Ron Moyo, North Newton, Kan., a freshman in the Hesston College Pastoral Ministries program won first place in the college’s annual C. Henry Smith Peace Oratorical Contest on April 12. Moyo was one of three Hesston College students who spoke on a variety of peace and justice issues during the competition.

In his speech, “Peace,” Moyo talked about the misconceptions and stereotypes that we have of various countries.

“All these misconceptions have been influenced by violence,” said Moyo. “We need to be intentional about creating peace. Peace is not about jumping into a plane and signing a peace treaty that is only enforced on paper.”

Moyo said he believes peace begins with the individual, and he sees the qualities of a peace maker in Hesston faculty member Dave Osborne.

“Dave is an educator by calling, but is also a peacemaker. He has devoted his life to bringing about peace,” commented Moyo.

Moyo received $125 and the opportunity to compete in an intercollegiate competition with contest winners from other Mennonite-affiliated colleges and universities. The runner up was Robert Howell, a freshman from Newton, Kan., who received $100 for his speech. Elyse Terry from Bluffton, Ohio, took third place.

The speeches were judged on their adherence to a social justice theme, use of supporting evidence and organization. Elements of presentation such as vocal variety, eye contact and spiritedness were also considered in the judging criteria.

The trust of C. Henry Smith, a Mennonite historian and professor at Goshen (Ind.) College and Bluffton (Ohio) University, funds the contest, which gives students an opportunity to become involved with the peace cause while cultivating rhetorical skills.

“Not many of us have taken time to care, but if a few of us could be like Dave, the world would be filled with bridges of love and understanding,” said Moyo.