Becca Brown

02 Jan

HMS Richards School Students Make Bread Rolls as a Fundraiser for the Philippines

In

Loveland, Colorado … Kindergarten through fourth grade students at HMS Richards Elementary worked hard during the month of December 2019 on a fundraiser to send funds to the city of Cebu in the Philippines.

Teachers Kari Lange and Kristie Smith used to teach with Geraldine Walker at Wood Adventist Christian School in Aurora, Colorado, who, while teaching in Colorado, would regularly send money back to her family and village in Cebu.

Walker relocated back to Cebu to be close to her family. She has recently felt the calling to preach and begin a project to rebuild the village church that was damaged by an earthquake and a flood. Knowing that Walker would need help financing the church rebuilding, Lange and Smith decided to start a fundraiser.

Lange and Smith got their students involved in helping make over 60-dozen bread rolls to sell before Thanksgiving. Shirley Turner, a church volunteer, helped oversee the process of making the rolls. Students were able to help in the dough-making process and selling of the rolls. In the end, the fundraiser sold all 60-dozen bread rolls, which was the equivalent of about $300.

“it was so fun to see everyone working so hard, laughing, and just enjoying using their hands for someone else! Everyone said they would love to do it again,” Lange commented.

The teachers plan to continue sending sending to the building project in Cebu by having more fundraisers throughout the year.

–Megan Michalenko; photo supplied

02 Jan

Committed to Adventist Education Campion Academy celebrates 100th Birthday of Sara Nelson

In

Loveland, Colorado… Entering its 113 years in 2020, Campion Academy celebrates another anniversary, the 100th birthday of Sara Nelson. A friend of Campion celebrated her centennial with family and friends during the last weekend of 2019.

She is a spry lady and is enjoying life and family, reflected Don Reeder, Campion Academy principal. “When I think of her, my thought is commitment. She has a legacy with Campion as she has 13 children and grandchildren who have attended Campion Academy. Twelve of them have graduated from the academy,” he said.

“That is quite a commitment,” added Reeder.

Reeder chose to express Campion Academy’s continued commitment to Adventist Christian Education. “The church recognized that using the mechanism of education is a powerful way to spread the Good News of Jesus. Studies show that students who attend Seventh-day Adventist schools are more likely to remain in the church,” he commented in the first 2020 edition of Campion Academy newsletter. “Our mission is to receive as many students as we can into our school where they can learn more of Jesus and be trained to share Jesus,” he stated.

In the words of Reeder, “Campion remains committed to this mission: ‘Experiencing Christ in a Learning Environment. Campion is a safe place where students can learn of Jesus and be trained to tell the world about Him. This is our commitment for 2020!”

Currently, Campion’s enrollment is 145 with expected 151 beginning of next term.

The Colorado school is enjoying an international recruitment of students from Africa, China, Latin and South America, as well as other countries in Asia, with 25 international students at the school presently.

–Don Reeder; photo supplied

Pictured is Sara Nelson, center, with her family members. Back row: Russell Nelson, Erik Nelson, Steven Nelson, Tim Nelson, Scott Nelson. Women: Jamie Sellers Lyvers, Jessalene Sellers Padilla, Grandma Nelson, Jodi Sellers, Michelle Nelson Greenlee, and in front Janet Sellers King.

02 Jan

Annual RMC pastors retreat to convene January 5-8

In

Glacier View Ranch, Colorado… Annual gathering of pastors from nearly 130 congregations in the Rocky Mountain Conference will meet, January 5-8, to further “learn ways to make Christ known in RMC,” says Mickey Mallory, RMC ministerial director.

“Besides fellowship, rest and relaxation, this retreat is designed to give our pastors practical tools to help them be more effective in their ministry,” he comments. “Like last year, there is also a program for the pastoral spouses,” he adds.

Presenters at the 2020 gathering will include members of the Ministerial Department team from North American Division (NAD), including Ivan Williams, Jose Cortez, Ester Knott and Dave Gemmell, as well as Mic Thurber – Mid-America Union Conference ministerial director. A special section in the program includes risk management presentation by Leander Tomazeli, NAD Risk Management Account Executive. RMC’s Ed Barnett, president and other Conference administration and ministry leaders will also be available to discuss program areas of the Conference.

According to Mallory, “a unique feature of this retreat will be a video presentation called the Story of Joshua. This feature identifies common struggles that pastors experience and examines pastoral experiences throughout the North American Division who have been able to work through those struggles.”

–RMCNews, photo by Rajmund Dabrowski

19 Dec

Standing ovation for Campion’s Christmas music performance

In

Loveland, Colorado… The musical concerts at Campion Academy attract visitors who love to hear quality performances. A December 14 was one of those days as the Campion Academy choirs, orchestra, and handbells prepared a program of Christmas music from around the world. Apart from the main program in the afternoon, they also performed in Campion Church on Sabbath morning.

The program began with a Spanish orchestral piece with three movements conducted by Yves Clouzet. They practiced that music for almost two months and they performed well, as Brizney Espino, a freshman, commented later that, “it was awesome! I loved it so much; I wanted to hear the last one [movement] again.”

The choir’s main song was a Nigerian Christmas carol. It was a truly African style music, which included three different drums and no other instrumental accompaniment. “I loved it because it was so culturally enriching, and it was fun to perform,” said Amira Davis, one of the choir singers and hand bell ringers.

Orchestra concluded the program with Russian Christmas Music. The audience could do no other but to give musicians a standing ovation.

— Yan Silva, International Student Contributor; photos supplied

19 Dec

From El Salvador to the U.S.: One student learns to thank God through the good and the bad

In

Loveland, Colorado… Growing up in a country plagued by gang-related violence, Francisco Cortez was eager to reunite with his mother in the United States. Even though he found out his new life in the United States wasn’t perfect, he learned to trust God through it all.  

Francisco was born in a small town in El Salvador and was raised by his single-mother until he was nine years old. At that time, his mother successfully applied for political asylum in the United States, but had to leave her son behind. Francisco then moved to live with his aunt and uncle in San Salvador, the capital city of El Salvador, known for having many dangerous gangs. In eighth grade, he shared that the gangs tried to get him to join. After a few hard months of interactions with the gangs, Francisco’s mother was finally successful in applying to bring him to live with her in Denver.

“I was happy to be here, but I missed my friends and family in El Salvador.  Everything was different, the food, the language, the buildings. The thing that stressed me the most was the language. I couldn’t even say a sentence in English. I knew nothing,” Francisco explained.

Growing up, Francisco had many religions in his family that included Catholics, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and Adventists. When searching for his faith, Francisco appreciated the views his Grandma had about Adventism. His Grandma would share teachings of the Bible with Francisco which helped him to find his faith.  In 2017, while he was attending the North Glenn Hispanic Church, a pastor made an altar call for baptism. Francisco felt the need to finally commit himself to God and raised his hand. Francisco shared, “I was struggling before I was baptized, and I felt like it was time to get back to Jesus.”

Francisco heard about Campion Academy through his church after he moved to Denver. He began attending Campion his freshman year, but despite the positive changes that had happened to him, Francisco soon found that his new life at Campion wasn’t without it’s challenges.  When he arrived, he didn’t speak any English and struggled with the different educational system. During his first year, his English improved rapidly while primarily taking ELL classes, but he was hit hard by the full academic load his sophomore year.

In the fall of his sophomore year at Campion, Francisco was a starting player for the men’s varsity soccer team. Francisco has always loved soccer, so he was extremely excited to get to have a starting position. He shared frustration that when his grades began to slip, he wasn’t allowed to play and missed most of the season. “I did all my homework at first, but I wasn’t used to studying for tests that much, and I had some low grades. After they kicked me out of the team, I got so depressed that my grades just started going down more and more.”

Although this was hard for Francisco, it helped him realize that he needed to trust God. He shared,  “I had bad communication with God my sophomore year. The only time I prayed was to question God. I never said thanks; I just asked, why me? Every time I would question God with what I was going through, things just seemed to never improve. Now I have realized through the Bible, that I need to be thankful through the bad times and the good times.”

Francisco appreciates all the opportunities there are at Campion to worship God. He says that this has been something that has improved his relationship with God. Something else he appreciates is the love he can see through the teachers at Campion. He says that through God and his time at Campion, that he has found his purpose in life. Francisco expressed his gratitude by saying, “I am very thankful to be here at Campion.”

“The only thing that keeps me positive is God. That’s a big difference for me from last year. My Bible class this year has helped me a lot through my journal. Now I say thanks for what I have and just ask Him for help,” Francisco concluded.

—Megan Michalenko with Jill Harlow; photo supplied

19 Dec

Eden Valley Wellness Institute graduates seven medical missionary students

In

Loveland, Colorado … In preparation to become medical missionaries several students began their journey to Eden Valley Wellness Institute in Colorado a year in advance. Such preparation was spent on obtaining student visas, plane tickets, securing finances, family support, as well as childcare care, among a few other obstacles. They arrived in Loveland with stories of God’s interventions and how provisions abounded.

Students came from England, Trinidad, and from several places in the United States. “The call to medical missionary work has no boundaries or limits of age. The seven students attending the recent course session, August 4-November 22, ranged from 17 to 63 years old, each brought a unique experience and perspective that promoted growth and insight for everyone,” said Phyllis Zimmerman, new EVWI director of education

During the sixteen weeks at the institute, the students trained in the principles of medical missionary work and gained a deeper understanding of Christ’s healing methods of soul winning in classes of both theory and practice. Courses such as hydrotherapy, herbal medicine, anatomy and physiology, vegan cooking, wellness coaching, as well as personal evangelism provided participants with the tools and the knowledge to do mighty things for God at home and in a variety of mission opportunities, Zimmerman explained.

During their stay at Eden Valley, students also worked in many areas on campus, such as the Eden Valley Organic Farm, Lifestyle Center, Country Store, and Lifestyle Kitchen. They gained practical skills, which can be applied anywhere the Lord leads upon completion of the course, Zimmerman adds.

According to Phyllis Zimmerman, on November 22, graduating students received a certification of completion that qualifies them to serve with any ministry affiliated with LIGHT, OCI (Outpost Centers International), or other mission organizations around the world. Some of the graduates are already serving as teachers in the medical missionary field, community Christian health educators, and even plan to open lifestyle centers abroad. Completing this course also serves as a prerequisite for obtaining advanced training in Lifestyle Coaching as well as providing direction for future studies.

—Phyllis Zimmerman; photo by Amelia Zimmerman

 

19 Dec

Upgraded year-round camp store planned at Glacier View Ranch

In

Glacier View Ranch, Colorado … Camp store up at Glacier View Ranch is a hub during summer camp. Parents are able to reserve and purchase camp videos and photos. Campers are able to browse merchandise proudly bearing the name, Glacier View Ranch. And of course, the icecream. No one can resist a nice cold ice cream on a summer day in the mountains.

You might be thinking to yourself, “Do I have to be a camper to get to experience this?” The answer is yes, but not for long! “At the beginning of the summer, the camp team would order new items, unpack the old, and set up the whole store. Then, at the end of the summer all needs to be packed up because the building itself cannot keep out the dust and mice,” explained Jessyka Dooley, RMC associate youth director.

“Our dream in the Youth Department for this camp store is to have it open year round. Thanks to the skill and hard work of Chris and Don Hill, this dream is becoming a reality. They have been working around the clock laying new flooring, ripping out old and sagging shelves, putting in new windows, and filling in the cracks and gaps all around,” she added.

The youth team will run a smaller “pop up” store during RMC Ministerial Meetings and Greater Summit High School as they finish up needed renovation.

You can follow camp store updates on Instagram (@rmcyouthministry) and Facebook (@rmcyouth). New merchandise is being planned for the upcoming season at Glacier View Ranch.

—Jessyka Dooley; photos supplied by RMC Youth Depatment

 

19 Dec

Greeley Church initiates art class in preparation fore Catch 2020 outreach

In

Greeley, Colorado… In preparation for the “Catch 2020” evangelism thrust in Northern Colorado, the Greeley Church creative bridge events are included to raise awareness about the outreach series in the community. In hope of inviting community members to the evangelistic meetings, the evangelistic team went for doing something creative.

“As we were brainstorming I started thinking about paint parties that are so popular right now and I thought, ‘Why couldn’t we do that here,'” said Grace Logan, member of the team.

That is where the idea was born. A member of the Greeley Church, Philip Castillo, is an artist who also teaches art classes at the local Christian Adventist School.  It only made sense to ask him to teach the class and he was willing to help out.  Church members were encouraged to come to the bridge event on December 15 but there was one requirement: they had to bring a guest.

“We decided to make it a Christmas paint party so we could give away our paintings as gifts. There were only 16 seats available and they filled up quickly. We had a nice intimate group.  It was such a fun environment and we were able to get to know all the guests who joined us in a nonthreatening atmosphere.

“It was so easy to invite friends and they were so willing to come.  All the guests said they would come back if we do another one,” said Grace.

As we let our paint dry the participants were treated to a devotional from Janea Balderrama, who is preparing for baptism. Philip also gave his testimony of what the church had done in his life.

The class was such a success that the plan is to have many more painting classes and many want to do once a quarter.

—Grace Logan; photos by Jason and Grace Logan

19 Dec

Greater Summit announced by RMC youth leadership for January 17-20, 2020

In

Denver, Colorado… The Rocky Mountain Youth Department is announcing the Greater Summit, formerly known as Teen Prayer Summit, to convene on January 17-20, 2020 at Glacier View Ranch.

“We are changing our name to connect more deeply with our Vision for the Youth Department to ‘Live Greater’,” said Kiefer Dooley, RMC youth director.

“We are in no means diminishing the importance of prayer, and will be incorporating it in more than ever in our future events,” he added.

Each year, the youth team will be producing two Greater Summits, one for Middle School and one for High School. “In the past, we have combined both middle and high school together for one event. Due to the increased attendance and to better serve and connect with each age group, we will begin hosting two summits starting in 2020. Both summits will focus on our theme for 2020, FULLY ALIVE,” Jessyka Dooley, associate youth director.

The Youth Department provided the following information about the Glacier View gathering:

Encounter: Our team will be bringing in speakers and worship leaders who are passionate about connecting with the age group they will be serving. This time is for our students to hear the word, worship through song, and get to know one another a little better.

Engage: For both Middle and High School age groups, our team creates curriculum for this discussion time to break down the messages the students heard and discover how the Bible is practically applicable to them.

Enjoy: Nestled in the Rocky Mountains, Glacier View Ranch has more to offer than just a pretty view. Depending on the time of year, we will be offering various activities including: sledding, snowshoeing, hiking, mountain biking, swimming in the pool, crafts, and many more! This year, we will be adding something new, the Kulikup Cafe with a full hot chocolate bar!

The Greater Summit is designed to emphasize the development of your personal identity and purpose — rooted and grounded in Jesus, with a basis in prayer and a message that moves in the spirit of confidence. Over the course of the weekend, we will pray together, explore the scripture together, recharge together, and have fun together. Our hope is that your experience at The Greater Summit will inspire confidence, encourage learning, and establish or re-establish your connection with Jesus Christ. Experiencing Jesus together and at Home with Him, you will find the freedom and courage to live life to the fullest!

If you are a high school student or you know a high school student, visit the Greater Summit website to learn more about this event and how to register! https://www.rmcyouth.org/greater-summit

—Jessyka Dooley, photos supplied by RMC Youth Department

12 Dec

Parade of nations featured at Campion Academy worship

In

Loveland, Colorado… More than 40 flags were on display when students of countries represented at Campion Academy marched in celebration of International Sabbath, December 7.  There are 25 International students attending Campion. Each student carrying a flag greeted the church congregation in a different language. Some students wore their country’s national costumes.

“It was cool seeing different clothes represented by different countries, and I also liked the way the Japanese girl’s clothes looked,” said Audra Bennett, freshman.

The praise team sang a selection of Christmas songs in eight different languages. “International Sabbath was really fun. I really enjoyed learning new languages. It was hard learning new languages and I think the hardest was Swedish or French,” commented Kaddy Koroma, senior.

Part of a Sabbath services included children stories told by several international students. The children learned to say: “Jesus loves you,” in different languages. The congregation was also treated to Bible verses read in many languages.

“I’m interested in languages, and I like studying languages, so I really appreciated it. It was really cool to hear all of the different languages sung and,” explained Samantha Hodges, junior. We learned about different countries and had an amazing Sabbath.

—Airi Nomura, sophomore International Student from Japan; photo supplied

 

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