Send a NOTE to Missionary Phyllis Sortor!

Good morning friends and family, supporters, and donors! May the Lord richly bless you as you stay close to Him!

All is well with Schools For Africa and Missionary Phyllis Sortor. We are working hard on several projects, big and small, and the Lord continues to bless the work ABUNDANTLY!

I (Carisa) would like to request that you send in a note, a picture, and a prayer for Phyllis. She is very well, but the Lord has inspired ME to ask YOU if you would be His hands and feet to encourage Phyllis and lift her up this week. You can't imagine some of the difficult work she is doing - and though it brings her GREAT JOY to serve the Lord - my goal is to BLESS PHYLLIS THIS WEEK! Can you help? Click the EMAIL US button below, and send in an encouraging word. I will pass these on to Phyllis, and we will make her smile. :)

Join us in what God is doing in Nigeria!

Your monthly gift goes directly to Nigeria, to support the salaries of our WONDERFUL teachers and nurses! One-time gifts are also welcome!

Donate NOW!

PRAYER REQUESTS:

  • Pray for the new high school, Leaders of Tomorrow New International High School, as we begin the work near Bobi Grazing Reserve.

  • Pray for the grazing reserve models to become the standard model throughout Nigeria!

  • Pray for the Fulani to see the love of Christ in our work.



A Map and List of our Projects

Build a Meaningful Legacy with SFA

Learn more about SFA Director, Phyllis Sortor

Find out how SFA shares about Jesus

Meet our SFA Board Members

Why We Do What We Do

Watch our Kidnapped Redemption Film

 

Visit Our Website!

Questions? Email us!

Sign up to stay in touch!

A LOT of good news from Missionary Phyllis!

Good day, SFA friends and partners! 

It’s Monday morning here in Peace Village; everything is under control, (for once!) so I want to write and update you on all that’s happening over here! The first thing I’ll say is, GOD IS WORKING WONDERS, blessing our endeavors, giving health and peace, guiding and directing our work. Truly, things are going SO WELL, I sometimes have to just break out laughing, for the joy of it all!

The WAMCO milk-collecting project is ready to go! WAMCO partners have delivered milk jugs and will bring the big generator and A/C units any day now. We have the perfect person for WAMCO to train – Abubakar Muhammed. I hired Abubakar as a teacher, some time back, but although he had the necessary qualifications, it turns out he’s quite weak in the classroom. I have to jump to his defense: MANY teachers in this country ARE weak – and it’s not their fault! They themselves had very weak teachers, and if you don’t ‘have it’ how can you pass it along?! And the worst is, at the college level, you will NOT pass unless you PAY your teachers and examiners! Even if your grades are failing, if you pay your examiners, you will pass the course! It’s so bad. But that’s just the way it is here. 

So… I’ve asked Abubakar if I could transfer him to be our WAMCO man – the one WAMCO will train to receive the milk each morning from the herdsmen, measure it, test it, pour it into the refrigeration unit, record each milk intake and the money WAMCO is to pay. And he gladly agreed! Abubakar is perfect for the job, he speaks Fufulde and English, he already lives here at Peace Village, he already receives a good salary! So YAY! We’re ready to go!

I decided that we should invest in 5 new milk cows, so as to have an income from WAMCO as well! We presently have a herd of 29 cattle. Only 7 of these are milk cows, according to the herdsman, Aliyu. So, with the help of a long-time friend and donor, Mike Sparling, we’ll buy 5 more cows. Aliyu will do the milking each morning and we, SFA, will be part of those receiving pay for that milk. Also, it will set an example to other Fulani who maybe aren’t yet fully convinced of the project’s value. If WE can make a success of selling our cows’ milk, they can too! I've attached photos of the new calf just born to a happy mama cow in our herd! The herdsman, Aliyu, carried her to show me!!

At our new high school, Friends and Neighbors, we are collecting student intake forms for registration! Ubong, who has worked with me since we opened Hope Academy in Emiworo and who has been the trusted treasurer and bursar for Good Shepherd Primary here at Peace Village, has accepted to also be bursar for Friends and Neighbors High School as well. The two schools are only 7 kilometres apart; Ubong will set up a schedule and use the school motorcycle to go back and forth. Ubong is working hand in hand with the NEW Principal of the high school, Principal Ojo, preparing forms, teacher interview forms, schemes of work for both schools, etc., etc. 

So, who is this new Principal? Okay, let me explain. When they heard that we were opening a primary school in Ogun State, where the Yoruba people make up the main tribe, Teacher Ojo and his wife Seun, who were teaching at our SFA school in Rivers State, New Town Primary, wrote and asked if they, being Yoruba themselves, could transfer over here and teach at the primary school. I agreed, as both are university grads and did spectacular work at New Town. I asked Ojo to head up the Good Shepherd Primary – his wife Seun took the highest level class. Both proved themselves excellent teachers, going above and beyond the norm. 

When we built the NEW Friends and Neighbors High School, there was no hesitation on my part. I asked Ojo to be Prinicipal there, and asked his wife Seun to remain as the new Head Mistress at Good Shepherd Primary! They both agreed! Ojo and Seun live in a town called Ayetoro, about a half-hour drive to Anigbado, the location of the high school, another half-hour from Anigbado to Peace Village. We bought them a school motorcycle, which they’ve been using, along with another teacher from Ayetoro, to come to school each day. Now Seun and the other teacher will drop off Ojo at the high school and continue on down to Peace Village each day, then pick Ojo up again on the way home! Perfect plan! 

We’re interviewing prospective teachers soon. We need two replacements at Good Shepherd, replacements for Ojo and Abubakar, and at least two or three degree holders for the high school. We’re starting with one level at the high school, Junior Secondary 1, or JS 1, so we don’t need too many teachers there yet – well – depending on the enrollment. If we have more than 60 students enrolled, we’ll go with three degree holders as teachers. 

Wait until you hear about the reaction of the Imala Kabiyesi to the new high school and WAMCO project in his domain! The Kabiyesi sent me and the local chief an invitation to his palace; I had no idea what it was he wanted! When we entered the room, Kabiyesi motioned for me to sit next to him, then extended his hand. I took it. He proceeded to thank me profusely for the WAMCO project and for the new Friends and Neighbors High School, and asked that we make arrangements for him to come and commission both projects!! So great!!

All is well at our schools in Kogi, Plateau, Rivers, Ondo, Nassarawa and Niger! 

We’re building a third grinding shed, this one for the New Okigwe Fulani! They are so thrilled! And we thank the Edgewood Church for providing $5,000 for this project. The New Okigwe Fulani are especially welcoming this grinding project. Currently, they have to carry heavy loads of grain for miles, even crossing a river on foot, to reach the town where the grinding can take place. Having their own grinding shed right there in their village is like a miracle! They are so, so thankful! Thank you, Edgewood Church! 

Is that enough good news for you? Thank God. Praise God for His wonderful love and favor bestowed upon our work! Much love to you all! Phyllis 

Join us in what God is doing in Nigeria!

Your monthly gift goes directly to Nigeria, to support the salaries of our WONDERFUL teachers and nurses! One-time gifts are also welcome!

Donate NOW!

PRAYER REQUESTS:

  • Pray for Manager Lawal Officer Emmanuel as they head to Niger, to work on repairs at the 7 schools on the Bobi reserve. 

  • Pray for our land on Bobi Grazing Reserve - restore it to us, Lord, so that we can build another high school there!

  • Pray for our beloved Fulani people, and all other tribes in Nigeria, too, for favor, health, safety, and a saving knowledge of Jesus.

It can be hard to fathom the challenge a Fulani faces in growing as a new believer. How would one grow as a new Christian in contexts where the Church is strong? By talking with other Christians? Identifying with fellow believers is risky, as declaring oneself as a believer can be very dangerous. Listening to Biblical teaching? Churches are often few and far between and local Christians may be doubtful or fearful of Fulani who claim to follow Jesus. Reading the Bible?  Only portions exist in their language, and many Fulani are illiterate. 

Not easy, but these brothers and sisters have at least one point in their favor. The living God is with them, abiding in them by His Holy Spirit. God is at work often in ways unseen to these believers.  

This underscores the value of praying for fellow disciples. Our Father knows their needs far better than we – or even they – do. Please pray for Fulani Christians who are at risk if they make their faith public. Pray for strength and grace to follow, even in isolation. 

2024 Epistle LLC

Travel Advisories and the Wodaabe People

TRAVEL ADVISORY LEVEL 3: RECONSIDER TRAVEL!

Nigeria remains a very dangerous place to live and work. We are sharing this travel advisory from the US Embassy, below, so that you can understand the constant threat to our work and safety there. We are constantly changing plans due to safety threats. Please continue to pray for our team in Nigeria!

Reconsider travel to Nigeria due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, and armed gangs. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Do Not Travel to:

  • Borno, Yobe, Kogi, and northern Adamawa states due to terrorism and kidnapping

  • Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara states due to kidnapping

  • Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers states (with the exception of Port Harcourt) due to crime, kidnapping, and armed gangs.

Country Summary: 

Violent crime – such as armed robbery, assault, carjacking, kidnapping, hostage taking, roadside 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 armed gangs in parts of Southern Nigeria, especially in the Niger Delta and Southeast regions. Armed criminality and gangs, including kidnapping and assaults on Nigerian security services is also pervasive in this region.

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

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

HELP, LORD JESUS! WE PRAY FOR PEACE IN NIGERIA!

The Wodaabe People

The Wodaabe, also known as the Mbororo or Bororo, are a small subgroup of the Fulani ethnic group. They are traditionally nomadic cattle-herders and traders in the Sahel, with migrations stretching from southern Niger, through northern Nigeria, northeastern Cameroon, southwestern Chad, western region of the Central African Republic and the northeastern of the Democratic Republic of Congo . The number of Wodaabe was estimated in 2001 to be 100,000. They are known for their elaborate attire and rich cultural ceremonies.

The Wodaabe speak the Fula language and don't use a written language. In the Fula language, woɗa means "taboo", and Woɗaaɓe means "people of the taboo". This is sometimes translated as "those who respect taboos", a reference to the Wodaabe isolation from broader Fulbe culture, and their contention that they retain "older" traditions than their Fulbe neighbors. In contrast, other Fulbe as well as other ethnic groups sometimes refer to the Wodaabe as "Mbororo", a sometimes pejorative name, translated into English as "Cattle Fulani", and meaning "those who dwell in cattle camps".

By the 17th century, the Fula people across West Africa were among the first ethnic groups to embrace Islam, were often leaders of those forces which spread Islam, and have been traditionally proud of the urban, literate, and pious life with which this has been related. Both Wodaabe and other Fulbe see in the Wodaabe the echoes of an earlier pastoralist way of life, of which the Wodaabe are proud and of which urban Fulbe are sometimes critical.

From Missionary Phyllis Sortor: Beautiful Fulani people and culture! They are precious sheep the Good Shepherd has entrusted into our hands.

QUESTION from Dee Dee: Beautiful women, but look very sad. How are they reached with the gospel with no written language?

ANSWER from Phyllis: Fortunately there is a missions organization that records the Gospel in the Fufulde and many other languages. They record them onto SD cards that fit in their phones! We've distributed thousands of these cards!! Trusting God to use them and our prayers to bring these precious ones to faith in Jesus.

ANSWER from Sarah: Africans often pose very somberly for pictures.

COMMENT from Bernice: We Americans are so deprived of the lives of other cultures. I see Jesus walking through Samaria and Paul crossing the ocean.. living amongst those of other cultures. And we struggle to find interest and caring even for our own native Americans. God forgive us.. open our eyes.

COMMENT from Jerry: Thank you for that description. About ten years ago we were supporting a couple who were missionaries to the Woodabe Fulani people. The couple were from the Evangelical Free Church in Hershey PA.

Lord Jesus, we are SO thankful for the diversity upon this lovely Earth! You rule and reign over us, and over the Wodaabe, and over every other tribe throughout this whole world! Thank you for your Presence over all the earth, and thank you for your Presence in our hearts! We pray the same blessings over the Wodaabe people - would You make a way for them to join us in Your kingdom? May it be so, in Jesus' name, AMEN!

Join us in what God is doing in Nigeria!

Your monthly gift goes directly to Nigeria, to support the salaries of our WONDERFUL teachers and nurses! One-time gifts are also welcome!

Donate NOW!

PRAYER REQUESTS:

  • Pray for Phyllis and the Nigeria team, for stamina, endurance, and safety.

  • Pray for the Wodaabe People, for the harvest is great, but the workers are few!

  • Pray for an upcoming Secondary School on Bobi Grazing Reserve - there has been a delay, but God can make our paths smooth!

Cute Puppies, Our Friend A KING, New SFA Governing Council!

Missionary Phyllis Sortor and the team are back home in Ogun State, after some traveling. One of Phyllis's favorite parts of being home? HER PUPPIES!

From Missionary Phyllis: This is amazing! My good friend Alhaji Mogodi has been chosen among all the Fulani leaders in Rivers State to be their King! Mogodi was crowned on Saturday; I received an official invitation! So happy for Mogodi, the first Fulani man I met in Nigeria, a friend and partner, strong advocate in our work of opening schools for Fulani children!! Alhaji Mogodi's coronation, or 'Turbaning' in Port Harcourt was to a packed house! His family and friends came from far and wide to witness this honor given to a very worthy man.

Now we will call him Sariki Mogodi!

This incredible team pictured below is Schools For Africa's NEW Governing Council. Similar to our Board of Directors in the US, this team will help ensure that SFA continues in an efficient and effective future. Phyllis chose a team she can trust to share more responsibility and have a structure in place when/if new leadership is needed. Please pray for them!

Join us in what God is doing in Nigeria!

Your monthly gift goes directly to Nigeria, to support the salaries of our WONDERFUL teachers and nurses! One-time gifts are also welcome!

Donate NOW!

PRAYER REQUESTS:

  • Pray for Phyllis and the Nigeria team, for stamina, endurance, and safety.

  • Pray for Sariki Mogodi, the new Fulani king in Rivers State! Lord, give him wisdom in his new position!

  • Pray for SFA's new Governing Council, that the Lord would lead them in His will for Schools For Africa, and Nigeria!

A Map and List of our Projects

Build a Meaningful Legacy with SFA

Learn more about Director, Phyllis Sortor

Find out how SFA shares about Jesus

Meet our SFA Board Members

Why We Do What We Do

Watch our Kidnapped Redemption Film

 

Visit Our Website!

Questions? Email us!

Sign up to stay in touch!

Please Pray, Great News, and Greatest Joys!

Please join us in praying for the funding for the Imala International Church. We haven't had any responses yet, but we KNOW that God is faithful, and He is leading us in this work! As Peace Village and Imala continue to grow, we are excited to offer an English-speaking, quality church where the Word of God is preached. Lord, let Your word spread to the far reaches of Imala, through any way You see fit! Please pray for Phyllis, Dr. Gary Maxey, and his wife Emma Lou, below, as they lead.

HERE IS SOME GREAT NEWS!

Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu has recently announced the creation of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development as part of efforts to address the lingering clashes between pastoralists and farmers in the country. This move comes amidst a food crisis that has been exacerbated by various factors, leading the government to introduce a 150-day duty-free import window for food commodities as a short-term strategy. The creation of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development has been hailed as a positive step towards addressing the conflicts between farmers and herders in Nigeria. In discussing solutions to the conflicts between nomadic herders and farmers, the concept of ranching has emerged as a preferred strategy. They are seeing the success of pilot projects demonstrating the viability of ranching but stressed the necessity of providing necessary infrastructure and support to make this approach sustainable. Infrastructure such as access to water and support services are essential to incentivize herders to embrace ranching as a solution. President Tinubu's $2 trillion stabilization plan, with a substantial allocation of $500 billion to the agriculture sector, has raised expectations for transformative impact. As the country navigates complex challenges in its agricultural landscape, innovative solutions and collaborative efforts between the public and private sectors will be vital in realizing sustainable progress and ensuring a resilient food system for all Nigerians.

It seems like we might need to request an audience with the Nigerian President, tell him about OUR grazing reserves, and call for more grazing reserves in every state!

One of my greatest joys in coming to Kogi State is meeting up with my kidn@pper, Joseph and his beautiful family, pictured below! They are faithful members of our Free Methodist Church in Lokoja! Joseph told me today that he's been made Coordinator of Prison Ministries for Kogi State! Some of you who know his story may remember that it was in prison, serving his sentence, that God called him to minister to his fellow prisoners. The warden gave him a Bible and a covered area in the prison yard, and for seven years he served as the prison pastor! God has now extended his ministry to the whole state of Kogi! So wonderful! Praise God! - Phyllis

Join us in what God is doing in Nigeria!

Your monthly gift goes directly to Nigeria, to support the salaries of our WONDERFUL teachers and nurses! One-time gifts are also welcome!

Donate NOW!

Supporter Highlight!

How did God CONNECT us?

I lived in Nigeria too and can picture some of the places Phyllis talks about and certainly remember the Fulani people. My parents were missionaries in Nigeria with SIM. I admire the work Phyllis is doing and have heard her speak at Missions Fest in Seattle.  Phyllis is a wonderful person and the story of her kidnapping was amazing in terms of God's special protection of her. God bless you, Sylvia

MOVIE NIGHT!

Have you seen our Kidnapped Redemption film yet? Check out the trailer HERE!

Order the film for $10, plus $5 Shipping & Handling, by EMAILING US!

PRAYER REQUESTS:

  • Pray for Phyllis and the Nigeria team, for stamina, endurance, and safety They are traveling to a more dangerous place this week, and need travel prayers!

  • Pray for the funding of the Imala International Church.

  • Pray for Joseph and his family, and for his prison ministry to flourish.

  • Pray for an audience with the President - we've done it before, and the President would be wise to learn from Phyllis's experiences!

Imala International Church Sanctuary Appeal

How lovely is Your tabernacle, O Lord of hosts!

My soul longs, yes, even faints for the courts of the Lord;

My heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.

Even the sparrow has found a home,

And the swallow a nest for herself,

Where she may lay her young –

Even Your altars, O Lord of hosts,

My King and my God.

Blessed are those who dwell in Your house,

They will still be praising You.

For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere…

Psalm 84: 1-4,10

Dear friends of Schools For Africa,

About three years ago, I was invited by Dr. Gary Maxey (above right) to come to Imala, Ogun State, and begin a work among the Fulani people in the area. After signing agreements with Christian Development Foundation and the Imala Land Development Foundation, SFA began to work in the place now known as Peace Village, where I live. Dr. Gary and his wife Emma Lou (pictured above) have been missionaries in Nigeria for over 40 years! Dr. Gary is the Founder of WATS – West Africa Theological Seminary – and also of the New Beginnings International Church in Lagos. 

In Imala, Dr. Gary is now building a MEGA Christian University, and is planning to build another church – the Imala International Church – when funds become available. When SFA began work in the Imala area, we began also to worship at the Imala International Church, or IIC. For the past three years, the Church has been worshiping in the parlor of a small apartment – a tight squeeze for the thirty or so members! Dr. Gary Maxey is Pastor and Founder of IIC, with Pastor Emeka Eze the Assistant Pastor. We have four Elders and four Deacons; I am one of the Elders while our own Officer Jacob and Dr. Godfrey are Deacons. 

We have been praying and believing that God would provide the larger sanctuary that we need. God has placed it on my heart to reach out to you, my friends, for help. Three years ago Dr. Maxey ordered and received plans for a sanctuary which would seat two hundred worshipers and provide classrooms and offices for adults and children as well. I’ve attached the building plan for your information, below. We need $100,000 to build the sanctuary. We very much would like to start the building work in March, 2025.

I’m writing to ask if you would please help us build this church. The SFA Board has approved this project; we hope you too will approve the building of this House of Worship.

If you are able, please send your gift to Donald Standley, 1010 Silver Springs Way, Stanwood, WA 98292-8102. Make sure to indicate that this gift is for the new IIC Sanctuary in Imala, Ogun State. Thank you so much!

Phyllis Sortor and Team SFA

The Milk Collection Center is COMPLETE!

The milk collection center is all built and ready to go. The building looks small, but according to WAMCO all that is needed is space for the refrigeration unit, A/C and generator. Ubong is head-hunting for just the right man to be trained in the milk collection. Phyllis will be in charge of the project. 

Hoping we can get started before the end of July!

Yippee! The Friesland Campina Peak Milk people came with the large refrigeration tank... which didn't fit into the double door we had prepared for it! No problem, we made another door!! We will fill in the wall, tile the floor, they will come back with the generator and the milk collection project will be underway! Friesland Campina will buy milk from the Fulani at a good price.

This just makes us so happy! Another Fulani community in Plateau State has invited us to come and work with them - build a school, train community health providers etc. It was our dear friend, the Ardo at the Solid Rock School in Jos, who invited Victoria and James (Supervisor and Head Teacher at Solid Rock School) to visit this new area. Victoria and James received a very warm welcome and promised that we would visit again soon! Plateau State is one of the worst for herdsmen and farmer conflicts. It is also on the list of unreached people groups! For the Ardo to accept us so warmly, and to introduce us to his fellow Fulani leaders is extremely encouraging! Thank God!

Join us in what God is doing in Nigeria!

Your monthly gift goes directly to Nigeria, to support the salaries of our WONDERFUL teachers and nurses! One-time gifts are also welcome!

Donate NOW!

MOVIE NIGHT!

Have you seen our Kidnapped Redemption film yet? Check out the trailer HERE!

Order the film for $10, plus $5 Shipping & Handling, by EMAILING US!

PRAYER REQUESTS:

  • Pray for Phyllis and the Nigeria team, for stamina, endurance, and safety!

  • Pray for an honest, kind, hard-working employee to run the milk collection center.

  • Pray for Plateau State, that the word of God would spread there!

A Map and List of our Projects

Build a Meaningful Legacy with SFA

Learn more about SFA Director, Phyllis Sortor

Find out how SFA shares about Jesus

Meet our SFA Board Members

Why We Do What We Do

Watch our Kidnapped Redemption Film

 

Visit Our Website!

Questions? Email us!

Sign up to stay in touch!

The Latest News...

Beauty For Ashes

Phyllis showed her Dad's film in church last week - Beauty for Ashes! Directed, photographed, and narrated by Phyllis's father Victor Macy, it is the story of Nurse Julia, converted through the ministry of a Mozambican evangelist and called to save the lives of many. She died saving children from a rabid dog, bitten herself. It is a truly inspirational story and glimpse into how the Gospel was spread throughout Mozambique through the efforts of Mozambican evangelists.

Click the link below, and scroll down through the videos - you'll find it in two parts, part 1 and part 2.

https://vimeo.com/mmhc

CHEW Training

Last week we held our CHEW training - Community Health Extension Workers - taught by our own Dr. Godfrey! This is a government-approved program bringing health care and first aid to people in remote areas, where immediate care is not available. This training saves lives!

Dr. Godfrey taught in English while Nurse Agnes translated into Yoruba. He taught about hypertension - in Nigeria it's a serious problem due to the use of palm oil in nearly all their food.

He had the trainees take each other's blood pressures. Sure enough, out of 15 students, 13 had high blood pressure!

Graduates of the training were provided with a stocked medical kit!

The trainees were each given an item from the first aid kit and from the supply of additional meds we had purchased; each had to explain how and when the items were to be used. Then we conducted private, oral exams with each trainee. Eleven of the thirteen passed the exam and were given their kits and meds!

In two weeks we'll conduct the same training for fifteen Fulani here in Peace Village!

Friends And Neighbors High School ALMOST DONE!

The wall is built around the school for security, gates installed, sidewalks finished and the building painted! Desks were built, and we are ALMOST ready to open in September! Some clean up, desks installed, minor details remain!

MOVIE NIGHT!

Have you seen our Kidnapped Redemption film yet? Check out the trailer HERE!

Order the film for $10, plus $5 Shipping & Handling, by EMAILING US!

Donate NOW!

Join us in what God is doing in Nigeria!

Your monthly gift goes directly to Nigeria, to support the salaries of our WONDERFUL teachers and nurses! One-time gifts are also welcome!

PRAYER REQUESTS:

  • Pray for Phyllis and the Nigeria team, for stamina, endurance, and safety!

  • Pray for Friends And Neighbors High School, for PEACE! Pray for just the right teachers to be hired, and for opportunities to share about Jesus!

  • Pray for the building team, as they move on to the next project, the Milk Collection Center!

BUSY BUSY BUSY!

BUSY BUSY BUSY!

From Missionary Phyllis Sortor, in Nigeria: I can’t remember when we, team SFA, have been this busy. Let me tell you what we’re doing right now!

In Anigbado, Imala area, we’re building the new high school, Friends and Neighbors. The building is coming along very well (see pics below!) – we should be finished in a couple more weeks. 

At Peace Village, 7 kilometres from Anigbado, we’re building the milk collection center, where herdsmen from miles around will bring milk to sell to Friesland Campina, WAMCO. WAMCO will train someone (we need to pray for just the right person!) to manage this project at Peace Village. I’ll make an announcement in church on Sunday regarding this opportunity, and regarding the need we’ll have for teachers at the high school in September. WAMCO will also provide all the equipment necessary – milk cooling tank, metal milk cans for the herdsmen, and more, and will pay the manager’s salary.

We have two CHEW (Community Health Extension Workers) trainings in June – one for Yoruba volunteers around Imala town, AND one for Fulani volunteers from Imala and Peace Village, with a total of 30 volunteers. For these trainings, we traveled to Lagos to buy medicines for the First Aid kits we’ll hand out, and equipment for the clinic in Peace Village. This CHEW training for 30 volunteers in Kogi will take place at Hope Academy. 

We still have another high school to build, in Niger State, for the children from our 7 Bobi schools graduating from Primary 6 this year. That will be in July/August. We will have to hire teachers for that school as well.

A big challenge in June will be the short-term absence of our two drivers, Sani and Lawal, who are heading home to celebrate the Muslim holiday, Salah. Not sure yet how we’re going to work around that one!

So you can see, we need your prayers! 

Thanks, and have a wonderful weekend!

Phyllis  

PS: Also in June, meetings at WATS (West Africa Theological Seminary) of the Governing Council, of which I'm now a member. Dr. Gary Maxey and I will travel together for these meetings. I told you we're super busy!! 

Meet the greatest, I mean THE GREATEST building team in Nigeria! Maybe in all of Africa! Left to right, Hassan - mason's helper, Yahaya - carpenter, Wada - mason, and Lawal - operations manager for SFA!! Just look what they have accomplished at Friends and Neighbors High School in just a few days!!

Guess who got married last week!!

Our own, dear Salihu - polio survivor, SFA school graduate, university student and now husband! He promises to bring his bride to Emiworo when we're there in July doing a training of 30 community health workers!!

Lord Jesus, THANK YOU for Salihu, his commitment to you, and his influence in his family. We pray for his new bride, that she too would enjoy a relationship with you. Let these young people have mighty favor and influence, for Your GLORY! Amen.

This is a pic of SFA Secretary Carisa and friend Heidi, with Salihu in 2011, practicing our reading together at Hope Academy, Emi Woro!

Supporter Highlight

How did you hear about Schools For Africa? Please share your story!

We met Phyllis many years ago at the Ballard Free Methodist Church in Seattle, WA when she was promoting International Child Care Ministries. We started supporting one child then. As our situation changed, we supported more and ended up supporting twelve. It was tight, but somehow we were able to continue supporting all twelve.

When Phyllis returned to Africa, we were on her email list. So from that day to this, we have been informed of all her adventures. When Phyllis was living at Warm Beach Camp, we were privileged to hear Phyllis speak in person 3 times. Thanks for keeping us informed. Virgil & Charlotte

THANK YOU BOTH for your loyal support and prayers!

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Join us in what God is doing in Nigeria!

Your monthly gift goes directly to Nigeria, to support the salaries of our WONDERFUL teachers and nurses! One-time gifts are also welcome!

PRAYER REQUESTS:

  • Pray for SFA board member Nelson and wife Linda, visiting the Philippines May 20-June 7 for their grandson’s high school graduation, visiting former disciples, and church and missionary work.

  • Pray for SFA board member Ron and wife Sharon, visiting the Baltic States May 31 - June 24. This will be their 107th, 108th, and 109th countries visited! I'm sure they'll be sharing about Jesus as they go!

  • Pray for Phyllis and the Nigeria team, for stamina, endurance, and safety!

Friends And Neighbors New International High School!

Work has begun on Friends & Neighbors New International High School, just a few miles down the road from Peace Village! The fence is going up! Classroom foundations have been set, and walls are going up! The storage shed for cement, lumber, nails, etc. is built and secured, below!

This incredible opportunity to build a secondary school came from the local leaders of the area - they ASKED if we could build a secondary school. The school will be open to Fulani children, Yoruba children, and children of ALL TRIBES!

This picture below sums it up: cooperation between the Fulani Chief and the Yoruba Chief = PEACE!

There is a little nursery school RIGHT ACROSS THE STREET from our high school, and soon those children will attend our school! The children attending our school in Peace Village will also come to this secondary school!

As the walls and roof go up, please be praying for our workers, for their safety, and for an opportunity to tell them about Jesus! Bless them, Lord!

This school requires monthly support from individuals and churches! If your church might like to join us in supporting this new school, please email us HERE! :) Potential ongoing expenses are below, to total almost $700/month!

$6,000 - yearly cost for 12 teachers’ salaries

$1,000 - yearly cost for utilities for the school

$1,000 - yearly cost for security for the school

One huge blessing that is not usually provided would be $2,000 - yearly cost of books, paper, and writing tools. Another possible blessing could include $10,000 - for 2 buses, as children often walk a LONG way through the bush to school

WE PRAISE GOD FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY!

WARNING: DO NOT COMMUNICATE WITH ANYONE WHO CONTACTS YOU OUTSIDE OF SCHOOLS FOR AFRICA. NEVER GIVE MONEY OUTSIDE OF A KNOWN MINISTRY. IF YOU ARE CONTACTED BY AN INDIVIDUAL CLAIMING TO BE FROM NIGERIA, IT IS NOT FROM US! DELETE ANY SUSPICIOUS EMAILS. FEEL FREE TO EMAIL US WITH QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS HERE.

DARE TO DREAM!

In 2024, Schools For Africa will DARE TO DREAM for EVERY school and healthcare clinic on Bobi Grazing Reserve to receive monthly funding. There are MANY opportunities to support a school or healthcare clinic on Bobi Grazing Reserve. Teacher/nurse monthly salaries in Nigeria start at only $50/month. You can support them monthly! PLEASE talk to your church about joining you!

There are SEVEN schools on Bobi Grazing Reserve, with 630 students total and 26 staff!

School #7, Yabawa Primary School, 4 teachers @ $50/month = $200/month

Just LOOK at these precious little people! Please help support this school!

Supporter Highlight

How did you hear about Schools For Africa? Please share your story!

 We have been attending the Free Methodist General Conference for many years and first learned about Phyllis there. When we heard about her kidnapping, we prayed for her. When she wrote her book we read it. When she showed her movie at the last general conference, we watched it with her. We're amazed at her story and how the light of Jesus shines so brightly through her. We're happy to offer her our monthly financial support and prayers. Russell and Elizabeth

Join us in what God is doing in Nigeria!

Your monthly gift goes directly to Nigeria, to support the salaries of our WONDERFUL teachers and nurses! One-time gifts are also welcome!

PRAYER REQUESTS:

  • Pray for Phyllis and the team as they travel dangerous roads.

  • Pray for our partnership with World Bank - to God be the glory!

  • Pray for the community surrounding Friends & Neighbors New International High School, for open hearts and open minds!

BIG NEWS! Big Partners and Succession!

BIG PARTNERS!

Schools For Africa has been invited into a partnership with World Bank in Nigeria! Having noted our activities benefiting the Fulani herdsmen and their families on grazing reserves, World Bank initiated this partnership. We've had two meetings with them, represented by the World Bank Project Coordinator.

World Bank is coordinating with L-PRES to partner with us on Pasture Development and Provision of Water. LPRES - Livestock Productivity and Resilience Project - is a 6 year Project Development Objective (PDO) to improve livestock productivity, resilience, and commercialization of selected value chains and to strengthen the country’s capacity to respond to an eligible crisis or emergency.

World Bank will give us grass seed, water resources, (possibly a dam) and thousands of tree seedlings to plant as boundary markers for our paddocks. They will support long term training in rotational grazing, and make our Ero Mountain reserve a national center for cattle vaccinations, identification, tagging, training, demonstration of rotational grazing, silage production and more. World Bank also intends to build and operate a milk collection center on the Ero Mountain reserve, as we are doing at Peace Village! This will be a huge help to the Fulani herdsmen on Ero Mountain!

The Project Coordinator recognizes Phyllis as a WOMAN OF FAITH! He has committed to work with us to help the Fulani! He said, "Together we shall work to the benefit of humanity and Glory of God." WOO HOO! He shared that his commitment through these projects were to build peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders! The Project Coordinator has his office in Kogi State, and will work directly with SFA Assistant Director, our new vet, and the Ero Mountain manager. 

Thank God for this great step forward for Schools For Africa!! Hallelujah!

SUCCESSION!

Missionary Phyllis Sortor has no plan on leaving this work until God makes it very clear that it's time AND raises up the people we know will care for and serve the Fulani as they deserve. Succession has been the #1 goal for our Schools For Africa board for a couple of years. We want to make sure that our work continues for many, many years to come!

Phyllis has developed a contingency plan with three of her trusted colleagues: the next SFA Director, Assistant Director, and Operations Manager. This has been formalized with the individuals and with our Nigerian attorney. SFA is registered legally in Nigeria as Initiative For The Improvement Of Rural Community Schools. These colleagues care deeply about the Fulani, and they know every detail of every aspect of our ministry. Succession planning is firmly in place.

From Phyllis: Praise God, the continuation of a very successful SFA is guaranteed! I thank God for my wonderful colleagues both here in Nigeria and in the US, and especially thank God for the way He is pouring out His grace and favor upon our work. I know the vision that began with us years ago will continue strong for many, many years to come! Thanks and God bless you all!

Succession is not just about stepping into shoes; it's about leaving footprints. It's about building a legacy that stands the test of time and creates a path for others to follow. It's about obeying God's commands, and joining forces with like-minded individuals to achieve something greater than ourselves. We welcome the opportunity to partner with you, who share our vision. Together with the Lord, there's no limit to what we can achieve!

DARE TO DREAM!

In 2024, Schools For Africa will DARE TO DREAM for EVERY school and healthcare clinic on Bobi Grazing Reserve to receive monthly funding. There are MANY opportunities to support a school or healthcare clinic on Bobi Grazing Reserve. Teacher/nurse monthly salaries in Nigeria start at only $50/month. You can support them monthly! PLEASE talk to your church about joining you!

There are SEVEN schools on Bobi Grazing Reserve, with 630 students total and 26 staff!

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

IMAGINE the difference this ONE TEACHER is making in the lives of these precious little ones! Who was YOUR favorite teacher? (Mine was Mr. Roberts in 5th grade!) Can you imagine your life without school? Where might YOU BE??

Please help support this teacher!

Supporter Highlight

How did you hear about Schools For Africa? Please share your story!

In our daily devotions we pray for Phyllis Sortor and Schools for Africa. Having worked 28 years in South Africa and 15 years in the Middle Eastern Creative access missions, we feel a close connection with Africans and Muslims.

The prayer email about anti-Fulani sentiment prompted me to write. We spent 20 years living with Zulus. More than one person warned us about the dangerous Zulus who have a proud history of conquering much of Southern Africa in the 18th century. Our teenage children were warned by people on our commercial flight to South Africa that Zulus were very dangerous and they should not go to Zululand. But our children knew Zulu people as friends and as their spiritual mothers and fathers.

We will continue to pray for your work, and for provision of resources. You must work now while it is day. May the Lord give you courage and strength.

Linda & Ken Kaufmann

Join us in what God is doing in Nigeria!

Your monthly gift goes directly to Nigeria, to support the salaries of our WONDERFUL teachers and nurses! One-time gifts are also welcome!