Statement of Faith

Financials

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mission To Children?

Mission To Children is an evangelical ministry committed to caring for, and cultivating Christlike character in, children—especially those at risk.

What are the activities of the organization?

Incorporated in 1971, MTC enjoys a recognized heritage of providing valuable assistance to needy children in various countries. This is accomplished through international ministry partners who provide food, shelter, training, and life-changing Bible teaching to at-risk kids. MTC also assists through special projects, such as homes for leper families, feeding programs for children, and a sponsorship program that links individual kids with sponsors in North America.

A dynamic enhancement of Mission To Children’s ministry was the formation in 2004 of Character Solutions International. This MTC subsidiary focuses on developing personal responsibility and interpersonal respect, each a vital and Biblical characteristic of healthy societies. Teacher’s and parent’s guides have been developed for 10 key character qualities, which are taught internationally through seminars to parents, educators, and other community leaders. CSI training seminars have been held repeatedly in Romania, Bolivia, India, Liberia, Lithuania, and South Africa.

How much of a gift goes to program?

Mission To Children reserves the right to apply up to 20% of project-designated gifts to the expenses associated with providing those projects. These operating costs include partner communications, donor communications, project reports and accounting for funds.

How do I know that Mission To Children will handle my designation with integrity?

Mission To Children is an approved member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability. Not only are we accountable to nonprofit status related standards, we are also accountable to the Christian standards recognized and monitored by the ECFA. Our United States and Canadian ministries are each governed by a separate, independent Board of Directors. Each undergoes an annual independent audit.

How much does it cost to sponsor a child through Mission To Children?

$25 dollars a month provides education, food, shelter, clothing, medicine, and spiritual nurture. The spiritual nurture they receive is from the Bible. Bible teaching is a regular part of their instruction, as well as singing and prayer time. Our goal is that all students will learn about Jesus as their Savior and grow in their love for Him. We make no distinction between non-believing and believing children when we are providing basic life necessities. All children receive equal and proper treatment and provision. In fact, the majority of our children who come into the program are from non-Christian backgrounds.

Does Mission To Children send assistance directly to children and their families?

No. All monies are directed through partner organizations and churches that oversee the rightful distribution of all funding. This avoids the misuse of funds and provides an accountability structure for those involved in the ministry.

If I must discontinue my sponsorship, what happens to the child I have been helping?

We recognize that not everyone remains in a position to give continuously. Should you discontinue sponsorship, we will look for another donor to support the child. If no sponsor is available to support the child, Mission To Children pays for the child's expenses out of a fund specifically for that purpose. Our joy is to work with sponsors who share our vision of the value of these children's lives.

How long should my sponsorship last?

Sponsorships may last for several years, and sometimes for many years. In most situations, there is a general age that orphans move out of the orphanage (or home) and into another program suited to that season of their life. We are thankful many of the donors have sponsored faithfully for many years, often supporting more than one child.

Do children have to become Christians to continue receiving help from Mission To Children?

Children do not have to become Christians to receive provision. Yet, every encounter with our partners is conducted in an environment that encourages a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

How does Mission To Children ensure that sponsorship funds are making a difference in the lives of children?

Mission To Children visits its ministry sites to personally observe and evaluate their effectiveness.

Why would I sponsor a child in another country when there are poor in our own country?

It is quite true that there are pressing needs here in North America. But there are also many local organizations ministering to our own poor. Mission To Children specializes in meeting the needs of our distant "neighbors," who do not have the economic strength to support their own. We gladly encourage all people to consider their involvement locally and internationally.

Why does Mission To Children focus on community projects as well as individual child development?

When there is poverty, everyone is affected, not just the children. And since children are a part of some community, it is appropriate to develop the surrounding living situations to improve everyone's lives.

Is Mission To Children part of the relief and development community?

Currently, Mission To Children does not engage in any ongoing relief projects unless an international partner is already equipped to provide the necessary direct services. Otherwise, the money is directed to an organization that specializes in such relief efforts.

Does Mission To Children accept gifts-in-kind?

At times we do, but only upon request. Presently, it is much better to send money designated for supplies and gifts rather than materials. Often, it is not cost-effective to ship "materials" overseas when they can be bought overseas. There is also no guarantee that packages won't be tampered with as they are shipped down to the ministry site.