never been forgotten.

You may notice a few of these older faces now appearing on our website. Their eyes tell stories of resilience, hardship, and hope. Many of them only have a few years left in the program before graduation. A sponsorship for one of these older students might only last 3 or 4 years—but the impact will last a lifetime.

By choosing to sponsor one of these young men or women, you’re not just filling a financial gap. You’re stepping into an opportunity to finish the race with them—to cheer them on as they complete their studies, and grow in their faith.

None of our children are ever, or will ever, be removed from our program due to a lack of sponsorship. But with your help, we can continue to ensure that every child has someone cheering them on personally—someone praying for them, writing to them, and walking with them on their journey.

Would you consider sponsoring one of these older children today? It may be for just a few more years, but it could make all the difference.

Thank you for your faithfulness. Together, we are building the Kingdom of Jesus—one child at a time.

If you feel called to sponsor one of these older students, please visit armsofjesus.org/sponsor-a-child to learn about their stories... stories God is still writing.

With gratitude,

Brock Heard

Mission Director

The Arms of Jesus Children's Mission