HEAL and its partner, the Messengers of Justice (MOJ) congregation, are grateful for the progress of our mission in 2016. A Christmas celebration for the children of Mother Enabler Schools was held in Mbaise village, the home of HEAL and MOJ Founder, Deacon Leo Okonkwo. This joyful celebration of Jesus’ birth, plus added entertainment, brought a fitting close to a memorable and fruitful year.
2016 began with a challenge to the Compassionate Home for orphans in Umuagwu village. Termites infested the structure and gnawed away at the wooden components of the walls and ceiling. This incident reminded me of the chaotic nature of mission work, where unexpected crises arise immediately and demand a remedy. HEAL stepped up and sponsored the building repairs and fumigation to prevent future termites thus marking our first success of the year.
The year continued with my second trip to Africa; this time with a stop in Cameroon before spending most of the visit in Nigeria. On Ash Wednesday, I visited the Compassionate Home in Umuagwu, where 50 orphaned children live under the supervision and care of the MOJ. One photo I took on this visit boosted my confidence that I was on the right path in my life. Signs like this keep me going forward as I struggle to generate support for our growing needs.
Later in the year, HEAL suffered its greatest setback since its founding when, Sr. Calista Utazi, a pillar of the MOJ community, died of a treatable heart condition. Calista’s life testified to the self-emptying service exemplified by Christ (Phil 2:6-11) and expected of every professed religious member of the MOJ. HEAL will work to honor Sr. Calista by establishing a memorial medical center in her name so that poor rural villagers have access to the health care she didn’t receive.
I could write much more about the events of 2016, but my most important message is to thank you abundantly for supporting HEAL! We could not have accomplished what we did on behalf of our Masters without you. As we journey together into 2017, be assured of our prayers.