Hello, I am Rhiannon Beauchamp, a follower of Jesus, and passionate Pastor and leader. God put on my heart to start Born to Shine four years ago to serve the special needs community in a deeper way. I started a small group at my church that quickly grew, and what began locally has now expanded internationally to support families of individuals with disabilities in Tanzania, Africa. The name Born to Shine reflects God’s declaration that every child is created with purpose, loved by Jesus, and meant to shine. Early on, I knew in my heart, God would use me in Africa, though I didn’t yet know exactly how. In Africa, I’ve learned that it is commonly believed that if you have a child with disabilities, you are cursed. When I heard this, God confirmed why He gave the name Born to Shine; to show that every child has purpose and is deeply loved by Jesus. I am reminded of Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you; plans to give you hope and a future.” All people are seen, and loved by God, and I am on a mission to reach out to those overlooked by the world.

 

In September 2024, we hosted our first Born to Shine party internationally in Arusha, Tanzania—the first party ever for many children and their families. Two hundred individuals came together, and parents were deeply encouraged, finding hope in Jesus. That day confirmed for me that God was calling me to cultivate relationships, share His good news, and demonstrate His love in tangible ways in Tanzania. As the ministry has grown this past year, our second party doubled to 400 people, and I had the honor of being the first pastor to visit special needs school units there, praying the name of Jesus over the children. Now, we are preparing a project for over 500 individuals, distributing wheelchairs and other essential devices to families. I was also blessed to come alongside the amazing NGO called SCDI, whose heart and mission aligned with ours.

 

I’ve served on staff at Faith Church for the past 10 years and am blessed to be the Campus Pastor at Earth City Campus, previously as Student Pastor, and in global missions over the years—leading diverse teams and communities with vision and heart. When I was a teenager, God called me into ministry and stirred a passion for international missions. Compassion, I have learned, is an action word—it moves us to do something and act. When we see someone in need and there’s something we can do, we are called to act, as Jesus says in Matthew 25:40: “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Mark 16:15 reminds us: “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.” And through it all, I hold to 1 Corinthians 16:14: “Let all that you do be done in love,” knowing that love and kindness must guide every step of ministry.

 

Over the past 4 years in St. Louis, we have hosted over 40 parties for children with special needs and disabilities, reaching more than 1,000 individuals and their families. Weve been blessed to host this monthly, themed party at my church. I am grateful for everyone who has encouraged, prayed for, and invested in this dream on my heart, this past year has been so exciting, stepping out into faith as a missionary to Tanzania. We are only just getting started, and I am full of expectation for all that God has in store and all the precious families He will use Born to Shine to reach.