The newest addition to MSJC’s large assortment of clubs is a Bible study group, Champions in Christ. With a special focus on the discipleship of athletes, this group meets weekly to study the Bible and encourage one another through fun discussions and activities. Lauren Bermudez, a freshman soccer player, and Destiny Afor, a freshman volleyball player, founded Champions in Christ. These two athletes started this program because they felt a call from God. In an interview, Bermudez remarks, “We just felt a calling to start a discipleship group or a Bible study at our school; we didn’t know how or where to start; we just knew we had to get something up and running.” The first few weeks of the group’s meetings comprised the two athletes themselves, showing how this program was truly developed from the ground up. It wasn’t until December of 2024 that they had a consistent group of 15 athletes from multiple different sports begin attending their meetings. The group has now grown to reach even beyond simply MSJC athletes. When asked what keeps people coming back, Bermudez attributed it to “relationships… it’s a support group, providing a shoulder to lean on while God is in the center of it all.” This group is truly about fostering connections and personal relationships; they want an MSJC community held together by their love of Christ.
In her interview, Bermudez discusses how members have experienced impactful encounters and made so many friends through Champions in Christ. “Thank you for starting this Bible study group. I was not in a healthy place a few months ago, and this really turned everything around for me and changed my life,” one of Bermudez’s teammates told her. Bermudez and Afor attribute all credit to Jesus through stories like this and many others.
The group members are diverse in athletes from different sports and walks of life. One thing is apparent when talking to football players or soccer players. The effect this devotional group has had on people is undeniable. From people making real connections and friendships to real emotional breakthroughs, freshman football player Edwin Camacho had this to say about the discipleship group. “It had changed my whole life entirely from making it okay to talk about my feelings and being vulnerable to others in the Champions in Christ Bible study.” The story is just one of many personal impacts Champions in Christ has had. These stories and the future hopes for this discipleship group are why Bermudez and Afor run this student-led group weekly.
The group has seen significant growth in the last few months and shows no signs of slowing down. The group has partnered with the organization Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) and plans to put together events for the younger generation of high school and middle school athletes. Bermudez expressed hopes of implementing going out with the group and evangelizing to the community in Menifee. Bermudez hopes to see growth beyond imagination for her Champions in Christ.
With its rapid growth and heartfelt mission, Champions in Christ has already impacted MSJC’s athletic community. What started as two athletes answering a call has blossomed into a thriving support system centered on faith, friendship, and personal transformation. As Bermudez, Afor, and their fellow members continue to expand their outreach, their vision remains clear: to build a community where athletes can grow in their sport and their faith and relationships. With plans to engage younger athletes and the wider Menifee community, Champions in Christ is just starting.
