Frequently Asked Questions

You should receive the first letter from your sponsored child within two or three months after you begin your sponsorship. Sometimes, the number of letters that you receive from your sponsored child may depend, in part, upon the number of letters you send to them. In some cases, a reply to your letter may take a couple of months or more. However, we encourage you to write often to your sponsored child. If your sponsored child is too young to write, then a staff member will write a letter to you on behalf of that child. All letters will be translated into the recipient’s language.

Although you cannot send money directly to the child, you may give a financial gift beyond the amount of your sponsorship for a special need that the child or the child’s family, may have. For example, the child may have health, housing, food, or clothing needs that is over and above what Touching Lives Worldwide can provide. You can help fulfill that need through your extra financial gift. (Such gifts must be a minimum of $50.00 in order for the staff to be good stewards of their time and special handling of your funds for that child.)

Your sponsorship can end at anytime that you request; however, we ask that you start your sponsorship with the intent to commit for a year or more. Touching Lives Worldwide, Inc. understands that circumstances can change; and, therefore you may have to, or want to, terminate earlier than a year. Since together our goal is “to help meet the physical and spiritual needs of others,” God and Touching Lives Worldwide appreciate your compassion-driven heart to touch the life of one special child whether it is for a month or a lifetime.

Yes! Touching Lives Worldwide only seeks one sponsor per child. We want you and that child to develop a special relationship. The child’s life will be touched and will change for the better, as a result of your financial gifts. You also will be touched by the progress of your sponsored child as he or she grows up happier, healthier, and better educated knowing that it was because of your caring ways that made this happen.

Although it may be possible in some cases, it is not practical to send large packages to your sponsored child. Many foreign governments have high import fees as well as many restrictions; therefore, we must limit what you can send to your child.

There are two options that you may use to send your child something. First, you may give an extra financial gift of $50 or more; and, we will purchase, in that country, a special gift for the child. Or, you may purchase small, inexpensive items that will fit into a 6”x9” envelope; then, send them to the corporate office of Touching Lives Worldwide for delivery to the child.

All letters that you write to your child should be sent to the corporate office of Touching Lives Worldwide for special delivery to that child. Exchanging letters with your child is a great way to get to know each other. We know that your sponsored child will be delighted to learn about you, your family, and the community that you live in. 

Yes! You have an open invitation to visit the child that you sponsor. However, we will need to know of your desire at least 4 to 6 weeks prior to the date you would like to travel. Upon our approval, we will make the arrangements so that all will go smoothly, during your visit including having a staff person available to serve as your guide and interpreter. Your visit will be so special for you and your sponsored child. It will be something that you both will cherish forever.

You may sponsor your special child by giving monthly, quarterly, or annually. You may elect to give through an Automatic Giving Program whereas your gift will be deducted automatically from your bank account, debit card, or charged to your credit card. Or, you may elect to give by check or money order; however, this method entails more costs for us because of the monthly reminder mailings and processing fees.

First, and foremost, pray! Pray that your child, and his or her family, will experience God’s love through your gifts and our work. Pray that, with your help, your sponsored child, who is now living in poverty, will get the critical support that is needed to grow up healthy, educated, and spiritually strong.

Second, pray some more! Pray that Touching Lives Worldwide will continue to be a servant of our Lord, by helping others; and, that we will continue to be effective in reaching out worldwide to “touch a life” and make a real difference by sharing the grace and hope of Jesus Christ.