Promotional image for the playIn my nine years at American University, I have never witnessed what I saw on Friday night. It was the culmination of almost a full school year of prayer, vision-casting, team-building, and execution all done extremely well and all done by students.

At our fall retreat in October, Leah, a sophomore transfer into AU shared her God-given desire to write a play. It was to be a performance sharing the tragedy of the war and continued violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.  “If Thy Tongue Can Speak” was born and Chi Alpha students responded.  Kelsey, a freshman signed on to direct.  Alexis, a sophomore jumped in to help co-produce and as the project came together more Chi Alphans became actors, choreographers, promoters, stage hands, and the list goes on.

When it was time for the performance a half-dozen student groups had become involved and it became more than just informative entertainment.  I helped Leah connect with Africa Harvest Ministries. Leah’s interest came at a pivot time.  AHM is trying to establish 24 medical clinics in the DRC.  Everyone involved in the play decided to donate the entire proceeds to help bring health care to a place where medical services are almost non-existent.

The campus paid attention.  The Eagle, AU’s student newspaper devoted an entire page to the play.  When the night of the premier came the room was full.  It was a powerful performance. The story was compelling and the acting was well done.  But even more important, it brought out the horrible truth of the situation in the DRC and moved people to action.  Dozens of letters were written to members of Congress, and almost $2,000 was raised to bring healing to a hurting country.

And that’s not all.  Leah hopes to use what she’s learned through this process to export her play and the fund-raising efforts to campuses all over the country.  A plan is being constructed and a campaign should be available in the fall.  Who knows, it might just change the world!