Archive for the ‘Miles In Missions’ Category

We are excited to have the opportunity to send some needed items to Nigeria for our kids and our school. Can you help? Check out our Amazon Gift List at https://www.amazon.com/registries/custom/36KCX0BCJG62W/guest-view and donate in any way you can.

We always do our best to buy in country and support the Nigerian economy. Sometimes there are items that we either cannot buy there or the quality isn’t the same so we prefer to purchase in the U.S. Thank you for helping us in anyway you can to get these needed items to Nigeria. If you are local to Louisville and want to donate items, email me at patrice@icareafrica.org and I will be happy to pick up.

We also would love to send letters from our sponsors. If you are a sponsor you should have received an email from me already about sending your child a letter and picture. If you didn’t receive it please message me at patrice@icareafrica.org.

We are also seeking donations for the $400 in luggage fees we will need to pay. Those donations can be made to our general fund at give.icareafrica.org.

Over a year ago our C.A.R.E. Africa leadership team decided we needed to start saving and fundraising for a bus. We had almost 70 children in our program and driving multiple trips in a minivan to pick up as many kids as we could was no longer an option.

I had no clue how much it would cost to buy a bus in Nigeria. Emma researched and started sending me pictures of used ones that were around $30,000…. I almost threw up. We had never raised that much money before. I feel like all I do is ask for support for C.A.R.E. Africa and now I had to ask for $30,000!   Oh my goodness, can I just go hide some place. This was just too big an ask.  It would take years to raise that amount of money. I was overwhelmed.

Emma, our spiritual warrior, reminded me that God would provide and encouraged me to not put God in a box or limit what God could do. We started praying for the bus project every Tuesday at our prayer meeting. We began putting aside $500 a month for the Bus project. Then we put the word out letting people know we needed a bus. I am telling you – it was amazing how God opened doors.  Here are just a few of the stories.

We had a donor reach out to tell us they had a car they were going to sell and donate all the proceeds to the Bus project. He sold the car and mailed us the check.  When it arrived, I was thinking a few thousand dollars, but no, it was $14,000!

My home church chose to use our Bus Project for one of their missions offering in their Children’s Church Ministry. We would receive all offerings collected from the Children’s Church Ministry over a two month period. Then COVID hit and church was closed. I thought for sure the funds would never happen but even with COVID they raised $2,400 in offerings from the children for our Bus project!

We were close to our goal when I received a text from a friend asking what needs C.A.R.E. Africa had and I said “We need a bus!” A few minutes later a $1,350 donation came through. We were now only $1,002 shy of the $30,000 needed for the bus. I put a post on Facebook with our Donor See site and in just 2 hours the bus project was fully funded!  WE BOUGHT A BUS!!

To those of you out there that feel like something is overwhelming or just too big for you – you are right! It is too big for you…. but not for God. Trust that when God puts something on your heart He will provide!

 

If you haven’t heard already, Louisville Kentucky will be our new home. I am excited to announce that I will be assuming the position of the Executive Director at C.A.R.E. Africa, Inc. I will continue to work in an administrative role in donor relations, child sponsorship, and marketing. As Executive Director, I will now also coordinate with the board of directors and those on the ground in Egbe to facilitate growth of the C.A.R.E. Africa ministry.  I will also travel back and forth from the U.S. and Nigeria several times a year to continue to oversee operations.

 

C.A.R.E. Africa, Inc. has been a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) since July 2017. God has grown the ministry PHYSICALLY with more children, staff and programs in Egbe; SPIRITUALLY with lessons learned through fellowship and studying His word; and EMOTIONALLY as we have dealt with COVID and the effects on our children and caregivers.

  • We currently have 73 children being taken care of by 60 caregivers in the town of Egbe.
  • Our school (Foundations Academy Egbe) is in its 3rd year and currently enrolls children from nursery to 7th grade.
  • Secondary School (Middle/High School) is under construction.
  • Two C.A.R.E. Africa children are in university and two are waiting on admission.
  • Vocational school under construction with plans for providing classes in baking, sewing, hairdressing, barbering and shoe repair.
  • Weekly AWANA (Approved Workers are not Ashamed) and High School Discipleship.
  • Monthly community service programs where our kids are able to give back to the community.
  • Our transition home is being remodeled and currently houses five C.A.R.E. Africa children
  • Monthly sports outreach in Egbe and surrounding towns has been successful in leading others to Christ.
  • Seamstress program with six women sewing for our Etsy store at www.CareAfricaStore.com

 

Our family is excited to have finally planted our feet somewhere. As of January 4th we officially became home owners and are excited to see what this next chapter of our lives will hold for our family and C.A.R.E. Africa. Lenny has started a remodeling company call GR8 Home Improvements. You can visit him at http://www.GR8hi.com.  Cason is planning on heading to EKU this fall and Jolie is praying she gets to go to school in person at Dupont Manual High school someday soon. Titi has only 3 semesters left at Lancaster Bible College. Our Nigeria Golden Retriever, Tuck, is doing great and loving all the cats and squirrels everywhere. We added a little one to our family and his name is “Biggie” and he is such a funny little puppy.

Thank you to everyone that has supported our family over the past 8 years through prayer and or finances.

Thank you to everyone that is continuing to support our ministry directly through C.A.R.E. Africa.  We feel like God is up to something big and we cannot do it without the support of loyal donors.

Check out our Etsy store this year for meaningful gifts for Christmas. All purchases help support our programs and school in Egbe while also empowering a Nigerian artisan. Check out a few of the people your purchase helps. Visit www.CareAfricaStore.com to pick that special gift for that special someone. 

Seamstresses in Egbe

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Josephine

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Threads & Light Ministry

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ibrahim

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kids in School

There is Black Friday, Cyber Monday and then #GivingTuesday!

Since the last #GivingTuesday donors have generously given over $19,000 toward our bus project. We need $10,000 more to complete this project and buy our bus!

Help us “make the wheels on the bus go round and round” for the C.A.R.E. Africa kids. Click https:https://donorsee.com/bus

giving-tuesday-hero.jpg

There is Black Friday, Cyber Monday and then #GivingTuesday!

Three years ago we were struggling with getting our kids to and from the C.A.R.E. Africa center for A.W.A.N.A. and other programs. We started a bus campaign and raised $10,000. It wasn’t enough to get a bus but it did get us a minivan. Our minivan has been a huge asset over the past two years. From bringing teams to and from Egbe from the airport, to transporting the kids all around town, to making needed shopping pickups in Ilorin and taking our secondary school kids to University visits. This vehicle has blessed us abundantly but we have grown.

Since the last #GivingTuesday donors have generously given over $19,000 toward our bus project. We need $10,000 more to complete this project and buy our bus.

#GivingTuesday2020 is on December 1st!

Help us “make the wheels on the bus go round and round” for the C.A.R.E. Africa kids. Click https:https://donorsee.com/bus

giving-tuesday-hero.jpg

One of the many things we try to teach our kids at C.A.R.E. Africa is to give back to the community. Our teenagers, just like Western teenagers, are so focused on their own lives that they forget the world  is full of hurting people with bigger problems.

This month, ECWA Hospital Egbe, gave permission for our teenagers to serve their hospital patients. Our teenagers distributed biscuits, eggs and other provisions. They also prayed for the patients and gave them some words of encouragement. In addition, we were able to raise some money to give to the ECWA Hospital benevolent fund which helps patients that cannot afford medical care.

If you would like to learn more about our sister ministry,  ECWA Hospital Egbe, visit https://egbehospital.org. This ministry is always in need either short or long term missionaries to serve in the clinical and administrative departments of the hospital.

My Birthday Wish

Posted: October 20, 2020 by Patrice Miles in Miles In Missions, Nigeria, Patrice Miles, People of Egbe, Prayer, Sponsorship, Titi

My 41st Birthday is tomorrow! Would you help make it one of the best birthdays ever, by donating to my Birthday Fundraiser for Titi! https://www.donorrise.com/careafrica/titi/birthday

Titi desires to give back to the world through social work and she only has 1.5 years left until she graduates. If you haven’t had the pleasure of meeting her, she is an adventurer, not scared of anything, introvert, analytical thinker, wise for her age, beautiful on the inside and outside, heart for the Lord and the voiceless and oh so much to say once she gets to know you. She is RA at her school currently, mentor in English department and making straight A’s. God has big plans for this girl and I am excited to get to watch it all play out! Join me by helping make a difference in her life and so many others that she will help one day.

My Birthday wish is to pay Titi’s second semester tuition at Lancaster Bible College! This would be the best birthday present ever. Just click this link to help! https://www.donorrise.com/careafrica/titi/birthday.

 

Update on Return Trip to Nigeria

I have had so many people ask me when I plan to return to Nigeria now that international airports are opening. Our visit in June was cancelled due Covid-19 and my team and I have been anxious to reschedule. The most recent COVID testing and quarantine protocols for travelers arriving in Nigeria requires:

  1. We must provide the airline with proof of a negative Covid-19 PCR test result administered within 5 days of departure to Nigeria. The airline will deny boarding of any passenger who does not have said proof.
  2. We must register and upload PCR test results to Nigeria’s online International Travel Portal.  We must pay via the online portal for a Covid-19 PCR retest in Nigeria to occur seven days after arrival at an approved lab.
  3. At the airport in Nigeria we will undergo mandatory health screening and must present evidence of negative pre-boarding PCR test results and evidence of payment/appointment for a repeat PCR test in-country.  Our passport biodata page including our passport picture will be forwarded to all COVID-19 PCR Sample Collection Centers.
  4. Mandatory eight days of isolation.  Present ourselves for repeat Covid-19 PCR testing on day seven.  Once we have received a negative repeat PCR test the quarantine is lifted.

We would have to travel to the small town of Ilorin for our repeat Covid-19 PCR tests 7 days after arrival. The four hour drive to Ilorin is over difficult roads that are frequented by robbers. We have no experience with anyone obtaining a PCR repeat test in Ilorin so have no idea what the challenges might be. We have heard from other missionaries about delays in getting their repeat PCR test results performed in better run and larger cities. Two weeks of our time in country are tied up meeting all the testing and quarantine requirements – and that’s only if there are no problems along the way (no “wahalla”).  Unfortunately, in my experience, it is unlikely this will be a smooth process. It is not a risk I am willing to take nor put my team through at this time. You can pray Nigeria does away with this in country Covid-19 PCR retest so our team can visit and encourage our children, staff and caregivers and bring much needed supplies.

 

Update on School Resumption

We were so excited to get the news last month that schools could finally reopen. It was challenging to get the needed resources like face masks, hand sanitizers and other COVID-19 requirements, but God provided and we are open!

The children were very excited to return. However, we found that the homework packets and the small amount of interaction we were allowed with the children have left the kids behind academically. Thankfully, Nigeria decided to start the school year with the original third term that was missed due to the COVID shutdown.  Repeating the third term should help catch the children up but there are still many challenges that we face.

Starting Nov 1st, the first term of the new school year will begin, and things will hopefully return to normal. Pray for our teachers and kids to persevere and that this pandemic will not have a negative effect on any child’s educational foundation.

Enjoy some of the smiling faces returning to our school.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

C.A.R.E. Africa has been a registered 501(c)(3) since 2017 and we have an amazing Board of Directors! Let me introduce you to them. 

Diana Beville

Diana is married to Stephen Beville and has two young daughters. She runs our C.A.R.E. Africa markets and Etsy store while also working part time as a career consultant in Louisville, Kentucky. Diana has traveled to Egbe, Nigeria three times and Stephen two times. Stephen is a solution architect with GE and helped create the bylaws and financial accounts for C.A.R.E. Africa’s US 501(c)(3). 

 

 

Jolene Eicher


Jolene is retired CEO of Advanced ENT and Allergy and a small group leader at her church in Louisville, KY.  She is married to Fred Eicher, a financial counselor. Jolene has four grown children and seven grandchildren. She is the secretary for our Board of Directors and also proofreader for all marketing, blogs and press pieces. She has visited Egbe, Nigeria three times helping to document our children’s stories and progress of the ministry.

 

Cindy Borody

Cindy, her husband and three children were missionaries in Niger for 20 years. While in Niger, Cindy started a local village school, and taught in a one room school house for Missionary Kids. Her husband ran the lab at a local hospital. After their time in Niger they had a sabbatical in the US and then moved to Egbe, Nigeria.  Cindy helped with the C.A.R.E. Africa school while in Egbe. Today she is living in Canada and manages the SIM C.A.R.E. Africa Canada project and C.A.R.E. Africa Canada Etsy store. She has two grandchildren and one on the way. 

 

Ashley Beebe

Ashley is a retired school teacher and is married to Scott Beebe. They have three children, two in high school and one in college. She currently works in administration for her husband’s coaching firm (“Business on Purpose”), facilitates a women’s group called the “Real Reel”, is on the missions board at her church and helps with our child sponsorship at C.A.R.E. Africa. She has been to Nigeria eight times and provides training and encouragement for the teachers at our school.

 

Patrice Miles

Patrice Miles is married to Lenny Miles and has two children. Patrice and Lenny, along with their children, were missionaries in Nigeria for six years. While in Nigeria Patrice helped found the C.A.R.E. Africa ministry. She now resides in Louisville, Kentucky and continues to run the C.A.R.E. Africa ministry from the U.S.A. She is the chairperson for the board and in charge of child sponsorship, donor relations, marketing and all day to day communication to and from Nigeria for the school, C.A.R.E. center and Spring of Life HIV/AIDS counseling center.

 

Hilary Wang

Hillary is married to Jeff Wang and lives in Plano Texas. Hillary is a CPA and teaches at the University of North Texas. Hillary lived in Egbe, Nigeria at the H.E.L.P. orphanage for six months. Hilary tutored and encouraged the orphans at H.E.L.P.  Hilary has returned to Egbe, Nigeria several times and continues to be involved with the children at H.E.L.P. Hillary is the C.A.R.E. Africa Birthday Advocate.  She facilitates birthday celebrations between sponsors and their C.A.R.E. Africa sponsored child. 

 

 

 We are so grateful to have these volunteers serve on our C.A.R.E. Africa board. Their involvement will ensure the sustainability and future of C.A.R.E. Africa.  Please add them to your prayers as we endeavor to make wise decisions with what God has entrusted into our care. C.A.R.E. Board Power!