Sponsor a child

Bridge of Hope children's ministry

Bridge of Hope is Gospel for Asia's children's outreach ministry. It is designed to rescue thousands of children in Asia from a life of poverty and hopelessness by giving them an education and introducing them to the love of God.

About the children

Bridge of Hope is working with children who are 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 children of Asia, who go hungry every day. More often than not, poverty forces every family member—children included—to labour just 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 labourers who toil in factories, coal mines, tea plantations and pastures. Their health is compromised; their growing bodies are crippled. Some are bonded labourers; others are enslaved to their tasks by family poverty. In God's kingdom, every child, has the prospect of a life filled with hope, purpose and eternal joy. For these children, Bridge of Hope school programs are their shelter.

Bridge of Hope's goal is for each enrolled child to have 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 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. The philosophy behind Gospel for Asia's children's outreach program:

• Gospel for Asia put Jesus Christ at the centre of all they do. It is a fact: Whether healthy or sick, rich or poor, people face eternity without Christ if they do not know Him. Therefore, Gospel for Asia's 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.
   
• Gospel for Asia take a "big picture" approach. Each child they 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. If you choose to sponsor a child through the Bridge of Hope program 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.
   
• Gospel for Asia 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?"

What specific benefits do sponsored children receive?

If you choose to a sponsor a child, 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. 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.

Bridge of Hope schools began in 2004 and by the end of 2004 more than 19,000 children were enrolled in their schools. For more information contact a Gospel for Asia office in your country.

Please contact the United States office if you do not live within one of the above countries.