FAQ

Child

Q: How long will the child need support?
A: Most children require support until they have completed basic schooling, which is at the age of 15.

Q: What happens to the child after he or she has completed schooling and leaves the program? What follow-up is done with the children that leave IGL children's home or the village?
A: When the children have completed their basic education, they are encouraged to go into higher education or vocational training. On occasion, children with parent(s) leave the home before their schooling is over. Although the parents are counseled, they have the right to take their children out of the program at any time. Most children are enrolled through a local church or a pastor. When a child leaves the program, IGL can contact the local church or the pastor to follow up on the well being of the child. If the child's family moves from one village to another, follow-up becomes difficult to track.

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Communication

Q: Can I write to my sponsored child?
A: Yes, any correspondence from the sponsor will be forwarded to the child. Ongoing communication is essential in developing a meaningful connection. Sponsors and children alike come to understand one another's country, culture, and family. Please refrain from discussing the political issues of either country. Normally responses come to supporters in 4-6 weeks. NOTE: Please remember that the majority of children do not speak English, so translations take time.

Q: How often will I receive updates from my sponsored child?
A: Updates and pictures are sent annually. Each sponsored child communicates twice per year as well as responding to any communication you choose to send.

Q: What kind of gifts are appropriate to send my child?
A: Please refer to our gift catalog to view different gifts or parties that you can purchase on behalf of your child in India.

Q: Is there a possibility of visiting my child?
A: Yes, every sponsor has the option of visiting his/her sponsored child. Every year, the IGL North America Office arranges for Eyewitness Teams to visit India to see the ministry efforts firsthand. For more details, please visit the IGL website or call the U.S office.

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Finances

Q: Are my gifts and support tax deductible?
A: Yes. All donations to the India Gospel League, NA are tax deductible. A receipt will be provided by the U.S. office for each gift received.

Q: How much of my support is used towards administrative expenses? A: The IGL operates on a 15 percent administrative overhead, which is specifically designed towards the procurement of future child sponsorships. This means that 85 percent of your gifts go directly to the care of your child.

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Sponsorship

Q: Do the parent(s) of the sponsored child benefit from the support?
A: Yes, family connection is one of the unique aspects of the children's program. Through child sponsorship, the ministry has the opportunity to reach the parents and the community at large. The IGL has a family action plan for every sponsored child's family. This plan allows the entire family to participate in certain benefits of the sponsorship program, which ensures the well-being of the entire family and not just the child. For example, parents may receive medical care along with their children at no additional expense. Parents are exposed to the Gospel during parent-teacher meetings and special gatherings. Parents are encouraged to join adult literacy classes. Mothers are given the opportunity join a "Women's Transformation Group" in the village.

Q: How is the local church connected with the sponsorship program?
A: The day care centers and any other children's outreach in a village are operated through the local church (Life Center). Wherever a church building is located, it is used throughout the week as a day care center. All of the benefits of child sponsorship are channeled through the church and not directly to the individuals.

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General

Q: Is the IGL an adoption agency as well?
The IGL does not arrange adoptions nor is it a licensed adoption agency.

Q: Who should sponsors contact for additional information about the IGL's other outreach ministries?
A: The India Gospel League North America Office is located at 1521 Georgetown Road, Suite 305 Hudson, Ohio 44236. Please send checks, gifts, and correspondence to this address.

If you have further questions, please feel free to contact the Child Sponsorship Division.

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