Sonshine News - February 2026

Blessed to be Boarding

     

     At the start of the year, 15 secondary school age students began the academic journey of boarding at Boloti Secondary School in Siha, Tanzania. (School boarding is a common practice in Tanzania to help students achieve strong academic performance and good results in their national exams.) Sonshine, after seeing very positive outcomes from the four Sonshine students that boarded in 2025, took the next step and prayerfully identified the best option for boarding all secondary students beginning in 2026. (Secondary School in Tanzania includes grade levels Form One, Two, Three, and Four which are equivalent to United States high school grade levels 8, 9, 10, and 11.) 

     Sonshine selected the private, Boloti Secondary School as the best option based on its outstanding reputation in academic performance, spiritual standards, and student development. Plus, Boloti is only a 40-minute drive from Sonshine's property in King'ori and can accommodate monthly, weekend home-visits so the secondary students stay connected to their younger, Sonshine family members and staff. As you can imagine, as a family, it is not easy having young children living away from home for long periods of time. Because it is the Lord's mission for Sonshine to raise up Godly, world-changing leaders to be a blessing in the communities they serve, we will seek, trust, and obey Him in all things. Boarding provides a great opportunity for the continued development and maturing of children. May the Son shine brightly through Sonshine upon Boloti, the district of Siha, and the entire Kilimanjaro Region in Tanzania. May all boarders be blessed.

Notes on above photo: Upper left - Exaud and Clara lead a time of prayer as the Sonshine bus arrives at Boloti. Upper right and Lower left - Sonshine secondary students singing and rejoicing on their 40-minute bus ride. Lower right - Unpacking boarding supplies at Boloti.

  • Utabarikiwa uingiapo, utabarikiwa na utokapo. (Kumbukumbu la Torati 28:6)

  • (Blessed shall you be when you come in, and blessed shall you be when you go out.(Deuteronomy 28:6))

Boloti Secondary School Motto

"With God and effort all is possible."

Boloti Secondary School Core Values

     Integrity

     Accountability

     God fearing

     Love

     Respect

     Discipline

Rising Up for Resurrection Day

     We are getting closer to completing the "new pavilion" in time to host a Good Friday event for the Easter weekend April 5 and 6. The expenses of completing finishing touches and preparing the surrounding grounds have been greater than anticipated. If you are able to donate finishing funds, it will be deeply appreciated. The original vision of Sonshine as a ministry center in Tanzania has always included the construction and operation of a multipurpose building that could be used for teaching, training, seminars, workshops, worship services, and all-around community outreach. Being this close to its completion is very exciting. 

Important Actions and Items needed to finish the new pavilion

  • Tile flooring and the interior and exterior painting of the building
  • Landscaping, irrigation, and paving of parking lot and walkways
  • Finishing electrical work for worship practice to move to new building

The Marvelous Matron Maria

When the property first opened in April 2011, Maria Japhet Langu was the original matron of Sonshine. She began shining Sonshine love on 11 rescued children. Hearing "Mary" recall stories about when Sonshine built the first home on the property and when they had to walk and wait in a line 3 hours to and from the closest water source to obtain water brings shouts of joy for God's faithfulness over the years. The original "jug-walk" progressed to wheelbarrow, mule, motorbike, and now, today, the instant flow of pure water from two wells dug deep directly on the property. Mary personifies grace, strength, and love. She married co-worker Steve Wachira on August 20, 2016, birthed 3 children, and they now support and help guide a Sonshine family of 74 children and staff. The children call Mary "Aunt" and Steve "Uncle". She has found favor with God just like another Mary in the Bible. Both Marys responded alike to God's calling on their lives, "Let it be to me according to your word."

Above: Mary center standing between Maureen in black and Sarah in pink.

Below: The scene before Sarah's eyes that brought the expression of joyful surprise - Christmas/birthday dessert!

"Announcing Sonshine Sessions"

 

  • Sonshine would like to try a 60-minute, live Sonshine Session where invited guests can join via video to learn about a special topic and talk with Sonshine staff and children.  
  • First Session: t.b.d. - either Friday, March 27 or Saturday, March 28
  • First Topic: Education and Schooling in Tanzania
  • Please email me if you would like to attend this first session. Participation will be limited. 

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     Thank you for taking the time to read through this newsletter. Your support and encouragement are a treasured influence. We would greatly appreciate it If you can forward this newsletter to friends and family to let them know about Sonshine. Every bit of help goes a long way.  

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January 2026

Newsletter

Sonshine Ministries International, PO Box 356, Canby, Oregon 97013, United States, (503) 734-9482

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