Gemma Hunt: Why I sponsored a child with Compassion

I’ve known about Compassion for years through a friend who began sponsoring a child when she had her first daughter. I remember the photo she showed me: a little girl in a bright pink dress, her dark brown skin glowing in the sunlight. It felt like such a beautiful way to extend love.

As I prepared to head to Big Church Festival last summer, I heard Compassion would be partnering with the event. Looking into their work again brought back that memory of my friend’s generosity from 18 years ago. Then at the festival, we heard about Compassion’s projects in Ghana. That weekend, more than 500 people signed up to sponsor a child. Standing in a field surrounded by worship, I felt a nudge from God: Gemma, it’s your turn.

My husband and I decided to sponsor a child who shared our daughter’s birthday. The Compassion team searched the records and found the perfect match. When they told me her name, I couldn’t believe it – she shared not only our daughter’s birthday but also my goddaughter’s name, whose mum first inspired me to sponsor a child all those years ago. It felt like a divine full-circle moment.

Since then, we’ve received updates and photos of our sponsored child, Eva, in Ghana. The Compassion app makes it so easy to stay connected. I often check it before praying for her, noticing the weather or the time there. It helps me picture her real life. We’ve stuck her photos around our house and written down the things we’re praying for her.

Eva’s first letter arrived digitally, followed by a colour print in the post. Seeing her drawings and reading her words was pure joy, a reminder that sponsorship is about connection, not just charity.

It felt like a divine full-circle moment

Even though we’re oceans apart, we live under the same sky, watched over by the same loving God. She told us that her family prays for us too, which moved me deeply.

Supporting Eva doesn’t just change her life, it blesses her whole family. As parents, we know how stressful it can be to make ends meet. Sponsorship lifts a real weight. It’s hope made practical.

If you’ve ever considered sponsoring a child, I’d gently encourage you to do it. It’s like having a pen pal – with eternal impact. You can send photos, drawings or small, flat gifts to help them get to know you. Once a month, we pray for Eva as a family; perhaps that’s something you could do too.

Some people choose a child who shares their own birthday or that of a loved one. I heard of one man who lost both parents and sponsored two children born on their birthdays. Each year he sends cards in their memory. Isn’t that beautiful?

However you choose, your sponsorship is more than just financial support. It’s relationship, hope and partnering with God to transform a life. In the process, he will transform yours too.

So why not take that step today? Through Premier Christianity’s partnership with Compassion, you can change a child’s story – and you may just find it changes yours as well. Visit compassionuk.org/premier to start your journey today.