A seemingly regular classroom turns into a place for worship and friendship. Every Tuesday during lunch and Monday after school Cru club meets in room 303. With the help of their advisor Joseph Rewa, the student leaders work together to create a supportive and welcoming experience for everyone.
“Everyone is welcome regardless of your background or past mistakes. John 3:16 says ‘For God so loved the world that he gave his only son that whoever should believe in him should not perish but have everlasting life,’” Student Leader, Alexis Ramirez Guerrero, 10, said.
According to Cru.org, Campus Crusade for Christ was founded in 1951 by a husband and wife on the UCLA campus. In 2011 the club became known as Cru in the United States. They are now a part of 8,919 ministries on campuses internationally Including two campuses in Escondido. They have stated that they hope their ministries worldwide will help students come to know Jesus and grow in their faith.
“People should come visit Cru often and see if God can speak to them like he did to some of us,” Angel Rodriguez, 10, said.
A typical Tuesday club meeting starts when the lunch bell rings. The members go directly to the classroom where they take a seat and wait for their opening prayer, usually led by Koji Stangler, 11. After, members eat and converse before they listen to a Bible verse. The verse is followed by a lesson or reflection given by a Student Leader. Food is always provided and the club members have said everyone is welcome to bring their own lunch as well. Mondays after school they do Bible study following a similar structure and furthering student leaders opportunities to participate.
“The goal of a leader is to help students with their faith in God by giving them encouragement and guidance to continue growing their relationship with God,” Student Leader, Daniel Carrillo, 10, said.
Student Leaders help club meetings by ensuring members have the support they need. This is achieved by promoting their meetings online or in person as well as volunteering to speak in front of the class. Additionally, some attend events outside of school to connect with other Christian students. Fastbreak is an event held at Big Bear annually in January, this three day event is supposed to help students build a religious community outside of school. Members have said attending this event has helped them feel more confident sharing what they know about their religion.
“I know for me God has helped me overcome so many challenges and hardships. I believe the Lord could get everybody through all their struggles If they allow him and open up their hearts to him,” Student Leader, Addison Bruzzi, 12, said.
