Elisabet Kirkland

RMCNews – Denver, Colorado … The Rocky Mountain Conference (RMC) is pleased to announce that Nathaniel Gamble has accepted the call to be the new vice president for Administration. Gamble presently serves as RMC’s Public Affairs and Religious Liberty (PARL) director, member of the RMC Executive Committee, and lead pastor of the Grand Junction district of churches on the Western Slope of Colorado. He will maintain his role as PARL director and begin his new administrative role for the conference on August 1.

“I am excited to have Nathaniel join our administrative team here in the Rocky Mountain Conference. His love for Jesus and pastoral experience, coupled with strong administrative skills, will be a great blessing for our conference family,” praised Dave VandeVere, RMC president.

Gamble was born and raised in the Rocky Mountain Conference region and received his Bachelor of Arts in Religion from Pacific Union College in Angwin, California, and his Master of Arts in Theology from the Denver Seminary in Littleton, Colorado. He is currently finishing his Doctor of Philosophy in Systematic Theology from the Calvin Theological Seminary in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

“We are very excited that the Lord has been preparing Nathaniel for this type of work and that he is willing to accept this position. He has the administrative skills that are essential to the role, plus a deep theological understanding. RMC is blessed to have him join the leadership of the conference,” remarked Doug Inglish, current RMC vice president for Administration.

Serving RMC since 2019, Gamble has held several lead and district pastor positions, chaired the Mile High Academy (MHA) Board from 2021-2025, and served as the conference’s PARL director since 2022. In his pastoral roles, he facilitated training, mediation, and safety at his local churches, and created the MHA Bylaws and Constitution committee that drafted a new constitution for the academy. Gamble has also contributed to the Adventist position against Christian Nationalism and is a published author with the North American Division (NAD) Ministerial Association.

“It is a great honor, privilege, and weighty responsibility to serve the members and workers of the Rocky Mountain Conference in the capacity of vice president of Administration,” remarked Gamble. “While I did not actively seek this position, God and RMC have called me to this role, and I am heartily willing to serve according to the Lord’s grace.”

“I see [this] role as uniquely situated to encourage and promote compassion and listening to each other throughout the Conference, so I’m looking forward to using my administrative abilities to continue building up unity and mission between the schools, churches, pastors, teachers, and church members in RMC,” he continued.

“I ask the members of RMC to keep me in their prayers so that I continually pursue humility, obedience, and attentiveness to Jesus as I execute the responsibilities of this role on behalf of my brothers and sisters. Thank you for the trust you have placed in me.”

Gamble is joined by his ministry partner and wife, Alex, and toy poodle puppy, Johnny. He enjoys learning Colorado and Wyoming history and exploring ghost towns. You will also find Gamble spending time reading Greek poetry, learning about Christian communities in Jerusalem, and losing at chess.

—RMCNews. Photo supplied.

Jill Harlow – Valencia, Spain … Twenty students from Campion Academy (CA) in Loveland, Colorado, led by Jill Harlow, CA Spanish and English Language Learner (ELL) teacher, and two other sponsors arrived in Spain last week to begin their six-week journey learning to live in a new culture and to communicate in the Spanish language. The group will primarily be staying at the Seventh-day Adventist campus in Sagunto, Spain, near the city of Valencia, attending the college-level classes at Escuela Superior de Sagunto (ESDES).

The trip began in Barcelona, Spain, where a few days were spent touring before starting studies in Sagunto. In a tour that involved many miles of walking and public transportation, the group learned to navigate the city as they experienced famous sights such as the Sagrada Familia cathedral, Park Guell (with the iconic mosaic walls and city views), the museum at Camp Nou (FC Barcelona’s stadium), and much more.

Josh Fresse, upcoming senior student, commented, “A highlight of Barcelona for me was visiting the Sagrada Familia because it was so big, and very detailed and symbolic. It was cool to be in the presence of God in such a big space with fellow believers.”

A Saturday stood out as one of the most memorable experiences as our group led out in the Sabbath worship service at the Barcelona International Seventh-day Adventist Church. The church of about 40 attendees, mainly immigrants from Ghana and the Philippines, welcomed the group from Campion with open arms and many delicious potluck dishes.

Recent CA graduate, Lilly Resz, shared, “It was a very welcoming environment. Everyone was so friendly and happy to have us. They seemed so sincere and just wanted to praise God with us. And of course, the potluck was great!”

A group of Campion students led out in the song service for both Sabbath School and worship service and good naturedly went along with leading hymns that were sometimes not even on the preselected list. Other students were involved in special music, children’s story, scripture reading, and prayer.

“While I had initially planned this to be just a student-led outreach, God had other plans and two weeks before, the church asked me to give the sermon!” commented Harlow. “It was a blessing to connect and worship with other Seventh-day Adventist Christians across the world.”

On Sunday, they arrived at the school in Sagunto and started settling into their new routine of morning classes, beach or extracurriculars in the afternoon, and open gym in the evenings.

Every Wednesday is a field trip day, and the first trip was to the historic area of Valencia. About 30 minutes from the school, Valencia is Spain’s third largest city and has both a historic center and a modern city of arts and sciences. Students explored some of the ruins of the original city, the cathedral, and other buildings from the medieval period.

“Please continue to pray for our students here as while it is an amazing experience, they still face the challenges of living far from home, trying to adapt to a new culture, and the sometimes-overwhelming feeling of learning to understand a new language,” Harlow requested. “We praise God for the many ways he has answered prayers and blessed our trip already!”

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

Phil Mills – Franktown, Colorado … Around A.D. 125, a Greek philosopher named Aristides wrote to the Roman emperor Hadrian to explain a strange new people called Christians. What he chose to report is striking.

He did not describe their doctrines or their meetings. He described what they did for the people around them: “If they see a stranger, they bring him under their roof… And if there is among them a man that is poor or needy… they fast two or three days that they may supply the needy with their necessary food.” (The Apology of Aristides, ch. 15.)

Centuries ago, even those outside the Christian faith recognized that the most persuasive testimony was not doctrine, but deeds. When Aristides described Christians to the emperor, he did not dwell on their beliefs, but on their radical hospitality and selfless generosity.

This powerful principle is not confined to history—I’ve witnessed its transformative impact in my own ministry.

Years ago, when I served as pastor in Hartford, Michigan, our little church was largely invisible in the community. We prayed earnestly that God would open hearts and create opportunities to connect. Then, in a moment that felt like a direct answer to prayer, a teacher from the local public school approached us. She asked if we could start after-school programs for kindergarten through second grade. Sensing God’s leading, we launched the “Character Club.”

The response was overwhelming! By the end of the first year, more than 150 children were on a waiting list to join. Our small, quiet church became known. Soon, parents were asking for Bible studies, and the church attendance grew from about 15 to 80+ on a Sabbath.

That experience taught me a lesson I have never forgotten: when churches fail to grow, it is often because the real needs of the community go unmet.

This is exactly the pattern Jesus left us. One of my favorite quotes from the book, The Ministry of Healing, says it this way: “Christ’s method alone will give true success in reaching the people. The Savior mingled with men as one who desired their good. He showed His sympathy for them, ministered to their needs, and won their confidence. Then He bade them, ‘Follow Me'” (The Ministry of Healing, p. 143).

Notice the order: meeting people’s needs comes first. Service opens hearts where arguments cannot. When a community experiences genuine care, they become receptive to the church’s message.

This is how service projects transform communities: one open door at a time, one stranger welcomed as a friend.

That’s why I invite you to the 2026 RMC Mission Summit. Discover practical ways to serve your neighborhood with the compassion and purpose of Jesus. No matter your background, gifts, or schedule, there is a place for you. Let’s make a tangible difference—serving, sharing, and transforming lives together.

Watch for more details coming soon at RMCSDA.org

—Phil Mills is the lead pastor at Franktown Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Center for Youth Evangelism News – Berrien Springs, Michigan … The North American Division (NAD) Center for Youth Evangelism (CYE) has officially appointed Pedro Perez as the new International Pathfinder Camporee director. Perez steps into the role succeeding Ron Whitehead, who provided visionary leadership as both the CYE executive director and International Pathfinder Camporee director for 29 years.

Perez brings to the CYE a wealth of experience, most recently serving as the Pathfinder and Adventurer director for the Florida Conference since 2017. His extensive background in youth ministry also includes leading in the Florida Conference as Youth Ministries director (2010–2017) and previously serving as youth director for the Southern New England Conference.

“We are excited to have Pastor Pedro Perez as our new International Camporee director!” North American Division Youth and Young Adult Ministries director Tracy Wood eagerly voiced. “We look forward to collaborating with him and the CYE team in serving our vast network of club ministries leaders throughout the North American Division. Pedro brings a wealth of experience and knowledge in club ministries and has been part of the international camporee for many years. We anticipate that our 2029 NAD Stand Strong International Camporee will be phenomenal under Pedro’s leadership as we collaborate together in new ways!”

Perez brings vast leadership experience in youth and young adult ministries, having successfully served in both youth pastor and senior pastor roles. He holds a Doctorate of Ministry and a Master of Divinity from Andrews University, in Berrien Springs, Michigan, alongside a Bachelor of Theology from Union College (now Union Adventist University) in Lincoln, Nebrska. Perez and his wife, Claudia, have two young adult children, Gabriella and Alexander.

“I am thrilled to welcome Pastor Perez to the CYE team as our new camporee director. He brings to the team extensive evangelistic youth ministry experience in addition to his creative and intentional way of building leaders for the church,” NAD vice president Wendy Eberhardt shared. “The international camporee is a monumental experience in the spiritual journey of a Pathfinder and I am confident that [he] will continue to move the camporee forward as a life changing space where Pathfinders grow their faith and build discipleship connections that will last an eternity.”

—Center for Youth Evangelism News. Republished with permission from NAD News June 12, 2026, article.  Photos provided by the Center for Youth Evangelism.

Cielo Domino – Farmington, New Mexico … “One of the reasons why La Vida Mission* (LVM) exists is for children to know that God loves them. La Vida Mission School is so blessed to have two kindergarten graduates the month of May,” reflected Cielo Domino, LVM principal and lower grades teacher.

For several years, LVM had no kindergarten students registered, but for the 2025-2026 school year, there were five-year old twins, a boy and a girl. Domino remarked, “We had been praying for children to come to us, so we know that they are an answer to our prayers.”

After a year of learning, they finally made it to their graduation on May 21. Steve Nelson, lead pastor for the Farmington District of RMC churches, dedicated the kindergarten graduates, Havannah and Joseph, with a heartfelt prayer.

That day was not only kindergarten graduation, but it was also the time when the other students’ progress and improved skills were recognized. They received certificates of recognition in different areas. The excitement and anticipation from the students and the parents/guardians were visible in their smiles as they came up the stage to receive the certificates.

Part of the program were uplifting songs and a chime rendition by all of the students who were patiently taught and practiced by Glet France, LVM middle school and music teacher. The kindergarten through fourth grade students did an interpretative performance of the song “Yesterday’s Dream” through the guidance and training of Beth Fugoso-Panganiban, LVM Warriors Pathfinder Club director.

After the closing ceremony, everyone was invited to a hearty lunch at the cafeteria. “Kudos to Ms. Renita Juan and Ms. Reva Juan for preparing the food requested by the two kindergarten graduates and for the attractive decorations. One student excitedly commented that it was raining chocolates in the cafeteria,” praised Domino.

She continued, “Yes, another successful year is over. Praises and thanks to our Heavenly Father for bringing us this far. Once again, we have seen and experienced the goodness of God, and that His hands are not short in providing for His children. He always meets us at the point of our needs by using people like you to bless La Vida Mission as a whole.”

Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus (Philippians 1:8).

* 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.

—Cielo Domino is the La Vida Mission principal and lower grades teacher. Photos supplied.

Airelis Taimi Rosabal Pérez – Colorado Springs, Colorado … Un amigo de la Iglesia Adventista del Séptimo Día Hispana de Colorado Springs, en Colorado Springs, Colorado, que estaba listo para el bautismo, fue detenido por agentes de inmigración.

“Fue entonces cuando el Señor puso en la mente de nuestro pastor, Leonardo Jiménez, la idea de iniciar un grupo virtual de oración de 5:30 a 6:00am, durante 40 días, iniciando con un devocional y terminan unidos en oración por diferentes temas y necesidades presentadas al grupo. Este grupo sigue activo hasta el día de hoy, y hemos visto muchas oraciones contestadas”, comentó Airelis Taimi Rosabal Pérez, directora de comunicaciones de la Iglesia Hispana de Colorado Springs.

Uno de los miembros de la iglesia, “impresionado por Dios”, mencionó a inicios del 2026 que los esfuerzos de los miembros de la iglesia habían tenido impacto en la comunidad local y en los albergues para personas sin hogar, pero que no se habían alcanzado los resultados esperados. Sugirió enfocarse en el alcance a las familias; concentrar la atención en las familias ha sido el centro de los planes de misión de la iglesia para el año.

Los miembros de la iglesia comenzaron reanudando los servicios de oración y testimonios los miércoles, donde los predicadores van desde el pastor y los ancianos hasta miembros comunes. “A pesar de no ocupar un cargo formal, [estos miembros] se han dejado usar por el Espíritu Santo para presentar la Palabra de Dios”, reflexionó Rosabal. Los servicios de Recepción de Sábado se fortalecen con el estudio de un libro de la Biblia, profundizando en un capítulo a la vez.

Los miembros de la iglesia se reunieron durante 10 días de oración virtual, del 11 al 20 de enero.

En febrero, comenzaron a rotar una “Canasta Bíblica”. Esto consiste en que una familia recibe una canasta con frutas y una Biblia el sábado, y esa familia continúa orando y estudiando la Biblia, mientras toda la iglesia sigue orando por ella durante toda la semana. El siguiente sábado, la familia que recibió la Canasta Bíblica la devuelve llena y la entrega junto con la Biblia a otra familia, y así sucesivamente hasta completar el ciclo con todas las familias de la iglesia.

La iglesia organizó una Semana de Oración presencial titulada “Más allá de la Cruz” con el pastor invitado Engel Bon Félix, del 11 al 18 de abril.

El 22 y 23 de mayo, la iglesia participó en un fin de semana familiar, que comenzó el sábado con un seminario sobre la familia para preparar los corazones. Ese sábado, después del servicio habitual de Escuela Sabática, hubo un Culto Divino con un mensaje pastoral enfocado en la familia. Esa tarde, los miembros de la iglesia se reunieron para el Rito de Humildad y la Santa Cena, culminando en un hermoso espíritu de compañerismo con una Cena Ágape.

“Fue una experiencia verdaderamente maravillosa para cada participante, ya que para la mayoría era la primera vez que participábamos en una Cena Ágape”, comentó Rosabal. “También fuimos recientemente bendecidos con una campaña evangelística, ‘Abraza la Vida, Abraza a Jesús’, con el evangelista internacional Jaime González. Como resultado del trabajo realizado, y especialmente de la guía divina a través de la obra del Espíritu Santo y el servicio incansable, la dedicación, el esfuerzo y el apoyo de nuestro apreciado pastor Leonardo Jiménez, fuimos bendecidos y nos regocijamos en el bautismo de siete preciosas almas”.

Entre los bautizados estuvieron Margarita M. y su hija Tiffany B., Isis C., Lucas T., Mauricio N., y Viviana S. y su esposo Mariel G.

“También nos regocijamos en la presentación del hijo de Viviana y Mariel”, expresó Rosabal. “Nuestra obra no termina aquí; más bien, permaneceremos en oración y unidos, enseñando a los recién nacidos a caminar, mientras también mantenemos una vigilancia sobre aquellos que aún están retrasando su decisión de entregarse a Cristo, recordando que nuestra labor no termina hasta que Cristo regrese”.

—Airelis Taimi Rosabal Pérez es la directora de comunicaciones de la Iglesia Adventista del Séptimo Día Hispana de Colorado Springs.

Airelis Taimi Rosabal Pérez – Colorado Springs, Colorado … A friend of the Hispanic Seventh-day Adventist Church of Colorado Springs, in Colorado Springs, Colorado, who was ready for baptism, was detained by immigration agents.

“It was then that the Lord placed in the mind of our pastor, Leonardo Jiménez, the idea of starting a virtual prayer group for 40 days, beginning with a devotional and ending united in prayer for different topics and needs presented to the group. This group remains active to this day, and we have seen many prayers answered,” commented Airelis Taimi Rosabal Pérez, communications director of the Hispanic Church of Colorado Springs.

One of the church members, “moved by God,” mentioned at the beginning of 2026 that the efforts of church members had made an impact on the local community and on homeless shelters, but that the expected results had not yet been achieved. He suggested focusing on outreach to families. Concentrating attention on families has been the center of the church’s mission plans for the year.

Church members began by resuming Wednesday prayer and testimony services, where speakers range from the pastor and elders to regular members. “Despite not holding a formal position, [these members] have allowed themselves to be used by the Holy Spirit to present the Word of God,” Rosabal reflected. Friday evening vespers services have been strengthened through the study of a book of the Bible, going deeper one chapter at a time.

Church members gathered for 10 days of virtual prayer from January 11 to 20.

In February, they began rotating a “Bible Basket.” This consists of a family receiving a basket with fruit and a Bible at the Sabbath worship service, and that family continues praying and studying the Bible while the entire church continues praying for them throughout the week. The following week, the family returns the basket refilled and passes it along with the Bible to another family, and so on until all church families have participated.

The church organized an in-person Week of Prayer titled “Beyond the Cross,” with guest pastor Engel Bon Félix, from April 11 to 18.

On May 22 and 23, the church held a family weekend, which began with a family seminar to prepare hearts. That same day, after the usual Sabbath School service, there was a Divine Worship service with a pastoral message focused on the family. That afternoon, church members gathered for the Ordinance of Humility and the Lord’s Supper, culminating in a beautiful spirit of fellowship with an Agape Feast.

“It was truly a wonderful experience for each participant, since for most of us it was the first time taking part in an Agape Feast,” Rosabal commented. “We were also recently blessed with an evangelistic campaign, ‘Embrace Life, Embrace Jesus,’ with international evangelist Jaime González. As a result of the work carried out—and especially through divine guidance by the Holy Spirit and the tireless service, dedication, effort, and support of our beloved pastor Leonardo Jiménez—we were blessed and rejoiced in the baptism of seven precious souls.”

Among those baptized were Margarita M. and her daughter Tiffany B., Isis C., Lucas T., Mauricio N., and Viviana S. and her husband Mariel G.

“We also rejoiced in the presentation of the son of Viviana and Mariel,” Rosabal added. “Our work does not end here; rather, we will remain in prayer and united, teaching the newborns to walk, while also keeping watch over those who are still delaying their decision to give their lives to Christ, remembering that our work does not end until Christ returns.”

—Airelis Taimi Rosabal Pérez is the communications director of the Hispanic Seventh-day Adventist Church of Colorado Springs.