WHO WE ARE

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Suddenly Joyful's vision to spread love, hope, and joy globally is carried out through programs and partnerships with organizations and individuals locally and abroad. While our Signature Programs & Partnerships are ongoing, we also engage in short term projects.

While we were founded in 2020, Suddenly Joyful was born in 2013 when our Founder listened to God's still small voice and took her first of many missions trips to Ghana, West Africa. Please take a moment to read about our programs and prayerfully consider how you may be able to join us in our mission of bringing relief to people in distress through advocacy, training and partnerships. 

Nyame Bekyere Christian School is a rural primary school in the Nyame Bekyere Village of Ghana, West Africa.  Suddenly Joyful serves as a partner offering and organizing academic and financial support. Our Founder lead the re-opening of this village school in 2014 and now it serves over 200 students that would otherwise be without education.

Nyame Bekyere Christian School's mission is to provide students with the academic and spiritual foundation necessary to excel in their God-given purpose. It is a primary school located in the Nyame Bekyere Village of Ghana, West Africa. Nyame Bekyere is nestled along the Cape Coast road between Kasoa and Winneba in the Gomoa District. Nyame Bekyere serves KG 1 to Primary 6 students and trains them under the Ghana Education Services Basic Education Curriculum.  

Deborah's Heart is a program where we provide resources to children in foster care at Christmas time.  Named in honor of Ms. Deborah Butts.  Ms. Butts is the mother of our Founder, Dr. D'Lorah Anderson  Although Ms. Butts only birthed one child, she was a loving mother to all.  Upon her baby sister Naomi's passing, Ms. Butts raised her two children.  Upon her niece Kimberly's passing, Ms. Butts raised two of her children.  Ms. Butts was loved and adored by all who knew her because of her sweet and mothering spirit.  She was one of fourteen children to Bishop Eddie Butts & Mother Jestine Butts.  Ms. Butts was a Navy Veteran and she retired from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University as Assistant Director of Veterans Affairs after 37 years of service.  Ms. Butts passed away from metastatic breast cancer in January 2017 leaving behind a beautiful legacy of love.

We are a Freedom Partner with the International Justice Mission (IJM) providing monthly financial support towards their mission to protect people in poverty from violence. Every day, countless people are trafficked into slavery, as slave owners make a profit off their vulnerability. IJM is a global organization that partners with local authorities in 24 program offices in 14 countries to combat trafficking and slavery, violence against women and children, and police abuse of power.

The Veronica Colbert Anderson Scholarship Fund was initiated by Mr. Corey Anderson in honor of his mother, Veronica Colbert Anderson. Mrs. Anderson was responsible for inspiring many young ladies to strive to reach their potential.  The Fund will provide scholarships to socially disadvantaged young women and girls in Daytona Beach, Florida and Toledo, Ohio.

Dr. Velmalia "Dr. Vel™" Matthews-Smith, MD, is a woman of faith with a huge heart to bring health and healing to the world. In 2024, she formalized a long-term partnership with Suddenly Joyful by instituting the Dr. Velmalia Matthews-Smith Medical & Ministry Fund. This fund has four programs which it funds, the Complimentary Medicine Institute and three different scholarships.