This year, some new additions were added to the school including the new club, the Believer’s Club. This club provides a positive environment where students with the same interests are encouraged to stand strong in their faith. This club offers and allows students to delve into the Bible where they read scripture while also collaborating with other students.
This club is mostly student led and composed of students who aspire to learn more about the history involved in the scriptures. During the weekly meetings on Tuesdays during lunch in room 13, students look after each other on scriptures they examine weekly and speak life onto each other. While doing so, it influences students who attend to apply values such as faith and hope to improve their daily lives, and better themselves.
As a student who looks towards improving my daily life, but also incorporating their beliefs, it can become difficult to do so when there are many things that become a distraction, pulling you away from it. While being in this environment, I am able to intertwine both of them together. Attending a school where I am able to focus on my schoolwork and accomplish my goals, but also being reminded of my beliefs in a school environment and the positive things I have in my life when I incorporate it. It’s a good environment where I am encouraged by others and their experiences, which allows me to reflect.
It becomes a safe environment for many students to become a part of a conversation where they can share their beliefs while on campus.
“After years of hoping and praying for a club that encourages students to participate in deep meaningful conversations this school was introduced to the Believer’s Club.” – Says Mr. Schuyler
This club’s upbringing demonstrates success, as many teachers with the same beliefs participate in the students’ conversations. Teachers such as Ms. Cervantes, Mr. Vargas, Ms. Fatemi, and Mr. Schuyler founded the club. As well as Louis Arredondo who is President of the club and Emily Negrete who is Vice President.
Ms. Cervantes, who is one of the teachers who attends the club and encourages students to join, describes that this club positively impacts students and allows them to hear a fellow student teach, preach, and study the Word of God. It is a voluntary club that uses the time for students to sing worship songs, pray, read the Bible, and share their thoughts and testimonies of what God has done in their life.
“This club brings hope, joy, and peace to the school referencing the Word of God and studying how other Biblical characters dealt with various trials and tribulations. It encourages students to keep their faith through all circumstances.”
She goes on to describe that students have responded in a positive manner. The club started off with 2 students attending, to week 6 with 10 students attending and 5 teachers.
“We have seen the interest grow as the student attendance is consistently increasing. We believe that attendance will continue to increase as students share how the club is led by students who read and share the power of the Word of God.”
“The ultimate goal is for students to build their understanding and faith in Jesus Christ by reading, studying, preaching and teaching the Word of God and applying it to their lives. Additionally for students to continue walking in the light, demonstrating the fruits of the Spirit, with the Word of God now and forevermore.” She adds.
Emily, who is Vice-President of the club describes that the club is a nice addition to the school for students.
“It’s a nice way for us to be able to reach out to others and make friends who have the same morals as us. It’s definitely helpful and I find peace in the club especially with other members.” She says.
She describes the positive impact the club has had for her as a student, ultimately giving her motivation for the week and allowing her to reflect.
“If you have any doubt in your faith or in God, I encourage you to come by and listen to testimonies that are said, many are beautiful and have encouraged me.”
Ultimately, she motivates other students to join the club and to not feel embarrassed or unsure.
She encourages reading Matthew 16:24-26, “God’s word speaks volumes. I know for sure one thing and that’s one look of faith can save someone, don’t hide your faith but proclaim.”
The development of this new club, allows a pathway for students to have the freedom in becoming closer to their beliefs or enhancing their beliefs into something that they want to learn more about. It provides a safe space for students to share and deepen their knowledge of their faith. As a student at school, I believe that having the opportunity to have the source of having Bible study on campus allows me to focus on my academics but also participate in my beliefs, which is something that many students who attend this club can agree to.
Written by Leslie Negrete, Opinions Editor