Dakota Sonshine was founded in 1999 and became a non-profit organization in 2003.  During that time the Lykins received training at the Center for Intercultural Training in Rutherfordton, NC and continued to learn the culture that they are serving while on the field.  In 2001 Don took a voluntary furlough from USAirways Inc. and moved to South Dakota along with his wife Teena and their 4 younger children; Jared, Elizabeth, Samuel and Abigail.  They currently reside in Sisseton, SD on the Lake Traverse Indian Reservation where they serve the Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate, 2 bands of the Dakota nation. 

 

 

In the summer of 2010 Dakota Sonshine began running overnight camps for up to 28 boys or girls with activities including archery, tomahawk throwing, zip line, low ropes course, hiking and other activities that communicate the gospel and values reflected in the native American culture that parallel Christian values.  Outreach into the housing areas continues as well as a Christian fellowship group which meets regularly to encourage and lift one another up as the body of Christ which is described in the book of Acts.