The sponsorship program is organized by Compassion International, a non-profit organization that helps underprivileged children in poor communities around the world through the support of local churches.
His security team was concerned about the authenticity of the program, but the former president insisted on participating. This is how he and a young boy named Timothy communicated and became pen pals using the pseudonym George Walker.
In January 2002, George wrote his first letter to the boy.
Dear Timothy,
I want to be your new correspondent.
I am a 77 year old man, but I love children; And even though we haven’t met, I already love you.
I live in Texas – I will write to you from time to time – good luck. vs. Walker”
Maintaining confidentiality of care was such a challenge that Wes Stafford, the former director of Compassion International, was commissioned to review the letters.
In one of the letters, George talked about his dog Sadie.
“This is a photo of our dog,” he wrote. “Her name is Sadie. I’ve met a lot of celebrities.”
“She’s a very good female dog bred in England. She hunts mice and squirrels, she runs like the wind. G. Walker.”
In another post, he also talked about Christmas at the White House.
Dear Timothy,
I love this photo of you holding the “World Time” widget. I also learned that you play guitar – great!
Timothy, have you ever heard of the White House? This is where the President of the United States lives.
I have to go to the White House at Christmas. It’s a little pamphlet that I received at the White House in Washington.”
Gifts weren’t allowed on the program, but after learning that Timothy loves art, George begins sending him gifts with the help of his team who often travels to the Philippines.
“Timothy was sending him hand drawings and telling the president how much he loves art, so he sent crayons, drawing boards and colors,” Stafford said.
A drawing offered by Timothée to his friend by correspondence.
Timothy never found out the true identity of his high pen pal until he graduated from the program. The now elderly boy was surprised to find out who his godfather was.
Mercy International currently works through partnerships in 25 countries with 7,000 local churches. Their vision is to create financial support for impoverished communities around the world and expectant mothers in need through early education funding. Credit: CNN
