Our sponsorship model gives sponsors a personal relationship with their sponsored child while nurturing the partnership with the guardians and families we are working with. Through the donations from our family of sponsors, we are able to facilitate our programs and provide the resources needed that will create long-term success and bring true transformation. We do not give money directly to the guardians/families, but instead use these funds to help with supplemental food, education, medical care and other necessities.

Show Mercy's sponsorship program is tailored to meet the needs for each individual child. No situation is exactly the same and the needs are unique depending on the child. Some children only need basic support and education and have only one sponsor. However, others are attending boarding schools or instiutions of higher learning and are assigned multiple sponsors to cover the extra costs of the increased care they receive. Other children may have special medical needs requiring additional support. With a family of sponsors working together, we can provide individualized care for each child in our program based on their needs.

Once we receive your first monthly sponsorship donation, we will send you a sponsorship packet which includes a photo and information on your child. Throughout the year we will provide you with updates, letters and drawings from your child. You may write to your sponsored child as often as you wish, however due to logistical restraints, not every letter that you write to your child will be answered. You can be assured, however, they will receive your correspondence. There are many opportunities for you to become involved in your sponsored child’s life by participating in our Birthday, Easter, and Christmas programs. We suggest $25 for each sponsored child. This allows us to use the funds collected to purchase gifts as well as organizing parties for the children. You are also welcomed and encouraged to visit your sponsored child in Uganda as part of a Show Mercy trip. The children get so excited when they get to meet those who have been sowing into their lives through finances and encouragement.

Yes, you may. We encourage you to write to your sponsored child. Cards and letters must be mailed to our US office where they will be forwarded to the children periodically. Here are a few suggestions when writing your child: Write about things that your sponsored child will understand, such as family, pets, work, church, hobbies, tastes in food, music and activities. Encourage your child’s learning and remind your child that you are thinking of them often and praying for him/her. Please do not discuss politics or governmental issues. Please do not ask your child if there is anything they need or desire. We are working with our children to be thankful for what they have received and helping to break them out of a “poverty” mindset. When you are in great need, you can tend to find your provision through begging, but we are training up our children in a different way. To ensure your privacy, please do not include your address or contact information in your letter. Please mail your letter to: Show Mercy International PO Box 1003, Port Gibson, MS 39150.

It is very challenging to send gifts from the US to Uganda. Since space is limited when we travel we only allow items that are flat and will fit into a 6×9 envelope or Ziploc bag. You might consider sending small photo albums with pictures, book marks, stickers, pencils, etc. We ask that you not send candy or money to the children. We also ask that you remove all packaging and waste. Since Uganda does not have a waste management program like we do here in the states, trash/waste is challenging to dispose of, especially plastics. We do provide opportunities for you to participate in purchasing larger gifts but please do not feel obligated. Our team in Uganda uses the funds collected to purchase gifts as well as organizing parties for the children. Some of the holidays we celebrate with our children are: Birthdays, Easter, Primary School Graduation and Christmas.

Yes and we encourage it. SMI has planned trips several times a year that you are welcome to join. On this trip, you will have the chance to meet and spend quality time with your sponsored child. We ask that you do this through an organized Show Mercy trip and not independently. However, if you are visiting Uganda independently, you are welcome to set up arrangements through our SMI team to visit your child. The children often ask when their sponsors will visit them. They get so excited to meet and spend time with those who have sown into their lives both financially and through encouraging letters. You will certainly be impacted in a powerful way when you come and visit the child that has been a part of your life.

On occasions, your child may have to move or withdraw from the sponsorship program. This can be a number of reasons, including families relocating to other villages or extreme discipline issues. If this happens, we will inform you and assign another wonderful child in need of love and care for you to sponsor. SMI will also mail you a packet of information about your new child.

Depending on the age of the child and where they are currently in school, will determine how long the child is a part of the SMI program. If you make a commitment to sponsor a child and are unable to continue, we ask that you help us find a new sponsor for that child. You can help by encouraging your friends or family to adopt your sponsorship so we can continue helping your child. We try to offer every child support at least through secondary school. Many also continue to university or trade schools depending on their educational results.

NO. The majority of the children we are serving live with a parent, guardian or in a foster home. We believe God’s ultimate plan is for a child is to be in a close family - with their parents/relatives or foster parents where they feel safe and secure. It is a great way for them to understand the dynamic of family life and receive love and affection from caregivers. Our role is to partner with the caregivers to provide support through resources, emotional help and encouragement.

You have the option of paying for the whole year at one time, or donating monthly. We encourage you to consider either setting up an automatic “bill pay” with your bank, setting up a monthly electronic debit from your account (e-check) or providing a credit/debit card for us to charge each month to cover your sponsorship. If you choose to donate monthly by check, we will also include a remittance envelope with your receipt for you to mail your next donation in.

We try to make it as convenient as possible for all of our partners when it comes to making your sponsorship donations. You can pay with a check, money order, cash, Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover. We can even receive a voided check from your bank account and have the funds withdrawn each month on a date that you choose. If you pay monthly, we will send you a monthly acknowledgement that will include an envelope for your next month sponsorship. You can also choose the frequency of your sponsorship. You can pay monthly, quarterly or yearly. Debit/credit cards or e-checks are preferential to Show Mercy because they provide less administrative expenses and time to process. However, whatever way you choose will be greatly appreciated by the children you are supporting.

We have a detailed sponsorship booklet we would be glad to mail to you. It has much more information for those who are interested in learning more. Please contact us and we would be glad to mail you one.