Rev. Sonya Lia Cleveland is a wife, mother, pastor, chaplain, author, songwriter, recording artist, speaker, servant leader, and the President/CEO of Under His Construction.
Her life and ministry are rooted in her identity in Christ and in the transforming grace of God. Through every season of surrender, healing, and obedience, Sonya has seen God redeem her story and use it to help others discover who they are in Him.
Before many people knew her as a pastor, artist, author, or leader, God was forming her through chaplaincy. Her chaplaincy calling has been one of the greatest loves of her life and the place where God first set her heart on fire for ministry. Through her I.F.O.C. training and ordination with the International Fellowship of Chaplains, God sent her into the jails, where she discovered a deep love and respect for female inmates. She saw women who were more than their charges, mistakes, and labels. She saw mothers, daughters, sisters, leaders, broken hearts, hidden jewels, buried dreams, and women deeply loved by God.
Sonya was ordained through I.F.O.C. in 2011, and is now Lt. Senior Chaplain, and continues to be connected with I.F.O.C. today. Her chaplaincy is not just a title or a season of service — it is part of who she is and how she serves. She continues to use her chaplaincy training daily through the work God has called her to at Under His Construction, serving individuals and families walking through addiction, incarceration, homelessness, trauma, grief, crisis, restoration, and life-dominating struggles.
Sonya has also been ordained and licensed through the Church of God movement since 2021. The Church of God has been a meaningful part of her ministry identity, foundation, and calling. She is grateful to be connected to a movement centered on Jesus, grounded in Scripture, and committed to sharing the love, truth, and mission of Christ.
Through Under His Construction, Sonya serves individuals and families in seasons of rebuilding, recovery, and restoration. Her heart is to remind people that they are not forgotten, not disqualified, and not too far gone for the redeeming love of Jesus.
Through her book and children’s music album, My Daddy Never Leaves Me, Sonya shares a personal part of her childhood testimony. What God healed, restored, and redeemed in her has become a message of hope for children and families. Her prayer is that every page, lyric, and melody reminds people that they are seen, loved, chosen, protected, and never forgotten by God.
Music has become another way Sonya shares testimony, healing, truth, and joy. Her projects, including Route 66 and My Daddy Never Leaves Me, are more than music — they are ministry, testimony, and creative tools to reach people right where they are.
Through Under His Construction Productions, Sonya is also helping artists build their albums, develop their calling, and bring their God-given sound to life with purpose, excellence, and faith. She believes artists need more than production; they need prayer, direction, identity, encouragement, and a safe place to build what God placed inside of them.
Through the Fire with Sonya Lia Cleveland began as a podcast, but it has grown into a creative ministry space for music, testimony, encouragement, children’s music, behind-the-song stories, artist development, and conversations that point people back to Jesus.
Above every title, Sonya’s greatest desire is to be known as someone who loves Jesus and loves people well. Every story, every song, every message, and every testimony belongs to Him.
Forever and always, Sonya belongs to Jesus.
Now Available on Amazon
My Daddy Never Leaves Me is a heartfelt children’s book by Sonya Lia Cleveland that gently reminds children they are never alone because Jesus is always with them.
Through the story of Sony Lee, children are encouraged to understand the faithful love of God in a way that is simple, comforting, and full of hope. This book helps little hearts know that even when life feels uncertain, scary, or lonely, they have a Heavenly Father who loves them, watches over them, and never leaves them.
Created for families, churches, children’s ministries, and anyone who wants to share the love of Jesus with children, My Daddy Never Leaves Me is more than a story. It is a message of comfort, faith, and assurance that every child needs to hear:
You are loved. You are seen. You are never alone.
Order your copy today. CLICK HERE
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My Daddy Never Leaves Me is a heartfelt children’s Christian music album by Rev. Sonya Lia Cleveland, created to remind every child that they are loved, seen, and never alone. Inspired by her children’s book and personal testimony, this album blends fun, faith-filled songs with powerful messages about Jesus, forgiveness, identity, prayer, and the love of our Heavenly Father.
With joyful melodies, kid-friendly lyrics, and a message of hope, My Daddy Never Leaves Me helps children sing, dance, and grow in the truth that God is always with them. Click to LISTEN
New Song Shout-Out: “My Promise Land”
I’m so excited to share my new song, “My Promise Land” — a joyful testimony of God’s faithfulness, love, and guidance. This song celebrates the beautiful place He leads us to when we keep holding His hand through every high, every low, and every step of the journey.
“My Promise Land” is about grace, love, favor, and walking into the blessings God prepared all along.
Listen, share, and celebrate the promise with me!
Get ready for a fun, faith-filled ride! “Buckle Up Buttercup” is a joyful reminder that God is in control, leading us through every high, low, twist, turn, and upside-down moment.
This song encourages kids and families to trust Jesus, lift their hands, let go of fear, and enjoy the ride of life with Him by their side.
Buckle up, hold on tight, and celebrate the journey with Jesus!
The Route 66 Album is a faith-filled music project by Sonya Lia Cleveland and Under His Construction Productions, created to carry the gospel message across America with hope, redemption, and bold truth. Inspired by the journey of transformation, this album speaks to the broken, the searching, and those rebuilding their lives through Christ.
With songs rooted in testimony, freedom, and God’s unfailing love, Route 66 is more than music—it is a mission to bring encouragement to prisons, churches, families, and communities across the nation.
Under His Construction Productions
Under His Construction Productions is a faith-driven creative and artist booking company committed to uplifting audiences through music, ministry, and purpose-filled events.
Website coming soon.