by Jyremy Reid, student writer

The Office of Spiritual Life's OU4HIM (acronym for "Oakwood University for His Hands in Ministry") is conducting its fall mission trip to Memphis, Tenn., November 7-10, 2013.

According to Chaplain Kimberly Pearson, "OU4HIM's main goal is to expose the students to outreach and community service opportunities in the nationwide mission field; specifically, they will be able to incorporate classroom information and spiritual supplication with an Afro-centric historical perspective."

Planned events include tutoring foster children; assisting in St. Jude Hospital waiting rooms; packing meals at the Memphis food banks; and evangelism activities at the Overton Park Seventh-day Adventist Church.

The students will also have the opportunity to tour a home located on the 19th century Underground Railroad. Additionally, they will have the chance to stand on the confirmed places and areas where runaway slaves were hidden. Finally, students will also tour the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Hotel, where Dr. Martin Luther King was assassinated in 1968.

Pearson said that "OU4HIM's undying hope is for the students to develop a deep and intimate understanding of service -- an understanding that will forever change their personal connections with other people, while coming in full contact with history."

Beyond the information of a textbook, or the compact spaces of the church pews, OU4HIM's prayerful wish is that the students will gain a healthier relationship with Christ during this mission trip, she continued. "In addition, we look forward to advertising the 4Him vision and fundraising for future missions while in Memphis. We will also assist in recruitment for Oakwood University.

Understanding that Mission is a recruitment tool, students will be able to share their Oakwood experiences with other students. "Students should return with the understanding that Oakwood University's aim of "God First!" isn't just a mere slogan, but that it is a way of life that leads to action and servitude."

Interviewed by Briana Figeroux, editor, Spreading Oak; PR Intern in the Public Relations Office

 

Amal is a sophomore Biomedical sciences major from the Virgin Islands/Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.

Q:  What caused you to choose Biology as your major?

A: My mom is a nurse and a single parent, so I had to go with her to class. When I was seven, I was in her Anatomy and Physiology class. It was the main class I was engaged in. The teacher included me in the class, asking me various questions. I started to become interested so I would take her textbooks and read about the human body.

Q: I understand you have recently won first place for your research. Tell us about The National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers.

A: This competition was the second competition I participated in. While I was in South Africa [this past summer], my professor Dr. Ephraim Gwebu sent an email to all the chemistry students about the competition. I decided to send my abstract from the research I did and I got accepted.

My research was about a medicinal plant found in South Africa that can be used for inflammation, to relieve pain, lower blood pressure and as an anti-septic. I separated the compounds and tested it on rats to figure out what the compounds did. I also discovered one compound, which was really cool.

Q: That is so interesting, I think it is amazing that you discovered a compound. Were you really nervous when you presented your work?

A: Not as nervous as I was in the first competition. It's like, every competition I go to it gets bigger and bigger. I am actually going to compete in another one called The Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students on November 13-16. It will be the biggest one, about 90 people will compete and this one will be an oral presentation.  

Q: So what are your plans after your graduate from Oakwood?

A: I want to go to medical school and become a general surgeon. I want to be a Medical Missionary.

Q: So let's say you already went to med school and are a general surgeon, getting ready to start your missionary work. Where will you like to go first?

A:That's actually a really good question. I would say I will want to go where there is a need. Mostly third world countries like in South America, Africa, and southern North America.

The First Chapel service on August 21 is featured in the November, 2013, issue of Southern Tidings. To read the story (which appears on page 32), click  here. 

al.com:  OU couple "coupon-ing king and queen" 

Newlyweds Juan and Alexandrea Irby

When newlyweds Alexandrea and Juan Irby started couponing shortly after marrying in March of this year, they were just trying to save a little money.

Once they saw how much they were saving on groceries

and other household items, it grew into a shared hobby that Alexandrea described as "kind of an adventure."

By day, Alexandrea is the admissions coordinator for Oakwood University's LEAP program and Juan is the camp operations assistant manager at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center.

Alexandrea just "wanted to share with you what God has been doing in our lives! We are grateful for this opportunity and look forward to your support. Please share with everyone you know! Our story will be in the Sunday paper (11/10/13).

Read al.com reporter Anna Claire Vollers' complete story  here.