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Patrice Miles
Lenny
Here in Nigeria, more specifically Egbe, the heart of “Yagba Land” there are so many peculiar, unfamiliar, but nevertheless FUN figures of speech! Over the past fifteen months we have not only enjoyed them, but undoubtedly acquired such jargon ourselves. These days such phrases quickly roll off our tongue without a second thought. Positively, without […]
Archive for the ‘Egbe’ Category
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Here We Are, Send Us Back!
Posted: October 15, 2015 by Patrice Miles in C.A.R.E. Africa, Egbe, Egbe Hosptial, Egbe Nigeria, Fundraising, Lenny Miles, Miles In Missions, Missionaries, Nigeria, Orphans, Patrice Miles, People of Egbe, Prayer, SIMTags: Africa, CARE Africa, Egbe, Egbe Hospital, Egbe Nigeria, Missionairies
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SAIAH 6:8 THEN I HEARD A VOICE OF THE LORD SAYING, “WHOM SHALL I SEND? AND WHO WILL GO FOR US?” AND I SAID, “HERE AM I SEND ME!”
HERE WE ARE! SEND US BACK! It has been over two years since we said “Yes” to God and sold everything we owned and moved to Egbe, Nigeria. Many of you have journeyed with us in prayer and or financial support over the past two years and we cannot thank you enough. We are excited to be on home assignment for the next 3 months. During this time we will be traveling the U.S. to share our story, do debriefings with our agency, work at the Global Missions Health Conference and so much more.
Lenny is in phase two of revitalizing the hospital. Construction work has slowed and he is now working towards discipleship of the construction staff in both construction and spiritual growth. The hospital administration is also in phase two as most of the buildings are built and equipment is in place. We now need short term and long-term medical missionaries to say “YES” 
and join us in Egbe.
C.A.R.E. Africa has grown and we now care for 25 orphans. We still have many applicants that want to join our program but we are waiting on God to show us next steps in this ministry. C.A.R.E. Africa is also exploring synergies with Spring of Life, which is an HIV clinic that evangelizes to the community through HIV testing and counseling. God continues to use us in Egbe as the needs are big.
Please come out to our open house in Louisville, KY @ Southeast Christian Church on Thursday Nov 5th from 6pm-7pm so we can share the past two years with you through videos and stories of our time in Egbe. There will be catered food, African handmade products, unbelievable videos and pictures even from Cason and Jolie. Our time is short in Louisville and this may be the only way for us to see several of you.
We are excited about continuing with SIM as long-term missionaries in 2016. We were blessed with many financial supporters over the past two years but due to other obligations several have been unable to continue to journey with us financially. We will need to raise an additional $2,500 a month in monthly supporters to make up for the ones that are unable to continue with us. We also have a goal to raise $20,000 for ministry projects, as well as one time fees needed for things like airfare back to the field. We know God will provide and have already booked our tickets back to Egbe for Jan 3rd, 2016. Will you come and journey with us?
Click this link to sign up now and support Miles In Missions.
To become a prayer partner please click PRAYER.
Please take my children!
Posted: September 22, 2015 by Patrice Miles in C.A.R.E. Africa, Egbe, Egbe Nigeria, Miles In Missions, OrphansTags: Africa, African Education, C.A.R.E. Africa, CARE Africa, Egbe, Egbe Nigeria, Nigeria, orphans in africa
Brothel Ladies, Blessing is on the far right.
Meet Blessing. While I was in the US earlier this year a few of our missionaries on the ground stumbled onto a brothel in the town. They met several times with the prostitutes there and built some relationships. A local Pastor, Pastor Wale, came alongside them and was able to get a few ladies to leave the brothel. The church found them places to live for free and even gave them money to help start small businesses. Blessing was one of the ladies that choose to leave the brothel.
When I arrived back to Nigeria in May, Pastor Wale asked if he could enroll Blessings’ two children in CARE Africa. Currently the children lived in another town with grandma and he wanted to reunite them with their mother. Without a guarantee of an education the pastor was concerned for the boys. We immediately said yes and the next week Blessing was reunited with her two boys
Blessing right after being reunited with her two boys.
The following Saturday she came to CARE Africa. When she walked in the door she started crying and begging us to take the kids from her. “Please take my children! This is too much for me!” She said the money she was making selling beans and rice was just not enough to support her and the two boys. She said that everything was much harder than she had imagined it would be. We explained to her we were not an orphanage and prayed with her. We prayed for God to give her the strength to handle her new life and not revert back to the old one.
A few weeks ago I went to check on Blessing and the boys. We sat and talked about the upcoming school year. Once all contracts were signed and everything was understood by all parties I asked how her business was doing. She said it was still the same but she was managing. I asked her if now, a month later, she still wanted to give Friday and Samuel to me and she laughed and said “No”. I told her how proud we were of her for managing and not going back to what she knew and what was easy.
Last week at back to school meeting at CARE Africa.
I then asked her what she needed to help her business do better. She said she needed to be able to buy in bulk. If she could buy more than just a days supplies she would have more profit and thus could invest more into her business. Emma and I started calculating what a whole bag of rice would cost and all the supplies she would need and it came up to N17,000 ($80). I opened my planner and showed Emma what I had written on my to do’s for that day. “Deposit N18,500 from craft sales from volunteer team.” The day before I had sold N18,500 in crafts from CARE Africa to a recent team that visited Egbe. I love it when God shows off! I asked Emma if he felt like we needed to talk about it more or if he felt led to go ahead and help her. He just smiled and said “It looks like we are just suppose to go ahead and do this.” God’s timing is so amazing.
Emma explained all this to Blessing in Yoruba to make sure she knew all the events that led up to her getting this money. I wanted her to understand how none of this could have been a coincidence. Emma explained how God planned for us to visit her that day and to have this money in our pocket from sales yesterday. I looked her in the eyes and said “God loves you Blessing! He thinks you are special! He has chosen you!” I loved getting to see the shy smile on her face as I spoke these truths to her. You could just see in her face that no one had ever told her this.
Samuel on the Left and Friday on the right.
I am so blessed to get to watch God change lives in Egbe. Thank you for continuing to support Miles in Missions and CARE Africa so we can continue to show God’s love to people that have never been shown love. God loves you! He thinks your special! He has chosen you!
Friday and Samuel are Blessings’ children’s names. Friday is currently sponsored but Samuel is not. If God is leading you to help Samuel, click CARE Africa and sign up to send Samuel to school for only $35 a month.
Samuel pounding yam!
Ziploc Bags
Posted: September 18, 2015 by Patrice Miles in Egbe, Egbe Nigeria, Miles In Missions, NigeriaTags: Egbe, Egbe Nigeria, ziploc
Ziploc bags in Nigeria are like gold. We re-use them over and over again. My paned windows in my house are lined with them everyday as this is the best way to dry them. I will never forget my first visit back to the states and the mind battle I had every time I threw away a Ziploc bag.
Our guesthouse recently ran out of the bags. Kemi, our guesthouse manager, went to Abuja for her monthly Shoprite visit. “No ziploc bags!” she reported back. I had a US Embassy appointment in Abuja and was told I could get Ziploc bags at the Wuse Nigerian market. The last thing I wanted to do with the few free hours I had in Abuja, was visit the chaotic Wuse market, but we needed Ziploc bags. On our way to market, we were stopped by Nigerian police. After being threatened, making it half way to the police station and then being let go, they had delayed us an hour! The Ziploc bags were going to have to wait as our US Embassy appointment was nearing. All I want to do is buy some ziploc bags! 
Why is that so hard? HAHA, becuase you live in Nigeria!
I had to blog this as this is one of the many small things I took for granted in America. I think it is funny at the lengths I have to go to now to find small things that in America you just drive down the road to buy. If you are an expat, I would love to know a few items you took for granted in your home country. Comment below and share with everyone what gold looks like where you live now. For all you Americans reading this blog……the next time you throw away a ziploc bag….think of me 🙂
HELP!
Posted: September 3, 2015 by Patrice Miles in C.A.R.E. Africa, Egbe, Miles In Missions, Nigeria, Patrice MilesTags: African Crafts, C.A.R.E. Africa, CARE Africa, Egbe, Middletown Craft Show, Middletown Family Fun Festival
We need your help!! City of Middletown welcomes your family to join them for Middletown’s Family Fun Festival and Craft Show 2015. There are activities for the entire family! Games, booths, a parade, crafts, rides, kidz fun zone and entertainment. This was one of my families favorite festivals when we lived in Louisville.
Our application for the Middletown Family Fun Festival was accepted. God blessed us with a donor for the fees for the booth and now we just need workers. Please pray about helping our C.A.R.E. Africa partner, Diana Beville, run the booth.
If you can help, there are several shifts to choose from:
Friday Sept. 11th 5:00pm-8:00pm
Friday Sept. 11th 8:00pm-11:00pm
Saturday Sept. 12th 9am-12noon
Saturday Sept. 12th 12noon-3:00pm
Saturday Sept. 12th 3:00pm-6:00pm
Saturday Sept. 12th 6:00pm-9:00pm
Ideally, there will be at least 2 people on each shift at the Middletown Family Fun Festival. The more the merrier. If you are not able to volunteer, please consider stopping by our booth or spreading the word for us. Thank you!
Feel free to visit the Middletown Family Fun Festival website by clicking on the link.
Survivors of Airplane Crash in Fort Lauderdale
Posted: September 1, 2015 by Patrice Miles in Egbe, Egbe Nigeria, Miles In Missions, Missionaries, VolunteersTags: Africa, Egbe, Egbe Hospital, Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport, Fort Lauderdale Plane Crash, Kenneth Mckenzie, Mckenzie, Sonia McKenzie, South Florida News
Everyday I walk to a beautiful new guesthouse with the name over the door McKenzie Manor. In the kitchen of that guesthouse I have devotions with my girls in the mornings. The discussions we have about what God is doing in our lives and the beautiful songs we sing bring such joy to my life. I have heard of the McKenzies but I have never met them. I know that God put Egbe on their hearts when they visited a few years ago with their girls and they donated in a big way. The sacrifice they made now brings joy to my life, my girls in the kitchen and also the volunteers. Lives are changed in this guesthouse. I don’t know if when they said “Yes” to God, they even new what that “Yes” would do.
Today I got to know the McKenzie family a little better. Their story was in the South Florida news. Broward Sheriff’s Office confirms that Kenneth McKenzie, 52, and Sonia McKenzie, 50, left Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport Sunday. Shortly after take off the engine died. They crashed in the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge. Kenneth McKenzie was airlifted to Broward Health North Medical Center with severe burns. Sonia McKenzie was transported to Broward Health North by ground and since has been released.
God says our life on this earth is like a mist. We wake up everyday thinking we will have our health, money, family and job just like we did yesterday. We think of everything we have to do, how much money we need to make, what bills we need to pay, what education our children need to have, what our next vacation will be, what our neighbors have that we don’t, what person got on our nerves yesterday and what birthday present we need to buy this week. Until we get that phone call, experience that weird pain in our chest or see that car heading in our direction, we don’t think about how short our time on earth is.
Hug your kids, call your friend, forgive your parents, love your husband, be satisfied with the life God has given you, stop sweating the small stuff and give your time and resources away to those in need. “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Mathew 6:21
Please pray for the McKenzie family! For full article click Egbe Hospital.
A Life Changed
Posted: August 29, 2015 by Patrice Miles in C.A.R.E. Africa, Egbe, Egbe Nigeria, Miles In Missions, Nigeria, Patrice Miles, SIMTags: Africa, C.A.R.E. Africa, CARE Africa, orphans, orphans in africa
This is a recent letter we received from a family member of one of our orphans, David Olamide.
“A life filled with testimonies is the life of David Olamide since he came in contact with C.A.R.E. Africa. Prior to the time C.A.R.E. Africa became committed to being a helping aid, he couldn’t converse in English Language. His studies were nothing to write home about and so also his behavior and relationship.
Suddenly his behavior at home became a type that is envied so much that his grandmother had to attest to the new development. She (grandmother) confessed that the impact of “ C.A.R.E. Africa” on David Olamide is so enormous that language is in poverty of what could be used to express her gratitude. David Olamide expressed how mixing with the white children has really given him a sense of belonging. Many may say he is (David) wild, but we his family are happy for the acclamation.
He may not be where many think he should be now, but he’s no longer where he used to be. We are grateful for how “C.A.R.E. Africa” came at such a time in his life and gave his life a meaning when many had given up on him. It is an understatement to say “C.A.R.E. Africa” has helped him to find his place in all ramification. More grace to the vision and visioniers. Long live Egbe, Love live Nigeria. Long live C.A.R.E. Africa.” Pst Andrew J.T. Edwards
David is currently sponsored but we have many other children that are still in need of a sponsor. As you have read, you can make a difference in a child’s life. For $35 a month you can sponsor a child. Currently the following children are still in need of a sponsor. Email me if you would like to join the C.A.R.E. Africa team at patrice.miles@sim.org or click C.A.R.E. Africa to make a donation.
Adama
Thankgod
Hosanna
2 Years and Counting
Posted: August 21, 2015 by Patrice Miles in C.A.R.E. Africa, Egbe, Egbe Hosptial, Egbe Nigeria, Lenny Miles, Miles In Missions, Nigeria, Patrice Miles, Prayer, SIMTags: Egbe, Egbe Hospital, Egbe Nigeria, Home Assignment, Miles In Missions, SIM
Wow! Have we really been living in Africa for two years? It seems that time fly’s when you are in your sweet spot. I do not even know where to begin on how to tell you what this journey has been like for our family. The only words I can say is that God has provided everything we’ve needed along the way. He has provided a house that our whole family feels is our home. He has provided safety from snakes, severe illnesses, Ebola, kidnappings, and robberies. He has provided a stronger marriage for Lenny and I. He has provided friends that I will cherish for the rest of my life. He has provided a different perspective on life and his word. He has provided financially through supporters, as we never fell below 100% in our support. He has provided success in our ministries and he has provided Peace in a country full of unrest. Jehovah-Jireh, God will provide!
God has also provided a desire to remain in Nigeria until he calls us home. We do not know how many more years that will be. Since arriving we have helped revitalize and construct many areas of the hospital. Operating rooms, the men’s ward, women’s ward, maternity, pharmacy, a new guesthouse & duplex, wall around the compound, missionary housing, fencing around our water supply reservoir, and so much more. In addition, C.A.R.E. Africa was created. Through this ministry, orphans and widows in Egbe are being empowered through the Bible and education.
As the revitalization is slowing down it is time to focus on mentorship and discipleship. The hospital was days away from closing prior to revitalization. We do not want this to happen again. Training of the Nigerian staff and finding more missionaries to say “YES” to Egbe, is the second phase of this revitalization project.
In order for us to be able to participate in this 2nd phase of the revitalization project we will need to raise additional support and go through some long-term missionary training. We will arrive in the U.S. for home assignment in mid-October. We know God will again provide for us, so we have already booked our return flight back home to Egbe for January 2nd 2016. Our home church, Southeast Christian Church, will be hosting an open house for us on Thursday November 5th at 6pm so we can share video, photos and information about our time in Nigeria. We will be traveling to over 7 different states during our home assignment to meet with supporters, go through long term training, debriefing and more so our time in Louisville, KY. will be short. Please mark your calendars now for this event so we can see you.
If you are currently one of our supporters we cannot Thank you for journeying with us over the past two years! We are asking that you pray about continuing to support us long term. If you currently are not one of our supporters, we ask that you pray about signing up to journey alongside us in growing God’s kingdom in Egbe, through this revitalization project and C.A.R.E. Africa. Click on this link to sign up now, MILES IN MISSIONS. See you in October!
Guest Post by Debbie Parker
Three weeks ago, tomorrow, we arrived at Egbe. This construction is happening beside our housing. You can see the great progress that has been made in three weeks. It has been amazing to watch. The blocks are made on the compound so that the quality is good. It cost more and is more labor intensive but the building is better. The foundation is sure and block by block the walls come up under the hot African sun. Makes me think of The Church. Blocks, we are, especially crafted to be excellent in quality. Mortared together to form a church.
Lenny Miles is the “Oga” (boss/sir). He has been know to knock down a few pillars and demand the work done over if it is not done perfectly. The foundation is important, the blocks are important, the walls are important. All together, the building is excellent. Let me say what I have been thinking. We are all a part of the building, living stones, that make up the church. One block is a contractor in Africa. One block is a bank executive, in the city, helping the homeless find shelter. One is a real estate entrepreneur that seeks schooling for orphans in a distant land. One is a praying pastors wife in a small town of Western Kentucky. See, what is important is that all the stones are fitted together making the building-The Church.
Sometimes, our greatest challenge is to see the value in the block that is mortared right beside us. Or to see that without all of the blocks, the whole building would not be. I am thankful for all of the blocks. That they have been made special and put together with excellence. Nothing less. The Oga knows what He is doing. With every block he lays, He is mortaring together The Church.
After 3 days of travel, 3 airplanes and a bus ride, we have arrived home in Egbe! We now know that our delay in the U.S. was God ordained. I don’t think we realized how exhausted we were after 18 months in the field, until we were actually forced to stop and rest an additional 2 months in the U.S. We were able to spend that additional time resting and focusing on our family, our marriage and God. We were also able to connect with several more friends and family members that didn’t make it into our one month visitation marathon in February.
Thank you to everyone that hosted us, fed us, donated to us and encouraged us. We truly felt loved and encouraged over the past 3 months. The time in the states helped us realize the need to rest and refuel so you can be your best for God and your ministry. Our time home in Egbe has already shown us how much more we hear God and can do for God when are cups are full.
Attached are a few pictures of the joy brought to so many from the donations we received. It was absolutely overwhelming for us when we arrived home to boxes of donations lining one of our rooms. While we were in the U.S. two containers arrived in Egbe. With these donations and the donations given to us while we were in the states, people’s lives were truly blessed.
We love you all and will be back at the end of the year for home assignment. We will spend 2-3 months meeting with supporters and hosting events for our transition from short-term missionaries to long-term missionaries in Egbe, Nigeria. Our family prays you will continue to support us in this new chapter as long-term missionaries with SIM and Egbe. See you at the end of the year!
Miles In Missions 