Is Miles in Missions Dead?

Posted: October 5, 2024 by Patrice Miles in Miles In Missions, Patrice Miles, Prayer

I used to journal a lot, both before my time in Nigeria and while I lived there. My words felt raw and vulnerable, yet sharing them in my blogs gave me a sense of release. My journey—moving to Nigeria, living there, and experiencing all the challenges and triumphs—resonated with so many. I would often receive comments from readers saying how my words touched them deeply and helped them through their own struggles. 

But these days? I find myself journaling only when I’m upset or have something I need to vent about. 

For those who remember my Miles in Missions blogs, you might be wondering—what happened to it? 

Is Miles in Missions dead?

Some might say, “Well of course not, look at C.A.R.E. Africa.” Miles in Missions thrived, long before C.A.R.E. was founded. From discipling the Nigerian staff, praying with patients at the hospital, visiting orphanages to spend time with the children, to tutoring kids in my own home—it was alive and vibrant. 

This mission laid the foundation for C.A.R.E. Africa, a ministry I now have the privilege to lead as its Executive Director, helping to keep the story alive. I’m blessed with an incredible team who truly embody being the hands and feet of Christ to the kids, caregivers, and staff each day.

But what about Miles in Missions?

I have no idea what that looks like now, here in the U.S.A. Maybe it’s just working a full-time job and giving whatever is left over to others? 

How can I revive it? How can it breathe life again? I have searched for studies, for Chrisitan business and nonprofit groups, for anything that would inspire me or allow me to get involved, but so far, nothing has come. For the past six years, I’ve felt like a little girl in a children’s story, searching and searching for something she has lost. She looks everywhere—under her bed, in her closet, under rocks outside. “Jesus, are you there?” she asks. But she can’t find Him. 

I know in my heart that this isn’t true. I know He’s always with me. But after living the life I did in Nigeria, His presence feels distant here in the U.S.A.

Jesus, where are you like you were with me in Nigeria when I was driving those dangerous roads, praying for protection from kidnappers, robbers, and endless traffic jams? Where are you like you were with me in Nigeria when I was visiting neglected children and women, praying with them and helping them? Or when gunshots rang outside my doors in Jos, or when I was dealing with malaria every other month, or dealing with corrupt police when trying to run a simple errand? 

Where are you, Jesus, like you were with me in Nigeria when I was overwhelmed by corruption, loneliness, and holidays spent far away from my family?

Is Miles in Missions dead?

Without Him, I am nothing. Without Him, I can do nothing. Without Him, I cannot be His hands and feet. Miles in Missions isn’t dead, it’s just suppressed. And I want to revive it, but I can’t do it without Him. 

Lord, I’m tired of searching. Please meet me where I am. Show me how to lean on You again, like I did in Nigeria. 

Help this square peg stop trying to fit into a round hole and instead help me find the square hole You carved just for me with Your carpenter’s hands.

Lord, revive Miles in Missions for Your glory. Show the world what You can do with a willing heart that says, “Here I am, Lord. Use me.”

Comments
  1. yadobeng's avatar yadobeng says:

    As a missionary in French West Africa, your posts always spoke to me, and still do. I recall another dear friend, a missionary, who expressed similar sentiments upon returning to the States.

    I pray that Abba helps you find the place He has prepared for you.

  2. funnerfam3's avatar funnerfam3 says:

    Oooo my goodness!!! I could hve wrote this!! This is 100% how I hve been feeling the past 6 years being back state side… longing m, fighting Him to be

  3. Joyce Lane's avatar Joyce Lane says:

    Well, it feels lonely when God wants you to rest. I learned being a missionary would always be there. He knows that and is showing you patience and how to handle doubt. You have another chapter coming and after knowing and being with you and your family God has plans. Good people are very had to keep down, especially doing God’s work. Front Line Defense.

  4. PFP's avatar PFP says:

    Find Me
    Margaret Becker (The Reckoning album, 1988)

    I’m gonna move on down to Elliston
    Let my hair grow wild and free
    Rent a second story studio
    Find the other side of me

    I’m gonna sit out on the edge of the fire escape
    Feel a little destitute
    Search for the feelings that will help me remember
    The love that I had for You

    Find me, find me
    I’ll wait for You

    I’m gonna give away my stereo
    Give away my T.V.
    I’m going back to essentials, a chair and a lamp
    And the Book that You wrote to me

    You see, I’m looking for the You that used to speak so clear
    I’m looking for the me that had a heart to hear
    And I’m looking for the passion that held me here
    On the edge

    Find me, find me
    I’ll wait for You

    You see, I’m looking for the me that I used to know
    I’m looking for the love that was out of control
    ‘Cause I feel a little cold here in the afterglow

    Find me, find me
    I’ll, I’ll wait for You

  5. Asogwa Dominic's avatar Asogwa Dominic says:

    Dear Miles, Thank you so much for reaching out again. We thank God that you are doing great over there in USA together with your beautiful family. My greetings to them.It may interest you to know that I have retired from Service meritoriously after 35 years.  Presently, I amsearching for strategies to make more money so that I will continue to serve God and humanity. I have an NGO )DOMARK HEALTH AND EDUCATION FOUNDATION; http://www.dohef.org) that I am using to touch/help less privileged in our society and bringing them closer to God. You can join me in the platform; it  will be veritable platform to actualize Miles in Mission missing links/objectives. My best regards as always.  Dominic. 

  6. Heidi Jessurun's avatar Heidi Jessurun says:

    Aw, Patrice, thanks for sharing. I wondered what happened to Miles in Missions and recently was praying for you and Lenny in this regard. I appreciate your honesty and the heart you still have. To the “Little Girl” I say, “Keep seeking and you will find.” God placed this sweet desire in your heart and He has a reason for it, and a means for it to flourish…in His time…in His way that just isn’t clear yet. I’ll keep praying for the flame to be rekindled in a new way.
    Love you, Heidi

  7. Bruce's avatar Bruce says:

    Patrice,

    As a former missionary, your journal echoes similar thoughts and experiences. Re-Entry stress is a short Term and a long term thing, because we have been changed… And then re-inserted back to a life in our host culture where faith and ministry feels more distant.

    My cross cultural missions experience ended in 1993, but it still lives on in my calling today, softly… profound lessons learned which we could not have experienced with out leaving… The yearning is there…and We know the Lord keeps telling us to press on in our nee season and adjust as best we can.

    Remember Jesus Saying to the Roman Centurian, “such faith I have not seen in Israel”. i think there is great value when we take hold of that believing shield of faith (per 1 Peter), but it does humble us…. and that is good. Particularly in this day.

    Grace for the moment,

    Bruce

  8. Carter Polsgrove's avatar Carter Polsgrove says:

    This message inspired me to tell my story, you are so raw with telling peop

    • It’s quite freeing to put what is in your head and heart in writing. I also love the encouragement from others that share they have or have experienced the same thing.

  9. Karen Mattingly's avatar Karen Mattingly says:

    That’s beautiful Patrice. I know God honors prayers from an honest heart. You will find purpose again.🩷

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