Archive for the ‘Missionaries’ Category

Who Encourages Whom?

Posted: February 10, 2023 by bluewatergigi in African School, C.A.R.E. Africa, Missionaries, Nigeria, Volunteers
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by Cindy Borody

Every other Thursday morning I hold my phone close in anticipation and wait. 

I get my coffee, sit at my desk, and wait.

I watch my phone screen and wait.

Then my phone rings, my heart beats a bit quicker, and I answer.

Sometimes it takes a few times answering before the connection holds, but the attempts and the wait are worth it.

On the other end of the line are the sweet voices of the teachers at CARE/Foundations Academy in Egbe!

For a few years now I have had the privilege of chatting with teachers over WhatsApp.

We share what they have been teaching the kids. I ask them about their ‘Big Wins’ and pray over the challenges they face in their classrooms. We laugh together and share about family life. It is like sitting in a Staff Room at any school, community, and fellowship except we are doing it over the phone.

When the network is cooperating, we do FaceTime. What a treat that is, we can see each other, we wave and wave, and sometimes a few happy tears flow.

I ask how I can pray for them, and we pray for each other.

Many times, the call gets dropped, but we try connecting again (and again) so we can finish the call with sweet goodbyes.

My role is to encourage the staff at Foundations. I listen and take notes as they share their experiences in Egbe.

As I write down what they share, many memories come flooding back to my days at Foundations. Good memories.

After the call ends, I take a few minutes to review what I have written and pray again.

Each call brings joy. I can picture the school, staff, and kids running around, I can hear the laughter coming from the kids in the background.

These calls encourage me.

I am thankful for the time that we get to connect.

God is faithful to keep His promises and has been faithful to CARE and Foundations Academy!

Our teachers at Foundations Academy in Egbe Nigeria, are committed to the counter-cultural work of teaching the whole child. They implement classroom management styles that train in excellence while inspiring each child to reach for their God-given gifts. $100 can support a teacher for one month AND provide much-desired direct encouragement and discipleship. Teachers are essential to our children’s lives, and we strive to implement a holistic approach.

So, join us as we care for each child through their teachers! Visit our site at http://bit.ly/egbeteachers to sponsor a teacher’s salary at $50 or $100 a month.  

#GivingTuesday Success Update! We are 100% Funded!

Posted: December 13, 2022 by Patrice Miles in #GivingTuesday, African School, Egbe Nigeria, Miles In Missions, Missionaries, Nigeria, Orphans, Patrice Miles, People of Egbe, Prayer
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We are so excited to announce that our school project is completely funded after our #GivingTuesday campaign. With pledged contributions, our donor match, and all donations received we are funded!! Thank you to everyone that contributed or helped us Build Our School! Now sit back and watch the progress as it is going to be fun. Below is our first update video from Yomi our project manager.

#GivingTuesday is Today!

Posted: November 29, 2022 by Patrice Miles in #GivingTuesday, C.A.R.E. Africa, Egbe Hosptial, Egbe Nigeria, Fundraising, Miles In Missions, Missionaries, Nigeria, Orphans, People of Egbe
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See the video below for an update on the work going on in Egbe, Nigeria. The school project is underway for the 152 children in our school.

#Giving Tuesday is today. Help us reach our goal of $16,500.

We have a gracious donor that is matching all gifts up to $16,500. Visit our school project donation page at https://donorsee.com/school to help us reach our goal so we can finish building our school.

🏫 Our School Is Almost Finished! Donor Match Alert!

Posted: November 4, 2022 by Patrice Miles in African School, C.A.R.E. Africa, Egbe, Egbe Nigeria, Miles In Missions, Missionaries, Nigeria, Orphans, Patrice Miles, People of Egbe, Prayer
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We are so excited to announce that a Donor has agreed to match any donation received between now and the end of the year up to $16,500 for our school project. https://donorsee.com/school


Meet the Makens. They visited Egbe years ago and genuinely fell in love. The Makens formed an attachment to a small, five-year-old boy they chose to sponsor.  Their commitment to this child was so sincere that he graduated and is now attending university with their full support. They also support his caregiver, which is his grandmother. Their support has allowed us to help her with monthly food packages, accommodations, and provisions. The Makens are dedicated to the education and empowerment of the children and caregivers of CARE Africa and wanted to assist us in completing the construction of our school, Foundations Academy of Egbe. The Makens have generously agreed to match any funds we raise through the end of the year up to $16,500, which is half of the $33,000 needed to finish our school. 

This is an unbelievable opportunity to have our school completed. Please join the Makens and help us build our school!  Visit https://donorsee.com/school to donate

Check out the latest video of the school wall and the buildings that we will start renovating this week here.

Stony, Stubborn Heart

Posted: October 13, 2022 by Patrice Miles in African School, C.A.R.E. Africa, Missionaries, Nigeria
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By, Cindy Borody
The summer of 2019 saw my last few weeks at Foundations Academy in Egbe, Nigeria.

I was busy packing up our house and attending many ‘farewell’ events for my husband and myself. I was hot, tired, and just getting through events. There was not much joy, I was in the mode that many missionaries find themselves in their last weeks serving overseas.

I was stubbornly fulfilling my duties.

It was a Tuesday morning when I found myself driving to CARE/Foundations and I was reminded of a verse in Ezekiel.

Ezekiel 36:26:And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit within you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart.

As the school gates opened for me and I drove through I said a quick prayer ‘Lord, I want a tender heart this morning for these kids.

I greeted all the teachers and kids calling in through each school window. The replies always encouraged my heart.

As I passed by one particular class, the teacher called out my name and asked me to speak to a child that was having some behavioral challenges. The teacher told me that B* had a very stubborn heart and her work was suffering.

I called B* out of the classroom and asked her to sit with me while we chatted about what was happening. My heart broke for her as she described her feelings; I could identify. She was hot, tired, and very frustrated: frustrated with her classes, and friends.

She said, “my heart feels like a  stone.“

I put my arm around her and shared that I felt the same way. She looked at me doubtfully.  I told her some of the things that I was feeling and then brought up Ezekiel 36:26.

We went through the verse slowly together.

I was so close to tears as we both agreed to hold each other accountable to this verse.

God would give us a new heart, His Spirit, and he would remove both of our stony, stubborn hearts and give us both tender, responsive hearts.

Each time I went to Foundations those last few weeks B* and I would sit together and encourage each other on how God was developing our new hearts.

I learned quite a bit from B* in September 2019.

When the teacher asked me to speak with B*, she thought I would be instructing B*. God had other plans. It was B* who taught me.

Our CARE Africa/Foundation Academy kids have so much to teach us.

Now that I am back in North America, I think of this ministry daily. They need our encouragement as much as we need theirs.

If you ever would like to know more about how you can encourage a child, staff member, volunteer, or give of your time or finances, we would love to hear from you. Email Patrice@icareafrica.org.

 God, please don’t ever make me go to Africa.

Posted: March 15, 2022 by dbeville in African School, C.A.R.E. Africa, Child Sponsorship, Egbe Nigeria, Miles In Missions, Mission Trips, Missionaries, Nigeria, Sponsorship, Volunteers
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I remember sitting in church as a kid in the early 90s, listening to a missionary discuss their life in Africa while flipping through a slide reel of pictures. I don’t remember anything they said, just the feeling of fear and dread that God wanted to punish me enough that one day I would have to go to Africa. That night and for years to follow, I begged God to never make me go to Africa. I’d do anything else.

Then in the spring of 2014, I felt the wind blow in a different direction. The Miles had sold all their stuff and moved to Nigeria six months prior. I felt my curiosity suddenly outweighing my fear. It now seemed as if maybe God had a gift waiting for me rather than a punishment. I wanted to visit friends. But I also felt a new and unfamiliar tug. An exciting invitation. A “just you wait and see…”

Since that first trip with Stephen in 2014, I’ve traveled back to Nigeria 3 more times, with another trip scheduled for later this year. I am now eager for each next chance to go to Africa.

When C.A.R.E. Africa first began, Patrice asked if I would attempt to sell some jewelry participants had made. Having no experience in sales, marketing, promotion, or distribution, I said, “Sure!” We bought a tent and tables. Stephen’s sister used sharpies to draw a poster board sign, and we began vending at farmer’s markets in Louisville, KY.

C.A.R.E. grew into a full-blown ministry in Nigeria with many facets, including a seamstress training program that creates numerous products including clothing, handbags, jewelry, and aprons. Our garage transformed into an “Amazon Fulfillment Center,” stocked with shelves of sorted boxes of products, market display items (many built by Patrice’s stepdad), and shipping supplies.

Miraculously those early days of stumbling through the unknowns have grown into a vibrant display, a band of faithful volunteers, return-shoppers at markets, a requested presence in missions conferences, an Etsy store, and $20k in sales for 2021.

I found my passion and purpose in that vendor booth. I could not sell just anything. But I have the incredible luck to showcase vibrant products which tell a beautiful story that I believe in with my whole heart. And I love the human element of a market: crowds of unique characters with personalities as varied as the fabric prints. It helps open my heart to the patchwork of people required to build a solid community.

As if my life managing product sales wasn’t charmed enough, in 2021 I was offered employment with C.A.R.E. as the Sponsorship Coordinator. I am having so much fun getting to know the kids and sponsors more. It is an honor to facilitate communication and relationship internationally! Sponsors are partnering with C.A.R.E. to educate, disciple, and nurture more than 70 kids in Nigeria. I update sponsors on life in Egbe including new pictures, report cards, home life, plans for college, and achievements. I also relay communication from sponsors back to Egbe staff and students.

Other facets of this role include advocating for sponsorship and monitoring financial transactions. After an end-of-year audit, we verified that 99% of child sponsorship donor dollars go directly to care and supplies for the children and their families!! Around every turn, I continue to find the efficacy and integrity of this organization are top tier.

What a thrill ride I’m on. I’d like to go back to tell little Diana she doesn’t need to be afraid; there’s so much to look forward to.

ADVOCATE * INVEST * EMPOWER * SERVE

What Would You Have Me to Do?

Posted: January 25, 2022 by bluewatergigi in African School, Board of Directors, C.A.R.E. Africa, Coaching, Egbe Nigeria, Missionaries, People of Egbe, Volunteers
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When I found myself back in Canada after our time in Egbe Nigeria had ended, I found myself feeling a bit lost. 

My husband and I had ministered overseas for over 20 years. Those had been years filled with great blessings, and a few challenges. One of the greatest blessings for me was my involvement at C.A.R.E. Africa and Foundations Academy in Egbe. Each week I would find myself wrapping arms around both the kids and the staff. I loved walking into each classroom and coming alongside the educators that were so dedicated to their profession. I counted it a privilege to be called ‘Mommy Cindy’ and many were adopted as ‘my kids’. 

During my time at Egbe, I was introduced to Patrice Miles and Emma Salako. Patrice and Emma had a God-given dream for C.A.R.E. Africa. I watched and prayed during the early years as the Centre progressed and the desire for a school was birthed. I was thrilled when asked if I could teach/mentor at the School.

Knowing the staff and children by name became very important to me. It was so much fun going to Market and hearing my name called and kids would come running to the White Mommy with no fear.  

Late 2019 we found ourselves flying back across the ocean to Canada to settle back with our family, kids and grandchildren, but a part of my heart was left In Egbe.  

How I would miss this very special place! 

A few months after landing in the Great White North, I found myself asking ‘What Would You Have Me to Do?’ during my times with Jesus. C.A.R.E. Africa was still tugging at my heart. I kept praying…

    God does know the desire of our heart. 

Soon after praying, I received word from Patrice asking if I would consider doing Bi-Monthly calls with staff members with Foundations Academy Staff. I jumped right on this…Yes! 

It has been close to 2 years now, every other Thursday morning (providing we have good network) I have the PRIVILEGE of talking to a different staff member over WhatsApp.

We laugh, sing, cry, share struggles of being an educator in Nigeria and pray! Lately we have begun doing video chats, the calls always end with joyful tears as I get to see my fellow colleagues in Egbe. What joy. 

God does know the desire of our heart. 

When we returned to Canada, I had no idea how I could still be involved on a consistent basis with C.A.R.E. and Foundations Academy Egbe. 

God knew my desire and He answered.

What is #GivingTuesday?

Posted: November 18, 2021 by Patrice Miles in #GivingTuesday, C.A.R.E. Africa, Egbe Nigeria, Fundraising, Miles In Missions, Missionaries, Nigeria, Orphans, Patrice Miles, People of Egbe
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There is Black Friday, Cyber Monday and #Giving Tuesday!

#GivingTuesday was created in 2012 as a simple idea: a day that encourages people to do good. Over the past nine years, this idea has grown into a global movement that inspires hundreds of millions of people to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity.

#GivingTuesday is a global generosity movement that unleashes the power of radical generosity around the world.

#GivingTuesday is on November 30, 2021

#Giving Tuesday does not collect fees to participate in the annual event. All fundraising activities and the funds raised on #GivingTuesday are directed by each participating nonprofit organization and processed by the giving platform of their choice. All money raised on #GivingTuesday goes immediately to the nonprofit or community organization that solicited the funds.

#GivingTuesday does not require registration. All organizations, 501c3 or otherwise, are welcome and encouraged to participate in #GivingTuesday.

How can you participate in #GivingTuesday?

There are hundreds of ways to participate in GivingTuesday. Whether you give your voice, goods, your time, or your money, being generous is a way to fight for the causes you care about and help people in need.

Here are some ideas you might consider:

  • Share kindness with your neighbors.
  • Volunteer virtually or share your talents
  • Give your voice to a cause that matters to you
  • Show gratitude to healthcare workers, service providers, and other essential workers who are making sure we still have the services we rely on, even at risk to their own health.
  • Discover a local fundraiser, community drive or coordinated event to join others in your area or with your same interests in giving back — they need your help. Search for opportunities here
  • Give to your favorite cause or a fundraiser to help those in need. (C.A.R.E. Africa!! See our #GivingTuesday blog to give at C.A.R.E. Africa School Project. )
  • Talk about giving and generosity using the hashtag #GivingTuesday
  • Educate a Child, Educate a Nation!

Build a School in Egbe, Nigeria this #GivingTuesday

Posted: November 16, 2021 by Patrice Miles in African School, C.A.R.E. Africa, Egbe, Egbe Nigeria, Fundraising, Miles In Missions, Missionaries, Nigeria, Orphans, Patrice Miles, People of Egbe, Prayer
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#GivingTuesday is only 2 weeks away!

There is Black Friday , Cyber Monday and #GivingTuesday!

Unleash generosity and build a school in Egbe, Nigeria for vulnerable children this year for #GivingTuesday

10.5 million children in Nigeria are not in school per Unicef statistics. This is the highest population of out of school children in the world.

Help us build a school in Egbe, Nigeria so our 78 vulnerable children can go to school in a safe and secure environment. We currently rent a space and have outgrown it. 152 children attend our school and 78 of these children are on scholarships. We want each child to receive a quality education and in order to do that, we feel the child to teacher ratio needs to be low. We pride ourselves in the fact that our teacher to child ratio is 15 pupils per class. This means we cannot take as many children as we would like and so we have a waiting list of children begging to get an education. With the new school we will have more classrooms and can take more children. Educate a child, Educate a Nation!

Help us educate a child by donating to Phase 1 of our building project. We have the land we just need the buildings. The total building project cost is $250,000 of which Phase 1 is $25,000. This will allow us to start clearing the land, building the wall and digging the footers. Donate any amount to help us educate more children in Egbe, Nigeria! Click EDUCATE to donate!

I think I have D.I.D.

Posted: November 9, 2021 by Patrice Miles in C.A.R.E. Africa, Egbe, Egbe Nigeria, Miles In Missions, Missionaries, Nigeria, Patrice Miles, People of Egbe, Prayer
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I think I have (DID),  Dissociative identity disorder previously known as multiple personality disorder.  I find that I am one person in the U.S. and an all together different person when I land in Nigeria. 

In the U.S. I am confident, in control, busy and efficient. I rarely experience drama or trials that cannot be readily fixed. The car starts like it is supposed to, phones and internet are dependable, if I am injured I can call an ambulance, hospitals and doctors have what they need to fix me, grocery stores are everywhere with plenty of food, a flip of a switch gives me instant electricity and the temperature in my home can be adjusted to my liking – everything in the U.S. works pretty well. I really don’t need anyone or anything and depend primarily on – Patrice!

I have grown to love my American life and for the most part it is very comfortable. Regular date nights with my husband, fun holidays with my family, purposeful activities with my children, a close church community and constant electricity and AC! It’s secure and safe. I wake happy to see the day but lay my head down at night wondering if my life was used in any way to show Christ’s love to someone.

When it’s time for my quarterly visit to Nigeria I start to get anxious. No control, no efficiency, no AC, no dependable electricity, phones or internet. I start to think about all the comforts I will be giving up. The long, uncomfortable 30+hours of travel , insecurity on the roads, the heat…..oh the heat! I think about my husband and kids I will leave behind and the burden on them to manage the household duties. I think about the cultural adjustments, don’t stare people in the eye when talking to them, wear dresses and skirts, cover your head when praying or in church, don’t interrupt someone who is talking (even if they talk for an hour), eat your meat last, use your right hand, greet every person you pass, don’t show fear, and remember you are a women. All this anxiousness actually makes my right eye start twitching weeks before I travel.

The funny thing is the moment I touch ground in Nigeria my second personality comes forward like a pre-programmed robot. Where did this Patrice come from, she was so anxious just a few minutes ago?

I’m confident yet the confidence comes from the Lord – not from Patrice!  Every step I take I am praying God goes before me. “Go before me and allow the customs officers to let me through without extortion. Go before me and allow my driver to be alert and careful among the unregulated drivers on the roads. Go before me and allow all the security, army and police check points to go smoothly. Go before me and remove any evil people with intentions of kidnapping or robbery. Go before me and keep malaria, ecoli, typhoid, COVID, and any other sickness away. Go before me and help me adjust to the 6 hour time difference so I can be alert and ready to encourage my staff. Go before me and give me the words and activities necessary to benefit the voiceless and exhausted. Go before me and make every appointment a divine appointment that will help your kingdom grow. Go before me and allow me to get back home to my family and recover quickly from jet lag”.

While in Nigeria, I rely on the Lord each day and every step! I know I cannot do it without Him and He shows up every trip and prepares the way. Oh the pages I could fill of the divine appointments in Nigeria and seeing God so beautifully in them.

So this second personality in Nigeria is confident too, but not in Patrice!  It’s confidence in the Lord!  I am busy but in His work and activities, I am efficient, not with time or schedules, but with relationships. I must rely on Him because I have no control and no clue what is going to happen next. 

My question always is this – how can I take Patrice in Nigeria back to the U.S. with me? 

How can I rely on the Lord in the U.S. like I do in Nigeria? 

How can I know and see Him orchestrating and protecting every single minute of my life in the U.S. as I do in Nigeria? 

God uses each trip to mold me a little more into the woman He wants me to be.  Until then I continue to wait for the day I see Him face to face and hear Him say “Well done my good and faithful servant” or as they say in Egbe, Nigeria “You really tried!

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