Elisabet Kirkland

Dave VandeVere – Denver, Colorado … Hello, friends! Mission Summit is just a few days away, and I’d love to see you there. Rocky Mountain Conference’s (RMC) annual gathering begins Friday evening, October 2, and continues Sabbath, October 3, at LifeSource Adventist Fellowship, 6200 W. Hampden Ave., Denver, Colorado. Come for a special time of worship, prayer, encouragement, practical training, outreach, and—most importantly—the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit. And please bring a friend!

Why come? Mission Summit continues the story we see in the biblical book of Acts. Under Jesus’ authority and the Holy Spirit’s guidance, the early disciples shared the good news of God’s kingdom and of Jesus, our victorious Lord and loving Savior. We’re called to do the same. In uncertain times, we can offer our friends and neighbors real hope: the promise of Jesus’ soon return and heaven’s invitation to become God’s children, center their lives on Him, and worship Him rather than trust the false security our culture offers.

Acts repeatedly shows believers gathering, worshiping, praying, sharing stories of God’s saving grace, and receiving the Holy Spirit so others can be reached. We’ve built Mission Summit around those same elements.

We’ll begin Friday at 6:00 p.m. with worship and prayer, followed by encouraging stories from RMC ministries connected with churches, schools, and hospitals. On Sabbath morning at 9:30 a.m., Dr. Gary Krause of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists will share stories of lives being changed by the gospel around the world. We’ll also hear more stories from across RMC. During morning worship, an episode from Jesus’ ministry will invite each of us—and our churches and schools—to renew our Kingdom purpose and put it into action.

After an international Sabbath potluck, we’ll gather again at 2:00 p.m. for more stories, hands-on training, and actual outreach. Vespers with Jesus will close our Sabbath experience at 5:00 p.m.

For more details—including games and fellowship at Mile High Academy after sundown—visit the Mission Summit website. I’m looking forward to worshiping, learning, serving, and spending this meaningful time with you!

—Dave VandeVere is president of the Rocky Mountain Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.

RMCNews – Monte Vista, Colorado … After reconnecting with the Seventh-day Adventist Church through his grandmother, Roy Antencio recently chose to be baptized.

His grandmother had reached out to Ted Williams, district pastor of the Trinidad, Alamosa, and Monte Vista Seventh-day Adventist Churches, and Antencio and Williams began meeting regularly at a local restaurant. During one of their conversations, Roy shared his desire to be baptized.

Although his grandmother had taken him to church as a child, he had never been baptized. Antencio was baptized at the Alamosa Church, since Monte Vista does not have a baptismal, and received his baptismal certificate at the Monte Vista Church, his local congregation, the following weekend.

He plans to continue attending church as he begins this new chapter of his faith journey.

—RMCNews. Photos supplied.

Denali Sager – Loveland, Colorado … Walter Rogers, pastor and chaplain at Campion Academy (CA) in Loveland, Colorado, presented “Evidence for God,” a series of short messages focused on giving students solid answers to many common questions or doubts, September 7-11.

Week in Spiritual Emphasis (WISE) kicked off on Monday with the story of Rogers’ formative years, and how the choices he and his brother made led to the brothers having starkly different opinions of God.

Julia P., junior student, said, “My favorite part of WISE so far is how Pastor Walter includes the students in his illustrations. He calls people up and plays Uno and makes pancakes. My favorite sermon was Tuesday’s because it made a lot of sense.”

On Tuesday and Wednesday, Rogers spoke on the topic of “random chance.” Beginning the talk with a deck of “Uno” cards, Rogers illustrated the possibility but high improbability of all eight “Wild” cards being drawn in a row and compared those statistics to the improbability of perfectly matching the genome of the simplest bacteria. Another favorite illustration came when Rogers created “random chance pancakes” with a given correct probability of 1/45. Students drew papers with ingredients and measurements randomly.

On Thursday, students learned the evidence for Jesus and His miracles being true and factual versus being a legend, lie, or fairytale. Rogers compared the stories of Saint Nicholas (Santa Claus) and Jesus to give students a sense of scale when comparing timelines, witnesses, and historical accuracy.

Danilo de A., senior student, said, “One thing that stuck out to me was the backstory of Santa Claus. It was interesting to hear the true story and to learn how the story changed. It was very different from what I thought. It showed how little the Bible changed in comparison.”

Friday morning, Rogers taught how the book of Daniel was proven as a prophetic book by the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls. Additionally, he spoke about other prophetic timelines and several of the many prophecies foretelling Jesus’ birth, life, and death.

This year, Week of Worship was renamed Week in Spiritual Emphasis (WISE) to be more encompassing of the programming.

Rogers said, “My goal for WISE week was to provide an intellectual foundation for the students to build their faith. I wish to foster an environment focused on students’ retention of faith through high school and beyond. I don’t want students to be sucked into faith just because it sounds good emotionally. I want them to have a strong, defendable basis of faith.”

—Denali Sager, Campion Academy Student News Team. Photos by Josh Profir.

Jill Harlow – Loveland, Colorado … Led by Sarah Rogers, Agriculture Science teacher, the agriculture program has returned to Campion Academy in Loveland, Colorado, and is already growing vegetables and providing fresh eggs to the cafeteria.

As work on reinstating the program only began in late summer, the garden has just begun with a few raised beds to finish out the growing season. The healthy plants in the beds are producing tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and green beans to add to the lunchtime salad bar.

In addition, the chicken coup has come back to life as the program was gifted with several laying hens which are starting to provide fresh eggs.

Students in the agriculture class as well as student workers are learning to take care of the plants, harvest the vegetables, and collect eggs.

Plans are in place to make use of the greenhouse this school year. Students have finished repurposing the fencing from the old growing tables to predator-proof the greenhouse. They will also be using the heavy-duty pallets and large wooden beams from the tables to build raised beds that will allow more plants to grow indoors year-round.

Stay tuned to see how this program keeps growing!

—Jill Harlow is Campion Academy Communication director. Photos by Jill Harlow.

RMCNews – Ward, Colorado … Leonardo Jimenez-Chale was publicly affirmed and ordained into ministry, September 5, at the 2026 Rocky Mountain Conference (RMC) Hispanic Camp Meeting at Glacier View Ranch in Ward, Colorado. Ordination in the Seventh-day Adventist Church follows a process of ministry experience, evaluation, and approval by conference and union leadership.

Leonardo Jiménez-Chale was born in Batey 6, Province of Bahoruco, in the Dominican Republic. He is the youngest of four brothers and was born to parents who instilled in him values of respect, honest work, and faith in God.

His faith journey began when he was baptized at 10, giving his heart to Christ at the Seventh-day Adventist Church in his local community. His call to full-time ministry was realized as he served as a deacon in various ministries and earned his bachelor’s degree in theology in November of 2015 at the Dominican Adventist University (UNAD).

During his studies and prior to graduation, Jiménez-Chale completed several pastoral internships in the Dominican Republic including the churches of Los Transformadores (Bonao), San Cristóbal, and the church of Batey 6. He also served in the United States during this time as a literature evangelist, or colporteur, in Atlanta, Georgia, in 2013, and as a Bible worker in Seattle, Washington, in 2014.

After graduation in 2015, Jiménez-Chale served as a colporteur, volunteer pastor, and evangelist in Atlanta, Georgia, a Bible worker from 2017 to 2018 in Siloam Springs, Arkansas, and a Bible worker and volunteer pastor in Colorado from 2018 to 2022.

Jiménez-Chale has been an employed pastor in the RMC since March 2022 pastoring the Denver, Montrose, and Glenwood Springs districts in Colorado. He currently serves in the Denver Central district, preaching, teaching, and providing pastoral care in times of crisis having just completed a Master’s in Family Counseling at UNAD in November. He is pursuing a Master’s in Pastoral Ministry (MAPM, Hispanic Track) at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan, and began Clinical Pastoral Education in 2026.

The Candidate for Ordination was introduced by Hugo Guillén, RMC Ministerial associate director and lead for Multicultural Ministries, and Ruben Rivera, retired RMC Hispanic Ministries director, traveled from where he now resides in Mexico to provide the Ordination Sermon. The Ministry Affirmation was given by Nathaniel Gamble, RMC vice president for Administration.

The Ministry Charge was presented by Sean Lee, RMC Ministerial director, and Tyrone Douglas, Mid-America Union Conference (MAUC) Church Ministries director, and the Ordination Prayer and Welcome into Ordained Ministry was offered by Dave VandeVere, RMC president.

“Joining a pastor in their ordination is one of the great joys and privileges of serving the Rocky Mountain Conference. It is deeply meaningful to witness someone publicly answer God’s calling to a life of service to Christ and His church. I am always grateful for the opportunity to stand alongside them, pray over them, and celebrate the beginning of this important new chapter in their ministry,” remarked VandeVere.

Guillén also presented the Ordination Certificate and Bible. “He’s a great pastor,” praised Guillén. “I hope he continues to grow here and that the Lord continues to bless him in his ministry and on a personal level. I hope these blessings can flow through him to our churches and to other [local church] leaders that he’ll be working with in the future.”

The ceremony also featured special music and remembrances from personal acquaintances and a special music offering from Michelle Matius, a Christian singer-songwriter and recording artist from the Dominican Republic and the invited musical guest for the camp meeting.

Jiménez-Chale is married to Wendy Medina, who has been a help and ministry partner, and to whom, after God, he owes much of his ministry success. He speaks Spanish and English, with some knowledge of French and Haitian Creole. His life and ministry reflect a deep commitment to discipleship, restoring those who have drifted away, and the holistic care of the church.

—RMCNews. Photos by Liz Kirkland.

Glet France – Farmington, New Mexico … The sound of laughter has once again filled La Vida Mission* (LVM) school south of Farmington, New Mexico, as students return for another exciting academic year. Teachers and staff warmly welcomed our students back to campus with joyful hearts. After a long and relaxing summer break, they rejoice and give thanks to the Lord for bringing the students safely back to the school.

The classrooms are once again filled with cheerful conversations, the joy of reconnecting with friends, and the eagerness to learn. The excitement is already evident as students have begun asking about possible field trips and activities for the months ahead.

“As we began this new academic year, the Lord has already shown us how faithful He is,” remarked Glet France, LVM middle school and music teacher. “Even before classes officially began, He had already prepared and provided for the needs of our school. We are encouraged by the many ways He continues to guide us and bring people who are willing to serve.”

One of the blessings LVM received was through the willing hearts of Norla Chee, LVM Seventh-day Adventist Church member, and VJ Panganiban, LVM Church Elder, who graciously agreed to serve as part-time teachers for the lower grades while they are in search of a permanent teacher. France commented, “Their willingness to step in and serve is a wonderful reminder that God provides at just the right time.”

She continued, “We are also sincerely thankful for the generous donations of school supplies and monetary gifts for our students from Linnea Balkan, Sherman Mohler, and Joan Fos. We also extend our heartfelt appreciation to everyone who continues to share their blessings with La Vida Mission. Your support is deeply valued and appreciated.”

“Truly, the Lord has been faithful to us. As we look forward to the days and months ahead, we are reminded that we do not walk this journey alone. We trust that the same God who has provided for us from the very beginning will continue to guide our steps, meet our needs, and bless our school throughout the year.”

* La Vida Mission is a supporting ministry of the Seventh-day Adventist Church but is not affiliated with the Rocky Mountain Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.

—Glet France is La Vida Mission middle school and music teacher. Photos supplied.

Aome Jacob Angeles – Ward, Colorado … Students of the Class of 2027 at Campion Academy (CA) in Loveland, Colorado, continued the tradition of Senior Survival, September 2- 6, spending five days together as a class in the mountains at Glacier View Ranch (GVR) in Ward, Colorado.

As part of the experience of Senior Survival, students could bring sleeping bags but had to construct their own shelters using tarps, tape, twine, and the natural resources available to them. Besides a few sprinkles, the weather was clear and sunny, so the shelters were able to hold up through the weekend.

Each day included opportunities for spiritual growth and connection. Class sponsors, Walter Rogers, CA chaplain and Bible teacher, and chaperones led out in worship services and shared important biblical lessons and life advice suited for the soon-to-be graduating senior students.

For most meals, students had the liberty to cook their own food with the provided ingredients and utilities.

Kai N., CA student, shared, “Cooking was a fun way to bond with my group. We cracked jokes, talked about relationships, and shared stories as we cooked and ate. There was a lot of laughter.”

Throughout the week, the students were put through various games and trials that tested their ability to work together as a team. They struggled at times, but with persistence and teamwork, they were able to pull through.

Outside of the games, the students bonded and connected over the main campfire (propane this year due to fire restrictions). The main campfire was the central hub of the camp where students held worship, meals, and conversations, both cheerful and deep.

For many senior students, talking around the campfire was their favorite part, including student Donagh O. who reflected, “Sitting around the campfire at night with my friends laughing and chatting really made me feel at home. I had really bonded with my classmates.”

The students from the class of 2027 left Senior Survival with a strong impression. Many connected and learned from each other in a way they hadn’t before. Student Stone G. explained, “I learned that a lot of us go through the same mental struggles, and being at senior survival taught me that.”

—Aome Jacob Angeles, Campion Academy Student News Editor. Photos by Erik Stenbakken and Annalise Gomez.

RMCNews – Ward, Colorado … Nearly 700 people gathered for the Sabbath worship service during the 2026 Rocky Mountain Conference (RMC) Hispanic Camp Meeting, held September 4-7 at Glacier View Ranch (GVR) in Ward, Colorado. The weekend brought together members and guests from Hispanic churches across the conference for worship, fellowship, leadership development, youth activities, and opportunities to celebrate what God is doing through Hispanic ministry.

The theme for the weekend was “Leaders Serving Christ”—a focus designed to encourage leaders to continue growing both spiritually and in their ministry responsibilities. The theme grew out of a desire to challenge local church leaders that Christian leadership is ultimately about following Christ’s direction rather than maintenance of traditions or fulfilling personal convictions and initiatives.

“We’re here to serve Christ,” remarked Hugo Guillén, RMC Ministerial associate director and lead for Multicultural Ministries. “There might be some space for us to put in our own two cents, but sometimes God is very specific on what he wants.”

The weekend’s central takeaway was a call for leaders to examine their priorities and allow Christ to define their service. The message was particularly relevant for leaders who have served for many years, reminding them that spiritual and leadership growth is continuous.

The speaker for the Sabbath School portion of the worship service was Dr. Elvis Díaz, director of Sales and Marketing for El Centinela Magazine and Spanish-language Books at Pacific Press, who complimented the weekend’s theme through devotionals reinforcing the importance of strengthening the fundamentals of life and leadership and unity in the church.

Didier Noriega, senior pastor for the Escondido Spanish Seventh-day Adventist Church in Escondido, California, and Hispanic Ministries evangelist for Southeastern California Conference, was selected to provide the Sabbath worship message because of his ability to connect with both adults and younger generations. His messages emphasized the importance of caring for personal and family life as a foundation for effective Christian leadership.

Guillén commented, “One of the emphases that really came through was that, as leaders, we need to take care of what’s going on in our personal life and in our family life. If we’re going to be good leaders at church, we’ve got to be good leaders at home.”

Noriega also addressed the importance of unity within the church. Guillén continued, “He talked about unity of the church and bringing the church together—working together—because that glorifies God.”

After the Sabbath worship services, family, friends, and RMC leaders gathered at GVR’s indoor pool for two celebrations of faith through baptism. Although baptisms were not originally planned to be part of the weekend, two individuals were baptized during the camp meeting.

One baptism was for a gentleman named Sheridan, a former Adventist from Steamboat Springs, who had been reconnected with the Adventist Church. The second baptism came through a request from Herbert Hernandez, lead pastor at the Chapel Haven and Northglenn Hispanic Seventh-day Adventist Churches in Northglenn, Colorado, for a young man who wanted to be baptized during camp meeting when his family was gathered. The baptisms became reminders that God’s work does not always follow the schedule people create.

The camp meeting was blessed with a musical concert by Michelle Matius, a Christian singer-songwriter and recording artist from the Dominican Republic. Matius created a memorable moment in the program by bringing youth from the audience together to sing along.

Bris Escobar, member of the Greeley Hispanic Seventh-day Adventist Church, remarked, “God spoke to each person that attended Campestre this weekend in different ways. To me, it was through Michelle Matius’ music. It was a beautiful experience that brought a powerful sense of renewal and connection with Jesus.”

Closing out Sabbath activities was the ordination of Leonardo Jiménez, lead pastor for the Denver Central Hispanic and Nueva Esperanza Seventh-day Adventist Churches. The ordination was celebrated by camp attendees as well as conference leaders, and members of Jimenez’s family, friends, and former district were able to participate in the special occasion. The ordination service concluded with a prayerful hope for Pastor Jimenez’s continued growth and ministry.

The Hispanic Adventist Youth Federation (FEJA), the youth ministry for the Hispanic churches, also played an important role throughout the weekend. Young people participated in special Sabbath worship programming and additional activities led by FEJA, including a Sunday rally featuring obstacle courses that brought children, youth, young adults, and adults together from different churches and generations to connect.

“The cool thing was that everyone was able to get involved … It really felt like a moment when we were all coming from different churches but were all together. We’re all just one big group having a good time,” reflected Guillén.

Attendees of this year’s camp meeting were given the opportunity to try out the new ropes course at GVR. Twenty-four individuals aged four through adult were able to challenge themselves during the activity time. “Everybody sets their own challenge with the course, and they pick their goal. Around ninety-five present of people were very happy with how far they got,” commented Jade Teal, RMC Youth assistant director.

Many attendees of the camp meeting remarked that the event was a blessing to them. Julie, camp meeting attendee from the Denver Hispanic (Pecos) Seventh-day Adventist Church, commented, “I am so excited to be here. It is so pretty. [I come] to spend time with friends and share time with the Lord.”

—RMCNews. Some portions of the article were curated by ChatGPT. Interviews, writing, and editing by Liz Kirkland, RMC Communication director. Photos by Liz Kirkland.

Cindy Roldan – Highlands Ranch, Colorado … Thirteen students from Mile High Academy (MHA) in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, accompanied by sponsors RD Gallant, MHA principal, and Cindy Roldan, MHA director of Student Services and Registrar, recently traveled 7.5 hours to Union Adventist University (UAU) in Lincoln, Nebraska, for a weekend of worship, workshops, and fellowship at UAU’s Leadership Conference.

The experience encouraged students to reflect on their influence and the leaders they hope to become. Junior student Mia shared, “I learned what kind of leader I want to be.” Senior student Daven added, “The seminars were interesting this year, and I learned how to be a leader through the Bible.”

Worship was another meaningful part of the weekend. Senior student Ally said she especially loved the afterglow following Friday night worship service and described it as her favorite part of the conference.

Students also valued connecting with young leaders from other schools. Junior student Genesis enjoyed spending time with fellow attendees, while senior student Branson’s favorite part was meeting new people and exchanging ideas about student leadership.

Saturday night’s football and volleyball games were another highlight. Freshman student Dayana jumped right in, using her athletic talents to connect with others and contribute to her team. For junior student Kirana, this was the first time playing flag football: “Mr. G taught me how to play football, and it was so much fun!”.

It was also wonderful to reconnect with MHA alumni, see them thriving, and witness how they have become an integral part of campus life at UAU. The MHA group returned home with fresh ideas, new friendships, and renewed enthusiasm for leading throughout the school year.

—Cindy Roland is Mile High Academy director of Student Services and Registrar. Photos supplied.