Jon Roberts

21 Jan

Ken Bacon Named President and CEO for AdventHealth’s Multi-State Division

By AdventHealth – Altamonte Springs, Florida… Ken Bacon who currently serves as group president for the Denver Metro Group of Centura Health, has been named president and CEO for AdventHealth’s Multi-State Division, effective March 1. Bacon is also a member of the Littleton Church.

As one of AdventHealth’s joint operating agreement, The Denver Metro Group includes the five AdventHealth hospitals which make up the organization’s Rocky Mountain Region, as well as three CommonSpirit Health hospitals. In addition to his group president role, Bacon serves as the regional CEO for AdventHealth’s Rocky Mountain Region.

In his new role, Bacon will oversee the strategic direction, development and expansion of the entire division, which spans five regions comprised of 20 campuses across eight states.

“Ken is a seasoned and collaborative leader who consistently rallies his team around a common vision,” said Terry Shaw, president/CEO for AdventHealth. “He’s driven by our mission and with his extensive experience, I have full confidence that Ken will continue to help AdventHealth deliver faith-based, whole-person care across our Multi-State Division.”

Bacon began his career at Ernst and Young before joining AdventHealth in 1991, where he quickly advanced in the organization. He served in various leadership roles including president/CEO for Littleton Adventist Hospital. Additionally, Bacon helped to lead the development and opening of Parker Adventist Hospital where he served as president/CEO.

As regional CEO for AdventHealth’s Mid-America Region, Bacon oversaw the opening of a new emergency department and outpatient campus in South Overland Park. He was part of the team that helped to bring Ransom Memorial Hospital into an agreement with AdventHealth. The hospital is now known as AdventHealth Ottawa.

“I have been privileged to work with incredible teams throughout my career and feel honored to be asked to serve in this role. I look forward to engaging with the teams that make up the Multi-State Division and getting to know the communities in which we are called to extend the healing ministry of Christ,” said Bacon.

Bacon earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting and management from Union College, located in Lincoln, Nebraska. He received his certified public accountant license in 1990 and went on to earn a master’s degree in business administration from Texas State University. Bacon has consistently been an active member of his community, serving on multiple boards throughout his career, including the South Metro Denver Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and the Adventist Community Services board in the Rocky Mountain Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. He currently serves on the Executive Committee of the Mid-America Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.

Bacon and his wife of 26 years, DeAnna, have three children: Paul, Mark and Olivia. In his free time, he enjoys skiing, camping, golfing and riding his motorcycle from time to time.

–AdventHealth news; photo supplied

20 Jan

BAA students celebrate MLK Day with community service projects

By Jodie Aakko – Brighton, Colorado … “My role as a young person [is] to support and promote social justice to help out with community service and telling others to not judge people from the outside,” Elid Provencio, fifth grader at Brighton Adventist Academy (BAA) reflected after a day of community service events to honor Martin Luther King, Jr. at BAA.

The academy staff and students celebrated Martin Luther King, Jr. Day as a “day out” in the community, rather than a “day in” at school.

The CHERISH (Christ-centered, Honor, Exploration, Responsibility, Integrity, Service, Heroism) core values shine brightly in the mission and purpose of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s leadership; therefore, the day provided an excellent opportunity for the students to put the values into action.

To begin the day, the student body assembled for worship which included a personal, inspirational message presented on video from Dr. Alexander Bryant, president of the North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists. Bryant shared his personal testimony, and highlighted the lives of Martin Luther King and Joseph from the Bible.

“I thought it was very cool because it meant a lot to us for him to make a video for us even though he lives near Washington, D.C. and has a bigger job to do. He told us to dream big with God’s plan,” Gizelle Luna, seventh grader said.

After worship, students spread into the community in groups to participate in Covid-safe outdoor community service projects.

One group circled Brighton Care Center to visit residents through the windows. The senior citizens’ faces beamed with jubilation and glee as students held up signs, called out greetings, sang songs, and jumped for joy. “It was fun to make people feel better even though we were seeing them through the window,” Liliana Marr, fourth grader exclaimed.

A few miles away, another team presented congratulatory posters to the Platte Valley Medical Center for sixty years of service, along with a basket of treats for the doctors and nurses. One poster spotlighted doctors and nurses as super heroes for their work during this pandemic, while another poster featured young students’ praying hands.

“It was nice that the doctors and the nurses and the directors came outside to meet us. I appreciate that they help keep us safe,” Kierstin Syvertson, seventh grader, stated.

A final group of students created personalized greeting cards for many Brighton church members who need a little bit of cheer during the current pandemic. Each card was safely hand-delivered with roses, and the surprise visit was complete with pleasant front-porch visits.

The day concluded back at BAA with a variety of learning activities and projects on Martin Luther King Jr., the Civil Rights Movement, and the lives of famous Black Americans. Some students studied King’s speech, “My Life’s Blueprint”, and Maya Angelou’s poem, “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,” while others were challenged by guest speaker Debbie Jackson, director of the Park Hill Pathfinder Club, to be a part of social justice today.

Jackson reminded students that King was a dreamer of what others could not dream.

–Jodie Aakoo is principal of Brighton Adventist Academy; photos supplied

20 Jan

GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN; COMMUNITY REMEMBERS MYA PEÑA

By Karrie Meyers – Highlands Ranch, Colorado … On January 14, 2020, Mile High Academy student Mya Peña lost her life in a murder-suicide, the victim of domestic violence. On the one-year anniversary of this heartbreaking loss, the Denver community, Peña family, friends, and Mile High Academy students and staff gathered to honor Mya’s legacy, remembering not only a kind-hearted individual, but also creating awareness about domestic violence and mental health.

They gathered on January 14 in downtown Denver where local artist Austin Zucchini-Fowler painted a mural in remembrance of Mya at the corner of 21^st and Lawrence streets. This location holds significance as it is near the area where Mya frequently served food to the homeless.

Attending the gathering, Andy Nash, Littleton church lead pastor, reflected on the event, “It was very meaningful to see so many students and families come together for Mya and her family. As parents ourselves, we especially want Audra to know that her beautiful daughter will remain in our hearts until the day Mya herself is with us again.”

To commemorate the anniversary, Mya’s mother Audra Peña teamed up with local businesses, churches, Mile High Academy, friends and family, collecting donations to distribute to the homeless community. Food, water, coats, gloves, hats and blankets were brought to the downtown mural where volunteers distributed them to those in need.

While time, memories and friendships have helped with the loss, there will always be a hole in the school community.

“The loss of a friend is like no other loss. There’s no way of just ‘getting over it,’ but it’s possible to get through it with the support from others. Having created so many memories helps make everyday a little easier,” Emily Raymond, classmate and Mya’s best friend, said.

MHA planned to mark the anniversary by hosting a day of events in her honor. Unfortunately, due to an ongoing quarantine, upper school students weren’t able to be on campus; however, they shared stories about Mya and prayed together for Mya’s family during an online time of reflection.

Mya’s best friend Emily reflected on the day’s events, “Her [Mya’s] memorials give us a chance to remember her life, not her death. I’m thankful so many people cared about Mya. Seeing how many people loved and cared for her has helped me grieve, encourages me to give back to her and try to live a meaningful life for her.”

Audra Peña, Mya’s mother, was grateful to MHA for all the love and support shown to her family over the past year. In an email to MHA she said, “Thank you again for everything! You all are such a precious blessing to my family and I. Mya would be so honored. We cannot express our appreciation enough!”

She has created the foundation Mya’s World whose mission is to provide a place for young people struggling to come to terms with domestic violence and mental health, or struggling in a relationship or needing a place to call for help.

To follow the foundation as it continues Mya’s legacy of helping others, please visit https://www.facebook.com/MyaWorld-102439001318533.

–Karrie Meyers is Mile High Academy’s communication assistant; photos supplied

20 Jan

OPINION: “Let the Truth Be Told”

By Daniel Birai — When I was six months old, my family left Nairobi, Kenya, and moved to Berrien Springs, Michigan, for what every immigrant seeks in America–a greater opportunity to make a better life. My siblings and I had the privilege of starting our educational journey in a Seventh-day Adventist school. My mother reflects often on how proud she is that we grew up at the Crayon Box on the campus of Andrews University. During our time there, both of my parents received advanced degrees at Andrews.

Later, we returned to Kenya, where my siblings and I again had the privilege of receiving an Adventist education at Maxwell Adventist Preparatory School. But my parents realized that while they had gotten what they needed–education–we had missed out on learning Kiswahili, and we were not going to thrive in a country where we did not know the language. Fluency in Kiswahili was a requirement for taking college placement exams. So, we soon moved back to Michigan.

We couldn’t afford Adventist education then, so I spent the rest of middle school, high school, and college in secular schools. I learned important lessons–how to stand up for my faith, what it meant to live in a family with Christian values, and how lonely it was to be one of only two practicing Adventist students in my college.

When I sensed the call to go into ministry, I was extremely reluctant, but I knew that I was in for an abundance of personal relationships with like-minded individuals. That’s exactly what I got at Andrews University; and most importantly, at Andrews I found my amazing Haitian wife, Lydie.

Fast forward to 2019 and our oldest daughter, Hadassah (we call her Haddie), is attending school. Pastor Paul Eagan was such an amazing mentor who taught me the importance of a pastor’s support for the church school. As challenging as finances could be, the mission of impacting children for eternity while providing a Christ-centered education was worth all the financial, logistical, and people challenges that came along with it. It was a lesson I treasured.

To see Haddie come home from school and often mistakenly calling my wife or me “Teacher” would have been a deep concern if we hadn’t known the awesome character of the Fort Collins Christian School. Since it was led by Dennis and Keiko Breese and supported by Jessica Reeder, we knew that it was a safe place for our child to be.

We moved to Denver recently to serve in a new church, which meant transferring Hadassah to Mile High Academy (MHA). Knowing that she had two other siblings following her, the first priority around moving to Denver was to find a home less than 10 minutes away from MHA. God provided one eight minutes away. We knew there would be many trips to MHA and great educators and administrators would enter our lives, especially Mrs. Lucy Werner, Haddie’s preschool teacher.

One day, sitting next to Haddie, I heard her humming a song. As the most vocal musician in the house, I was surprised that it wasn’t a song I had taught her. I asked her, “Where did you learn that song?” She replied, “At school.” Hmmmm, I thought to myself, it doesn’t seem like a learning song or a nursery rhyme, which I could instantly spot. I pretended to ignore her and heard a few lyrics come out of her mouth. “. . . I’m, oh, I’m fine but I’m not . . . Let the truth be told.”

Now I HAD to know what this song was. A quick search pulled up some songs by Matthew West, and Haddie instantly recognized and pointed to the one she was singing, “Truth Be Told.” After listening to the song with her, joy filled my heart. I felt so proud, so safe, so overjoyed that I didn’t have to be concerned or afraid of what she would learn while at MHA, or any of our Adventist schools. Are things perfect? Far from it. After all, we are dealing with human beings. But as parents, knowing that our children will spend just as much time with their teachers as with us, it’s critical for us to be able to trust what the teachers stand for. We are committed to Mile High Academy, or whatever Adventist institution we find God leading us through.

Let the Truth Be Told. Adventist education isn’t inexpensive. As schools across the North American Division close down, we may ask, what is going to prevent Mile High Academy, Fort Collins Christian School, Union College, or any of our other institutions from shutting down?

This is a question some of our pastors recently wrestled with. I love what my colleague, Pastor Tom of Aurora Adventist church, shared as a sermon illustration for the new year. He gave each of the worshippers that week two M&Ms. One represented mission, the other maintenance. He asked, “If you had to pick only one, which one would you pick?” Even though some tried to say “Both,” he challenged them: “Only one.” His point? We must stay focused on mission.

Our Denver area pastors have committed themselves to thinking of creative ways we can ensure that Seventh-day Adventist education will continue. Their commitment has strengthened my own conviction that the countless hours and millions of dollars required to keep it thriving are worth it. As far as I and my household are concerned, I’ll echo another pastor from our think tank: “I support Adventist Education because it works.”

–Daniel Birai is co-pastor at LifeSource Adventist Fellowship in Denver, Colorado; photo courtesy of Mile High Academy Facebook.

19 Jan

MHA AT TOP OF RANKING AS BASKETBALL SEASON BEGINS

RMCNews with Todd Essex – Highlands Ranch, Colorado … Mile High Academy (MHA) has been ranked as the top team in the Colorado 1A basketball program as the 2021 season begins. The poll is released weekly after voting by coaches and officials at Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA). There are currently 60 teams in Class 1A basketball.

Being ranked number one at the beginning of season is a testimony of the dedication the students and coaches have to the basketball program at MHA.

“Over the last 3 years since joining CHSAA, I’m very proud of the players, coaches, Athletic Director’s, and many others that have helped get to this point,” Todd Essex, MHA Varsity Boys Head Coach said.

Parents echoed Essex comments. “Congratulations to our kids and to all the coaches. I am beyond happy. I missed screaming for them,” Roselyn Oneka, parent of MHA student commented.

Essex reflects on the students he gets the privilege to coach, “The kids have always worked hard, been committed, and they compete with integrity. For me, there is nothing more rewarding than to be respected by other coaches and programs.”

The MHA Mustangs tip off their season on February 1.

–Todd Essex is the Varsity Boys Basketball Head Coach at Mile High Academy; photo courtesy of Todd Essex Facebook.

19 Jan

CAMPION ACADEMY GOES ONLINE DUE TO COVID CASE

By Jill Harlow – Loveland, Colorado … Campion Academy has had to move to remote learning for a period of at least two weeks due to a residence hall student testing positive for COVID-19 last Friday, January 15.

Following protocol, the student and his roommate were isolated and then tested last Wednesday, January 13 when the student first displayed symptoms, and the results came back on Friday afternoon. Completing contact tracing the school’s administrators isolated others who were close contacts. By Saturday morning, three of those close contacts had come down with similar symptoms, so the administration acted quickly to protect the other students and staff by sending all students home beginning Saturday evening and Sunday.

The students affected have remained in the residence halls under the care of the deans and school nurse and currently have mild symptoms.

Following Larimer County guidelines, after an outbreak of COVID-19, all classrooms have to move to online learning and quarantine for a minimum period of two weeks.

“It is unfortunate that we’ve had to send our students home for the time being. However, this is a situation that we have had to anticipate and plan for this year,” explained Principal Donavan Reeder. “Most importantly, we want to keep our students and staff safe, so we had to be proactive in preventing a further outbreak.”

The administration will be further monitoring the situation and is seeking out best protocols to bring students back to campus as soon as safely possible. Reeder is working closely with the Thompson Valley School District Safety coordinator to follow county guidelines in returning to in-person learning.

“We were blessed to have had a COVID-free first semester, and we trust that God will carry us through this experience as well and bring us back together soon,” said Reeder. “Please continue to pray for the ministry of our school.”

–Jill Harlow is communication director for Campion Academy

19 Jan

Not quite International Day at IAA

By Sarah Gould – Grand Junction, Colorado … Intermountain Adventist Academy (IAA) in Grand Junction, Colorado, began 2021 going back in time to the 1800s by hosting Western Day with students dressed up in their favorite Western apparel.

With the uncertainties of COVID even in 2021, IAA started the 3rd quarter with something students could get excited about–school spirit week. Students certainly didn’t disappoint with their creativity and flair.

“It was fun to see all the Western wear yesterday. We’ve got twins running around today,” Jami Simpson, second to fourth-grade teacher wrote on a Facebook post.

Sarah Gould, kindergarten and first grade teacher, commented, “We had a kindergartner come in Monday with a cowboy hat so wide, she hit the door frame trying to get in!”

The students faced challenges all week with Western Day on Monday, Twin Day on Tuesday, followed by Wacky Wednesday, Color Day on Thursday and concluded the week with International Day.

On Wacky Wednesday, students “showed Dr. Seuss proud”, dressing as wacky as his characters.

International Day may need to be explained next year, Gould explained “Seeing many students in “civilian” clothes (not school uniforms), I decided to inquire what country they were representing. One 6th grader replied, “America.”’

“Meanwhile, I had to suffer [through] wearing a sari from India that I’m sure, upon close inspection, would have received a disappointed shake of the head from anyone familiar with wrapping a sari properly.”

Students and teachers had a wonderful time as they celebrated God’s blessings in a unique way, and enjoyed the experience in-person.

–Sarah Gould is Kindergarten and First Grade teacher at Intermountain Adventist Academy; photos supplied.

Editor’s note – Children pictured without masks are under the age of 11 and are exempt from the Colorado mask mandate.

18 Jan

OPINION: EXPERIENCING MLK’S “I HAVE A DREAM”

By Chris Morris …“Hey Chris, you should put your name in the hat to be considered for our lead pastor position.” I was an elder at a small and wonderful church in Phoenix. The pastor of the church had announced that he was moving on to a different calling. After that specific worship service, a fellow elder approached me with that declaration.

I was in shock! I had been a high school math teacher for 16 years. Teaching was all I knew. While I loved preaching and connecting with people, I had no training or passion (so I thought) to be a pastor.

“Thanks, but no thanks,” I responded. I assumed that would be the end of it. Instead, the church persisted in letting me know that they wanted me to consider the position. And I persisted in denying the invitation.

Not long after that worship service, a conference official shared that he would be willing to pastor the church for a year, and invited me to be his associate pastor during that time while continuing my teaching. He said after that year, if I decided I wanted to remain in teaching, so be it. If, however, I found my calling was to the ministry, the church was mine to shepherd.

At this point, I knew this was a call from God. After prayerful consideration, I accepted the call to be the associate pastor. A year later, I was installed as the lead pastor. On the evening of the first Sabbath as lead pastor, I recall sitting in my bedroom with this feeling of emotional awe washing over me. A predominantly Caucasian Seventh-day Adventist congregation chose me, an African-American, to be their lead pastor? While I’m sure this wasn’t a first, I had never personally seen, heard, or experienced this before. For me, right there in that moment, a Martin Luther King, Jr. quote came to mind. “I look to a day when people will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.” That Phoenix church judged me by my character, not my skin color. It was a personal glimpse of MLK’s dream in my life.

It’s a dream that must persist beyond glimpses and arrive at full-on actualization, everywhere. It’s a dream that really wasn’t MLK’s to begin with. Galatians 3:27-28 says, “For those of you who were baptized into Christ have been clothed with Christ. There is no Jew or Greek, slave or free, male and female; since you are all one in Christ Jesus.” This was God’s intention for man and was Jesus mission among man all along. Through Apostle Paul, God chose his church as the people who would live out the principles of equality, justice, and unity in a world that more times than not reflects hierarchy, injustice, and division.

In 2021, we must acknowledge that we have not arrived. As God’s people, we have a special calling and privilege to continue the mission of Jesus Christ and of Martin Luther King, Jr. “We must learn to live together as brothers, or we will perish together as fools.”

–Chris Morris is associate pastor of Littleton church; photo courtesy of Chris Morris’ Facebook.

18 Jan

CAMPION STUDENTS RETURN WITH FRESH OUTLOOK FOR 2021

By Bentlee Barry – Loveland, Colorado … The campus of Campion Academy is once again filled with sounds of laughter, renewed friendships, and excitement as students return after a month and half being away.

Out of abundance of caution Campion started the second semester with online school for one week to allow any potential exposure to COVID over the holiday break to be extinguished. As the campus and school begin in-person learning the health and safety protocols which helped Campion complete the first semester COVID-free will continue to be in place.

Students are deeply appreciative of having classes return in-person and are anticipating a strong semester.

“I mostly am looking forward to making new friends and building the friendships I have already,” said Sam.

“I look forward to growing spirituality, and I’m really excited for volleyball and trying out for girls’ soccer,” Blessing reflected.

Many students have set goals and are looking forward to this new year and school semester.

“I really just want to get through the semester and graduate with good grades. I want to get closer with the people in the church because they have good insights and spirituality,” Jynaya explained.

Lindsey commented, “I would like to keep my grades consistent and end with a 4.0. I really enjoy playing all sports, so I’d like to work on my athletic skills.”

Campion Academy staff are eagerly anticipating opening up more programs and trips this semester if the COVID regulations ease.

–Bentlee Barry is a senior at Campion Academy; photo supplied

14 Jan

COLORADO SPRINGS CENTRAL ENDS 2020 WITH 44 BAPTISMS

By Mike Maldonado – Colorado Springs, Colorado … The Central Adventist church in Colorado Springs ended 2020 with a Sabbath afternoon celebration of five baptisms, including a community member who attends the local Baptist church.

How does an Adventist pastor get the opportunity to baptize an individual who attends the Baptist church? By being active in the community and fostering fraternal relationships with fellow clergy.

Mike Maldonado, pastor of Colorado Springs Central Adventist Church, has spent the last three years building a relationship with John Harris, the local Baptist pastor. The friends visit and worship in each other’s churches.

When Harris learned that Maldonado would be baptizing four individuals on December 26, he asked Maldonado to baptize one his congregants, as his age and frail health made it difficult for him to do so, Maldonado said.

On Sabbath afternoon December 26, the Baptist church attendee stood alongside four other individuals who were publicly declaring their love for Jesus Christ. Some 30 individuals joined in the celebration held at Central church, including many from the Baptist church.

Harris took part in the service by offering prayer and remarks prior to the baptisms, saying, “This is one of the most meaningful and beautiful baptismal services I have ever attended!”

The baptisms conclude a year of blessing for the congregation, but one that was also very tiring and stressful for many members. It also caps a year in which Central had the opportunity to celebrate 44 decisions for baptism, people who declared Jesus as their Savior.

“It goes without saying that 2020 was a difficult year for all of us,” said Pastor Maldonado.

“Yet, despite the pandemic and other disruptions, 2020 proved to be one of the most fruitful years for growth at Central Seventh-day Adventist Church in Colorado Springs. The Holy Spirit blessed Central with forty-four baptisms, each representing a precious person won for the Kingdom of God”

—Mike Maldonado is Pastor of the Central Adventist Church, photos courtesy of Central church’s Facebook.

Jon Roberts Page 56