Common Questions about Bridge of Hope

• What kind of life does my sponsored child have?
  
  
• What makes Bridge of Hope unique?
  
  
• What is my role as a Bridge of Hope sponsor?
  
  
• How does my gift reach my sponsored child?
  
  
• What specific benefits will my sponsored child receive?
  
  
• How can I learn more about the child I sponsor—how he lives,
  the country he's from or his culture?
  
  
• May I visit the mission field to see a Bridge of Hope center?
  
  
• How will I receive news about my sponsored child?
  
  
• May I send my child a special gift or care package?
  
  
• Am I the only sponsor for my child?
  
  
• What happens if I must discontinue my support?
  
  
• How long should my commitment last?
  
  
• How can I pray for my sponsored child?
  
  
• What is the ministry of Gospel for Asia all about?
  
  
• What is Gospel for Asia's financial policy?
  
  
• If 100 percent of Bridge of Hope donations are sent to the field,
  how does GFA meet its administrative expenses?

What kind of life does my sponsored child have?
Your child is located among some of the most downtrodden people groups in Asia, 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 of Asia, 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.

They are the street children roaming the cities. Treated with less concern and care than animals, they are the recipients of cruel abuse and angry beatings. It’s doubtful they’ve held a bar of soap, eaten an ice cream cone or cradled a doll. Survival is their only goal.

They are the child laborers who toil in factories, coal mines, tea plantations and pastures. Their health is compromised; their growing bodies are crippled. Some are bonded laborers; others are enslaved to their tasks by family poverty.

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, Bridge of Hope school programs are their shelter.

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.

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What makes Bridge of Hope unique?
Bridge of Hope springs from the foundation upon which Gospel for Asia was built—a calling to plant churches among the most unreached in Asia. 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 Bridge 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, superstition-and ultimately the bondage of the caste system.

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 Bridge of Hope school programs on the field without deducting anything for administrative costs. (You can read more about this at, "What is Gospel for Asia's financial policy?"

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What is my role as a Bridge 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.

Your role is a vital one. Your regular donations 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.

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How does my gift reach my sponsored child?
When you send your donation for your child, Gospel for Asia forwards it to the field office in the nation where the child lives. The funds are then exchanged for local currency and sent to the Bridge of Hope leaders who oversee the center in which your child is enrolled.

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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. This includes tuition, books and uniforms. But even more significant, learning to read and write 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 Bridge 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 malaria or tuberculosis 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.

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How can I learn more about the child I sponsor—how he lives, the country he's from or his culture?
We encourage you to carefully read over the country or state profile included in your child sponsorship packet.

You will also receive news in SEND! magazine about Bridge of Hope school programs from all across Asia, highlighting children whose lives, families and communities have been changed through their encounters with God and His love.

In addition, you can learn more by regularly visiting the Bridge of Hope page for our latest developments.

We also highly recommend the book Operation World by Patrick Johnstone as a tremendous resource for understanding the prayer needs and culture of the nation in which your sponsored child lives.

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May I visit the mission field to see a Bridge of Hope center?
Yes. Although some centers are in areas considered to be security risks, most locations are quite safe. If you plan on traveling to Asia and are interested in visiting a Bridge of Hope center, please contact us for more information.

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You can write to and receive letters from your child. In order to initiate this correspondence, refer to the information in your child's sponsorship packet.

We will be sure to inform you when you can begin corresponding with your child. At that time, we will also send you a packet containing stationery, an envelope and practical suggestions about what to write in your letters.

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How will I receive news about my sponsored child?
Our Bridge 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.

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May I send my child a special gift or care package?
For the sake of fairness, Gospel for Asia'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.

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Am I the only sponsor for my child?
Yes, you are your child's only sponsor. No other individual or group will provide support.

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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 Bridge of Hope. We will immediately find another sponsor to cover the child's ongoing education and care without interruption.

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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.

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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 Bridge 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 Bridge of Hope school program, each child has the opportunity to hear and understand how treasured he or she is in the eyes of God.

Pray for your child's adjustment. For many children, this is the first time they've ever attended school.

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 developing nations of Asia, children face dangers such as malaria, pollution in large cities, tribal warfare, tuberculosis, caste prejudice and oppression, contaminated drinking water and gang violence.

Pray that the Gospel planted in your child's heart will bear fruit. One child's education through Bridge of Hope could mean the transformation of an entire village.

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What is the ministry of Gospel for Asia all about?
Gospel for Asia is a mission organization dedicated to sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ with the unreached millions of Asia through indigenous evangelists and church planters. Today more than 16,500 GFA native missionaries are serving God full-time, and more young men and women are preparing for a lifetime of ministry in our GFA Bible colleges.

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What is Gospel for Asia's financial policy?
Gospel for Asia is firmly committed to good stewardship of the funds entrusted to us. We promise to use your gifts wisely and effectively in Christ's name. GFA sends 100 percent of child sponsorship donations directly to the Bridge of Hope school programs on the field without deducting anything for administrative costs.

To ensure our financial accountability to you, GFA is a charter member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA). We fully support the purposes and goals of the ECFA and display its seal proudly to reflect compliance with its membership standards.

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If 100 percent of Bridge of Hope donations are sent to the field, how does GFA meet its administrative expenses?
Since the beginning of our ministry when we began forwarding 100 percent of field sponsorship to the nations we serve, we have trusted the Lord to provide for our overhead costs. At the same time, we do our part to keep these expenses very low. Because our home office staff members raise their own financial support, our overhead costs are only about 10 percent. The Lord has been faithful to meet our every need for more than 25 years, and we give Him glory and thanks.

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