More Than a Visit: The First Steps of Sowing Hope

Last week, Sowers4Pastors hosted a VBS team from New Life Church — and that alone would have made for a full schedule. But, in the timeless words of late-night infomercials everywhere… wait, there’s more.

Alongside the VBS festivities, S4P also welcomed three men from the States for a short mission trip. Their visit carried special significance, as one of their main goals was to meet the children they sponsor through Sowing Hope, a new and growing program.

Brandy summed it up simply: “We had a wonderful time doing two homes in two different areas.”

The first visit stood out in all the best ways. Brandy, who has experienced many home visits that are difficult and heartbreaking, described this one differently.

“Even though they live in a difficult economic situation, this family looks really healthy,” he said. “The dad is there. The mom is there. Grandma and the children are there. And they interacted with each other in a very heartwarming way.”

The family welcomed their visitors with remarkable generosity. Grandma prepared a special drink — something Brandy had never tried before — a hot beverage made from roasted and ground white corn. He insists it was delicious. Since no official name was provided, we’ll go ahead and call it a Cornpacino. (You’re welcome.)

They also offered their best meal, a meaningful gesture that spoke volumes. Between conversations, laughter, and shared time together, the men even joined the children for a game of soccer. It was a glimpse into a family not defined by hardship, but by connection, faith, and joy. As Brandy noted, they are active in their church — and they live close enough to be deeply involved in that community.

The second visit, in a different area, was equally encouraging. The team met the mother at a local school before heading to the home, unsure of the route on their own. While there, they had a brief but meaningful conversation with the local pastor who helps oversee the sponsorship program. Though he couldn’t join them for the home visit due to a church service, his presence was still felt.

In fact, the church itself — perched on a nearby mountaintop — became part of the experience. From the family’s home, the men could hear the congregation worshiping, their voices carrying across the distance. It was a powerful reminder of the faith that anchors these communities. And yes, there was also a nother round of soccer with the kids — because some things are simply essential.

“These visits represent a lot,” Brandy shared. “They were the first home visits through Sowing Hope, since it’s a new program.”

And that’s what makes this moment so meaningful. These weren’t just visits — they were the beginning of something. A foundation being laid. Connections being formed. Hope being lived out in real, tangible ways.

There are still children waiting to be sponsored, which means there’s still room to be part of the story. Brandy is hopeful that, in the future, S4P will host VBS teams specifically for children in the Sowing Hope schools. He also encourages sponsors to take the time to write letters — small gestures that can make a lasting impact.

As he put it, “With the sponsorship program, you can make a big change.”

And sometimes, that change starts with something as simple as showing up, sharing a meal… and maybe even enjoying a warm cup of Cornpacino together.

Lesser-Known Facts about the Sowers4Pastors Child Sponsorship Programs

 In our previous post, Sowing Hope, the new public sponsorship program, was officially announced. While that post covered the highlights, there’s more to the story. Allen and Trish wanted to take a moment to pull back the curtain and explain some little-known facts about how Sowers4Pastors sponsorship programs work.

Because what’s happening goes far beyond a single child receiving help.

A child shares her new Bible story book 
with a younger sibling!

Let’s start with something foundational: nutrition.

The meals provided through S4P programs are specifically designed to combat malnutrition — not starvation, but a quieter, more hidden issue that can still have serious long-term effects. Many of the children are eating regularly at home but not receiving the nutrients their growing bodies and brains need. Just two highly enriched, vitamin fortified meals per week can make a measurable difference.

In fact, over time, there’s been a noticeable impact. In communities with long-term feeding programs, children are actually growing taller as they reach adulthood — a small but powerful sign that something is changing at a foundational level.

As Trish explained, “You might think the meals are chosen because they are inexpensive. While the food is provided to us by Food for Kidz for free in the US (we pay the rather large cost of shipping and customs), we wouldn’t use it if it wasn't exactly what the kids need. They are getting what will be the biggest blessing to their health.”

Spiritual nourishment is just as intentional. Every child in the program receives a Bible, and new ones are distributed every three years. In many cases, that means an entire household gains access to Scripture — something that might otherwise be out of reach, as books are expensive and not easily accessible in many parts of Honduras.

S4P also invests heavily in the materials used to teach those children in both the schools and the churches, and provides training to the teachers who will be using them. The Bible curriculum is not chosen at random or applied universally. Secia carefully selects materials that best fit each specific school, community, and church. Pastors are also given the freedom to choose a second curriculum for their Sunday school, (to avoid repetition between what is taught at the school and what is taught at the church) all provided at no cost. It’s a thoughtful, tailored approach that recognizes that each community has unique needs.

Then there’s a part of the program that often requires a bit more explanation.

When S4P enters a new school, they are stepping out in faith, giving every child in the community the opportunity to receive all of the benefits, immediately, even though none of them are yet sponsored. Every registered child receives the same benefits — meals, Bible lessons, backpacks, shoes, and medical care — whether they have an individual sponsor or not. The only difference is the absence of regular correspondence with a sponsor. As Trish put it, “We’re not going to go in and feed some of the kids and not others.” As Allen put it, "It's not like we're going to say: 'Hey kid, hang around. As soon as you're sponsored, we'll give you the supplies so you can go to school.' "

At the start of every school year, S4P holds an informational meeting with the parents of the children in the program. This ensures that the parents know what is required of the children, to remain in the program - basically, that they are attending school, and that they write letters to their sponsors. The parents are encouraged to make their child's education a priority. This is also a time when parents hear about the reason the program exists - and the Gospel is shared with them.

In addition, when a new program is started, the children in the upper grades - who aren't likely to remain more than a year or two in the program, because they're coming close to the end of the available education in their community - are NOT made available for sponsorship. S4P feels it would be sad and discouraging for sponsors to lose a sponsored child so soon after sponsoring them. They like to give the sponsor-child relationship the opportunity to grow over multiple years, when possible. This also makes it less likely that a sponsor will send a backpack for a specific child, only to find out, soon after, that the child isn't going to attend another year of school.

While that may be a difficult reality to process, it does not mean those children miss out on the benefits of the program

Even the backpacks reflect this commitment. Unsponsored children receive the same care and attention, including items that bring joy — not just the essentials. While S4P offers the opportunity for sponsors to send a personalized backpack full of supplies to the child they sponsor, they'd like to affirm that there is no obligation for sponsors to do so. As Allen and Trish frequently remind people, the sponsor-created backpacks are an opportunity for the sponsors to connect with their child - they are NOT a responsibility. Every child will receive a backpack, regardless!

This approach can feel surprising at first, but it reflects something bigger about how S4P operates. Sponsorship is both personal and communal.

When you sponsor one child, you’re helping create a system that lifts an entire community. You’re supporting children without sponsors. You’re helping strengthen local churches. You’re contributing to the possibility of new programs in nearby areas, as the program funds help empower other pastors who may run sponsorship programs in the future.

And those programs don’t appear overnight.

Trish explained that when S4P considers a new location, several factors must align. There must be a genuine need, a strong pastor capable of leading the program, and even practical considerations like road access for deliveries and team visits. Sometimes, it takes years for everything to fall into place. In multiple communities, the educators and pastors have reached out to us, to see if we could start a program in their location. They continue to pray for this, as we look for the needed resources to expand into new areas - specifically more sponsors!

When it all comes together, the impact can ripple outward in unexpected ways.

In most mountain communities, schools are only available through the 6th grade. That’s often where education stops — not by choice, but by limitation. However, S4P has seen a pattern emerge. When more students begin graduating from 6th grade, it can actually influence government decisions to expand the school system and add middle school grades in that location.

It has already happened in some of the communities where we work. It starts with meeting a need, and it grows into something more.

It’s about having both “eagle vision” and “mouse vision.” The eagle sees the big picture — the long-term impact, the growth of communities, the expansion of opportunity. The mouse focuses on what’s right in front of it — the individual child, the daily needs, the small but meaningful details.

Both matter.

S4P carries the responsibility of the big picture. Sponsors step into the privilege of caring for one child in a very personal way.

And together, it works.

Because when everything comes together — nutrition, education, spiritual growth, and community support — it’s not just a program.

It’s transformation, one child at a time… and one community at a time.

- posted by Christi

It's Official: Announcing the new Sowing Hope Sponsorship Program!

Did you know you can actually look up ways to make a grand proclamation online? It’s true. And while we could have gone full royal decree here, we’ll keep it simple:

Sowers4Pastors is officially launching its new public sponsorship program — Sowing Hope! Yay!

If you’ve been following along with the blog, you’ve already heard a bit about this program. But now, it’s live and ready to explore on Sowers4Pastors.com. Unlike the Sister Church programs, Sowing Hope is open to anyone who feels called to sponsor a child — no matter where you live or what church you attend. And while it’s more accessible, it offers the same life-changing benefits to the children it serves - and all for only $20 per month!

So, what exactly does sponsorship through Sowing Hope provide?

First, there’s something foundational: feeding the kids both physically and spiritually.

Let's start with the meals. Twice a week, children in the program receive meals designed to meet the nutritional needs many of them would otherwise go without. These highly enriched, fortified meals are served at school and also made available at the church on Sunday mornings. In regions where malnutrition is a serious concern, this consistency makes a profound difference. Through a partnership with another ministry, Food for Kidz, S4P is able to provide food that supports both physical growth and cognitive development.

The program also includes regular Bible lessons and materials, which are closely tied to the meal program. During the school year, these lessons are taught at both the public schools and the local church, by either the pastor, or a Sunday school teacher. This ensures that every child—regardless of church attendance—has the opportunity to hear the Gospel in a consistent and meaningful way.

Each child also receives something just as essential in a different way: a Bible. Upon entering the program, children are given an age-appropriate Bible, and every three years, they receive a new one. This not only supports their personal spiritual growth, but often ensures that each household has access to Scripture.

Of course, one of the most recognizable parts of the program is the distribution of backpacks and shoes. Every child receives a backpack filled with school supplies, hygiene items, and a few fun extras—along with a sturdy new pair of school shoes. For many families, these items remove barriers that would otherwise keep children from attending school at all.

Another important aspect is medical care. Children receive health screenings through medical teams. If a concern is identified by the medical team, or at other times of the year, S4P helps coordinate follow-up care through partnerships with other ministries. This might include covering the cost of the medical care, transportation, meals, and lodging if a child needs to travel for treatment—such as visiting a clinic that provides eye care. Sometimes, when the costs are high, we reach out to our supporters to help defray the expenses.

And then there’s something less tangible, but just as powerful: positive influence and connection. Through the program, children build relationships with a local church, the pastor, their Sunday school teacher, and their sponsor. These connections can have lasting impact. In one recent example, a visiting sponsor was able to encourage a child’s parents to allow that child to continue in school for another year. Moments like that don’t happen by accident — they grow out of trust, consistency, and care.

Sowers4Pastors has been intentional in launching Sowing Hope in an area led by a strong local pastor — someone equipped to guide and support both the children and the broader community. The need is great, but so is the potential for transformation, and the advancement of the Gospel.

If you’d like to be part of this new chapter, take a look at the children currently available for sponsorship on the website. If you have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out. Also, check out the next post: Little-Known Facts about the Sowers4Pastors Sponsorship Programs!

- posted by Christi

Many Hats, One Calling: Mary Faith’s Second Year in Motion

 Guess what? Mary Faith has officially been in Honduras for over a year. Time flies when you’re juggling… well, just about everything.

And that’s exactly how she describes this season of life.

“Last year, when I was brand new, I mostly sat in front of the computer,” she shared. “I went out with teams for a day or two every now and then, but I was usually in the office.”

This year? Completely different story.

Mary Faith has traded in her “newbie at a desk” role for something much more hands-on. During the recent stretch of team visits, she spent nearly three weeks out in the field — driving teams to remote villages, helping with backpack distributions, and connecting with the children and families Sowers4Pastors serves.

And yes, she genuinely enjoyed being behind the wheel. Not everyone can say they relish navigating rugged roads to remote communities, but Mary Faith isn’t exactly aiming for “ordinary.”

One bonus of all that time on the road? Spanish practice.

Mary Faith has continued her online classes twice a week, but real-life conversations took things to another level. She teamed up with Jenny, a Honduran staff member who is working on her English, and the two formed a perfect language-learning partnership — helping each other grow one conversation at a time.

Of course, while she was fully embracing her “team driver/backpack distribution” hat, she knew another one was waiting for her back at the office.

And now… it’s back on.

With team season wrapped up, Mary Faith has returned to her desk to tackle one of the ministry’s biggest behind-the-scenes tasks: updating children’s profiles and uploading new photos. While all the time-sensitive profiles have already been completed, she’s determined to get as many finished as possible before her next big adventure.

Because coming up soon — she’s heading to North Carolina.

Mary Faith will be traveling in May to welcome her very first grandchild (and yes, she is appropriately excited about this promotion to “Grandma”). She plans to spend several weeks soaking in that sweet new role before shifting into a full schedule of stateside responsibilities.

And it’s not exactly a light itinerary.

While in the U.S., she’ll be renewing her passport and driver’s license, attending a reunion in Pennsylvania, celebrating a wedding in California, and traveling to raise ministry support. If you’re in Pennsylvania, Ohio, North Carolina, Arizona, or possibly parts of the Midwest, there may be an opportunity to connect. She would love to speak at churches or even meet one-on-one with anyone interested in learning more about her work.

Meanwhile, back in Honduras — or at least partially — there are still a few moving pieces. A dental team is scheduled to arrive in May, and Mary Faith hopes to be there to help host them at the ministry house. However, as with all things involving babies, the timeline may have its own opinions.

Thankfully, there’s a plan.

With a helpful suggestion from Kirstin, Mary Faith is now scanning child profile information to her Google Drive, allowing her to continue working remotely while she’s in the States. The hats may change locations — but they’re definitely not being set down.

In the middle of all this activity, there was also a much-needed pause.

In March, between team visits, Mary Faith made a six-hour drive to attend a missionary retreat. She described the experience simply as “a lifesaver.” It gave her the chance to rest, reset, and return with renewed energy for everything ahead.

And that’s really the story of this season.

More hats. More movement. More responsibility.

But also more connection, more growth, and more moments of seeing exactly where she’s meant to be.

Because whether she’s behind a desk, behind the wheel, or somewhere in between, Mary Faith is right where she needs to be — faithfully serving, one hat at a time.

- posted by Christi

When Plans Fall Apart . . . and God Steps In

Last week, Sowers4Pastors set out to distribute backpacks at a new school in the Lighthouse program. If everything had gone according to plan, this would be a very short blog post.

But… (go ahead, read this in your best Morgan Freeman voice) everything did not go according to plan.

The day started off smoothly enough. Brandy was behind the wheel of one of the ministry’s largest trucks, loaded down with boxes of shoes and backpacks. On his way to pick up the rest of the team, he heard a strange noise. Being wisely uninterested in becoming an action movie stunt driver, he pulled over to investigate. Seeing nothing obvious, he continued on — until the problem made itself very clear.

The brakes were gone.

Brandy promptly turned the truck around and carefully made his way back to the property. The team unloaded everything and redistributed the supplies into three smaller trucks.

Crisis averted… or so it seemed.

On the way to the school, road construction brought things to a crawl. Two of the trucks were stopped for over an hour, unable to pass. But one truck made it through just in time — meaning Secia arrived at the school well ahead of everyone else.

And this is where things start to get impressive.

Without hesitation, Secia stepped in and delivered the orientation Brandy had planned to give. Since this was a brand-new school in the program, parents and teachers needed a clear understanding of what to expect — what S4P provides and what is required of the students. Secia covered it all like she’d been preparing for it all week.

By the time the other trucks finally arrived — about an hour and a half late — she was already gearing up to begin student registration. (If there isn’t already a superhero named “Orientation Woman,” there should be.)

But the surprises weren’t over yet.

The trucks had been loaded at record speed earlier that morning, thanks to the farm crew back at the property. Now, standing at the school, Brandy realized something important was missing.

The farm crew.

The boxes were heavy. The distance to the classrooms was not short. And suddenly, there wasn’t an obvious way to get everything where it needed to go.

So Brandy did what he’s learned to do in moments like this.

He prayed.

“God, this is Your problem now. You’ve sent me, and I’ve obeyed. Now I need You to provide what we can’t do in our own strength.”

And provide He did.

A pastor from a nearby town — who regularly teaches Bible lessons — was there that day, along with a large group of men from the church. Typically, only mothers come to register their children, but this time was different. As soon as the need became clear, the men stepped in and asked where to help.

Within ten minutes, all three trucks were completely unloaded.

Ten minutes.

And the support didn’t stop there. The pastor remained actively involved, church members helped distribute shoes and backpacks, and others guided the children through the process — including making sure each one made it to the photographer after receiving their items. What could have been a frustrating, disjointed day turned into a beautiful picture of teamwork and service.

Brandy reflected on how seamlessly the school and the church worked together. What started as a series of setbacks became a powerful reminder: God doesn’t need perfect plans to accomplish His purposes.

This new school already shows incredible promise. The elementary school (grades 1–6) serves around 200 students, with a secondary school (grades 7–12) located right next door. The potential for impact is significant — and after a day like this, the foundation feels even stronger.

Because sometimes, the story isn’t about everything going right.

Sometimes, it’s about what happens when everything goes wrong — and God shows up anyway.

And if this day was any indication, He’s already very much at work here.

- posted by Christi

From Calling to Classroom: A New Chapter Begins

It was a joyful and meaningful opening day for the new Sunday school teacher training school — one that felt less like a single event and more like the beginning of something much bigger.

The inaugural session began with a small ceremony to mark the launch of the program, but there was nothing small about its significance.

Leaders from the seminary in Tegucigalpa made the journey to Gracias for the occasion, including the dean, a department head, and the instructor for the first module. For them, this was a milestone moment. As Brandy shared, this marks the first time the seminary has ever brought a formal training program to Western Honduras.

But what stood out most wasn’t just the logistics — it was the story behind it all.

The dean shared that the seminary itself was founded about forty years ago after its founder recognized a need in rural villages. Many people had a deep desire to teach the Bible, but little to no formal training. Some could barely read, yet they carried a genuine passion to share God’s Word.

“They had the heart,” Brandy reflected, “but they didn’t have the tools.”

Now, decades later, that same need is being met in a new way — and in a new place.

Thirty-five students attended the first session, representing churches from across the region. A few were unable to be there due to personal circumstances, but there is hope they will join in the months ahead. Even so, the room was filled with energy, purpose, and a shared commitment to grow.

Brandy was able to sit in on part of the training and came away encouraged.

“The teacher leading this module is dynamic,” he said. “She had everyone engaged — learning through play, participating, and fully involved. You could tell the students were enjoying it.”

That joy matters. Because this isn’t just about information — it’s about transformation.

“It’s amazing how God gives us vision,” Brandy said. “We may have different callings, but we share the same purpose. Many ministries are doing different kinds of work, but ultimately, it all points back to spreading the Gospel. The vision of this seminary aligns perfectly with the vision of Sowers4Pastors. Their vision is our vision.”

And this is only the beginning.

As Brandy put it, “This is how big things start — with one small step.”

That step, however, comes with real commitment. Seminary staff are traveling long distances from Tegucigalpa, and students are coming from villages across the region — all connected through S4P sponsorship programs. They are leaving their homes, traveling to Gracias, staying overnight, and returning the next day, all for the opportunity to learn and grow.

That kind of dedication deserves both recognition and support.

So as this program gets underway, there is a clear and meaningful way to be part of it: through prayer.

Pray for perseverance — for both the students and the staff — as they commit to the months ahead. Pray for encouragement when the journey feels long. And pray that what is being learned doesn’t stop in the classroom, but flows outward into churches, communities, and future generations.

Because that’s the goal.

To teach those who will go on to teach others.

And that’s how something small becomes something lasting.

Sharing What Matters: A First Taste of Missions

If you’re a parent, you know the quiet joy of introducing your child to something you love for the very first time. Maybe it’s the best slice of pizza you’ve ever had, or a cinematic masterpiece like The Princess Bride. Today’s story is about a father who is sharing something even more lasting with his son — and no, it doesn’t come with pepperoni (though it might come with dust, laughter, and a ladder).

Joel from Life Community Church in Hilliard, Ohio, was on his fourth short-term mission trip with Sowers4Pastors two weeks ago. For his twelve-year-old son, Owen, it was his first. Think of it as the missions equivalent of discovering the pizza — the kind that rewires your brain and makes you wonder how you ever lived without it.

The LCC team arrived in Honduras on January 24 and left on the 31st. Because the church sponsors two different schools, the team had been right in the middle of the joyful chaos of two backpack distribution days when Joel and I spoke. Joel shared, “Personally, that’s why I come. To meet the kids and to see the kids I sponsor, along with their families. It’s a way to express that someone far away loves them — and that God loves them.”

In addition to backpack distributions, the team took on an electrical project at one of the schools. Joel explained that the building was in significant disrepair. “There were no lights at all in the classroom,” he said. “Even though there are windows with bars, about 80% of the walls are concrete block, so the rooms are very dark.”

Despite what you might assume, the team is not made up of seasoned electricians. They do have one electrical engineer, whom Joel reverently — and accurately — referred to as “the brains of the project.” The rest of the team brings a healthy mix of home repair experience, problem-solving skills, and willingness to learn on the fly. Together, their goal was to install electrical boxes, conduit, and wiring so the classrooms would finally have proper lighting.

Owen helped however he could, especially when his dad would call down from the top of a ladder. When he wasn't assisting with tools, he was doing equally important work — building relationships. Like most twelve-year-old boys, Owen is highly skilled in the art of playing, and those skills are in high demand. “Even though I’m not fluent in Spanish,” he shared, “we can still play together.”

It turns out kids from Ohio and kids from Honduras like a lot of the same things. Games translate beautifully. Friendships follow quickly. With the occasional help of a translator app, full conversations even happen. Owen did notice one meaningful difference, though. “They’ll come up and give you a hug,” he said. “It feels different than in the U.S., where people just say ‘hi’ or give a high five.”

When asked if he’s formed any special connections, Owen talked about three boys from the neighborhood who often stayed after school. Sometimes they even pitched in, helping remove rotted tile from the school building. Friendship, it turns out, pairs nicely with teamwork.

For Joel, sharing this experience with his son has been deeply intentional. “We live in a small town in Ohio where everybody looks pretty much the same, and everybody pretty much has what they need,” he said. “I’m trying to plant seeds about the Kingdom work that can be done — whether that’s full-time ministry or short-term missions.”

Owen’s older sister has already been to Honduras twice, and Joel reflected on what that has meant for their family. “I’m thankful to the Sowers and their ministry. This has been a great thing for my family. It’s helped us teach that ministry happens both at home and abroad. We can — and should — do it at all levels.”

And in case you’re wondering what surprised Owen most about Honduras, it wasn’t the food or the language. It was the roofs. Clay tile roofs look very different when you’re used to composite shingles and metal. Transportation differences were also eye-opening. But if you ask Owen for his final verdict? He’d be perfectly content to just move into the hotel where the team is staying.

Not a bad review for a first taste of missions.

- posted by Christi.

When Opportunity Calls . . . Pack Fast!

One of the perks of Allen and Trish’s current stage of life is the ability to travel without months of planning. They’ve officially reached the “throw some things in a bag and go” era — a magical time when spontaneity no longer requires a committee meeting. Recently, that flexibility served both them and the ministry in a big way. When longtime supporter Pastor Chris Ozment from Alabama called and asked if they could attend a county-wide conference of Baptist churches in just two weeks, Allen and Trish grabbed their bags.

But first, of course, came the behind-the-scenes scramble.

The purpose of the trip was to help Sowers4Pastors connect with churches in Pastor Chris' area. He and his wife have been packing backpacks for Sowers4Pastors for years, involving their local churches in that project. Last spring, Allen and Trish visited Alabama to meet with some of the pastors and gauge how much interest there might be in having them come to share the larger ministry with the local congregations — a visit that aligned perfectly with the launch of S4P’s new public sponsorship program. This program differs from the sister-church model in a big way: it’s open to individual sponsors anywhere - not just people in one specific US church.

Originally, the plan was to return to Alabama in the fall, but Pastor Chris experienced a health crisis, so it looked like the trip would be postponed indefinitely. Even so, S4P kept moving forward. The location for the new program was identified. Local connections were made with a pastor and school. Everything was lining up beautifully…

…and then the “throw some things in a bag” phone call came.

Naturally, there was one more plot twist — courtesy of a Honduran holiday shuffle.

In recent years, the Honduran government has rearranged certain holidays to create a full week off in the fall. Think of it as celebrating the 4th of July, Veterans Day, and Labor Day all in one festive stretch. So when Pastor Chris called, many S4P staff were scattered across the country enjoying family time. But…

Allen and Trish knew this was their window to begin arranging sponsors for the soon-to-launch public program. As soon as everyone returned, they quickly gathered the team and registered all the children in the new program. Because it was the end of the Honduran school year, the kids didn’t receive backpacks at that time — but they will in January.

Denise Cofer worked quickly to create profiles for each child, while Trish prepared the website so those shiny new profiles would have an online home. And then Allen and Trish officially threw some things in a bag and took off.

First stop: Florida, where they printed each child’s profile, and briefly visited with family.

Next stop: Alabama, where they spoke at the conference and then spent five full weeks visiting congregations — Sunday mornings, Sunday evenings, and Wednesday nights included.

Thirty children now have sponsors, a strong beginning for the new public sponsorship program. Along the way, Allen and Trish met wonderful people, sampled Alabama church potlucks (they gave them five enthusiastic stars), and were glad for the opportunity to serve the ministry in a way only they can do right now.

The new sponsorship program will officially open to everyone in early 2026. Kirstin is creating the official policy page for the website, and Trish is wrangling with the tech work. As always, S4P will stretch every sponsorship dollar as far as it can possibly reach — supporting not only an individual child, but also that child's pastor, their community, other children still waiting for a sponsor, and even pastors who are being empowered to potentially run sponsorship programs in their communities in the future!

Thank you to Pastor Chris for the invitation — and to the churches in his county for giving the new public sponsorship program a heartwarming kickoff. - posted by Christi