Apr-May25 Newsletter

PDX to CLT to JFK to DOH to JRO to PTL!

A fast way to overcome jet lag from back-to-back, overnight flights is arrive at Sonshine and be lovingly hugged by smiling children overflowing with God's love. I will never forget my early morning arrival in April 2025. After a prayerful and encouraging send-off by the amazing saints at New Day church near High Point, North Carolina, I boarded an evening flight in Charlotte (CLT) to fly to Kilimanjaro (JRO) via 2 overnight connections- JFK to DOH and DOH to JRO. What made the arrival so incredible was seeing God's glory (The fullness of His love and hope and joy) shining brightly through the faces of the children.

Many of the children that greeted me that morning had only recently arrived at Sonshine, some as new as mid-March. Because I had updated the website with the addition of the new children prior to my trip, I was well acquainted with their pre-arrival photos and stories of rescue. Many of those pre-arrival photos showed eyes without hope and faces of despair. The miracle transformation that rapidly occurs when a child is rescued into Sonshine is indescribable and absolutely incredible. I hope the photo above conveys in some way the profound impact of your loving support of Sonshine. You are truly changing lives and transforming a nation.

"Praise the LORD! Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever." (Psalm 106:1)

While in Tanzania, it was an amazing experience to personally witness a scheduled video connection between Sonshine sponsors in Tualatin, Oregon and the children in Tanzania. The impact of the sponsors' time and kindness is profound and lasting. Seeing the smiles, hearing the laughter, and watching the loving connection were very touching. 7-year-old Alfred is now exploring a fold-out world map, and his 9-year-old sister Miriam has new, favorite hair clips. Young adult Happy who helped with interpretation is wearing a treasured hair band practically 24/7 now.

At Sonshine, you can easily arrange a phone or video chat with the child or children you sponsor. The time together is a great blessing. If you haven't participated in a connection yet, please let us know how we can best support and arrange a time of connection for you. You will find it to be very meaningful.

Guarding Strong

Meet watchman Obed Laizer. He joined Sonshine in July 2020. With a heart of love and deep care, in humility, he works hard to achieve the goals of Sonshine not only as a guard but also as a cow handler. He frequently advises the ministry on best ways to care for the animals. The results are amazing as is his personal growth over the last 5 years. God's love and power to transform a life are unmatched.

From the Heart

Obed's Answer to the question "What message would you like to share with Sonshine supporters?":

With increased growth at Sonshine comes significant need for more funding and help. The collapsed pavilion needs to be replaced to open up room for 16 more children. More sinks need to be added to the laundry area so that 74 children can wash their clothes. And, most importantly, more children need sponsorship. Your prayerful response and the forwarding of this newsletter to family, friends, and acquaintances that have the heart to help advance the Kingdom of Heaven in Tanzania are deeply appreciated.