February 6, 2009

Dear Sponsor,

     God has been very good to Bright Star School in 2008. Some of the highlights and accomplishments of the year, achieved through your generosity, include:

·         Bright Star School remained safe throughout the riots at the beginning of the year

·         480 students are learning every day

·         77 students that have little or no family have a safe place to live and learn and food in their stomachs

·         28 Americans from five different states visited Bright Star (3 different trips). There they met the students, taught the students, provided medical care for the school and community, and shared the Bright Star story with others upon their return to the U. S.

     We have a lot to be thankful for.  However, there is also much to be concerned about.

     Kenyans are facing financial struggles of their own, especially increased food costs. Those who are poor and unemployed are starving, no doubt. You and I aren’t able to feed all the hungry, but God doesn’t expect us to. We need to do more to help feed the students and orphans (boarders) at Bright Star School. We’ve taken in 25 new boarders since May who are fed three meals a day, and the cost of maize, our staple food, has more than doubled this year. It costs approximately $30/month to provide food, incidentals such as shampoo, toothpaste, etc. and an education for each orphan. In addition we must provide clothing and housing for each child. Some of this is provided by donations from donors other than sponsors; however, due to increasing costs, our donations for these items have not kept up with our needs.

     We’re asking sponsors who are able to consider donating an additional $10/month for their sponsored child. This additional money will be applied toward the cost of feeding and educating the child. If you are not able or willing to increase your support of your Bright Star student, we’ll work to identify an additional sponsor – there’s nothing wrong with a child having two sponsors. 

     To sum it up, we’re asking you to consider the following options:

A.      Increase your sponsorship of an orphan from $10/month to $20/month.

B.     Help us find another sponsor to co-sponsor your orphan for $10/month.

C.     Continue as you are by sponsoring an orphan for $10/month.

     Please thoughtfully and prayerfully consider your level of support and let me know. My contact information is at the end of this letter. If you have paid your sponsorship in advance and want to start paying the additional amount now, I can let you know the amount needed.

     Thank you for your willingness to support your sponsored child at whichever level you select. Your continued generosity is sincerely appreciated by the students and teachers of Bright Star School.

With love,

Jan Hinkle

3663 Meadow View Dr.

Kokomo, IN 46902

Phone:  765-457-6785 

e-mail:  janice.hinkle@att.net

Checks should be made payable to Bright Star Foundation.