As the global coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic continues, you may be wondering about the status of child development centers, where sponsored children go to experience holistic, transformative care.

Though schools and child development centers (CDCs) around the world are closing to slow the spread of the virus, many centers will continue providing food and resources for children. This type of ministry will be vital, since the impact of social distancing requirements will be a great burden for those already a part of vulnerable communities, including children living in poverty and their families. 
 
What does this mean for child sponsors? 

First, it simply means that your correspondence with the child you sponsor will be delayed. Since the global NCM staff is now working remotely, gathering and sending letters—even electronically—won’t be possible. But please don’t stop writing! When our staff returns to the office all letters we receive in the interim will be forwarded to sponsored children. (It is possible that mail services in some countries may also be delayed depending on the impact of COVID-19.)

You can also always access information regarding your sponsorship online any time by: 

1. Signing in to your sponsorship account online through the Child Sponsorship Portal, or

2. Contacting us by email at info@ncm.org or calling 800.310.6362

Second, your sponsorship is needed now more than ever. Your monthly sponsorship will help provide support as children and their families recover from extra economic strain. Your relationship with the child you sponsor will provide the knowledge that they are loved and cherished. The letters you send now will be a source of comfort to them and their families when they arrive.

How are churches around the world engaged?

In the Philippines, centers are providing nutritional and financial support to low-income families of children who attend.

In the Dominican Republic, NCM is partnering with a Nazarene church with a center to provide support for 700 families. 

In Madagascar, staff at one center provided food to families as soon as the lockdown order came, making sure they had enough during the first difficult days.

These are just a few examples out of many – churches in every world region are developing ways to tangibly, socially, and spiritually support those in need. As the situation unfolds, NCM will continue to monitor the status of child development centers and other ministries around the world. As children of God, we are constantly seeking ways to respond with Christ’s love and compassion, and we won’t stop during this pandemic.