Meet Our Team
Our Missionaries
Bunse Family
Josh, Kala, Weston and Wyler
Josh and Kala served as singles in the early 2000’s and returned to Haiti in 2019 as a family of four! Josh works maintenance with John and the facilities team. He is usually working on something solar related or keeping all engines, pumps, and inverters working! Kala can be found in the second grade classroom, or on a walk exploring Port-de-Paix. The boys, Westen (12), and Wyler (10) often join her and have fun making new friends and looking for baby goats.
Niehaus Family
John, Carmen and Bella
Carmen moved to Haiti in 1987 after finishing her Master’s in Education and helped start Sonlight Academy. John visited Haiti with a group from his church and knew God was calling him to sell his excavating company in the US and work at Sonlight. He and Carmen were married in 2004 and Bella joined their family in 2008. Carmen is the Academy principal, John is the Field Director, and Bella, a sophomore at Sonlight Academy, often helps her mom organize school supplies and teaches Wow Worship for 4th-6th graders every Sunday.
Wimpelberg Family
Thom, Cara, Riley, Chase, Evelyn and Paige
Cara grew up in Port-de-Paix, and has been teaching at Sonlight for 26 years. Thom joined Sonlight’s staff in 2003 (after a one year stint in 2001) and currently assists in the office with curriculum, mentoring, and assisting teachers. Riley is majoring in Elementary Education at the University of Evansville, Chase is a sophomore in high school, Evelyn is in sixth grade, and Paige is in third grade. The Wimpelbergs are fans of Little House on the Prairie, cheese fries, and have probably read every book you’ve ever heard of.
Jason Jeffries
Jason hails from Lamar, Missouri, and graduated from the University of Missouri (Go Tigers!) with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Jason was introduced to Sonlight through a visit of Sonlight friends to MU’s Campus House, and stepped out to follow God’s call. He’s teaching 8th-12th grade science and Pre-Calculus. He also heads up Sonlight’s Student Chess Club!
Our Teachers
This is our whole staff – the boots on the ground for God at Sonlight. These are some of the kindest, most generous people you’ve ever met. They work hard, laugh harder, and teach kids to know Jesus every day. Please pray for their stamina, protection, and God’s provision to meet their needs as they work in Port-de-Paix.
Would you or someone you know like to join our team?
For questions and more information, email carmen@sonlightministries.org. To apply, click the link below.