"Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world." - James 1:27

The Need

Sonshine Ministries International works to change the future for abandoned and orphaned children in Tanzania, East Africa. Poverty and disease have created confusion and termoil for many families; the extended and foster family systems have been overwhelmed.  With a population of nearly 38 million people, Tanzania has a swelling population of over 1 million orphans. Nearly 22% of Tanzanian children under the age of 15 have lost thier parents to HIV/AIDS; this number is expected to increase to 1.5 million by 2010.

The Ministry

We provide outreach ministry programs in partnership with local churches, grade schools, orphanages, seminaries, colleges and businesses. Through conferences, seminars and street festivals our ministry strives to bring biblical truths, virtues and values to believers and non-believers alike teaching God’s principles on family, marriage, child raising, work ethics, personal hygiene and lifestyle.

The Children

Sonshine Ministries has16 children, three house mothers, three teachers, 2 security personel and Pastor Joel Senny.

The children all come from desperate situations; many living on the streets and eating from the garbage bins. Each child has a unique story but they all have the same theme; mistreatment and neglect, living in misery and hopelessness.

We are working to change all that. Our staff is committed to changing the future for these kids. Together they minister to the whole child, physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.

We are currently located in a rented facility; construction of our children's village began June 2008 and we plan to move into the new homes January 2009.

Pastor Joel and Betty Senny          Ray with Lazarus and Ester

   Irene and Neema practice their dance     Ester learning a new puzzle

Sonshine's temporary home and school near Mt Kilimanjaro Tanzania

Melody teaches a new song

Three of our kids lived here after they were abandoned by their father

Sonshine Children's Village

Our vision has always been to provide homes and families for orphaned and destitute children and to train them up to be the Godly leaders of this nation. Sonshine Ministries purchased 15 acres of land in 2005 and have been working toward construction of a children’s village ever since.  In June of 2008 we broke ground on this village.

In 2005 Sonshine Ministries purchased 15 acres in the shadow of Mt. Kilimanjaro near King’ori, Tanzania. In June of 2008 we began building Sonshine Village providing homes for orphaned and destitute children. When completed, our village will consist of 17 family homes, each home will create a family of 12 children and a house mother. Our plans also include homes for the village director, a U.S. missionary family, housing for staff and short term visitors, and support buildings.

The village will feature an elementary school for the children of Sonshine and nearby residents; a place of excellence. The directors of Sonshine Ministries believe a quality education is essential to break the cycle of poverty. Our school facilities are designed to be used for the children during the day, adult education in the evening. A community church will also be located on the premises. Future plans include community gardens, a center to bring Christian programs and teaching to the area, and a large space for outdoor events. A community hospital is currently under construction adjacent to Sonshine Village, a European based university has also just broken ground within 1 kilometer of the site and there are future plans for a cultural center nearby.

Link to Vision of the Lord

Link to  Our Mission Statement