About this time last year, we faced a threat to the Compassionate Home in the form of pesky critters called termites. As they burrowed through the wooden ceiling and walls of the Home, we knew drastic action was needed to save the only home our 50 resident orphans have ever known. Thanks to your generous assistance, we were able to resolve the problem and the termites “bit the dust” in the figurative sense after doing it to us in the literal sense!
As 2017 kicks off, we face a new and more serious threat to the Compassionate Home and the orphans to whom HEAL’s mission is dedicated. The Home along with Mother Enabler Schools are located in the rural village of Umuagwu on land legally purchased in 2004 by Leo Okonkwo and family for the purpose of educating the poor and marginalized people of the village.
Since HEAL was founded in 2014, the mission in Umuagwu has grown and attracted the attention of influential natives. On the plus side, in recognition of our work, the Nigerian government paved a road making our mission site accessible by car. On the downside, some wealthy interlopers with ill-intent are threatening to build on our property in a way that would seriously disrupt and compromise our mission. Sadly, normal legal recourse won’t help us due to police corruption.
Deacon Leo has consulted with the local “Eze” or “village king” and decided that a security fence encompassing the property would best counter these interlopers. It would reinforce our legal claim to the property with a impassible physical barrier. Alas, sometimes you need walls even as we hope and pray for more bridges! The proposed fence will be 3,515 feet x 3,515 feet and will protect HEAL’s 50 resident orphans living and learning on our property.
A local contractor has offered to construct the fence for $250,000, which includes all materials and labor. For a down payment of $100,000, he will complete the project and give us until the end of 2017 to pay the balance! Please help us in this urgent matter in providing security for our mission!