A new year marks a new start for the Office of Spiritual Life.
At the beginning of each school year, OSL hosts an event that is meant to highlight the different opportunities in ministry that they offer.
Taylor Fagg, Graduate Assistant for the Office of Spiritual Life coordinated this year’s event dubbed, “Cirque Du OSL.”
In previous years, this event was titled the OSL coffeehouse. In an effort to add more energy to the event, the OSL staff changed the name and theme.
“We are trying to switch it up and reach more new and returning students,” OSL intern Mark Gomez said. “We want to be more energetic by featuring the carnival theme.”
The event highlighted Christian Challenge, Compassion Ministries, International Service Projects, United States Projects and more.
“Cirque Du OSL” featured a carnival theme with each individual group having a booth with information and a booth featuring carnival games.
“It was great finding out about all of the organizations,” senior Dustin Cabral said. “I especially enjoyed learning about International Justice Mission and all the work they do with human trafficking.”
Brett Vowell, director of chapel and compassion ministries, and Brian Zunigha, director of campus ministries emceed the event and gave away prizes to many students who attended the event.
In order to win a prize, students had to go to each booth and get information to get a stamp on their check-mark sheet. If students got a full check-mark sheet they could turn it in and possibly win an iPad, Disneyland Pass, gift cards and more.
Each ministry group also had a chance to speak about their group and its purpose at California Baptist University.
Kristin White, director of global mobilization, introduced the Office of Mobilization, International Service Projects and United States Projects. As part of her introduction, White challenged students to complete their ISP and USP applications by Sept. 10 to have their interview fee waived.
Zunigha introduced Christian Challenge, which is a group focused on training students on intentional discipleship ministry. They meet every Thursday at 7 p.m. in the Copenbarger Room and welcome all students.
Vowell introduced Compassion Ministries at CBU, and told students about their urban excursion and urban plunge opportunities.
Free food and fun games helped keep the energy level high this year and allowed OSL to keep the attention of students and give them useful information.
“I feel great about Cirque Du OSL,” Fagg said. “A lot has changed since last year.”
