In a whirlwind of activity, Home To Enhance African Life (HEAL) has spread the word of its mission to ever-growing audiences over recent days and weeks. From radio guest appearances to our Annual Benefit, HEAL is making waves!
Before our successful Benefit event last Wednesday, HEAL President, Nick Costello, and HEAL Founder, Rev. Leo Okonkwo, appeared on Relevant Radio’s “On The Front Porch” with Patrick McCormick. Also, the day after our Benefit, we appeared on “A Closer Look” with Sheila Liaugminas. We thank the keynote speaker for our Benefit, Obianuju Ekeocha, of Culture of Life Africa, for arranging this guest appearance for us on Sheila’s show!
Our radio appearances have given HEAL access to Catholic media personalities with local and national audiences. As president of HEAL, I’m very happy we have taken these first steps in increasing our media exposure. On both shows, we told the story of HEAL’s mission from Rev. Leo’s experience and my own, giving the Catholic listeners of Relevant Radio an introduction to our work.
Another highlight was our Annual Benefit, which took place last Wednesday at the home of Don Brayer and Patricia Rotchford in Northbrook, IL. We thank Don and Patricia for their generous hospitality in opening their home to HEAL and our guests! Obianuju Ekeocha of Culture of Life Africa commended Rev. Leo’s congregation, the Messengers of Justice, for “getting up each day” to serve poor and oppressed orphans and widows.
Rev. Leo told our guests about his experience as a child and how his education had been interrupted due to poverty. After Leo’s novena prayer to St. John Bosco in 1983, a faithful Christian restored his education via a scholarship to minor seminary. Our guests got the message that HEAL’s mission is from God, who hears the fervent prayers of His people in need.
For those of you who could not attend our benefit, or missed our radio appearances, I hope this recounting increases your confidence in HEAL. Check out our slideshow on our HEAL Benefit page. As we march forward, we will need your help too!