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Frequently asked questions

AOFM contributes to the Child/family’s spiritual needs through the ministries of their church

  • Is Alpha & Omega Family Ministries in Panamá (AOFM) affiliated with a church or denomination?
    AOFM is a private nonprofit organization whose primary directors are members of Skandia Evangelical Free Church, Balaton, Minnesota.
     
  • How does AOFM contribute to the spiritual formation of the child?
    AOFM contributes to the child/family’s spiritual needs through the approved church.
     
  • Are my sponsored child/his family members of a local church?
    Child/family MUST BE members of the approved local church.
     
  • Is there an AOFM representative/coordinator to make regular visits to my sponsored child?
    AOFM maintains a local representative to make regular visits to the child/family.
     
  • Is there an AOFM representative/coordinator available to my sponsored child when he has a special need outside regular visits?
    AOFM’s local representative is available to the child/family during his regular office hours (Monday- Friday, 9:00 am -5:00 pm).
     
  • Will I receive regular reports regarding my sponsored child?
    AOFM’s local representative makes monthly visits and provides reports of the child/family.
     
  • How much does it cost to sponsor a child?
    A child sponsorship is $60/month
     
  • Is it ok to have a group of people involved in sponsoring one child?
    “Three people can make a group to sponsor a child, each contributing $20/month.
     
  • What specific child needs are met with the funding received by the child?
    The needs met through sponsorship are food, clothing, and school supplies.
     
  • Can the child I sponsor be a social orphan? (A social orphan is a child who is being raised by only one parent)?
    Yes.
     
  • If the child I sponsor is a member of a large family, can I sponsor more than one child?
    Yes.
     
  • Can I pay for my sponsorship online?
    Sponsorship payments can be made through ----------------
     
  • Can I make a one-time payment or contribution?
    Yes. 
     
  • Can I sign up for a monthly sponsorship by direct deposit?
    NO. We are currently not set up to accept direct deposits. Payments by check or cash will NOT be accepted.
     

Correspondence and Personal visits to sponsored child

  • What platform is the best one for me to write to my sponsored child?
    You can write to sponsored child through AOFM’s e-mail: aofamilyministries@gmail.com
     
  • Who receives the correspondence for my sponsored child?
    AOFM’s representative receives correspondence, prints, and delivers mail during the monthly visit.
     
  • Can I send photographs of my family to my sponsored child?
    Yes, through e-mail correspondence. 
     
  • If there is a group of people sponsoring a child can they each write to the child?
    Yes, through e-mail correspondence. 
     
  • What happens to the funding I send to my sponsored child and he has already left the program?
    You will determine this through the sign-up process.

About sending special gifts

  • Can a special monetary gift be given to my sponsored child for his or her birthday?
    Yes – You can give instructions in this regard through the sign-up process. 
     
  • How can I find out what kinds of gifts might my sponsored child enjoy?
    You can make an inquiry in this regard during the sign-up process.
     
  • What kinds of gifts cannot be sent?
    You can make an inquiry in this regard during the sign-up process.

Visiting my sponsored child

  • Can I/we visit our sponsored child?
    You can make an inquiry in this regard during the sign-up process.
     
  • Will the AOFM coordinator make visit arrangements with my child. If not him who?
    An AOFM coordinator will be glad to assist you in this regard during the sign-up process.
     
  • Can I meet my sponsored child and his family in person?
    You can make an inquiry in this regard during the sign-up process.
     
  • What form do I need to fill out to schedule a visit with my sponsored child?
    Requests for visits are handled through e-mail. You can schedule a visit by sending a request for the form. Once the form is filled out, it is sent back through e-mail.
     
  • Will an AOFM staff member be present at all times during our visit?
    Yes. 
     
  • How long will I be able to spend with my sponsored child?
    You can make an inquiry in this regard during the sign-up process.
     
  • When I visit, can I bring gifts for my sponsored child and to his family?
    Yes. 
     
  • As one coming from a foreign country, where do I find information regarding immunizations and passports?
    If you are coming from a foreign country a passport will be required to enter Panama. Passports can be obtained by visiting your local Court House. The Panamanian Embassy in your State/Country will provide you with the list of required immunizations.