HEAL Blog
Welcome! Here we will post news and highlight the faces, needs, and services of HEAL.A Retreat of Renewal
I recently participated in a retreat for the clergy of the Diocese of Bafang, Cameroon, for which I am an ordained Deacon. It was led by our faithful Bishop, Abraham Kome, who expressed the Church’s need for new pastors who will reach the people of God through the...
A New Land of Promise
Next Monday, our nation celebrates the voyage of Christopher Columbus to the New World. His mission was to discover a land which would yield its fruits for the Spanish Crown, which sponsored him in the 15th century. Over 500 years later, this land of America has...
HEAL Stands with Assyrian Christians
When Juliana Taimoorazy of Iraqi Christian Relief Council (ICRC) called me last week to invite me to Washington, D.C. for a prayer vigil in solidarity with persecuted Christians in Iraq and Syria, I hesitated in deciding whether to stay home or attend. As the...
HEAL Hits the Airwaves!
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! HEAL with Uju Ekeocha on "A Closer Look"...
2015 Benefit: Fighting Through Poverty
Our 2015 Annual Benefit took place 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....
Deacon Leo Proclaims HEAL in Chicago
It was a busy first week since Deacon Leo Okonkwo arrived in Chicago on August 15th! This past weekend, on August 23rd, at St. Norbert Parish in Northbrook, he preached on the origin and mission of HEAL for the Archdiocese of Chicago Mission Appeal. Deacon Leo speaks...
Five Awesome Events Planned for Chicago Area!
Like St. Paul, Rev. Leo faced obstacles in his missionary travels, but he has been undaunted! His efforts to get his visa for visiting the U.S. last week were recently thwarted, but with God’s help, all has come through just fine. He will arrive on Aug. 15, the Feast...
Rev. Leo Returns to Chicago for Five Weeks
Beginning on August 2, the celebration of Leo Okonkwo’s ordination to the diaconate will continue in Chicago! He’s very excited to be visiting once again to speak about his mission in the service of orphans and widows in the self-emptying Spirit of Jesus Christ (Phil...
Announcing the 2nd Annual 2015 HEAL Benefit
We are excited to announce the 2nd Annual HEAL Benefit, which will be held on September 2nd. We have set up a new 'Events' category in our main menu where you can find the event and see photos of past benefits. Please follow this link to make your reservation. Without...
Why Leo Sang His “Yes” to God
On June 13, 1968, I was born in the tiny village of Akpim in Imo State, Nigeria. Two weeks ago, on June 13, 2015, I have finally experienced a new birth into the priestly ministry of Jesus Christ as a Deacon in the Cathedral of the Archdiocese of Douala in Cameroon!...