HEAL Blog
Welcome! Here we will post news and highlight the faces, needs, and services of HEAL.HEAL Needs a Nurse!
I have been writing recently about our efforts to counter the present Ebola threat in West Africa. HEAL is responding vigorously in order to protect our orphans and widows from any exposure whatsoever to this deadly virus. In our consultations with medical officials...
Ebola Alert in West Africa!
What's the best way to fight Ebola? Over the past few months, the news has been dominated by the new Ebola virus threat that originated in West Africa. One American doctor, Kent Brantly, working for Rev. Franklin Graham’s charity, contracted the virus in Liberia and...
I Wept and Fear Consumed Me…
Today, Americans memorialize September 11, 2001 for the thirteenth time. Just as Roosevelt said of Pearl Harbor in 1941, 9/11/01 is “a day that will live in infamy” in the hearts and minds of all Americans and, most especially, those who lost friends and family...
HEAL Partners with Pro-Life Ministry 40 Days for Life
The “L” in HEAL stands for LIFE. Vice President of HEAL, and Founder of the Compassionate Home, Leo Okonkwo, believes strongly in the innate dignity of each human life, made in the Imago Dei (Gen. 1:26-27). If he didn’t, he wouldn’t have dedicated his life and...
A Mission Alive and Well
Leo Okonkwo and his family entertain Nick Costello during his visit to the mission in Iwo State, Nigeria. Go to our Facebook page and please like us!
See the Joy in HEAL’s New Video
Over the past several weeks, I have shared my experiences of the HEAL mission in Nigeria. As a result, I hope that you now better understand the core purpose of our mission and also realize that we are an organization worthy of your trust and support. Before I...
All Roads Lead to…
The proverb “All roads lead to Rome” conveys how Rome was considered the ultimate destination point in the ancient world. In contrast, NO roads led to the Compassionate Home School, HEAL’s residential school serving marginalized widows and orphans. The only route into...
Ambassadors of Christ
This past March 5th was Ash Wednesday and the fourth day of my weeklong immersion trip to the HEAL mission grounds of Nigeria. HEAL’s commitment to the spiritual needs of the orphans and widows in our charge was on display that first day of Lent. We gathered for Mass...
Nigeria’s Got Talent
We sat in the courtyard of the Compassionate Home with only the moon and a smoldering wood fire providing us light. Sr. Rachel, Sr. Rosemary, and I peeled the skin off breadfruit as part of food prep for the children’s next day meal. Being good hosts, the sisters sang...
“Welcome, White Man!”
I traveled to Nigeria to meet the orphans and widows whom HEAL serves and the missionary brothers and sisters who provide our services. So, after staying the first night at Leo’s home in Mbaise village, we embarked from there to the Compassionate Home School, located...