Elisabet Kirkland

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.

Jill Harlow – Loveland, Colorado … Campion Academy (CA) in Loveland, Colorado, is excited to welcome Sarah Rogers as the new Agricultural program director. Thanks to a generous donor, this will be a full-time position, providing the time and resources needed to cultivate a flourishing garden that will serve both our students and the wider community through locally grown produce. 

Sarah is the wife of our incoming CA chaplain Walter Rogers, and, along with their four children, they hope to move to Campion and begin work at the beginning of July. 

Sarah’s background is in elementary education, and she graduated from Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. Recently, she has been homeschooling her children, serving as Prayer Ministry coordinator for the British Columbia Conference in Canada, and working alongside her husband in their mobile apologetics ministry. She has also written a book which will be published this summer by AdventSource: The 10-day Psalms 91 Challenge.

Sarah’s love for agriculture began as a teenager, when her family owned an orchard. She cared for the trees and harvested and sold the fruit for her first work experience. Since then, she has continued to develop her green thumb with her large family garden plots. She shared that her garden always produced an abundance of food and not only was she able to fundraise by selling bumper crops with her family and friends, but also faithfully provide for their church’s community food bank. 

“I love growing and nurturing,” Sarah reflected. “I’m excited not only about the opportunity to grow food, but also to provide meaningful work experience and help feed students!” 

On a personal level, Sarah enjoys music, reading, crocheting, animals, and the outdoors. She also speaks Spanish and conversational Portuguese. 

Sarah will be teaching an Agriculture Science class and employing students in the work program throughout the year. They plan to begin immediately with growing microgreens indoors and rebuilding the greenhouse to support hardy winter vegetables. 

Kaleb Leeper, CA principal, elaborated on the goal of the reestablished program:

“The goal of the agriculture program is to provide an educational experience for our students through an additional class, Agriculture Science, expanding our work program, allowing for students to work on the land and in the greenhouse, and to provide fresh produce for the cafeteria. Our students benefit when they can play an active role in helping with operations of the school and providing food for the cafeteria, enjoying the ‘fruits’ of their labor from the garden. Another major goal in the department is to collaborate more with our RMC schools and churches through educational experiences, produce giveaways, market gardens, and other service-related opportunities.”

Leeper further explained the vital importance of agriculture in Adventist education: 

“Agriculture has long been a part of the DNA of Campion. Some of the first things planted on the Campion campus were berry bushes, and the academy benefited from the apples that were grown from Mr. Hankins’ apple orchard across the street from campus. As an Advent movement, we have been given much counsel on the importance of having agriculture work at our schools, where students can work, interact, and learn from the principles of God’s kingdom. These principles of cause and effect, patience, work ethic, etc., all contribute to the goal of right character formation in our students. 

“When a donor heard of the school’s interest in starting an agriculture program, they came forward and offered to fund a full-time agriculture director, in perpetuity, and provide support for the program’s needs in equipment and supplies. With such an offer like that, we felt that it was the Lord’s leading and we could not pass it up! We give God all the glory for this opportunity for the school and for our students.”

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

By Muriel Indermuehle

Baptism of Conner

Conner was baptized by his maternal grandfather and former Rocky Mountain Conference (RMC) pastor John Davidson, May 16. Conner spent most of his life in Longmont, Colorado, although he has since moved to Loveland. Conner has been raised in an Adventist home and is a student at Campion Academy where he will be a sophomore this fall. He enjoys anything musical.

While in school, a teacher recommended that he read the Bible for himself and in the process, he developed a connection with Jesus who has since become a personal friend. Conner says that by being baptized, he wants to show the world that he truly is a friend of Jesus and that there is nothing in this world as important as serving Jesus.

His favorite text is Psalms 27:1 which talks about never being afraid with Jesus at our side. Conner encourages us that when times are tough, Jesus will carry us.

Baptism of Tita

Also on May 16, Tita (Dayanara) was baptized by Campion Church’s associate pastor of Worship and Evangelism Leandro Bizama. Tita was born and raised in Ft. Collins, Colorado, and will be a senior student at Campion Academy this fall.

She is fascinated by the subject of Psychology. Tita was raised in an Adventist family and wanted to be baptized now because she finally feels ready. To her, baptism means accepting salvation and being born again.

Her favorite Bible verse is Isaiah 1:18, which promises that we can be washed whiter than snow. She encourages us to never stop praying.

Baptism of Silas

Silas has just finished his second-grade year at HMS Richards Adventist School on the Campion campus. He told Pastor Bizama that he really wanted to be baptized before school got out for the summer, and so that’s what happened.

Silas had filled out an interest card during a Week of Prayer at HMS indicating that he was interested in baptism. Bizama did some studies with him, and he plans to continue studying with Silas as he grows. Silas was so very happy to take this step in his relationship with Jesus, and it looked like he was truly radiating with love for Jesus as he came up out of the baptism waters.

—Muriel Indermuehle is assistant head deaconess at Campion Seventh-day Adventist Church. Republished with permission from the June 2026 Campion Connections Monthly Newsletter. Photos by Erik Stenbakken.

By Karrie Meyers

Every spring, we witness a familiar ritual. And a few weeks ago, across our community, students of all ages stepped onto stages, shifted tassels from right to left (or in some cases watched them fall off completely), and accepted diplomas. It is easy to look at these ceremonies as mere milestones, a series of checkboxes marked off by kindergartners, eighth graders, and high school seniors alike.

But if we only measure graduation by the certificates handed out, we miss the profound transformation that those graduation ceremonies actually represent.

Graduation was not just the end of a chapter. It was a testament to the hard work and resilience of our students, along with the quiet sacrifices of parents and teachers who poured their hearts into the next generation.

As a mother of a graduating senior this year, I found myself looking at this milestone through a lens shared by so many parents in our community. It’s a bittersweet season. With the ceremony now behind us, our thoughts are collectively shifting toward packing boxes, moving into dorm rooms (whether they are just down the road or across state lines) and preparing for the reality of an empty room at home.

Leading up to the graduation stage, it was incredibly easy for us parents to get caught up in the “lasts.” The last high school game, the last morning drive to school, and the last time our kids are under our roof in quite the same way.

But I am trying to shift my focus. Instead of grieving the lasts, I am choosing to focus on the firsts that lie ahead for my son and his classmates. Their first college classes, their first taste of true independence, and the first time they will test the wings they have been growing for eighteen years. When viewed through that lens, the future is incredibly exciting.

For Christian families, this transition carries an even deeper, sacred significance.

In our schools and homes, education has never been solely about academic achievement or career preparation. It is a journey of restoring the image of God in every student, focusing on their character and their spiritual growth. Because of that, a graduation stage is not just a platform for human recognition. It is a moment of profound gratitude for the ways God has shaped our children.

When our students graduate, we do not just celebrate what they have done. We celebrate what God has done, and what He will continue to do.

Every step forward is a reminder of God’s guidance, from a kindergartner learning their first Bible verse to a senior preparing to step out into the world beyond Mile High Academy. As parents, sending our children off to college dorms is the ultimate act of surrender. It is the moment we fully hand the pen over to God and watch Him write the next chapter of their lives.

Now we can look back with gratitude for the ways God has sustained our youth, and we can look forward with confidence. As these graduates now stand on the doorstep of a new chapter of their lives, we are reminded of the promise in Philippians 1:6, that He who began a good work in them will carry it on to completion.

Graduation is simply another step in a lifelong journey of faith. We send our graduates forth, into new classrooms, into high school and, for our seniors, into those new dorm rooms, not just with textbooks and linens, but with a mission to be the hands and feet of Jesus.

To all of our graduates, and to the parents walking this emotional tightrope alongside them: We honor your hard work, we celebrate your growth, and, most importantly, we praise God for the incredible firsts He has waiting just ahead.

—Karrie Meyers is the Mile High Academy marketing and development coordinator. Photos supplied.

Jose R. Alarcón – Aurora, Colorado … The Aurora First Seventh-day Adventist Church in Aurora, Colorado, recently demonstrated that the church’s mission extends far beyond its walls by hosting its first Community Health Fair, June 7.

Dozens of church members volunteered their time, talents, and compassion to serve their neighbors. The event was more than a health initiative—it was a living expression of Christ’s ministry and the church’s commitment to holistic mission. The Bible states, Jesus was going about in all of Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every sickness among the people (Matthew 4:23 NAS).

Throughout the day, families from the community received practical resources and encouragement through the Eight Natural Laws of Health: nutrition, exercise, water, sunshine, temperance, air, rest, and trust in God. Additional services included health education, medical consultations, community partnerships including the Fire Department, children’s activities, and distribution of school backpacks with school materials, creating an atmosphere of care for every generation.

The greatest testimonies come from the volunteers themselves. Dr. Lori Supit, Aurora Church’s health director and leader of the event, stated, “The health fair seemed to have a positive impact on both the church and community by creating and engaging environment where adults and children alike could learn practical ways to improve their health.” She added, “This health fair also served to strengthen connections among church members and the community, fostering a spirit of fellowship, support, and outreach.

Trevor Munson, a American National Red Cross* representative at the health fair, shared, “I was encouraged by the level of engagement and the strong sense of community throughout the day. Everyone was incredibly supportive and wanted to learn more at each station, not just go through the motions.”

“I feel that my role representing the Red Cross Blood Donation Services was well integrated with the health principles presented and caused many people to think about positive health outcomes, including signing up for the blood drive next month,” he continued. The Red Cross will hold a blood drive event on Tuesday, July 7, from 12:00 – 5:00 p.m., at the same location.

“The mission of the church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ and prepare people for His soon return,” remarked Jose Alarcón, Aroura First lead pastor. “By following Jesus’ example, Aurora First’s Health Fair became an avenue through which practical service opened doors for meaningful relationships and future spiritual conversations.”

He continued, “Such events also strengthen the congregation. Members who volunteered discovered that the mission is not limited to pastors or evangelistic meetings; it is the responsibility and privilege of every believer. Working side by side fostered unity, developed spiritual gifts, and renewed a sense of purpose.”

The success of this health fair illustrates an important truth: a church on mission is a church that is alive.

When believers move beyond the sanctuary to meet the needs of their neighbors, they become the hands and feet of Christ. Mission is not simply a department or an event—it is the very identity of the church.

Jeremiah wrote, Seek the prosperity of the city where I have sent you into exile (Babylon), and pray to the Lord in its behalf; for in its prosperity will be your prosperity (Jeremiah 29:7 NAS). In this moment of displacement, loss, and bitterness, God instructs His people to get involved, build, pray for their new city, and flourish as well. God’s instruction is tied to the Great Commission. The mission of the church is to make disciples while living as exiles in this world.

* The American National Red Cross is not affiliated with the Seventh-day Adventist Church nor the Rocky Mountain Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.

—Jose R. Alarcón is lead pastor at Aurora First Seventh-day Adventist Church. Photos supplied by Jose R. Alarcón.

Campion Academy News – Loveland, Colorado … The Campion Academy (CA) community in Loveland, Colorado, proudly presented the Class of 2026 during graduation weekend, honoring 37 senior students for their achievements, spiritual leadership, and dedication throughout their high school years.

Academic excellence was celebrated throughout the graduating class. Nine students graduated with Honors, earning cumulative GPAs between 3.5 and 3.749, while 15 students graduated with High Honors, achieving GPAs of 3.75 or higher.

Sixteen senior students earned a College Preparatory Diploma, completing rigorous coursework including at least seven credits in core math and science classes. An additional nine senior students achieved the Advanced College Preparatory Diploma, which requires advanced coursework, college-level classes, and strong academic performance.

The graduating class also included 16 members of the National Honor Society, recognized for excellence in scholarship, leadership, character, and service.

Seventeen students were celebrated for attending Campion Academy all four years of high school, demonstrating a longstanding commitment to the school community. One senior student received special recognition for spending a total of twelve years on the Campion campus, attending both HMS Richards Adventist School and Campion Academy from first grade through graduation.

Speakers at the event included class president Lillian Resz and CA English and drama teacher Erin Johnson.

The Class of 2026 was full of talented academics, musicians, athletes, and they have left their legacy on each of these areas of campus. But most importantly to the mission of Campion Academy, the class members demonstrated their faith and commitment to Jesus as spiritual leaders at the academy.

Each one will be greatly missed, but the faculty and staff look forward to seeing the impact they will make in their communities, colleges, and careers as they follow God’s guidance.

—Campion Academy News. Photos supplied.