Ever since 2002, when Los Osos was first established, there has been a club on campus that has represented the Christian community and vision for the campus.
Throughout many advisors, students, club presidents, and seasons, Grizzlies for God has been there from the start. Ever since, they have been sustaining a peaceful and welcoming environment for not just Christians but also for anyone who attends their meetings and gatherings.
The current advisors for Grizzlies for God are Mr. Duran in C68 and Mrs. Price in C109, with meetings held on Tuesdays and Thursdays in those rooms. The club is run by Senior Co-Presidents Kristy Bishara and Hannah Zhao and a team of dedicated officers who minister to the students and teachers who come to their meetings.
The club invites pastors and leaders from local churches to speak during their Tuesday meetings, including churches such as ONE&ALL Church, Hillside Community Church, and Water of Life. They offer testimonies and preach lessons from the Bible, tying in the respective month’s theme. On Thursday meetings, the club organizes games or discussions among friend groups to enjoy the end of the week.
Throughout August, the purpose of the club was to establish the four main core values they uphold: belonging, caring, healing, and awakening. Officers in the club spoke about these core values and how Grizzlies for God represents them and creates a positive atmosphere for everyone who comes. Members can give prayer requests for officers and stay connected with them throughout the year to help them grow and connect with their walk with God.
“Whatever your history with religion or the Christian faith is,” senior co-president Hannah says, “Grizzlies for God will always strive to be a welcoming home where anyone and everyone can find belonging in a family of believers.”
By staying committed to the Christian faith and their beliefs, the members and officers alike have strived to show love and caring for those in need and for each other.
In the Bible, it is written in John chapter 13, verse 34 and 35, Jesus says, “So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”
One major outreach event the club partook in was a national event on September 24 called See You at the Pole, a nationwide event where the Christian clubs of every school gather around the flagpole(s) of the campus and pray over the nation, the school, and for staff and students.
“I was really thankful for this experience to be able to share God’s love throughout the campus on a day like [this],” Co-president Kristy said. “Community is such an important thing, especially throughout high school, and being able to pray together and worship together at this event has allowed us to grow as a community.”
“We had an amazing turn out at See You at the Pole,” club advisor Mrs. Price reported. I was so inspired to see the boldness of our student body showing their faith in front of everyone. Every new person who walked by and joined the circle brought me a lot of joy.”
The club has always shown itself to be open to receiving new people as well as teaching them in their growth with God; however, it is possible. Acting as a community led by Jesus, they hope to draw other Christians and to help others at least understand their beliefs a little better.
Co-president Zhao outlines the vision of the club, stating, “We are truly the most diverse family on Earth, all pushing each other on to live for something greater than ourselves and set our sights on the treasures of eternity.”