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Sensitive Communities

What is a “Sensitive Community”?

At FH we are led by our Christian beliefs, yet we are also committed to serving vulnerable people without regard to race, creed or nationality. Sometimes this commitment takes us into what we call “sensitive” communities. In some of these places, evangelism is strictly illegal. For the safety of those we serve, we exercise extreme caution in how we share matters of faith. The contexts in which we work are different in each area. Please see below for the country specific guidelines for how to best communicate with your sponsored child.

How will my sponsored child learn about Jesus?

Since public education is so poor in many sensitive communities, FH staff facilitates after-school clubs to teach children and encourage them in their studies. There, kids also learn biblical values like obedience, honoring their parents and serving others. Many children take these values back to their home and, once our staff form trusting relationships, they may share their faith directly with those who show interest. Although our work may look different in various areas, by God’s grace we’re seeing communities come together and discover their God-given purpose.

Aren’t these types of guidelines in opposition to the words of Jesus in Matthew 10?

“Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven.” (NIV)? Actually, these guidelines seek to follow the guidance Jesus gave to His disciplines in this very passage. While telling His disciples to “proclaim from the roofs” (v27), Jesus did not tell his disciples to seek persecution or attempt to incite it. Rather, He told them to be “on their guard” (v17). Jesus commanded His disciples to be “as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.” (v16) when it came to sharing with those not open to the Gospel. Likewise, in other parts of scripture we are encouraged to share the Gospel with “gentleness and respect” (I Peter 3:15). In explaining how he sought to contextualize his presentation of the gospel, the Apostle Paul stated, “I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some.” (I Cor 9:22) These guidelines do not seek to “disown” Jesus by any means. Rather, these guidelines seek to honor the Biblical encouragement to share the Gospel in ways that acknowledge the cultural contexts in which we are working.

Country Specific Guidelines

Bangladesh

While talking about God is generally OK, please use great caution when discussing matters of faith or using terms like Jesus, Christ, Holy Spirit, Bible, etc. Please be sure to only use these types of terms when talking about YOUR OWN faith and testimony.

In Bangladesh, it is OK to say things like:

  • “I’m praying for you”
  • “God loves you “Merry Christmas” or “What did you do for Christmas?”
  • “I attend church” or “I read the Bible”

It’s good to:

  • Remind your sponsored child they are special, loved and full of potential
  • Tell them you care about them and that’s why you’re their sponsor
  • Tell your sponsored child about your family and the place you live or ask about their family and about the place they live
  • Ask about food, holidays, culture, weather and so on
  • Ask your sponsored child what they like to do for fun and share some of the things you like to do

In Bangladesh it is NOT OK:

  • To draw crosses or other Christian symbols in your letters
  • To instruct the child to practice faith by encouraging them to read the Bible, go to church, or pray
  • To mention Jesus in a way that directly relates to the child such as “Jesus loves you” or “Jesus is watching over you,” or to refer to Jesus as the Messiah or Savior
  • To send photos/drawings/stickers of dogs or pigs
Cambodia

Please use great caution when discussing matters of faith or using terms like Jesus, Christ, Holy Spirit, Bible, etc. Please be sure to only use these types of terms when talking about YOUR OWN faith and testimony.

In Cambodia it is OK to say things like:

  • “Merry Christmas” or “what did you do for Christmas?”
  • (in reference to your own faith)
    • “I love Jesus”
    • “I have accepted Jesus into my heart and He has blessed me”
    • “I love reading the Bible and going to church because it helps me grow closer to Jesus”

It’s good to:

  • Remind your sponsored child they are special, loved and full of potential
  • Tell them you care about them and that’s why you’re their sponsor
  • Tell your sponsored child about your family and the place you live or ask about their family and about the place they live
  • Ask about food, holidays, culture, weather, and so on
  • Ask your sponsored child what they like to do for fun and share some of the things you like to do

In Cambodia it is NOT OK:

  • To instruct the child to practice faith by reading the Bible, going to church, or praying
  • To mention Jesus in a way that directly relates to the child such as “Jesus loves you” or “Jesus is watching over you,” or to refer to Jesus as the Messiah or Savior
  • To use words that would normally be used in the Christian faith that might be graphic or misunderstood such as Jesus’ death, Jesus’ blood
Ethiopia

Please use great caution when discussing matters of faith or using terms like Jesus, Christ, Holy Spirit, Bible, etc. Please be sure to only use these types of terms when talking about YOUR OWN faith and testimony.

 

In Ethiopia it is OK to say things like:

  • “Do you go to church?”
  • “I am praying to God because it helps me grow”

 

It’s good to:

  • Offer encouraging words related to their education
  • Remind your sponsored child they are special, loved and full of potential
  • Tell them you care about them and that’s why you’re their sponsor
  • Tell your sponsored child about your family and the place you live or ask about their family and about the place they live
  • Ask about food, holidays, culture, weather, and so on
  • Ask your sponsored child what they like to do for fun and share some of the things you like to do

 

In Ethiopia it is NOT OK:

  • To instruct the child to practice faith by reading the Bible, going to church, or praying
  • To mention Jesus in a way that directly relates to the child such as “Jesus loves you” or “Jesus is watching over you” or to refer to Jesus as the Messiah or Savior
Indonesia

Don’t use the words that would normally be used in the Christian faith such as Jesus, Christ, Holy Spirit, Bible, etc., EVEN WITH REGARD TO YOUR OWN FAITH. This is a highly sensitive country and the repercussions of sending something that suggests Christianity are very serious.

In Indonesia, it is OK to say things like:

  • “I’m praying for you”
  • “God loves you”
  • “I hope you continue to seek God”

It’s good to:

  • Remind your sponsored child they are special, loved and full of potential
  • Tell them you care about them and that’s why you’re their sponsor
  • Tell your sponsored child about your family and the place you live or ask about their family and about the place they live
  • Ask about food, holidays, culture, weather and so on
  • Ask your sponsored child what they like to do for fun and share some of the things you like to do
  • Send items such as stickers and photos AS LONG as there isn’t a reference to Christmas or Jesus’ birth

In Indonesia it is NOT OK:

  • To include crosses or other Christian symbols in your letters, photos or gifts
  • To instruct the child to practice faith by reading the Bible, going to church or praying
  • To mention Jesus in a way that directly relates to the child such as “Jesus loves you” or “Jesus is watching over you” or to refer to Jesus as the Messiah or Savior
  • To say, “I love reading the Bible and going to church because it helps me grow closer to Jesus”
  • To say, “We know that Jesus has a plan for your life”
  • To say anything about brothers or sisters in Christ
  • To mention dogs, pig, or other pets
Vietnam

As Vietnam is an ultra-sensitive community, please use great caution when corresponding with your sponsored child.

In Vietnam, it is OK to say things like:

  • What are your dreams?
  • What are your hobbies?
  • What is your favorite subject in school?
  • What is the weather like in Vietnam?
  • Tell me about your family. For example, how many family members do you have, what do they do for a living, etc?
  • Do you help your parents with housework, like cleaning, washing, etc?
  • I wish you the best.
  • I hope you’re doing well.
  • Peace be with you.

It’s good to:

  • Remind your sponsored child they are special, loved, and full of potential
  • Tell them you care about them and that’s why you’re their sponsor
  • Tell your sponsored child about your family and the place you live, or ask about their family and about the place they live
  • Ask about food, holidays, culture, weather, and so on
  • Ask your sponsored child what they like to do for fun and share some of the things you like to do
  • Send photos of yourself and your family. Clothing should be modest.

Please do NOT discuss matters of faith or use terms like Jesus, Christ, Holy Spirit/Ghost, Bible, Bless, Pray/Prayer, Lord, Messiah, Easter, Christmas,  etc. Please also avoid other words alluding to Christianity or any other religion. Please do NOT say or ask:

  • I attend church
  • I read the Bible
  • I’m praying for you
  • Do you go to church?
  • In reference to your own faith:
    • I love Jesus
    • I have accepted Jesus into my heart and He has blessed me.
    • I love reading the Bible and going to church because it helps me grow closer to Jesus

Additionally, in Vietnam it is NOT OK:

  • To ask questions about religion or church attendance.
  • To draw crosses or other Christian symbols in your letters
  • To instruct the child to practice faith by reading the Bible, going to church, or praying
  • To mention Jesus in a way that directly relates to the child, such as “Jesus loves you” or “Jesus is watching over you,” or to refer to Jesus as the Messiah or Savior
  • To use words that would normally be used in the Christian faith that might be graphic or misunderstood, such as Jesus’ death or Jesus’ blood

Are you ready to write your Sponsored Child?

Not sure what to write?

You are about to embark on a new FH Donor Experience

If you need assistance, please contact us at donorhelp@fh.org or 866-307-3259.

Gift Policy:
You may send small, flat paper-based items that can fit into a standard #10 size envelope, have a value of less than $5 dollars and weigh less than 4 ounces. We ask that you send small, flat items of this size because shipping is expensive and even small gift items can cause issues clearing customs.

You can send postcards or photographs, however, we ask that you visit here for more details about culturally appropriate guidelines for photos and other images. Please write the child’s ID # on the back of each item that you enclose with your letter to ensure that it reaches him/her.
 
Best gifts to send your sponsored child:
  • Paper dolls
  • Postcards
  • Pictures of yourself or family
  • Sports cards, individual cards (baseball, soccer, football)
  • Stickers (flat, paper-based, only a few at a time)
  • Paper-based simple bookmarks, stationery, drawing, or writing paper (single sheets)
  • Coloring pages (single sheets, not books)

Please do NOT send:
  • Monetary gifts
  • Liquids, candy, or food
  • Batteries or magnets

Please note, all items should be compliant with airline transport and safety regulations. Gifts that don’t meet the gift policy will be donated to a local Christian non-profit organization in Phoenix, Arizona, that works with low-income families. We will not be able to return them.