April 15th, Summer TOUR, Give BIG, and Solid Rock School OPENING!

Phyllis's Summer TOUR!

Plans for Phyllis's Summer TOUR are complete! There are many places we WISH we could be, so let us know if you'd like to be on the NEXT tour!

6/8 Thursday, 7-9 pm, at Seattle First Church, SEATTLE PACIFIC UNIVERSITY is awarding Phyllis Sortor the SPU Alumna Of The Year Award and hosting a Kidnapped Redemption film screening. ALL ARE WELCOME TO JOIN US FOR THIS EXCITING EVENT, to honor Phyllis Sortor, and celebrate her award!

6/9 Friday, SPU Ivy Cutting Ceremony, Phyllis is invited to participate with the graduating students! She gets to hand them ACTUAL IVY CUTTINGS from the college grounds. :)

6/10 Saturday, Phyllis is invited to be the Seattle Pacific University Undergraduate Commencement Speaker at T-Mobile Park, where the Mariners play! She will speak for 15 minutes in front of 3,000 people! Please pray for Phyllis!

6/11 Sunday, Phyllis will speak at West Side Presbyterian Church in Seattle, for two services at 9:00 and 10:45. We will be showing the film during both services! This is board member Ron Rice's church, and we are so happy to join him at his church!

6/14 Wednesday, Board meeting! Phyllis will meet in the Seattle area with our Schools For Africa board members, give them updates, discuss upcoming projects, and fellowship together. Are you curious about who is on our board? Check out the link at the bottom of this email, titled MEET OUR SFA BOARD MEMBERS!

6/18 Sunday, Phyllis is speaking at 8:30 and 10:00 at Edgewood Church in Rochester, NY! This is a NEW church that we are partnering with. They have recently agreed to build a school and teacher's quarters, AND support the school for ONE WHOLE YEAR! We are so excited that Phyllis gets to meet them, and tell them firsthand about our work in Nigeria!

6/21 Wednesday, Phyllis is at Northgate FMC, in Batavia, NY, for a Wednesday night service at 6:00pm. We have never been to this church, so we are excited to make some new connections and new friends!

Phyllis is at TWO churches in Indianapolis, so she is spending almost two weeks with them! She has never been there before, so we hope to make LOTS of new connections!

6/25 Sunday, Phyllis will speak at West Morris Church, Indy, IL, at 10:30.

7/2 Sunday, Phyllis will speak at John Wesley FMC, Indy, IL, at 10:00.

7/6-7/9 Phyllis is booked at Tri State Family Camp, in E. Liverpool, OHIO! Family Camps are a GREAT way to spend time with folks, get to know them a bit, and share about our ministry! and eat marshmallows, and stare into a campfire, and gaze up at the stars...

7/9 Sunday, Oakland Free Methodist, in E. Liverpool, OHIO, is hosting a RALLY at 6:00! Phyllis will speak, share the film, and spend time with folks there. SOUNDS FUN!

7/11-7/13 Phyllis will be at Highlander Christian Camp, in Kane, PA. Another family camp! SUPER! #wishyouwerehere #hellomother #bugspray #newconnections

7/16 Sunday, Phyllis is at Mattis Ave FMC, in Champaign, IL. We have LONG been planning this trip, and we are so excited to finally get here! Phylis will speak in the 10:30 service, then share the film at 6:00pm!

7/17 Tuesday, Phyllis is visiting SFA Secretary Carisa’s church, The Vine Community, in Deer Park, WA! (SHHHH! Phyllis doesn't know this yet, but she would do ANYTHING for Carisa, right!?) We are crashing Bible Study at 9:00am, on our way to Conconully!

7/17-7/23 Phyllis will be at Conconully Bible Camp in Conconully, WA! She has been to this camp before, and they are SUPER excited to have her back! Hoping to see many friends from Oroville FMC and other nearby churches! Carisa is coming, too!

7/24-7/30 Phyllis and Carisa head to the Free Methodist Church General Conference, in Orlando, FL! Carisa (and hubby Russ) will man a booth all week, and we get to share the film a couple of times with big groups of pastors. Dare I say this again - we are hoping to make many connections here! and possibly float in the lazy river at the pool... :)

CONNECTIONS is what the tour is all about. We are allowing God to connect Phyllis and Schools For Africa to folks all across the country, so that we can partner together in the work that He is doing! Please come and say HELLO if you are near any of the tour stops! We would love to meet you!

Questions? Email us!

Save the date for Give BIG 2023!

The annual 48-hour giving event is May 2-3, with early giving kicking off on April 18. Last year's campaign raised $14.6 million for 1,500 nonprofits. Stay tuned!

About GIVE BIG / Washington Gives

Washington Gives is a year-round online giving platform that features more than 1,500 nonprofit organizations across Washington State. Donors EVERYWHERE can give to organizations that serve causes they’re passionate about. Discover new organizations to support, and mobilize your friends, family, and colleagues to also give. Each year, they host two major fundraising campaigns: GivingTuesday November 29, 2022, and GiveBIG May 2-3, 2023.

GIVE BIG NOW!

News from Solid Rock School

Ta Da!! The school is ready for opening day! The men in the photo are the masons, carpenters, and laborers who did this great job. Officially opening on April 24th!

The 6 classrooms each have desks for 30 children, which means we have space for 180 children! We look forward to both shepherds' and farmers' children, of ALL tribes!! Jacob and James marked off space in the classroom walls for the blackboards. We're ready!

We can't do this work without you!

Thank you to all of our generous partners - YOU make God's plan a reality!

We are seeking monthly givers to support the teachers we hire at Solid Rock School! We have hired 4 teachers so far..

Support a teacher or nurse for $50/month!

Click HERE to GIVE!

Did you see it yet?

Our Kidnapped Redemption film is NOW AVAILABLE FOR FREE on YouTube! It has over 2,156 views on YouTube so far, and has already begun to generate income! If you haven't seen it yet, invite some friends over and share it with them!

11-16 people are watching this incredible, inspirational film EVERY DAY!

Can you share this film on Facebook or other social media platforms? We want to get Phyllis's incredibly encouraging story out to as many as possible!

We're working on the DVD - I promise!

View the 2-minute film trailer!

View the 48-minute Kidnapped Redemption film HERE!

Prayer Requests:

  • Pray for The Solid Rock School, opening April 24th!!

  • Pray for our next project, 2 schools in Kogi State. After a nerve-racking hiccup, we are clear to begin to build!

  • Pray for strength, stamina, and endurance for Phyllis. She is working hard on many things in Nigeria, AND preparing for a BIG Summer TOUR in the states!

 

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Build a Meaningful Legacy with SFA!

Learn more about Schools For Africa Director, Phyllis Sortor!

Find out how SFA shares about Jesus!

A story about the GOOD LIFE in Nigeria...

Meet our SFA Board Members!

Learn more about our Kidnapped Redemption Film!

Visit Our Website!

Questions? Email us!

 

April 1st, Build A Meaningful Legacy!

God has given us access to His bountiful resources. We get to joyfully share His wealth by stewarding His gifts to us. Here are four ways to build a meaningful legacy with Schools For Africa:

  1. Build a school or healthcare clinic in your family name! Buildings start at $15,000. Email us for more info!

  2. Retirement accounts (IRAs) – your required minimum distributions (RMDs) can be sent directly to SFA and you avoid the taxes! This is a great way to avoid taxes AND help further God's kingdom in Nigeria. 

  3. Include Schools For Africa in your will. Do you HAVE a will yet??

  4. Stocks or property can be donated to SFA. Avoid capital gains taxes and get a healthy tax credit!  

Our friend Arnie Brann works at FM Financials. They provide professional guidance and investment management from a biblical perspective, to help you clarify your life priorities and build a meaningful legacy.

Email Arnie Brann at FM Financials with any questions!

Solid Rock School

Enrolling children and training teachers!

We started by enrolling Fulani and Afizere children, two tribes coming together in one school! This is exactly what we were hoping for!! We enrolled 73 children so far. Most of these children live within 1/2 mile of the school. Many more are coming!!

This is Josephine Raji, wife of John Raji, the Assistant Director of SFA. She is doing a WONDERFUL JOB of training our new staff all about phonograms and their use in teaching reading. We have hired two men and two women as teachers, two TAs, a cleaner, security guard and chaplain! Now we just need to finish the school building!

Support a teacher or nurse for $50/month!

Click HERE to GIVE!

HOST AN EASTER MOVIE NIGHT!

Our Kidnapped Redemption film is NOW AVAILABLE FOR FREE on YouTube! It has over 1,913 views on YouTube so far, and has already begun to generate income! If you haven't seen it yet, invite some friends over and share it with them!

It is an incredible Easter story of God rolling a heavy stone away.

Can you share this film on Facebook or other social media platforms? We want to get Phyllis's incredibly encouraging story out to as many as possible!

 

View the 2-minute film trailer!

View the 48-minute Kidnapped Redemption film!

Prayer Requests:

  • Pray for our Kidnapped Redemption film to have GREAT impact, for God's glory and His kingdom.

  • Pray for The Solid Rock Nursery and Primary School, as teachers are hired and children are enrolled!!

  • Pray that our schools would indeed build peace between Fulani shepherds and farmers, and between tribes!

Get that GIVING feeling

Giving makes you feel good, and makes GOOD things happen in God's kingdom!

Be part of GiveBIG on May 2-3! We have a $3,000 matching fund activated!

Read about the revival at Asbury in an article titled

Beyond Hughes Auditorium: The Asbury Outpouring

Sign up to stay in touch!

Build a Meaningful Legacy with SFA!

Learn more about Schools For Africa Director, Phyllis Sortor!

Find out how SFA shares about Jesus!

A story about the GOOD LIFE in Nigeria...

Meet our SFA Board Members!

Learn more about our Kidnapped Redemption Film!

Visit Our Website!

Questions? Email us!

 

Please forward this email to a friend!

God is moving in Plateau State!

Praise God! The ECWA church in Jos is completely finished. The dedication is March 25th, a Saturday. We'll worship there for the first time on Sunday, March 26th. SFA Assistant Director John Raji and his wife Josephine will attend the dedication and worship service. Then they will go with us on Monday to the new school and hold a two or three day teachers' training in using phonics to teach reading and writing.

The Lord clearly impressed on Phyllis that she should build a church building for these beloved brothers and sisters in Christ. She prayed about it, and a donor came forward to fund the building! As Phyllis prepared to meet with the donor, she was really hoping for the opportunity to build a school for Fulani children there, as well. The Fulani people are especially HATED in Plateau State. Could a partnership be arranged there? 

When she met with the donor, he asked, "What other needs might you have there?" AHA! JUST the opportunity she was hoping for! But would the church agree to partner with a school for Fulani children nearby? YES! They said they would! But would the Fulani in this area be open to the idea?

YES! They said they would!

The Peace ECWA Church building went up in just ONE MONTH! The people rejoiced! Another true answer to prayer are James and Victoria, strong Christian leaders and members of Peace Church. BOTH will be involved at the new school! James will be a teacher, and Victoria the school supervisor! WHAT an answer to prayer! WHAT a wonderful couple - they are open, joyful, charismatic, very warm and friendly towards the Fulani! Truly, we couldn't have asked for better people to manage this new school!

It's all God's doing, and it is MARVELOUS.

The school was named The Solid Rock Nursery and Primary School.

HUNDREDS of parents and children came to meet us at the school site. The children, now out-of-school, knowing they will soon be IN school, were FULL OF JOY! There is great support from the parents and local chief, too!

This is the Fulani local chief, Ardo. He has fifteen children, and ALL will be coming to school! He was especially glad that the school is for Fulani children AND farmers' children. The farmers are the owners of the land, he told us, while the Fulani are the farmers' tenants. He said that having all of these children together in school will be the beginnings of peace. 

WE COULDN'T AGREE MORE!

Missionary Phyllis told Ardo about meeting our friend, Mogodi, when she first came to Nigeria. Mogodi said, "My grandfather cheated my father. And my father cheated me in the same way. He gave me cattle and wives, but he wouldn't let me go to school." Ardo said that Mogodi's experience was exactly as his own. Phyllis told Ardo how, with Mogodi, Schools For Africa has opened many schools for Fulani children. Ardo said, "I will hold your hand, even as Mogodi holds your hand! We will do the same here in Plateau State!"

He said he would support our work, 100%.

We are better together. 

And so, in Plateau State, where the Fulani are the MOST HATED, new friendships have begun. The Peace ECWA Church is settled into their own building. Just down the road, the first school for Fulani children in Plateau State is being built, with the possibility for several more schools to come. And so the Lord continues to build what He has planned in Nigeria. What a blessing and an honor to be a part of it! 

Would you care to join us?

Our current need is monthly giving for teacher/nurse salaries.

Could YOU help support

a teacher or a nurse for $50/month?

Click HERE to GIVE!

HOST A MOVIE NIGHT!

Our Kidnapped Redemption film is NOW AVAILABLE FOR FREE on YouTube! It has had 1,245 views on YouTube in JUST 12 DAYS!! WOWSERS! If you haven't seen it yet, invite some friends over and share it with them! Send us pics of your FILM PARTY, and we'll post them on Facebook!

Can you share this film on Facebook or other social media platforms? We want to get Phyllis's incredibly encouraging story out to as many as possible!

View film HERE!

Prayer Requests:

  • Pray for our Kidnapped Redemption film to have GREAT impact, for God's glory and His kingdom.

  • Pray for the hearts of the people who live near our new school, The Solid Rock Nursery and Primary School, that they would be open to loving the Fulani there.

  • Pray that our schools would indeed build peace between Fulani shepherds and farmers!

NEWS FLASH!

The Kidnapped Redemption Film

is now available to the public! 

The Kidnapped Redemption Film is live on YouTube, and will soon begin generating revenue through ads. 60% of all money made goes directly to Schools For Africa! It had 653 views in 6 days, BEFORE we even shared that it was out!! Once we get to 2,000 views, advertisers will start purchasing ads on our video. How exciting! 

The 48 minute film is linked below, feel free to share! Any who have Facebook, please share our Facebook post from Schools For Africa to your feed! Please help spread this film to all you know. Share it to all of your friends, your churches, your work, social media… Thanks!

View the Kidnapped Redemption film!

Mike Henry, Producer

Mike worked with Missionary Phyllis Sortor in Nigeria on several occasions, and knew that her story needed to be portrayed in a movie. "Since this is my first time producing a film, I simply recruited smart, talented people to help. I am a retired pastor and missionary and now the author of adventure/spiritual thriller novels. I love a story of high risk, when only Divine Intervention can bring the resolution. Kidnapped Redemption is just that, a true-life story that will inspire courage and faith.

Andy Yardy, Director

Andy is an International Videographer with a passion for justice. He has worked as a Global TV Press Liaison at Olympic Broadcast Network, Director of Photography for TV at San Diego Union Tribune, News Editor at NBC News Lexington KY, and Marketing Video Producer at International Childcare Ministries. He was Director of Photography for the film Flesh, in 2010. He has been a Natural Disaster Videographer for Relief and Development non profits in a Haiti earthquake, India tsunami, Peru earthquake, multiple hurricanes, and the Iraq War. Andy has film production experience in 60+ countries!

Yayo Ahumada, Director of photography

Yayo is an International Cinematographer with a gift for capturing beauty and compelling images. He has worked with Mari Kondo, and on several TV series including Fusion, Food For Thought w/ Claire Thomas, and TV special Restaurant Hustle 2020: All on the Line.

Audrey de leon, consulting producer / marketing

Audrey has worked in Latin market TV, commercials and independent feature films. In addition to her lifelong passion for acting, Audrey's love of telling true stories includes producing and marketing consulting, which led her to this project. She has since branched into executive development of creative projects that include blockchain innovation. Audrey is currently based in Los Angeles and Puerto Rico.

Prayer Requests:

  • Pray for this film to spread Phyllis's encouraging story of faith in a powerful God!

  • Pray that the film brings new contacts and partners to Schools For Africa.

  • Pray for PEACE in Nigeria.

Celebrating a church, ADDING A SCHOOL!!

Finishing Peace ECWA Church in Jos!

WOW, that happened FAST!

Plastering over the bricks!

The sheet metal roofing is going on, NOW!

CELEBRATE WITH US!

To see a video of the congregation praising God in their unfinished building, click HERE!

We're in two places at once! The church and school sites are 7 miles apart. One team is plastering and roofing the church, a second team is beginning on The Solid Rock School Nursery and Primary School. Check out the building site below. Aptly named, eh! Looks like a FUN place!

It is an absolute MIRACLE that the church and congregation have agreed to a school for Fulani children! Fulani are especially HATED in this state! Our prayers that there would be a connection between Peace Church and the Solid Rock School have been answered already! Pastor Joel and Mrs. Victoria, one of the Sunday School teachers, who are two of the nicest, most committed Christians that Phyllis has met, have promised to be fully involved!

Thanks be to God!

Schools for Africa has a goal to TRIPLE the number of strong Christian schools we are managing in Nigeria.

We're trusting God and determined, with His help, to use everything we have to educate as many children as we can, to lift high the wonderful Name of Jesus and bring HIS peace to Nigeria!

Our current need is monthly giving for teacher/nurse salaries.

Could YOU help support

a teacher or a nurse for $50/month?

Click HERE to GIVE!

Some of Schools For Africa’s WONDERFUL teachers and staff!

Prayer Requests:

  • Pray for Phyllis and the teams building a church AND SCHOOL in Jos.

  • Pray for the daily operations of our many schools, for integrity, honestly and loyalty.

  • Pray for peace in Nigeria, and for Christ to redeem His people there!

Building a church in Jos!

Building Peace ECWA Church in Jos!

ECWA is a denomination that stands for Evangelical Church Winning All!

You might remember when God put it on Phyllis's heart to build a church for Officer Jacob and his precious church family in Jos...

God gives us the desires of our hearts! Some friends donated the funds to make it happen, and work began this week!

Phyllis, our driver Lawal, and Security Officer Jacob went with two carpenters and two masons to meet with Pastor Joel. They discussed how the church members could help with beds, food, and any other work needed on the building site.

Reverend Timothy of the ECWA Church officiated the groundbreaking service, with Pastor Joel, many church members and the Furaka Village Head in attendance. It was a wonderful morning.

The group prayed over the land and the congregation, then celebrated the GOOD THINGS that God has done!

Our building team with Pastor Joel.

Don’t forget Phyllis!

One big challenge is heating, breaking and removing the big rocks within the church area. We will use the broken stones as foundation fillers. The weather is cool, and spirits are high! God be praised!

This ground is SO ROCKY, but there's no problem! We already hired some men to come and break up the stones within the area of the church building. 

These are volunteers from the community, helping with the work. One elderly woman is also helping to carry stones. She wouldn't let Phyllis take her picture. :)

Blocks are being delivered for the church walls.

Sand is being delivered, too!

The workers are measuring out the foundation, to start digging!

You'll be surprised at how fast this building goes up...

We'll keep you posted on the progress!

A BIG thank you to the friends who asked, "What other needs do you have?" God put us ALL on the same page! We LOVE THAT!

Hold on to us with BOTH HANDS!

Bobi Grazing Reserve, in Niger State - MONTHLY SUPPORT is needed!

  • over 75,000 acres!

  • 7 schools, educating 750 children!

  • 2 healthcare clinics!

  • 5 new water boreholes, 2 repaired!

Bobi Grazing Reserve has been a volatile place. Bandits have wreaked havoc so much that the Nigerian Army finally intervened. While the area is still unstable, the area chiefs are thrilled to have schools for their children. Chief Kiri Bauchi recently told Missionary Phyllis Sortor that they were going to hold on to Schools For Africa and our schools with BOTH HANDS!

There are MANY opportunities to support a healthcare clinic or school on Bobi Grazing Reserve. Teacher/nurse monthly salaries in Nigeria start at only $50/month. Below are our current needs:

School #1, Courtney Carleton Memorial Primary School, 6 teachers = $300/month

School #2, Bailey Robinson Memorial Primary School, 2 teachers = $100/month

School #3, Big Dam Primary School, 7 teachers = $350/month

School #4, Dam Dutse Primary School, 2 teachers = $100/month

School #5, River Of Life Nursery/Primary School, 4 teachers = $200/month

School #6, Kango Bassa Primary School, 1 teacher = $50/month

School #7, Yabawa Primary School, 4 teachers = $200/month

Bobi Healthcare Clinics: 2 nurses + yearly cost of medicine/supplies = TOTAL $185/month

Click HERE to GIVE!

Schools for Africa has a goal to TRIPLE the number of strong Christian schools we are managing in Nigeria.

We're trusting God and determined, with His help, to use everything we have to educate as many children as we can, to lift high the wonderful Name of Jesus and bring HIS peace to Nigeria!

Our current need is monthly giving for teacher/nurse salaries.

Could YOU help support a teacher or a nurse?

Donate HERE

Did you know that Schools For Africa is an Affiliated Partner with the Free Methodist Church? We have long had a beautiful friendship and partnership with the Free Methodist Church, bishops, pastors, leaders, and fellow servants of Christ! See more info HERE!

Schools For Africa is heading to Orlando, FL in July for the FMC USA General Conference! We hope to share our Kidnapped Redemption Film with hundreds of pastors!

Phyllis Sortor, Director of Schools For Africa, is being awarded the SPU Alumna Of The Year Award! She will be in the US to accept this great honor over Commencement Weekend, June 9-10. She has also been invited to be the Undergraduate Commencement Speaker for the weekend! SPU will print an article about Phyllis in their magazine, they will record a podcast with her, and present her with an award. We will keep you posted on all these details!

 
Sign up to stay in touch!

Prayer Requests:

  • Pray for Phyllis and the team building a church in Jos.

  • Please KEEP praying for wisdom for the SFA team, both in the US and Nigeria, as SFA grows.

  • Pray for SFA to closely follow God's will - we want to be good stewards of ALL that He provides! Not just funds, but opportunity for evangelism, friendships, time, etc.

IMPOSSIBLE GOALS?! Big plans...

5,000 MORE children educated by 2025!?

IS THIS AN IMPOSSIBLE GOAL? APPARENTLY NOT!

The Lord has blessed our plans to continue to build and grow Schools For Arica in Nigeria, and we have BIG PLANS for the future! The Lord is directing Missionary Phyllis Sortor and Schools For Africa to reach towards educating 5,000 MORE children by 2025! How are we going to do that? Only through the Lord. We have funding and plans to grow by at least 4 schools this year. We are looking into further partnerships with the nomadic schools, which comes with an INCREDIBLE opportunity for evangelism! The Fulani people and others will see Jesus as we continue to grow in Nigeria! WOOP WOOP!

We were astonished to see the Lord move this month, when funds came in for four schools ALL IN ONE WEEK! Ask and you shall receive?? Wow!

It is so exciting to watch the Lord move! 

Our current need is increased monthly giving for teacher/nurse salaries. Moving forward, and as our ministry grows, that need will continue to increase. We often receive large gifts, along with monthly giving, and that DOES cover our monthly operating budget, but we would love to see our growing monthly salary expenses COMPLETELY covered by monthly givers, so that we KNOW that we can afford to keep growing.

We are praying about how the Lord would further increase our monthly donor base, and would love it if you would join us in praying about that. 

From Phyllis:

"UNESCO recently reported that there are 20 MILLION out-of-school children in Nigeria. We, in Schools for Africa, have the goal of TRIPLING the number of strong Christian schools we are managing in Nigeria."

We're trusting God and determined, with His help, to use everything we have to educate as many children as we can, to lift high the wonderful Name of Jesus and bring HIS peace to Nigeria!

Could YOU help support the teacher's salaries, school maintenance, and book fees?

It costs $42/month to pay a teacher/nurse salary.

Click HERE to support teachers and nurses!

UPDATE FROM PHYLLIS - ALL IS WELL!

Hi friends,

I'm in Nigeria, in -------- for a few more days, when I fly to visit a school. Yesterday and today, I met with Pastor Joseph of City of Refuge, Supt. John Raji and Josephine, and Lawal, making plans on how we're going to build three schools, two clinics and a church, all in the next three months! Tomorrow I go to -------- to talk with the Chief about management of a new healthcare clinic and school there.

That's it so far! All is well. Thank you so much for keeping us in their prayers!

Have you heard!? Phyllis Sortor, Director of Schools For Africa, is being awarded the SPU Alumna Of The Year Award! She will be back in the US to accept this great honor over commencement weekend, June 9-10. She has also been invited to be the Undergraduate Commencement speaker for the weekend! SPU will print an article about Phyllis in their magazine, they will record a podcast with her, and present her with an award. We will keep you posted on all these details!

Schools For Africa is heading to Orlando, FL in July for the FMC USA General Conference! We hope to share our Kidnapped Redemption Film with hundreds of pastors!

EXCITING NEWS!

We are planning a SUMMER TOUR for Missionary Phyllis Sortor!

We have BIG PLANS, and Phyllis has decided to STAY in the US through June/July!

June 9-10, Phyllis is receiving the SPU Alumni Of The Year Award, and is invited to be the Undergraduate Commencement Speaker at SPU this year!

July 25-28, SFA will be in Orlando at the FMC General Conference!

This leaves several Sundays available for Phyllis to visit churches! We are currently planning for Phyllis to make several stops around the country, to share the INCREDIBLE things that God has done!

Sign up to stay in touch!

Prayer Requests:

  • Pray for Phyllis, who is traveling in Nigeria.

  • Pray for wisdom for the SFA team, both in the US and Nigeria, as SFA grows.

  • Pray for our plans to build - we have A LOT to do this year! Pray for strong and competent men to join our SECOND building team.

US Embassy Security Alert!

Missionary Phyllis Sortor is heading back to Nigeria this week, and we've just been slapped in the face with the frightening realities and opposition that we face in Nigeria.

Nigeria Travel Advisory – Level 3: Reconsider Travel

The US Embassy sent out a security alert with the advice to reconsider travel to Nigeria due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, and maritime crime. 

From Phyllis:

I'm forwarding this just received US Embassy security alert to you as a reminder that SFA truly needs your prayers as we return to full work mode this coming week. Friends, if you have any contacts who could help us with air travel, a helicopter or small plane, please consider the fact that air travel could not only save hundreds of hours of time, but could also save lives.

Very sincerely yours,

Phyllis Sortor

Director, Schools For Africa

Read the full US Embassy Security Alert HERE

Here's the short version, Nigeria Country Summary: 

Violent crime – such as armed robbery, assault, carjacking, kidnapping, hostage taking, banditry, and rape – is common throughout the country. Kidnappings for ransom occur frequently, often targeting dual national citizens who have returned to Nigeria for a visit, as well as U.S. citizens with perceived wealth. Kidnapping gangs have also stopped victims on interstate roads.

Terrorists continue plotting and carrying out attacks in Nigeria. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting shopping centers, malls, markets, hotels, places of worship, restaurants, bars, schools, government installations, transportation hubs, and other places where crowds gather. Terrorists are known to work with local gangs to expand their reach.

There is civil unrest and low-level armed militancy in parts of Southern Nigeria, especially in the Niger Delta region. Armed criminality, including kidnapping and maritime crime, is also pervasive in this region.

Violence can flare up between communities of farmers and herders in rural areas.

There is frequent maritime crime in the Gulf of Guinea.

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in many areas of Nigeria due to security conditions.

Phyllis is leaving the safety of the United States on Monday, arriving in Nigeria Tuesday. The following week she will travel to pay salaries at our adopted, former ICCM schools. She has requested prayers for safety. In her words, a lot of people, families, and children depend on us. In the coming weeks, we're working in Abuja, Niger State and Emiworo, Kogi State, for God's glory. 

You may be asking yourself...

WHY WOULD PHYLLIS CHOOSE TO DO THIS?!

From Phyllis:

"UNESCO recently reported that there are 20 MILLION out-of-school children in Nigeria. We, in Schools for Africa, have the goal of TRIPLING the number of strong Christian schools we are managing in Nigeria."

We have a goal set out before us. We feel led by the Lord to love on Nigeria, and specifically the Fulani people, through schools, healthcare clinics, and grazing reserves.

We will follow the Lord, and see His will be done.

We're trusting God and determined, with His help, to use everything we have to lift high the wonderful Name of Jesus and bring HIS PEACE to Nigeria!

Could YOU help support the teacher's salaries, school maintenance, and book fees?

Click HERE to donate

Prayer Requests:

  • Pray for peace in Nigeria!

  • Pray for safety for Phyllis, who begins to travel home to Nigeria on Monday.

  • Pray for the SFA Nigeria team, as our ministries and responsibilities grow.

  • Pray for the Nigerian election in February. The election will have an impact on Phyllis, SFA work, the country and likely the world. 

If you're in the Seattle area, come see us! If you're not in the Seattle area, invite us for a visit! :)

Happy New Year!

Did you make any New Year's Resolutions?

We have some big hopes and dreams, too!

Great news! Phyllis is 'home for the holidays'!

COME SEE US!

We will be at Warm Beach Free Methodist Church January 1st, 2023! Phyllis will speak in the 9:30 am and 11:00 am services, and we will show the Kidnapped Redemption film in the evening, at 6:00 pm!

We will be at Seattle First Free Methodist Church on January 8th, 2023! Phyllis will speak briefly at the 9:00 am and 11:00 am services, and at a Sunday school class for an hour between services.

We would love to see each and every one of you! Please come and say hello!

We have some BIG hopes and dreams!

From Phyllis:

"UNESCO recently reported that there are 20 MILLION out-of-school children in Nigeria. We, in Schools for Africa, have the goal of TRIPLING the number of strong Christian schools we are managing in Nigeria."

We believe that educating Nigeria's young people is the beginning of raising up a nation! Education leads to good jobs, and opportunities for fathers to support their families. In a nation where economy is slow and jobs are scarce, education is necessary!

Education gives children a better understanding of the people and tribes around them, and helps them to build relationships with children from all backgrounds. In a nation with such turmoil and hatred, building this understanding is key to people living at peace together. This is especially true for the Fulani, who are hated unjustly and have long been misunderstood.

In OUR schools, education means that the children and their families get to learn about Jesus! Pastors are superintendents of our schools, and often church is held right in the school building, or very nearby. Pastors reach out to the families of our schools, love them, help them, and teach them about the love of our precious Jesus.

We're trusting God and determined, with His help, to use everything we have to educate as many children as we can, to lift high the wonderful Name of Jesus and bring HIS peace to Nigeria!

We have our goal set out before us. We feel led by the Lord to love on Nigeria, and specifically the Fulani people in this way. We will follow Him, and let His will be done.

We have requests for schools in many areas, but we need your help! Would you like to build a school? Would you like to sponsor a school? Would you like to stay in touch with a school, pray for the superintendent, the teachers and students?

Could YOU help support the teacher's salaries, school maintenance, and book fees?

Give HERE!

One of the schools we hope to build very soon is Alhaji Jouro’s (pictured above) school, near Emi Woro, Kogi State. Alhaji Jouro is a Fulani chief who, from the very beginning, when we established Bright Hope Christian Academy in Emi Woro, has fully supported education for Fulani children. He himself has sons and daughters who are now graduates of our school! He lives deep in the bush, with Fulani settlements all around, and requests an extension primary school for the over 100 children living there. As we already have an extension school on the way to Jouro’s camp, Little Lambs Nursery School, with a wonderful teacher, Samuel Tassa, our plan is to build a small school in Jouro’s village (to remain permanently) and have Samuel divide his teaching to 3 days a week at Little Lambs, and 3 days at Jouro’s camp. When the children finish primary 3, they are bussed to BHCA campus to complete their education. 

Another school coming soon is the Imala North School. This school will be built on the 1600 acres north of Peace Village in Imala, in Ogun State. Pictured above is Peaceful Village in the small yellow circle, and Imala North circled in orange near the top of the photo. This land, with a high population of Fulani herdsmen, has been given to SFA for the rotational grazing project. It’s too far away for the children to come south to the Good Shepherd School in Peace Village, so another school will be built there. 

There are MANY other Imala North developments coming soon! We will begin to develop the 1,600 acres for improved grazing, business opportunities and education.

  1. The 1,600 acres given to Schools for Africa must be officially surveyed and registered.

  2. Roads into the site and a ferry boat must be made available.

  3. A cooperative will be formed with committed Fulani herdsmen.

  4. The acreage will then be divided into paddocks.

  5. Two boreholes with water tanks and drinking troughs will be provided for the cattle.

  6. Rotational grazing will commence.

  7. A partnership between the cooperative and the Friesland Campina Dairy Company will be established, with a milk collection center provided by Friesland Campina, who will purchase milk from the herdsmen.

And so God's work continues...

His grace and mercy are without end!

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Prayer Requests:

  • Pray for Phyllis, who is in the US for the holidays.

  • Pray for the SFA team holding down the fort in Nigeria.

  • Pray for our presentations at upcoming churches, that they would bring new partnerships in ministry!