Kaniki Family Support Fund

(Note: Erik Santiago is with the Advance Church Network and is facilitating the money to get to Trudie.)

After battling aggressive brain cancer for 17 months, Sheshi Kaniki has now gone home to be with his Savior. He leaves behind his wife Trudie, and four children: Angela (23), Josh (18), Daniel (16), and Tim (14).

 

Trudie teaches at Haven of Peace Academy in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, in the role of Service Learning Coordinator, training hundreds of students how to lead a selfless life of service. Since she is now the sole provider for her family, all funds raised will go to Trudie Kaniki and be used for funeral expenses and long-term needs for the children.

 

Anyone who has had the privilege of meeting them knows that Sheshi and Trudie have poured out their lives by loving others. This is our chance to give back to this incredible family. Will you please join us in raising funds to provide for the care of Trudie and her kids?

 

If you know Sheshi and are able to donate, please also post a note about how he impacted your life. We know these testimonies will bring encouragement to his friends and family.

 

Don’t know the Kanikis? Allow us to tell you their incredible story.

 

Sheshi was a Tanzanian citizen who grew up abroad, mainly in Southern Africa. He was married to Trudie, a Zimbabwean national, for almost 21 years, and they have three sons and one daughter. For many years, Sheshi worked as an economist in international development while serving as an elder in churches in Zimbabwe and South Africa.

 

While living in South Africa, God spoke to Sheshi about returning to the city of his forefathers. God called him to help rebuild the city and people’s lives through planting churches. Sheshi, Trudie and their boys arrived in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, in December 2012.

 

In 2013, Sheshi and Trudie started God’s Tribe Church in Dar es Salaam. The vision of God’s Tribe is to make disciples, plant and strengthen churches, transforming lives and communities. Since then, God’s Tribe has grown into a congregation of over 150 members. It is a God-honoring, Christ-exalting, Bible-centered church that is full of the life-transforming power of the gospel in people’s lives. God’s Tribe is characterized by a vibrant prayer ministry, a blossoming children’s ministry (well over 100 children!), a strong emphasis on small groups and discipleship, and numerous acts of service in the community.

 

Though a talented preacher, Sheshi’s passion for building into new leaders is demonstrated in his Christ-like humility of refusing to take the limelight. Sheshi and Trudie have poured their hearts and lives into countless others, bringing many to know Christ for the first time and many others into a deeper knowledge of God’s grace and sovereignty. Their impact in Dar es Salaam cannot be overestimated.

 

 

 

Sheshi also served as the chaplain at Haven of Peace Academy (HOPAC), an international Christian school in Dar es Salaam. Sheshi had a major impact on both staff, students, and parents at a school whose desire is to instill a biblical worldview into its students.

 

As humble, joyful servants of God, the Kanikis are dearly loved by everyone who knows them. God’s Tribe continues to be a thriving, God-honoring church in Dar es Salaam, now run by leadership raised up by Sheshi.

 

During this year of battling brain cancer, Sheshi has continued to love those around him and even preach every few weeks, despite debilitating pain and weakness. He has remained steadfast in His hope in His Creator and Redeemer, Jesus Christ.

 

The homegoing of Sheshi is not only a huge loss to his family, but to the multitude of people whose lives will forever be impacted by his influence, wisdom, and genuine love. However, together with Sheshi, we continue to trust the goodness and Sovereignty of our God, even in this tragedy.