HEAL Blog
Welcome! Here we will post news and highlight the faces, needs, and services of HEAL.Our Escape Plan in Case of Attack
In 2014, Nigerians experienced much psychological trauma due to instability in our country, which affected our Compassionate Home School as well. After Boko Haram attacked in Northern Nigeria last spring, our MOJ missionaries encountered refugees wandering in Eastern...
Room Expansion Complete!
A newly completed HEAL project, the expansion of the children’s quarters, has brought great joy, gratitude, and relief to the orphans and poor children of the Compassionate Home! Your generosity has resolved many issues negatively affecting the lives of our children....
A “Self-Emptying” that Will Change Africa and the World
The man who sat next to me didn't have the appearance of the kind of leader I’d expect to see, whose vision has inspired hundreds of volunteers and religious missionaries in one of the poorest areas of the world. The man was Br. Leo Okonkwo, whose blue and white...
Looking Behind, Looking Ahead
Looking back on 2014, HEAL took major strides in improving our ministry to the widows and orphans in our care. We addressed urgent medical needs by obtaining chemical hand sanitizers and water filters. We enhanced the quality of spiritual care by furnishing our...
Help Us Prevent Ebola in the Compassionate Home
As I’m sure you are aware, the Ebola virus in West Africa has killed far too many people. While Nigeria has been declared Ebola free by the WHO, we have no reliable information that confirms its eradication in the remote, rural villages such as where our HEAL mission...
Formation House Chapel is Furnished
During my visit to Chicago this past October, I spoke with many of you about the Messengers of Justice (MOJ) congregation and our ministry to impoverished widows and orphans. Our ministry is inspired by Jesus, the word of God made flesh (John 1:14), who emptied...
HEAL is on the air!
Imagine becoming a servant to a wealthy “master” as means of supporting your family. This is what happened to Leo Okonkwo, founder of HEAL. A servant at a young age, there was little chance of Leo continuing his education. He was gifted in math and calculus, but his...
HEAL: A Mission, Not a Job
The US Navy used to have an ad campaign slogan that said, “Navy. It’s not just a job. It’s an adventure!” In my recent communications with people about HEAL, many have asked me whether I hold a job in addition to my new venture. While working as an advertising sales...
Host a Musical Meal for HEAL!
I heard an old slogan once that said, “First, raise friends. Then, raise funds.” HEAL is about friendship with our supporters before it is about anything else. Before telling our friends what we need, we want to know how they can best help us in terms of their own...
1st HEAL Benefit a Success!
Last Wednesday evening, the 1st HEAL Benefit took place at Blue Star Bistro and Wine Bar in Chicago. A wonderful evening was had by all as the spirituality and mission of HEAL was presented to over 50 attendees! Vice President and founder of HEAL, Leo Okonkwo, spoke...