FAQ
How long is my commitment to sponsor this child?
We ask that you make a commitment for a minimum of one year. If for an unexpected reason you are not able to complete that year, we ask that you give us a month’s notice so that we can find another sponsor for your child.
Can a group or class sponsor a child?
Absolutely! All we ask is that there be one clear contact person who acts as the communications link between GO on the Mission and your group.
Can I give a onetime gift?
GO would welcome your one time gifts! These gifts help cover other expenses associated with caring for needy students and expanding the impact of the sponsorship program.
Can I send gifts to my sponsored child?
Yes. From our past experience we have developed some guidelines for the kind of gifts you might send that would be appropriate to the child’s culture and situation as well as how to get such giftsa to the child.
Will I be able to visit my sponsored child?
Yes! You will be notified of an opportunity to go with other sponsors to West Africa or Mazatlan to visit your children. More details and guidelines are available from GO.
Is GO on the Mission affiliated with any one specific denomination or church?
GO is an independent non-profit ministry that works with multiple local independent and denominational churches, in multiple communities.
How is GO on the Mission funded?
As an independent non-profit organization, GO on the Mission is funded solely through donations from individuals, churches and organizations.
Senegal
How are children selected for sponsorship?
There is a 6 person board in Senegal that manages the selection process and carries out close, careful review of every aspect of caring for the sponsored children, including selecting the children who are to be sponsored. Those children are then enrolled in John Huffman Christian School which provides a fully integrated curriculum of academic and Christian education as well as clean water, health care supervision and healthy nutrition.
How will my sponsored child hear about Jesus in a country that is overwhelmingly Moslem?
Because of the official policy of constitutionally guaranteed freedom of religion and the national requirement that religion be taught in all schools, the schools we work through teach Christian Bible courses at every grade level.
Are there other ways that GO on the Mission works with the community of the sponsored children?
In addition to child sponsorship efforts, GO on the Mission works toward the healing of every aspect of the culture. We do this in ways that build sustainability through microenterprise initiatives applied to agricultural development, housing, health care, small family businesses, etc.
Must a child be a Christian or come from a Christian family to be sponsored?
A key part of the motivation for the entire sponsorship ministry is to incarnate the unconditional love of God for all people. In the midst of a culture where the vast majority of the population has been raised within folk Islam (the combination of animism and Islam) an Incarnational, holistic approach to living out the love and teaching of Jesus is essential. The Bible is taught as part of the school curriculum rather than the Koran which is taught in public schools. However sponsorship is open to all children as a clear way of enabling this work to be a blessing to the entire nation, rather than divide it.
Why Senegal?
Senegal is one of most stable and influential nations in Sub-Saharan Africa. Over the last decade, God has provided a strong relational connection between the leaders of GO on the Mission and the leaders of this ministry.
What kinds of freedom do Christians have in this Islamic area of Africa?
Though Senegal is 95% Islamic, there is freedom of religion in this former French colony. This has persisted in spite of a strong push to the contrary from some of the other Islamic nations, in part, because of the powerful, loving work and witness of Christians such as those who lead this ministry.
MEXICO
How are children selected for sponsorship?
Children from the poorer neighborhoods are welcomed to an open breakfast before school. Children who regularly attend these free breakfast meals are eligible for child sponsorship. The local church pastors help select which children are eligible based on family need. The feeding center managers oversee the care and careful oversight of the children in every aspect of the sponsorship program. The average feeding center cares for 30-50 children.
How will my sponsored child develop a relationship with Jesus in a country that is overwhelmingly Catholic?
The children are taught to pray, read and memorize the teachings of Jesus and the Bible. Each day, the feeding center staff takes good care and pays special attention to the spiritual needs of the children.
Are there other ways that GO on the Mission works with the community of the sponsored children?
In addition to child sponsorship efforts, GO on the Mission works toward the healing of every aspect of the culture. We do this in ways that build sustainability through house building initiatives that include local workers alongside of visiting building teams. We are also working on microenterprise initiatives for small family businesses.
Must a child be a Christian or come from a Christian family to be sponsored?
A key part of the motivation for the entire sponsorship ministry is to incarnate the unconditional love of God for all people. Children are often from culturally catholic families who are not practicing. Go desires to communicate the love of Jesus Christ to each child and family through practical acts of compassion.
Why Mazatlan?
Mazatlan is an important city for Mexico. As the largest commercial port on the West Coast of Mexico, Mazatlan attracts a diverse group of visitors. Due to the influence in commerce and as a destination, Mazatlan presents a unique opportunity to present the love of God to the people of Mexico. Over the past 15 years God has provided a strong relational connection between the leaders of GO on the Mission and the leaders of the local churches of Mazatlan.
Why Now?
Over the last 15 years, local church leaders have expressed a desire to see Mazatlan experience total transformation in every aspect of culture. The leaders of the city and the local churches have had an increasingly unified vision for transformation. In 2010, 8000 church members gathered publically to pray for their city. The local pastors desire transformation spiritually, economically, educationally, and culturally. They have a vision for their city and child sponsorship helps them educate and care for their children in a way that builds momentum toward their vision. We can help.
