HEAL Blog
Welcome! Here we will post news and highlight the faces, needs, and services of HEAL.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!...
Networking in New York
Being president of a new organization means seizing any opportunity that presents itself. A dear friend of mine, Juliana, an activist on behalf of persecuted Assyrian Christians, invited me to a media event in New York last Thursday. So, I booked a flight for...
Notre Dame Graduates Impress
Graduates at the ceremony in Bafang, Cameroon, June 3. “Really great!” “Whose handiwork is this?” “Could these be our children? These were the comments of the people of the Bafang Diocese in Cameroon at the graduation ceremony of the Notre Dame Primary School students...
Leo Knows the Power of Your Prayers
As President of HEAL, I've learned over the last two years that prayer is primary in our mission. In Leo’s two visits to Chicago, when he stayed with me, I noticed how he got up early each morning for his own meditative prayer. We also attended Mass every day so...