While developed world nations in recent years have greatly suffered from the global pandemic, lockdowns, and now runaway inflation, African nations like Nigeria have borne an especially heavy burden. These ongoing global crises have bombarded HEAL’s mission operations, creating foreboding challenges to be overcome.
For instance, our teachers at BOMCA Academy, while emptying themselves like Christ in educating the Masters, are also struggling to make ends meet for their families. Oil price spikes have had a domino effect on consumer goods prices, hitting the common and poor people hardest. “The rise in the cost of living has made our teachers’ salaries insufficient to meet their needs”, says Rev. Leo Okonkwo, HEAL founder.
In spite of their struggles, our teachers have focused and prepared their students for recent annual national exams. “For 3rd term WAEC exams in June, the Ministry of Education released the scores and our students performed excellently well”, Rev. Leo happily reported. While deserving praise and recognition, our teachers follow the Gospel, humbly viewing themselves as “unworthy servants” only doing their duty. (Cf. Lk 17: 7-10)
In appreciation for the teachers’ herculean efforts, Rev. Leo organized a workshop for boosting morale and professional development in the midst of hard times. “The teachers learned new skills for imparting knowledge to students while sharpening their existing skills”, Rev. Leo said, wishing he had more to offer them.
In mission work, hardship and adversity is expected. HEAL’s efforts to lift poor and marginalized village children to a better life is an arduous calling even in good times. In this current time of severely disruptive global events with their magnified impact on Nigeria, our besieged missionaries need urgent assistance.
Deacon Leo has done everything he can to reward and recognize our teachers. As his partner in mission, I’m appealing to you for help in relieving their burden so we all may fulfill our mission on behalf of God’s people.