Author and ORU Grad Raphael Roker: Empowering the Next Generation to Be Bold
Raphael Roker
Hometown: The Bahamas
Major: Church Leadership – 2023 Grad
As a published author and social media influencer, Raphael Roker was inspired to come
to Oral Roberts University (ORU) to develop as a leader. Being away from his home
in The Bahamas was challenging—like it is for most international students—but arriving
on campus for the first time, Raphael found himself a “home away from home” in one
of America’s most diverse communities.
“When I arrived in Tulsa, I only had one suitcase, but I was ready for this new chapter,” said Raphael. “Seeing my country’s flag in front of the university made me feel a part of ORU. Being far from home was hard, but ORU’s welcoming community made a big difference.”
Experiencing A Multicultural Campus
With students from 151 nations (from 2019 to 2023), ORU was named by Niche as one of the most diverse colleges in America. For Raphael, this diversity made a positive impact on his experience. Having studied at another university, Raphael said there was something different about ORU.
“The campus has a unique presence of God. Prayers are prayed here, and the atmosphere is just so peaceful. The International Student Center is so accommodating. They would follow up with me to see how they could help or to make sure I was doing okay. The resident advisors, student chaplains, and professors create a sense of family and community. They are intentional about being there for the students. I feel God in the midst of ORU.”
“We have to look at the end goal and push through with what God has called us to do. There is an emergence of young people who are not afraid, who are bold like David, who can stand in the face of Goliath. They are not afraid of ‘standing in the fire’ because they want to stand for God.”
Inspiring Young People to Be Bold
Raphael relates to Gen Z’s challenges and pressures but believes this generation can be a part of the change they want to see. With digital influencers on the rise, Raphael urges Gen Z to use their platforms positively. While working as a social media manager for a church, he made an impact and wants his generation to know they can also do the same.
“At one point in time, the only way you could reach the different nations was by airplane, train, or boat. Now, in the palm of our hands, we can touch the nations through Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok. It's so easy to go viral, but what are you going viral for? We should use the platforms God gave us to positively impact people.”
Taking a Bold Stand with His New Book “A Charge to Keep”
Raphael not only uses social media to influence his generation, but he also serves in ministry, preaches at his home church, and is the author of his newly published book, “A Charge to Keep.” In this book, Raphael encourages holiness, righteousness, and truth, urging believers to be examples in a morally declining world.
“In today's culture and climate, it can be discouraging for believers, especially young people, who want to be bold in their faith,” said Raphael. “We have to look at the end goal and push through with what God has called us to do. There is an emergence of young people who are not afraid, who are bold like David, who can stand in the face of Goliath. They are not afraid of ‘standing in the fire’ because they want to stand for God.”
To learn more about how you can develop as a leader, please visit oru.edu.
ABOUT ORAL ROBERTS UNIVERSITY
ORU is a Christian, Spirit-empowered, interdenominational university in Tulsa, Oklahoma, with 15 years of consecutive enrollment growth. Regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, ORU offers over 150 majors, minors, concentrations, and pre-professional programs at the bachelor’s level, ranging from business and engineering to nursing, ministry, and more. Under the leadership of President Dr. William Wilson, ORU is preparing students from all 50 states and 151 nations (from 2019 to 2023) to be whole leaders for the whole world.
The Wall Street Journal ranked ORU as the #8 university in the nation for student experience and one of America's Best Colleges (2024). This new category rates the best colleges in the U.S. to have a great experience while attending. This ranking is powered by one of the largest ever independent surveys of verified college students and recent graduates in the United States. Niche recognizes ORU as one of the most diverse colleges in America, # 1 best Christian college in Oklahoma, and # 1 in Oklahoma for diversity. Princeton Review ranked ORU as the best regional college, and College Raptor ranked ORU as a Hidden Gem in the Southwest.
ORU has been ranked by U.S. News & World Report as:
- #1 in Undergraduate Teaching
- #2 in Most International Students
- #3 in Best Value
- #6 in Best College for Veterans
- #7 in Best Regional Colleges in the West
For more information, visit www.oru.edu.