A Letter From the International Godparenthood Association Office in the USA

Praise be Jesus and Mary! On December 20, 1999, International Godparenthood Association completed it's seventh year. Initially 230 godparents were signed up the first year and at this time there are 1200 godchildren sponsored by 980 godparents. Of the eight countries participating, the United States has the largest number of godparents.

The International Godparenthood Association does not do any public advertising. We rely on word of mouth from godparents, organizations like the Medjugorje Magazine, Weible Columns, The Medjugorje Web (http://www.medjugorje.org), and others to help spread the word about Fr. Jozo's children and respond to this need. Fr. Jozo asked the people of the United States to enter the circle of pain these children are living in by taking the cherished role of Godparents.

What better way to start the new millenium than to become a godparent to one of these devestated children. For every child in the Godparent Program, there is another child waiting for a godparent. These children need you. They have nowhere else to turn and yet it is not enough to just feed and clothe them. They need a special friend and you are that special friend. In the words of one godchild to his godparent "The war conditions has left a trace on all of us, including the businesses. For those who can get jobs, the salaries are not big; something around $300 a month, enough to survive. I am lucky in all of this unfortunate situation and have made something from my life, but I am afraid that many people will take the wrong path." The monthly donation is $55 with $50 being sent to the godchild, and the remaining $5 is used for administrative expenses.

As we celebrate this great jubilee, let us take note of the Jubilee Pledge for Charity, Justice and Peace. The pledge asks us to serve the poor and vulnerable and to give more generously to those in need at home and abroad. In Luke 12:32 we are also reminded that our gifts and talents are not our own, but have been given by God for the sake of the common good. Much is required of us. Won't you reach out to one of these children and become a godparent? God Bless you.

Nives Jelich         Phyllis Kuckelman
President/IGPA       Director/IGPA