About Us
A ministry in Uganda devoted to glorifying God and blessing others through service, truth, and the love of Jesus Christ.
Our Team
27 Ugandan Staff & Volunteers
We are a team of 27 Ugandan staff — the hands and feet of Jesus serving their communities in different capacities every single day.
From project managers and social workers to counselors and educators, each member of our team is called, committed, and rooted in the love of Christ. God has used their gifts to rescue, restore, and transform lives in profound ways.
Ugandan Staff
Our Team on the Ground
Leah Atute
Path of Hope Team Lead
Leah leads and manages the Path of Hope team, providing strategic leadership and pastoral care to ensure survivors receive counseling, support, and the opportunity to experience restoration through God's love.
Nandeje Nicolas
Mukisa Ministries Manager
Nicolas faithfully manages the Mukisa Ministry team and oversees the farm that provides daily meals for 80 children before school. He leads morning devotions and makes home visits to ensure children are cared for and thriving — reflecting Christ's love in both practical care and spiritual guidance.
Diana Among
HR Manager
Diana serves as HR Manager for Tanaka, faithfully overseeing staff welfare and ensuring compliance across all registrations. Rooted in her faith, her leadership reflects Christ's care for His people — supporting staff, safeguarding the ministry's integrity, and strengthening the work so that lives can be transformed for God's glory.
Mulako Joseph
Reclaiming Hope Team Lead
Mulako Joseph knows firsthand the struggles of growing up with disadvantages and the pain of missing out on school. Out of that story, God gave him a vision: to see families in Uganda united — where every child is safe, loved, and thriving. As a pastor and the leader of the Reclaiming Hope team, Joseph pours his heart into strengthening families and restoring hope, believing that when children grow up embraced by their families, they can break cycles of poverty and build brighter futures. His life is a testimony that even from broken beginnings, God can raise up leaders to bring healing and change.
Our Leadership
Executive & Country Directors
Rod Jantzen
Executive Director
Rod serves as the Executive Director of Tanaka, leading with integrity, vision, and passion. He provides Christ-centered guidance to the four ministries under Tanaka, strengthening their mission to bring hope and transformation. Rod's leadership is marked by a commitment to excellence and a heart for serving others, ensuring that both staff and programs remain focused on glorifying God and caring for the vulnerable.
Sarah Jantzen
Uganda Country Director
Sarah has served in Uganda since 2015 and recently stepped into the role of Country Director of Tanaka, overseeing the running of its four ministries. Beyond her role in ministry oversight, Sarah also opens her heart through foster care, living out the gospel by offering love and stability to children in need. Her life and leadership reflect a deep commitment to God's call to care for the vulnerable.
Governance
Board of Directors
Tanaka is governed by a dedicated board committed to our mission. Full bios coming soon.
Matt Jacobson
Board Chairman
Sarah Jantzen
Board Member
Rod Jantzen
Board Member
Our Story
Called to Uganda
We feel passionately called to Uganda. We have had a burden on our hearts to serve those who are vulnerable and to shine a light on how people can join together to make a difference, even across the world.
With a spirit-filled heart and a desire to make a difference, God has used our team's gifts to rescue girls from abuse, educate street children, train communities, and build up families from the inside out — all for the glory of Jesus Christ.
Our Mission
We Are Blessed
"Tanaka" is a Shona word from a Zimbabwean tribal language meaning "we are blessed."
Tanaka exists to glorify God and be a radiant light in the world. We are a ministry in Uganda devoted to blessing others through service, truth, and the love of Christ — doing our best to see life through the one who has blessed us, Jesus.
Through four active programs, Tanaka rescues and restores girls from abuse, educates vulnerable street children, equips communities to protect their families, and serves as a daily source of nourishment and hope in Mbale. We are committed to transforming lives and fostering resilience in communities in need — one child, one family, one village at a time.
Our Programs
We serve vulnerable youth through multiple programs.
Connect With Us
We would love to hear from you! Whether you want to learn more, get involved, or support our mission, we're here to connect.