September 25 Newsletter

Raising a Hallelujah!

The children's excitement of going to church to worship Jesus is seen in the above photo taken on Sunday, September 7, 2025 by Happy Melkiory, a Sonshine, young adult and first year college student. As they were waiting to board the bus, Happy asked the children where they were going and took the photo of their enthusiastic response.

Prior to coming to Sonshine, many of the children had little experience with faith and even less with hope or God's glorious promises for today and tomorrow. It is through the love and support of faithful donors and sponsors that children are being rescued and healed, coming to believe in Jesus and rejoicing with joy inexpressible and full of glory. (1 Peter 1:8).

If life events are weighing heavy or the call to worship has made you weary, let your eyes gaze upon the photo. May your heart be touched by the smiling, joyous faces of grateful children whose lives you are forever transforming.

"Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving; Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms." (Psalm 95:2)

"At Sonshine, Psalm 133:3 is painted on the dining room wall in Swahili. Reading the translated words reminds me of Matthew 18:20. ("For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.") This is true of Sonshine. God is here. The abundant love of Jesus is seen through Sonshine farmers tending gardens, through leadership's commitment to every child, through wonderful staff raising up Godly adults, through the Sonshine children and their big hearts full of love and hope for the future, and through the culture of prayer and joy that is palpable in every interaction here.

While serving, I am assisting with English classes for students who are “catching up” to age level English. I love their bright eyes as they recall new vocabulary words. During one of my first days here, I painted some of the girls’ nails. We sat and talked about being beautiful in God’s eyes and what this means while admiring each other’s freshly colored fingernails. Although I came to impart language skills and lessons in faith, it is the children who are teaching me about allowing the Lord’s joy to be in me every day. At first, I stood back and watched in awe as the children danced in worship with the Lord's joy. Now, I quickly run and jump in!"

Saturday, September 27, 2025

>>> 6PM-9PM - Rock Creek Country Club - Portland, Oregon, USA <<<

We are less than 2 weeks away from Sonshine's 20th Anniversary Fundraising dinner and the goal of raising $7,500 per month in new donations and new child sponsorships. It will be a fun event with inspirational sharing, a delicious meal, and a live video connection with children and staff in Tanzania. The care and support of 26 new children welcomed into Sonshine at the beginning of 2025 (Sonshine's 20th year) is the biggest reason behind the need for increased monthly funding.

We look forward to celebrating with you. We are grateful for table sponsors and matching fund contributors who are encouraging as many people as possible to attend. If you are unable to be with us in person, we welcome and encourage any additional support you might be able to provide through this link.