Frequently asked questions

Here are some questions and answers we hope will help you in the sponsorship of your child.

∙  What exactly is the money I give being spent on?
∙  What about the home children who are not yet sponsored?
∙  What is Micah's Call International (MCI)
∙  Who do I donate to, and what is Stewardship Services?
∙  Can I make a one off donation, for example - birthday / Christmas presents
∙  What is your aim for the children?
∙  How can I communicate with my child?
∙  Can I send gifts to my child?
∙  If my child still has a parent, can I help them in any way?
∙  Can a church, home group or family sponsor a child?
∙  What if I suddenly can't continue sponsoring my child?
∙  How long must my sponsorship last?
∙  Am I the only sponsor of my child?
∙  What is JMHA where my child lives?
∙  How did the sponsorship program begin?
∙  Why might my child only have a first name?
∙  Additional information on village-based child sponsorship

Q - What exactly is the money I give being spent on?
A -  Every pound you give is used for the benefit of your sponsored child. This includes food, clothes, school supplies, healthcare, toys, and education, administration, staffing, and building maintenance purposes. None is used for UK admin of Micah's Call since through the gift aid scheme, we reclaim back 28% for every pound given, and this money is used to run the charity.

Q - What about the needy children home children who are not yet sponsored?
A - The money you give will be used for all the children at the home. This is because such a little goes so far with the exchange rate. Once all the children are sponsored, this effectivly means your money is being used for just your child. In the mean time, this still means that you have a chosen child who is benefiting through your prayers, communication and care. Likewise, they will have the inspiration of knowing they have a friend in a far away place who cares about them. You money will make a big impact on all the children's lives, and any specific gifts you give will go directly to your child.

Q - What is Micah's Call International (MCI)
A - Micah's Call International is a UK based organisation under whom the Child Sponsorship project runs. Child sponsorship happens through MCI, working closely with our partner organisation who care for the children, JMHA.

Q - Who do I donate to, and what is Stewardship Services?
A - Micah's Call run their regular financial donations for taxpayers by standing order. Information on setting this up this can be found by completing the Donation or Sponsor Today web pages. We used to work through Stewardship Services, a Christian charity specialising in processing donations. We take all other donations direct to our bank. Please contact us us if you wish to make a donation or see the donate page.

Q - Can I make a one off donation for example - Christmas present.
A - We encourage sponsors to give a small donation for events such as birthdays or Christmas. You will be reminded each year for Christmas so that, if you wish to send extra in addition to your regular monthly donation, you can. If you already donate through Stewardship Services, you can do this by sending us a cheque payable to Stewardship Services (£5 is enough) or, if you are not giving through Stewardship, a cheque payable to Micah's Call International. 

Q - What is your aim for the children?
A - JMHA answers: The aim we have for our children is that they will grow up to be educated, mature Christian adults, who have a stable and loving background in JMHA. We want to be, and indeed have been, a supportive family to those who have grown up and moved on into further education or a profession. We desire that all our children have a relationship with the Living God, and give them the opportunity to receive the Word of God through teaching and prayer that they may make a decision to live their lives for Christ. To care for orphans and the needy is one of Christ's highest callings and we are privileged to be involved in this ministry.
MCI answers: All partners in the child sponsorship ministry have a basis of faith that agrees with MCI basis of faith. A sponsorship agreement is made between the organisations, ensuring best practice of facilitating the sponsorship program.

Q - How can I communicate with my child?
A - Every six months, Christmas and summer, you will receive an update on your child from JMHA. Included should be any writing, drawing or gift your child wants to send to you, and also a translated (and often transcribed) letter direct from your child to you. It is then up to you whether you wish to write back. You are under no obligation, but we recommend communicating with your child at least twice a year. This will allow you to really be a part of your child's life, supporting them and encouraging them simply by the fact that you care. Once we have received your letter, it will be translated and read or given to your child.

Q - If my child still has a parent, can I help them in any way?
A - Since many of our children have been admitted to our home due to extreme poverty, should you wish to help their remaining family, this may be possible. Sensitively ask about your child's parents in your letter. Contact MCI by post or by phone if you think you would like to help your child's family. JMHA will then outline a proposal of how best this can be done, and suggest it to you for you to consider. JMHA can then reach out to the child's family in a unique way. It is up to you if you want the family to know if help you are giving is coming from you as a sponsor or simply from JMHA.

Q - Can a church, home group or family sponsor a child?
A - We encourage sponsorship from groups and churches. We recommend that for the purpose of letter writing, one person represents the whole group which avoids your child being confused or intimidated. How or where you send finances from is your decision.

Q - What if I suddenly can't continue sponsoring my child?
A - Of course in the regrettable event that you are unable to sponsor your child, you must let us know. It is no problem and we will look for alternative sponsors. If you ever come to the position of wanting to sponsor the child again, we will do our best to help it happen.

Q - How long must my sponsorship last?
A - There is no binding commitment to the sponsorship program. Children "graduate" from JMHA homes at the age of 17 and so your sponsorship will finish there. Should you want to continue sponsoring or supporting the same person, you may be able to arrange this through JMHA.

Q - Am I the only sponsor of my child?
A - Yes. This makes your input unique and special. It means that your prayers, gifts, and communication are all the more special in the life of your child.

Q - What is JMHA where my child lives?
A - JMHA began in 1969. The main aim, work and goal of JMHA is to see people receive salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. Since 1969, over 3000 people have come to know Christ and 35 churches have been planted. A key area of JMHA's ministry, indeed a founding ministry, is the homes for orphans and destitute which have been running for 30 years.
JMHA is a registered Indian Society and is involved in Christian social and spiritual work in the villages and rural district of Salem city, Tamil Nadu. JMHA is independent of any denomination, but values its close links with many denominations, churches, and mission organisations.

Q - Why might my child only have a first name?
A - In Tamil Nadu, South India, it is not customary for a person to have a second name. The person's family line is instead traced through having the initial of their Fathers name before their given name. For western sponsorship purposes, this has been excluded to avoid confusion, however why not write to your child and ask them sensitively about their name and their family?

Additional information on village based child sponsorship
Please visit the Community sponsorship page for more information on our program to support needy children in thier villages