OKWUeagle.com

By Hannah Hopkins
OKWUeagle.com Staff Writer

Adam Fratzke, freshman, Jeff Goss, sophomore, Andrew Hawk, sophomore, and Josiah Cogan, sophomore, are starring in “The Way to a Woman’s Heart,” a benefit play for Haiti written by OKWU students Trevor Persaud, senior, and Goss. (Hannah Hopkins / OKWUeagle.com)

In a display of compassion and concern, Oklahoma Wesleyan University students are looking for ways to help the victims of the earthquake that struck the country of Haiti in January.

The earthquake, which measured at a magnitude of 7.0, hit 16 miles west of Haiti’s capital of Port-au-Prince on January 12.

USA Today reports the estimated death toll is at 230,000 people, the Associated Press notes 250,000 houses and 30,000 commercials buildings collapsed in the quake.

Moments after the first reports of the disaster, people all over the world have looked for ways to contribute to rescue efforts and fundraisers.

The American Red Cross took donations via text messages. American Airlines sent three airplanes full of relief supplies into Haiti just two days after the earthquake hit. Actor George Clooney organized “Hope for Haiti Now,” a televised charity concert that featured musicians such as Alicia Keys, Justin Timberlake, and Taylor Swift.

While these nation-wide benefits and efforts have successfully provided aid to the victims and rescuers, several OKWU students desired to do more. They wanted to get the OKWU campus directly involved in helping the Haiti earthquake victims.

Senior Trevor Persaud is one of those students looking for a way to help. He is teaming with sophomore Jeff Goss and junior Rachel Lucas to perform a benefit play on campus.

“Over Christmas break, Jeff Goss and I wrote a play, just for fun. When the Haiti disaster hit, we realized that we had a pretty workable idea for a fundraiser on our hands,” Persaud said.

They are planning to produce the play April 16, 17, and 18 with all proceeds from ticket prices going to World Hope International.

“We’re currently talking with World Hope International, a humanitarian organization which has been involved in helping Haiti and a lot of other countries, to see what their key needs are. They’re pretty swamped with work to do right now, so we’re certain the money will be well spent,” said Persaud.

Persaud compared the shock of hearing about the Haiti earthquake to hearing about the 9/11 attacks.

“I don’t think I’ll ever forget where I was when I heard Haiti had just suffered a seven-point earthquake,” Persaud said. “I mean, think about it: that’s the last place on Earth that needs any more problems.”

The students are optimistic about teaming with World Hope International. The organization has a reputation for helping people all over the world and OKWU has a close relationship with them as World Hope International is a ministry of the Wesleyan Church.

Ishanose Omofoma, sophomore, Trevor Persaud, senior, and Rachel Lucas, junior, are a few of the OKWU students trying to help Haiti.

Sophomore Ishanose Omofoma is also looking for a way to help Haiti.

“This devastation just broke my heart and I wanted to be involved,” Omofoma said.

Omofoma is currently planning to host two nights of a benefit talent show on the OKWU campus.

“There won’t be any judges. The show will be themed to fit the purpose while still being fun and very much enjoyable,” Omofoma said.

The talent show will have free admission, but donations will be accepted each night. Omofoma is hoping a talent show will be a great opportunity for students, faculty, and the community to help give to a nation that is hurting.

“God put this idea on my heart so I ran with it. It’s not changing the world but by God’s grace it will cause a ripple effect. If one persons life is changed by this, or even if it merely inspires others to move, than it will have been more than worth it,” said Omofoma.

Students at OKWU are aware of the Haiti disaster and are supportive of efforts to help the earthquake victims.

Senior Michelle Matthews likes the idea of an on-campus benefit play.

“We as Christians should always lend a hand when people are in need. Jesus didn’t deny help to others just because of their nationality and neither should we,” Matthews said.

Persaud views helping others as part of being a responsible Christian.

“If you really want to find the heart of Christ, you won’t look in a shiny, sparkly church on a quiet Sunday morning. You’ll look for the guy cleaning the leper’s wounds,” Persaud said. “We are given the command to send help to those in need and this is the perfect chance.”

For Omofoma, holding a benefit is just one way to complete God’s mission here on earth.

“God said he came for the sick. My desire, no matter how many times I may fail, is to be an instrument to him. These are our brothers and our sisters who are living in the midst of sadness, confusion and suffering,” Omofoma said.

“How can we not be moved to do something?”