Jon Roberts Page 42

19 May

COMMENTARY: I’M NOT THE PROBLEM

In

By Douglas Inglish … By the time I turned 16, I had developed an odd, but occasionally useful, ability. In my bare feet I could touch an eight-foot ceiling with the fingertips of one hand. Normally that would be just beyond reach for a person of my height, but my arms are absurdly long. (For reference, my predecessor Eric Nelson and I have the same sleeve length, even though he is several inches taller.)

When we moved into our new house in Colorado, there was a push pin in the ceiling of one of the bedrooms. Because the head stuck out from the surface, I knew I could just get a grasp on it and pull it out, and reached up to do so. But I couldn’t get it. I had to go downstairs and get a step stool so I could pull it out.

I was dumbfounded. As any contractor can tell you, both 2 x 4 studs and drywall come in eight-foot sections specifically to make it easy to put up walls that give you a standard eight-foot ceiling. But this room had a ceiling height of eight feet and one inch. In fact, a little investigation showed that all the ceilings in my house were eight feet one inch high. Why in the world would anyone do that? It was more work and it sure wasn’t enough difference to notice.

My move to Colorado required not only a new place to live, but a whole new set of professionals (mechanic, dentist, etc.). When I showed up for my first appointment with my new doctor, the mystery of the too-tall ceilings in my new house was solved. The physician’s assistant stood me up against the wall and declared, “Six feet even.”

“No,” I corrected him, “Six foot one.”

He stood his ground. “No, six feet even.”

I was ready to pull out my new driver’s license and prove him wrong when the light dawned: It’s begun; I’m shrinking! Theoretically, I knew that people lose height as they age, but it had not occurred to me that I should be expecting it quite yet.

Close on the heels of that epiphany came another: My ceilings are not eight feet, one inch high. That doesn’t even make sense. I’m the problem, not the contractor.

Well, I always like a good laugh, and if it’s on me then it’s still a good laugh. But getting older isn’t what I find funny about this. What makes me laugh about it is my very human reaction when I first got evidence that I was getting shorter. Instead of thinking that I was the problem, I reached an entirely improbable conclusion and blamed the person who built my house. It never even occurred to me that the ceiling was perfectly normal, it was I who needed a redefinition of normal.

That’s the way we all are, going back to the biblical Adam’s refusal to own his behavior when confronted about the fruit he ate. When a problem rears its head, it is amazing what ridiculous conclusions we will reach in order to avoid admitting that, yes, this is on me.

I hope this change in subject doesn’t give you whiplash, but how is your local church budget doing? Having a hard time spending it all? Or, and this seems more likely, could you easily find good uses for it if you had more? Even worse, is the board discussing where to cut expenses in order to cover the bills?

Like everything else, the natural reaction to a shortfall in the church budget is to think that the problem is with other people, not me. People with higher income, or who bought their house when prices were reasonable, or whose children are finished with school and out of the house. If those people did their part, the budget would be fine!

Okay, I’m not going to beat this into the ground, because you already get the point. Instead of always thinking that the problem must lie outside of ourselves, we need to own our piece of the problem. Even more importantly, no matter who is to blame for a problem, solutions nearly always start with me stepping up and doing my part.

It’s like when I couldn’t reach the push pin in the ceiling. Even when I was misidentifying what the problem was, I knew the solution was a step stool.

I also knew who had to go get it. And no, it was not going to be the contractor.

–Douglas Inglish is RMC vice president and stewardship director.

19 May

VISTA RIDGE ACADEMY CELEBRATES EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION EXPANSION

In

By Marsha Bartulec – Erie, Colorado … Vista Ridge Academy was joined by the Erie Chamber of Commerce on May 17 for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the expansion of the early childhood program.

Principal Sandy Hodgson is excited about the new opportunities for students and the community. “We are pleased to expand our program to better serve our community,” she said.

Commenting on the expansion, early childhood program director, Sandy Hepp, who has 25 years of experience in early childhood education, echoes Hodgson’s excitement “We are excited and honored to add a second classroom to our program.”

The expanded program will offer a full education program for ages three to five and will be offered from mid-August to late May.

Students can expect social and academic development, which includes phonics, reading (with a therapy dog), math, and handwriting. The children will also learn about the Bible, attend weekly chapels, and take classes in music, physical education, technology, and art.

Vista Ridge Academy aims for each child to become comfortable in the school setting, feel that learning is fun, and find joy in who they were created by God to be, setting up a firm foundation for the rest of their education.

— Marsha Bartulec is vice principal of Administration at Vista Ridge Academy; photo supplied.

18 May

Brighton Adventist Academy CLASS OF 2033 Graduates Stand Tall

In

By Jodie Aakko – Brighton, Colorado … May 13 marked the day five young Brighton Adventist Academy graduates stood taller than ever. Although a pre-kindergarten or a kindergarten graduate may look small in size, they are giant in accomplishments and pride.

Five boys beamed from ear to ear as they were filled with love and recognition from teachers and family.

“Ricky, you are receiving an award for future firefighter, because you never leave a friend behind!”  announced Mrs. Sandra Santos, pre-kindergarten teacher. The graduates were honored with awards for exemplary character and individual personality strengths.

They also received a large bag filled with gifts which matched each student’s interests and talents including science kits, art supplies, teacher materials, adventure tools, and other items including an over-sized teddy bear graduate which they hugged.

“Keep this T-shirt with you until you graduate high school!  Each year, add your hand print on the back, above the school year. And in the year 2033, you will still remember how much I loved you, and you will remember that you learned how much Jesus loves you!” explained Gina Davison, kindergarten teacher.

Wayne Morrison, pastor of Brighton church and commencement speaker, reminded the students that even though you can’t see God, you know what He looks like because He loves you, and He knows your name, and you will know His voice. Pastor Wayne ended with a charge to the students to always stay in tune with Jesus and keep your child-like faith.

–Jodie Aakko is the principal of Brighton Adventist Academy; photo courtesy of Brighton Adventist Academy Facebook page.

13 May

Campion Staff and students recognize retiring staff members

In

Editor’s note: Many staff transitions and retirements are happening at Campion Academy. Below are a few of the long-time staff members who have or are retiring this school year.

 

Sherry Hay, Registrar
Years at Campion: 1997-2021

Sherry Hay has announced her retirement after working as registrar at Campion for 24 years. Throughout her time at Campion, Hay has worked under six different principals and navigated changing technology as she created class schedules and kept students and parents updated on their grades and attendance.

Don Reeder, Campion Academy principal said, “Campion Academy will miss her in the registrar position. She is a master puzzle solver; I would challenge her with the class schedule, the calendar, and individual student schedules and she would always make it all work. She’s a prayer warrior for God and I will miss her.”

Hay has touched the lives of many students. Keziah Paduli, sophomore, commented, “She’s an amazing and sweet person and patient with me and other kids. I’ve noticed that she wants all the students in this school to succeed.”

“I have worked for Mrs. Hay since the summer before my freshman year,” explained Olivia Jordan, junior. “I have grown very close to her through work and time spent together. She has become like a grandma to me: always there to talk about any of the problems I have or listen to my struggles. She prays with me when I need it. She pushes me to dig deeper and go beyond my dreams and goals. Mrs. Hay has made an impact on Campion with her gentleness and kindness that I will never forget.”

Hay is looking forward to the many opportunities retirement brings. She will have more time to exercise, cook, and read. More importantly, she will have time to spend with her daughter when she has her baby in August, and travel with her husband, Bill, who works for Adventist World Radio.

 

Dan Philpott, Teacher
Years at Campion: 2003-2021

After 18 years of teaching at Campion, Dan Philpott is retiring. He has been the teacher of many classes over the years such as Algebra II, Geometry, and Industrial Arts, encouraging students to do their best academically. Philpott plans to work in a warehouse, building and designing cabinets.

He has encouraged and helped many students and made an impact on each of their lives in different ways. “I’ve always struggled in math my whole life,” stated Jynaya Wright, senior. “When I came to Campion that was actually one of my biggest fears: falling behind in math. But when I got to Mr. Philpott’s class, I wasn’t scared anymore, because I knew that no matter how many times, he had to explain something to me, he would never give up on me. One of the reasons that I have confidence in math today is because of Mr. Philpott.”

Staff members also appreciated working with him. Steve Eickmann, staff member at Campion, explained, “One thing I like about him is that he is a good teacher and he’s always calm and respectful with students and is patient with those who struggle in his subjects. He knows a lot of tricks and I’ve never seen him lose his cool. He’s been a good friend over the 15 years I’ve known him.”

Senior Ryan Bell has gotten to know Philpott a little closer than other students as he has been living with him this year at Campion. “I have enjoyed seeing the hard-working side of him, but despite the work, he always has a sense of humor that makes everything more enjoyable.”

“Mr. Philpott has made my school experience a lot of fun. Being in his geometry and industrial Arts class definitely has its challenges but, in the end, Mr. Philpott always helps us out and is one of the most patient people I’ve ever met. I’m going to miss his still, quiet energy on campus next year and it’ll be weird without him, but what he taught me that I’ll always remember is to “GETTER DONE.” We appreciate you and we’ll miss you Mr. Philpott!” Melody Mambo, sophomore, exclaimed.

 

Joe Martin, Bible Teacher
Years at Campion: 1990-2021

After three decades at Campion, Pastor Joe Martin has stepped down from teaching. Known as “Pastor Joe” by the students, he was actively involved on campus. Martin worked as director of the Literature Evangelism (LE) program for 28 years and taught Junior Bible for his last three years at Campion.

“You could see his determination even in the way he walked down the street. No one on the LE team could keep up with him,” said Kelby Eickmann, a Campion alumnus who worked closely with Martin for two summers and two school years in Literature Evangelism. “Pastor Joe impacted my life by demonstrating what passion for Christ looks like. He put his love for God and other people into action. He didn’t simply claim to have a desire to serve God; he really lived it. He is relentlessly stubborn and can sell books to anyone,” Eickmann added.

Grant Velbis, who graduated from Campion last year, shared his experience in Martin’s Junior Bible class. “Pastor Joe’s class helped me see that there is so much evidence and reasoning behind the things we believe as Adventists. Just how he lived his life inspired me because he lived with such passion and conviction for Jesus. He didn’t just ‘talk the talk;’ he lived out everything he believed. That is something I would like to have in my life.”

Martin’s goal for the students he taught and worked with was to help them grow in their relationship with God. Shelby Waller, a junior this year, reflected on the impact of his Bible class. “He taught us directly from the Bible, and he encouraged us to build our own relationship with the Lord. It was up to us how much we wanted to learn, and that motivated us to take notes and to learn more.”

“Pastor Joe’s class influenced me a lot during my junior year; it was very interesting, and I just couldn’t help but pay attention,” said Susan Wang, a 2019 Campion graduate and international student from China. “I really liked how he taught Revelation in a way that we have hope after we die. Pastor Joe also reminded us to be thankful for waking up in the morning, daily life, and for receiving help from others. I was really moved by this and so I decided to get baptized. I did Bible studies with him on Tuesday and Thursday mornings before I got baptized, and even continued to do them into my senior year,” Wang added. ”He gave me a space to share my day and struggles, and he would encourage me with Bible verses and life advice.”

 

Patricia Torres, Learning Resources Director
Years at Campion: 2005-2020

After 16 years of teaching at Campion Academy, Patricia Torres retired this school year. She was the learning resource director as well as an ELL teacher, showing students strategies to be more successful and independent with their work. She hadn’t originally planned to retire this year, but she was needed by her family as a care-taker.

“I miss the students so much; it’s hard to express,” said Torres. After being away from campus since September, she reminisced on her experience here, “I knew God wanted me there and with every student, I would pray that I would be able to bring them closer to him.”

Torres taught study skills class to the freshmen class to provide them with tools they would need to be successful academically. Melody Mambo reflected, “She always helped me with my organizational skills and helped me stay on top of things. She had a contagious smile on her face that always brightened everyone’s day. I’ll definitely miss her presence, and know she beneficially impacted many students.”

Senior Amira Davis worked with Torres as an international ambassador, joining her in making the new students feel welcomed. “I loved her enthusiasm and passion for the international students,” Davis said. “She really looked out for us and cared about when we were struggling. I’ll always miss her smiling, kind face.”

Torres was most well-known for the time she would take to work with students one-on-one to meet their individual needs. “She never gave up on me even though it was hard sometimes. She always pushed me to go forward, always teaching me different strategies so that I could do better in school,” said Emily Gama, senior. “I would always talk to her as a friend and I miss that. She kept it confidential and gave me advice when I needed it; she was trustworthy.”

Torres shared some final words of advice for the students, “No matter what you do, ask Jesus to help you and keep your eyes on Him. Before you know it, everything you dreamed of will come true, that’s what working at Campion and Jesus has taught me.”

–Authors who contributed to this article include ​Bentlee Barry, Sami Hodges, Haley Enochs, and Tiffany Dien; photos supplied

13 May

FORT COLLINS BIDS FAREWELL TO DENNIS BREESE AFTER 19 YEARS OF MINISTRY

In

RMCNews with Devon Osbourne Jr. – Fort Collins, Colorado … How do you say farewell to a teacher who had been teaching at the same school for over 19 years? You throw a surprise party and name a gymnasium after them.

This is exactly what the Fort Collins church did on May 1, celebrating the ministry of Dennis Breese. The celebration was preplanned to be a surprise part of education Sabbath service.

Dennis Breese were honored with several tributes by current and former students and was also awarded a plaque for his outstanding contributions to Christian education by the Rocky Mountain Conference education director, Diane Harris.

Dennis Breese recalls the special service, “I have been to several education day services during the past 19 years and expected this one would be just like all of the others I had attended. Wow, was I surprised!

“Even though I saw some of my former students and their parents at church, it really didn’t dawn on me as to what was happening until the bulletin was put up on the monitor and I saw that the names of two of my former students who were there to share their memories of their time in my class. Their comments brought joy, laughter, and tears to my eyes. It was a very touching and moving experience that I’m sure I will always remember and cherish.”

Keiko Breese echoed her husbands’ comments. “What a wonderful and unexpected surprise it was for us! I couldn’t believe what had happened! I couldn’t believe that this program was planned and kept secret from us for such a long time! This was the most memorable day of my life during my 19 years of service at the Fort Collins Christian School.”

The service highlighted Christian education, including a rendition of “It Is Well With My Soul” by the Fort Collins Christian School handbell choir. The school currently has 31 students enrolled.

After the celebration there was still one surprise for Dennis Breese.

“The biggest surprise was saved until last when we were taken to the entrance of the gymnasium and held in suspense for several minutes with no idea about what was happening,” Dennis commented.

“Finally, we were asked to remove the cover of something hanging on the wall. We were both stunned and overwhelmed to find our name on a plaque dedicating the gym to us—the Breese Gymnatorium!. It was a truly amazing day that we will never forget,” he added.

Former RMC education director, Lonnie Hetterle, was honored to be asked to share in the tribute program. “It is a privilege and an honor for me to recognize Dennis and Keiko Breese. Over the last 19 years I have been so impressed with the dedication and passion they have shown. They have demonstrated a humble love for Jesus, for His church, and especially for God’s children. Their creativity and love for each child has enabled them to create a wonderfully safe and nurturing environment. They consistently strive to meet the unique needs of each student and family,” Hetterle said.

Hetterle also commented that the naming of gymnasium ensures that the Breeses will be remembered for a long time. “In officially naming the gymnasium the ‘Breese Gymnatorium’ we know that their legacy will live on not only in the lives of the families and students they have impacted for eternity but also as people enter the beautiful structure,” Hetterle stated.

— RMCNews with Devon Osbourne Jr. who is the school board chair for the Fort Collins church; photos by Milcah Theodor

13 May

ROOTED IN CHRIST AT THE CENTER OF FOCUS WEEKS AT MHA

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By Amelia Eno — Highlands Ranch, Colorado … Mile High Academy students, over the past several weeks have spent time focusing on growing a closer relationship with Jesus during FOCUS weeks.

FOCUS Weeks is a special time at MHA where the school has a chance to bond while reflecting and refocusing on Jesus.

Elementary students got to hear fun stories and worships from Jose St. Phard, Newday lead pastor, Chris Morris, Littleton associate pastor, and Seth Day, LifeSource co-pastor.

“There are so many amazing voices in children’s ministry, we didn’t want to pick just one speaker. The kids really loved them!” Rebecca Berg, MHA chaplain and upper school teacher said.

Students learned more about MHA theme this year “Rooted In Christ” and the CHERISH core values while singing and worshiping with their friends. Pastor Day put a fun twist on Bible stories by turning into a character named “Scooter.” They also participated in several faith-building activities.

Middle School and upper school held their FOCUS week at a later time due to classes having to be remote learning. David Asscherick, Castle Rock pastor spoke about what it meant to be “Rooted In Christ,” to have deep roots, and where to put those roots.

Through the analogy of a tree, students learned about growing even in the hardships. “FOCUS week reminded me that where I’m rooted really matters,” Noah, MHA sophomore said.

Despite the difficult year with COVID and the challenges brought on by the pandemic, MHA’s students found joy in spending time with their classmates while knowing Christ is the center of their school.

–Amelia Eno is a sophomore at Mile High Academy; photos supplied.

13 May

CLUB LAS AGUILAS DE AURORA SE COLOCAN EN PRIMER LUGAR EN LAS FINALES DE BIBLE BOWL

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RMCNews con Frank Wilson – Denver, Colorado … El Club de Conquistadores Las Águilas de la Iglesia Hispana de Aurora está celebrando su primer lugar en las finales de la división NAD Pathfinder Bible Experience (PBE).

Los Clubes de Conquistadores de Norte América se reunieron virtualmente los días 16 y 17 de abril para poner a prueba sus conocimientos bíblicos en las Finales de la División NAD PBE.

Según el sitio web de la NAD, el evento, conocido como Bible Bowl por algunos, incluye, “equipos de seis miembros del club que estudian un libro de la Biblia (alternando el Antiguo Testamento y el Nuevo Testamento), memorizando grandes porciones de la palabra de Dios”.

El pastor Frank Wilson, pastor de la Iglesia Hispana de Aurora, comentó sobre la dedicación del club de conquistadores para profundizar en la Palabra de Dios.  “El arduo trabajo y la dedicación en el estudio de la Biblia constantemente en temporada, y fuera de temporada, resultaron en lograr un premio tan maravilloso.”

El evento fue descrito por Wilson como una serie de cuatro partes. “La competencia comenzó primero a nivel de la iglesia, luego la asociación, pasando a la unión, y finalmente el nivel nacional o la División de Norte América.”

Los equipos ganadores se interpretan como “estudiantes extremos de la Biblia y en la mayoría de los casos memorizan capítulos y, en algunos casos, todos los libros”.

Al reflexionar sobre el evento, Kiefer Dooley, ex-director juvenil de RMC, tiene la esperanza de que los juegos de trivia y la preparación para el PBE ayuden a construir una relación más profunda con Jesús.  “Nuestra esperanza es que el conocimiento bíblico que conservaron para un primer lugar no sea sólo curiosidades, o hechos aprendidos para un trofeo, sino que sea un conducto para una relación más profunda con Jesucristo.”

El equipo de conquistadores Las Aguilas de la Iglesia Hispana de Aurora estuvo integrado por Clementito Martínez, Luis Torres, Sabutita Jambuny, Alan Martínez, Chavy de la Cruz y Katrin Juárez; quienes estudiaron las Escrituras apasionadamente junto con los directores del club.

Wilson también comentó sobre las múltiples personas que ayudaron al equipo detrás de las escenas. “[Aquellos] que trabajaron entre bastidores entrenando y preparando a nuestros jóvenes para el Bible Bowl fueron Clemente Martínez y Judith Martínez (directores del Club de Conquistadores) que su dedicación fue constante”.

Clemente Martínez se mostró orgulloso de que el equipo ganara y humildemente declaró que todo se hizo sólo por la gloria y el honor de Dios.

Los libros bíblicos que los clubes tuvieron que estudiar este año fueron Hebreos, Santiago, 1 Pedro, y 2 Pedro.

–RMCNews con Frank Wilson, pastor de la iglesia hispana Aurora; foto de Frank Wilson

12 May

Exhibition of Learning Nights at Vista Ridge Academy

In

By Marsha Bartulec  — Erie, Colorado … From seed germination to saving our planet, and Rube Goldberg machines to self-exploration, learning is happening at Vista Ridge Academy. Students confidently explained their work in video presentations as each classroom held a virtual Exhibition of Learning Night for their family and friends.

Exhibition Nights are a great way to see Vista Ridge Academy’s real-world, “project-based learning” curriculum in action.

The third and fourth grade classroom published a book together of their endangered animals. Each student illustrated a picture of their endangered animal and wrote a report for the book.

Third grader, Hugh, enjoyed recording his presentation for his classroom’s “Animal Showtime.”

“I pretended to snorkel of the shores of California and shared facts about endangered vaquitas. Vaquitas are a porpoise, a little smaller than a dolphin, and there are only ten left in the wild,” Hugh said.

The fifth and sixth grade classroom learned about Rube Goldberg, an American cartoonist, sculptor, author, engineer, and inventor. Goldberg is best known for his popular cartoons depicting complicated gadgets performing simple tasks in an indirect and overly complicated way, also known as Rube Goldberg machines.

Sixth grade, Lilly, enjoyed building a Rube Goldberg machine with her partner. After three weeks and about an hour or two a day Lilly’s team had success with their machine.

“The task we chose was to put toothpaste on a toothbrush. We used duct tape and cardboard to make ramps, dominoes, and string. I learned by trial and error and that it will not work on the first try,” Lilly, commented.

Exhibitions are an important component of project-based learning and assessment and provide a comprehensive view of each student’s knowledge and mastery of essential skills and content standards.

Click below to watch each classrooms Exhibition of Learning.

Preschool & Pre-K: Seed Germination

https://vimeo.com/545311705

Kindergarten: Taking Care of our Planet, in honor of Earth Day

https://vimeo.com/539956965

First and second grade: Review of Old Testament Bible Stories and Memory Verses

https://vimeo.com/544801676

Third and fourth grade: The Animal Showtime – Endangered Animals

https://vimeo.com/544394934

Fifth and sixth grade: Rube Goldberg Machines

https://vimeo.com/541948624

Seventh and eighth grade: World History Final Projects

https://vimeo.com/542315193

–Marsha Bartulec is the Vice Principal of Administration at Vista Ridge Academy; photo supplied.

11 May

NEXT GEN PASTOR TRAINING AT CAMPION CHURCH

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By Mickey Mallory — Loveland, Colorado … A group of fourteen high school students gathered on May 5 at Campion church to sit down and discuss and ask questions about full time church ministry in the future.

The meeting, called Next Gen Pastors was an innovative initiative by the North America Division, in an attempt to recruit young people for full-time church ministry.

Students appreciated the willingness of ministers, both current and retired, to take the time and talk with them.

Campion Academy senior Jayden Anggormas shared that “it was an eye-opening experience and I enjoyed it very much. It was amazing to receive advice from other Pastors and it continued to motivate me to pursue ministry. I would love to see more involvement in years to come. It reminds me that God will put people in my life to help me pursue His work.”

Shelby Waller, Campion Academy junior also appreciated the helpful discussion. “The Next Gen Pastor’s meeting was really helpful to me. It helped me realize that there are lots of pastors that are willing to mentor me and walk beside me. This meeting really encouraged me to go forward in my goal to become a chaplain because I know that both God and a pastor, can and will be by my side the whole time.”

The panel involved the Campion church pastors, Dick Stenbakken, retired military chaplain, and Mickey Mallory, RMC ministerial director.  Students asked questions which included: How do you know you are called to full-time ministry; What can you do right now to help prepare for a life calling; What schooling do you need to prepare for full-time ministry; and how do you go about finding a ministry position once you are done with your education.

For Campion lead pastor Micheal Goetz, he was encouraged by the student’s questions. He remarked, “It was surreal for me to see 14 high school students come to have their questions answered about serving God in some kind of full-time ministry. It was for me in high school when a pastor took a moment one Wednesday evening to answer my questions that I first thought the service of a pastor could be God’s calling on me. To be at a place to pass it on was humbling.”

Beginning next school year, the dream is to provide ongoing support for students who feel called to full-time ministry at Campion church. They would involve not only meetings with guest presenters, but also job training where students would be given the chance to experiment with the gifts that God has given them.

If you know of a high school student who is interested in full-time ministry and would benefit from future Next Gen Meetings, please email Pastor Micheal Goetz at [email protected]

–Mickey Mallory is RMC ministerial director; photos supplied

11 May

PIÑON HILLS CHURCH TO HOST “THE WALL THAT HEALS”

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By RMCNews with Lillian Clopine – Farmington, New Mexico … The Piñon Hills Seventh-day Adventist church in Farmington, New Mexico will be hosting The Wall That Heals, a three-quarter sized replica of the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial Wall in September.

Church members view this event to reach out to the community in a meaningful approach by serving and working with them. They hope that lives will be touched, and the love of Jesus visible to all who may attend.

The event is a way to reflect and honor veterans as many of them continue to deal with difficult memories and experiences or have loved ones that have struggled with the impact the Vietnam War had on their lives.

The Wall That Heals, is traveling exhibit which honors the more than three million Americans who served in the U. S. Armed Forces in the Vietnam War and it bears the names of more than fifty-eight thousand men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Commenting about the church’s involvement in hosting the exhibit in Farmington, Pastor Wayne Gayton said: “This is a real opportunity to share the healing power of Christ’s love and to honor those who gave their all for the gift of Freedom.”

The 53-foot trailer that transports The Wall That Heals will transform to become a mobile Education Center. The exterior of the trailer features a timeline of “The War and The Wall” and provides additional information regarding the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. Additional exhibits will give visitors a better understanding of the legacy of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the collection of items left at The Wall.

Local displays will include:

  • Hometown Heroes – Photos of service members on The Wall who list their home of record from the local area will be displayed.
  • In Memory Honor Roll – Photos of Vietnam veterans from New Mexico who returned home and later died of Vietnam-related illnesses and have been honored through the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund’s In Memory

Piñon Hills will also be holding a prayer breakfast for community leaders. Dick Stenbakken, Ed. D., a veteran, and Chaplain (Colonel) U S Army, Retired, will be a featured speaker. He commented that “it is both important and essential for the Seventh-day Adventist church to be involved with community projects and programs.

“When we do so, we follow the example of Christ and His Ministry of Presence. ‘Being there’ tells the community that we care, and we are part of the community, not just disinterested observers.”

Members will be serving as committee leaders and volunteering during the event. Lillian Clopine, Chairperson for The Wall That Heals explains, “Community members will have the opportunity to meet and interact with church members.  We will be praying that the Holy Spirit will guide us through this process and that the event will honor God and touch lives, and that the attendees will come to better know the source of all healing – Jesus Christ.”

She added, “I am humbled we have been afforded this opportunity to serve our community and to touch lives with love and kindness by following our Lord’s example.”

The exhibit, will be located on the San Juan College athletic fields, will be open beginning at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 9th to the public through 2:00 pm Sunday, September 12th. Admission is free and visitors can visit the wall anytime day or night.

To learn more about this event please email [email protected]

— RMCNews with Lillian Clopine is Chairperson for The Wall That Heals and a member of Piñon Hills Adventist church; photo supplied

 

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