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My name is Archdeacon Justin Bosl from the San Francisco Bay Area, and I am honored to serve on the Board of Directors for FOCUS North America. My involvement with this incredible ministry is driven by a deep passion for serving those in need through the lens of my Orthodox Christian faith.
My wife, our four children, and I first became aware of FOCUS when Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in San Francisco sponsored a 5k fun run to support the ministry in 2014. Since that time, my excitement and support for FOCUS’s mission has grown. I joined the Board in 2019 and have had the opportunity to work with my own parish and neighboring parishes on initiatives like Back-to-School Backpacks. It has been such a blessing to work with FOCUS and to see its growth in recent years.
Why FOCUS Speaks to My Heart
There are many organizations that provide aid to those in need, but what sets FOCUS apart is that our work is rooted in Orthodox Christianity. We don’t just help others in a general sense—we see our service as an expression of the Faith.
For me, this manifests in two ways. First, when I serve, I recognize Christ in those I help. Each person we serve carries the image of Christ, and that changes the way I approach this mission. Second, our service is not just about doing good deeds—it’s an act of love. Christ first loved us, showing His mercy and philanthropy through His life, death, and resurrection. In response, our love for others must also be a self-offering. It’s not just about providing food, clothing, or shelter—it’s about giving a part of ourselves in service.
Excitement for the Future of FOCUS
FOCUS North America is in an incredible period of growth, and I am excited for what lies ahead. I see more and more Orthodox Christians coming together, eager to serve but unsure where to start. FOCUS provides the perfect opportunity to unite in service.
We’ve developed eleven strong Centers across the country, and I believe they will continue to flourish. At the same time, we still have so much room to grow. There are countless places where Orthodox Christians want to make a difference, and FOCUS can help them get started.
How You Can Get Involved
There are many ways to be part of this mission. First and foremost, I ask you to pray. The most important thing you can do for FOCUS is to pray for our success—pray for our staff, our volunteers, our donors, those we serve, for smooth operations, and for financial stability. Your prayers sustain and strengthen this work.
Beyond prayer, I encourage you to donate—financial support from monthly donors across the Church is essential for sustaining and expanding our efforts.
There are also hands-on ways to serve. Start something small in your parish, like participating in our Back-to-School Backpack program or encouraging your parish council to add FOCUS to the annual parish budget. Gather members of your community and support local children in need. If you’re unsure where to start, reach out to us! FOCUS can help assess your community’s needs and connect you with others who share your passion for service.
Why I Give
I support FOCUS with my time, talent, and treasure because I believe so strongly in the power of Orthodox Christians coming together to serve. Every time I interact with our staff, volunteers, and those we help, I am deeply inspired. The people who work for FOCUS are incredible—they dedicate their lives to serving others and inviting fellow Orthodox Christians to join them in that mission.
There is nothing more meaningful than serving someone directly—giving them food, clothing, or simply sharing a conversation. Even in the midst of hardship, I see Christ in them. That moment of connection is what drives me to continue this work.
Join Me in This Mission
My journey with FOCUS has shown me the transformative power of faith-driven service. Giving back isn’t just an obligation—it’s a calling, an opportunity to live out the Gospel.
I invite you to join me. Support FOCUS financially, start an initiative in your community, reach out for guidance, and most importantly, pray for our success. Together, we can serve Christ in those around us.
