Elisabet Kirkland

RMCNews with Kim Dallum – Arvada, Colorado … The Arvada Seventh-day Adventist Church in Arvada, Colorado, has long been a church of service from weekly food preparation for a women’s shelter, monthly food donations to the Salvation Army Crossroads Center* in Denver, Colorado, international service mission trips, and even filling and sending a large commercial shipping container of donated household goods to Africa.

Some time ago, when asked about the efforts of the outreach ministries at Arvada Church, lead pastor Gordon Anic commented, “[These programs] are part of our church’s mission to alleviate suffering, both far and near.”

One of the most recent outreach ministries for the church is providing lunch service for a local homeschool program that provides peer interaction and additional instruction for children kindergarten through twelfth grade. This service project began this school year when Anic became aware that several of the students in the program suffered food insecurities at home and were not bringing lunch with them to the days that the program was being held in the church’s now closed on-site school facilities.

Leading this outreach is Kim Dallum, church member and ministry leader. Dallum, along with help from fellow church member Linda Barron, cook and serve a hot meal for up to 30 students every Monday the program is active and prepares food for the following Wednesday for the program directors to serve.

Dallum had remarked that they were originally only serving students who did not come with lunch. As food service continued, she noticed that more and more students began coming without lunch, attributing that to the likelihood that they were wanting to eat the delicious meals that were being served. After awareness of this, they decided to just serve all students in the program.

Dallum, a former nurse, now trains nurse assistants working in senior care facilities, prisons, and similar institutions on medicine administration. She began serving in outreach ministries in 2015 when she joined the Arvada Church, and is a leader with the church’s homeless ministry, Street Beat.

When Dallum first began volunteering with the Street Beat ministry, she would bake and serve chocolate chip cookies for the people that would come for a warm meal. She noticed that the cookies were a crowd favorite, reflecting that she thought they were so popular as they, “reminded them of better times.”

* Salvation Army Crossroads Center is not affiliated with the Seventh-day Adventist Church nor the Rocky Mountain Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.

—RMCNews and Kim Dallum. Kim Dallum heads the Street Beat and Medical ministries at Arvada Adventist Church. Photo by Liz Kirkland.

Steve Pester – Farmington, New Mexico … On the Navajo Nation, radio is not entertainment. It’s not background noise. It’s a lifeline. It’s the companion in the quiet hours, the connection to their culture going on around them and news from around the world. Radio is the only signal that reaches the farthest hogans. And because of KDHH, KDHP, and the livestream, that voice is now speaking hope, healing, and Jesus to close to 100,000 people.

Staff members at Dine Adventist Radio (DAR) are pleased to share several recent stories of lives being touched and transformed through DAR’s broadcasts. As you read these accounts, you are invited to keep the listeners in prayer, asking the Holy Spirit to continue working in their hearts and drawing them closer to Jesus.

 Every morning in Blue Gap, Arizona, Ruthie reaches for her radio before she reaches for her shoes. She told DAR, “I don’t turn on KTNN anymore. I turn on your station. It gives me such hope and encouragement.”

She listens all day long. The music, the stories, the prayers—they aren’t just programs. They are her culture. They are comfort. They are discipleship. Ruthie asked for a new‑listener packet because she wants to grow. The radio signal is teaching her faith in Jesus.

Near Kayenta, Arizona, a family with kids listens every day. Like many, they’re trying to find a balance of Christianity with their traditional upbringing, and DAR has become their safe place to explore faith without losing identity.

The father told us he listens to Tom Holliday’s programs—sermons recorded in Navajo at the VOP in the 60’s—because “I’ve always had questions … and now I’m getting answers.”

They are getting a copy of the book the Moccasin Trails to Heaven – Steps to Christ for 1st Nations People, from DAR to help them keep walking that journey. This is discipleship happening in real time.

In Kaibeto, Arizona, Millie heard a simple invitation on DAR to visit the Page All Nations Seventh-day Church. She called for Bible studies and a Bible, her first one—ever.

As she grew in faith, she invited her neighbor Helen, a retired flight nurse, grieving the loss of her son. The studies on death and resurrection became lifelines of hope for Helen to one day be with her son again.

Today, both women attend church every Sabbath. They found healing, friendship, and a spiritual home, all because of a simple radio announcement.

Everett, south of Burnside, Arizona, is blind, but he calls us almost every week just to say, “I’m still listening.”

When DAR gave him a GodPod, he held it like a treasure. His fingers danced across the buttons, and when he found the book of Galatians, in Navajo, he smiled and said, “This is where I’m at in my Bible right now.”

He listens to his favorites on DAR—Your Story Hour, Unshackled, and Discovery Mountain—programs shaping his faith day by day. He may not see the radio, but he feels the gospel

Alex lives in Nazlini, Arizona, where he attends the local Nazarene church, not out of convenience, but because it’s the only place nearby where he can hear messages in the Navajo language. Hearing God’s Word in Diné Bizaad matters deeply to him.

He’s excited to begin listening to the New Testament on his new GodPod, and he regularly tunes in to Diné Adventist Radio. For Alex, these broadcasts are a source of strength, hope, and connection in his own language.

Dolores and Emily, two sisters faithfully tune in to DAR from their home each week. For Emily, who relies on a walker and finds it difficult to attend church in person, the radio is her connection to worship, encouragement, and community. Since neither sister can travel long distances, DAR has become a lifeline that brings church to them.

They first discovered DAR at The Ranch album release event in Leupp, where they met DAR editor Kietel and “Navajo Gospel Hour” host, Anita, in person. Since then, they’ve become grateful, loyal listeners. Hearing familiar voices on the air has been a blessing to them, and recently, they received GodPods, something they’re deeply thankful for.

For Dolores and Emily, Diné Adventist Radio is not just a station. It’s companionship and a steady reminder that God meets His people right where they are.

Slim first connected with the Page All Nations Seventh-day Adventist Church through Diné Adventist Radio in Arizona. One day he heard the on‑air invitation to call the station for a GodPod, and he reached out. The Page Church Bible Workers followed up and personally delivered the GodPod to him.

They invited him to begin Bible studies, and while Slim isn’t ready to take that step right now, he is very thankful for the GodPod. He carries it with him and listens whenever he’s away from a radio. When he’s at home or driving, he keeps DAR playing. Whether through the GodPod or the radio, he is hearing the Word of God every day.

Even though he hasn’t chosen to start Bible studies yet, his heart is open enough to keep listening, and that’s a powerful beginning.

“Please pray that, in God’s timing, Slim will feel impressed to walk through the Bible studies and discover the precious truths of our faith,” urges Steve Pester, DAR network manager.

These listeners aren’t statistics. These are souls, for the kingdom, and hundreds more we haven’t met yet.

Diné Adventist Radio is not just broadcasting. It is breaking isolation, giving hope, sharing information for dealing with struggles and lifting up Jesus. Then we have events for listeners and connecting them with the local congregations who invite these listeners to walk through the open doors at our Seventh-day Adventist churches.

This is why we’re here today.

This is why this ministry matters.

And this is why we must keep moving forward.

* Dine Adventist Radio and La Vida Mission are supporting ministries of the Seventh-day Adventist Church but are not affiliated with the Rocky Mountain Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.

—Steve Pester is the Dine Adventist Radio network manager. Republished with permission from Navajo Waves e-newsletter, April 2026. Photos supplied.

Heidi Carpenter – Denver, Colorado … On October 2-3, members from across the Rocky Mountain Conference (RMC) are invited to gather at LifeSource Adventist Fellowship in Denver, Colorado, for a special conference-wide weekend called Mission Summit. The entire weekend will center on Our Calling to Serve and Share.

Why does a weekend like this matter?

We believe God is at work in countless ways throughout the Rocky Mountain Conference territory, yet, too often, those stories go unheard. It is easy for churches, schools, hospitals, and individual members to feel isolated—or even discouraged—in mission.

Mission Summit is an opportunity to reconnect around our shared mission and celebrate what God is doing across RMC. We hope what is learned and experienced during Mission Summit will influence our conference as a whole, multiplying opportunities to lovingly serve and share in every community.

In the broadest sense, Mission Summit seeks to foster a deeper spirit of unity across the Rocky Mountain Conference.

As churches and members come together, we are reminded that we are not working alone. We are fellow disciples, teammates in God’s mission, serving the unique communities where He has placed us.

In every sense of the word, we are missionaries to the neighborhoods surrounding our homes, churches, schools, and institutions. By aligning our hearts, purpose, and efforts, we can more effectively bless the communities around us.

At a time when our world is full of struggle, depression, and pain, we have hope, healing, and genuine connection to offer because of Jesus. That’s why pressing together in unity of mission matters now more than ever.

Watch for more details coming soon at RMCSDA.org

—Heidi Carpenter is the associate pastor at LifeSource Adventist Fellowship.

Cinthya Miranda – Denver, Colorado … Every third Saturday in the month of May, members of the Adventurers Club around the world unite to celebrate World Adventurer Day. Each year carries a special theme, and this year’s theme, “Walking with Jesus,” could not have been more beautifully reflected across the Rocky Mountain Conference (RMC) and beyond.

“Every member of the RMC Adventurer Club council had the privilege of visiting a different church, and I was blessed to attend Colorado Springs Central. From the moment I walked through the front entrance, I was welcomed with warmth, kindness, and a beautifully designed church bulletin honoring the year’s theme,” reflected Cinthya Miranda, RMC Adventurers coordinator. “The sanctuary itself was decorated with care and purpose with colorful scarves draped across the pews and the Adventurer Law and Pledge proudly displayed at the front for all to see. Ola Tebear, who is the Adventurer Club director in Colorado Springs, did a beautiful job.”

She continued, “As I walked down the aisle, I was met with smiles from church members whose joy and support could be felt in every corner of the church. Pastor Dave Ketelsen proudly wore his Master Guide Adventurer scarf as he delivered a powerful and engaging message from the Word of God. It was one of those moments that reminds you just how beautiful ministry truly is.”

The day was made special as, around the world, over 2.5 million children celebrated what it means to walk with Jesus. The Adventurer Club is far more than just another activity for Adventist children. It is intentionally designed to nurture, mentor, and spiritually guide young hearts toward Christ. When children are involved, engaged, and given responsibility within the church, they begin to understand that they belong, and that belonging helps build a lasting faith.

In preparation for World Adventurer Day, Adventurer staff members launched “The Scarf Challenge” one month prior to the celebration. Club members, counselors, directors, and parents were encouraged to wear their scarves everywhere they went and share photos on the Rocky Mountain Conference Adventurers and Pathfinders (RMCAP) Facebook page. The club that wore their scarves the most would win a pizza and ice cream party. But the challenge was never really about the prize, it was about identity, courage, and witness.

“Wearing the scarf gave our kids the opportunity to show they are part of something greater than themselves,” commented Miranda. “It became a conversation starter, a testimony, and a simple but powerful way for children to evangelize among their peers and communities.”

Every club found its own creative way to embrace the challenge. The Brighton Blue Jays wore their scarves on a trip to Texas. A counselor from Greeley Nazareo wore hers while grocery shopping. Golden Falcons proudly took their scarves to Buc-ee’s and the pool. Denver South Hispanic Estrellitas de Jesús even went to sleep wearing theirs! Loveland Cougars had one determined Little Lamb, Arleth G., who went above and beyond in the challenge for the title.

Miranda remarked, “Many clubs joined the fun. Hundreds of pictures poured in—some adorable, some hilarious, and many that made us incredibly proud of these young Adventurers being disciples and shining Jesus to the world around them. The goal has always been simple: to walk with Jesus and share Him wherever we go. And these children did exactly that.”

The Greeley Nazareo Club team won the challenge by 1 point. The Denver South Hispanic Estrellitas de Jesus Club team followed with second place, and the Loveland Cougars Club team placed third thanks to the dedicated Little Lamb club member.

“Please continue praying for our Adventurer clubs. Get involved if you can. If you can spare your time, invest. If you can share your knowledge, teach. And if all you can offer is prayer, never underestimate its power. Together, we are raising a generation that is learning to faithfully walk with Jesus,” closed Miranda.

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path (Psalm 119:105).

We are Adventurer Strong.

—Written by Cinthya Miranda, RMC Adventurers coordinator, and edited by Lacinda Hopkins, RMC Adventurers coordinator. Photos supplied.

Campion Academy News – Loveland, Colorado … At the final chapel session of the school year at Campion Academy (CA) in Loveland, Colorado, the Publications class unveiled the new Mountain Echoes yearbook in a creative way by dropping several copies from the roof of Hankins Hall with parachutes and confetti cannons. The celebration tied in with the theme of the book and the school year: “Look Up.”

Due to the top-notch photography and design work put in by the students, the book has already won three Colorado Student Media Association Awards.

For the State of Colorado, Abigail B., CA Yearbook Student Editor, won first place for her spreads in the people category, and her theme pages won honorable mention. Gerrad V. got second place for his spread in the Student Life category.

Abigail shared her experience in her first year as editor: “At first, I barely knew what I was doing, and I wasn’t sure how to tie the theme pages together. I had to go back to the drawing board many times, and I spent a lot of time over each break working on designs. I learned there is so much depth to design that people often fail to realize and that there are so many little details.

“I also learned what it truly means to be a leader. Though we were behind at times and pulled some late nights in the office, we all had perseverance to pull through and finish. Despite some mistakes, I think our yearbook turned out really well and the design choices were intentional,” concluded Abigail.

The theme elements included a cut out of the mountain skyline as seen from campus, and warm sunset tones.

Last year’s book received honorable mention recognition by the Walsworth Publishing Company for being in the top 10% in the nation produced by the company. With greater improvements this year, the class has hopes to take that even further.

“I am very proud of the students and the hard work they put in,” commented CA yearbook advisor and Communication director, Jill Harlow, “Not many people can appreciate the countless hours it took to design each spread, so I’m so happy they are receiving recognition for their efforts.”

—Campion Academy News. Photos supplied.

Oscar Ren – Loveland, Colorado … Musical ensembles at Campion Academy (CA) in Loveland, Colorado, gathered in the gymnasium for the annual Pops Concert, the final performance of the school year, May 2. Students, parents, and faculty attended the event, which featured performances from Beginner and Intermediate Bands, Choir, Handbells, Koinonia, Symphony, and Jazz Band.

“I enjoyed playing my instruments on and off stage,” said student Abigail B. “Even though I’m sad this was the last performance of the year, I realized how much I have grown in music this past year.”

The concert showcased a variety of musical styles as each ensemble performed selections they had prepared throughout the year. Jazz Band brought the evening to a close with their rhythm-driven repertoire. Pizza was also sold during the event to help raise funds for future music activities.

“It was so fun to hear and see my friend play,” said Pamela L., CA student. “The music was great, and I really enjoyed hearing the musical groups play songs I love.”

For many seniors, the concert marked their final performance at Campion Academy. After the performances, students gathered in a tearful group hug around CA Music director Naomi Fernandez, sharing mixed emotions as they celebrated their final concert as a group.

“I had a lot of fun being able to display what we had worked on,” said student Teagan P. “We laughed and cried together.”

—Oscar Ren, Campion Academy Student News Team. Photos supplied.

RMCNews with Josh Long – Westminster, Colorado … The annual Adventist-Laymen’s Services & Industries (ASI) Mid-America (MA) convention was held in Westminster, Colorado, May 7-10. ASI is an official organization under the North American Division (NAD) that supports Adventist professional and business leaders to live out their faith, carry on the Church’s mission, and share God’s love in the marketplace.

The event’s theme was “Now is the Time.” “The inspiration for the theme came from a sense of urgency at our hour of Earth’s history that we need to reach the world with the everlasting gospel. The workshops under this theme were practical tools that any church could use to effectively revitalize their church and more effectively reach their communities for Jesus,” remarked Dr. Josh Long, ASI MA president.

The keynote speaker for the event was John Bradshaw, president of It is Written, who continued on the theme with his Sabbath worship service message. “Now is the time. We have got to be creative enough and bold to take the Gospel to the people,” he proclaimed. “And now is not the time hide our light. It is not easy, but that is because God knows we need difficult. He knows it is what we need to be real Christians: aggressive service.”

Bradshaw was joined as a featured speaker by Jamey Houghton, speaker director of 8thirty2 Ministry* and pastor of the McDonald Road Seventh-day Adventist Church in McDonald, Tennessee, who provided devotional thoughts.

Organizers of the convention hope that this event inspired attendees with a sense of evangelism and a desire to revitalize their home churches. ASI MA’s REVitalize, a transformative church and community program, was introduced as a structured way to implement the four strategic pillars of church revitalization: Transformational Prayer, the Gospel in Action, Fishers of Men, and Mission Reflex.

These four pillars were explored further through the convention’s workshops. Former ASI president Denzil McNeilus, with his wife Donna, covered Transformative Prayer, walking attendees through a Scripture-rooted journey of prayer from personal to small group to church-wide intercession.

Phil Mills, lead pastor of the Franktown Seventh-day Adventist Church in the Rocky Mountain Conference (RMC), led the discussion on Gospel in Action with his talk on “Healing a Broken World Through Christ’s Method.” Mills provided practical steps for churches to pray and organize to become healing centers for communities, drawing people to Christ, rooted in Christ’s method of preaching, teaching, and mostly healing.

Long led out the discussion for the Fishers of Men pillar exploring how churches can break the cycle of spiritual stagnation and build a true discipleship culture. The pillar of Mission Reflex, and final workshop, covering the impact on local churches from foreign mission service was Daryl Hosford, ASAP Ministries* president, and Joy Kauffman, Farm Stew International* president.

Attendance at the convention surged for the Sabbath presentation to a couple of hundred with a significant number of first-time attendees. “There was a spirit of enthusiasm, and many remarked that they could sense the Holy Spirit present throughout,” reflected Long. “There were at least three attendees who had just become ASI members after also joining the [Seventh-day Adventist] Church in the past two years. They were especially excited to be attending their first convention and were very excited to see how lay members could get involved in ministry.”

Also in attendance were a few friends of the RMC including Rick Mautz, RMC Wellness Support director, Cara Greenfield, Campion Academy vice principal of Finance, former RMC pastor and Adventist World Radio (AWR) assistant to the president John Davidson, and Dine Adventist Radio* (DAR) network manager Steve Pester. Felicia Sanders, Union Adventist University’s “Soul-winning and Leadership Training” (SALT) program outreach coordinator, also had a few minutes to introduce the program to the audience.

Conventions of this scale require the help and dedication of many: “I would like to thank the outstanding contributions of the ASI MA board members and officers. I would also like to thank our very inspiring speakers including John Bradshaw, Jamey Houghton, Ken Norton, Denzil and Donna McNeilus, Phil Mills, Darryl Hosford, and Joy Kauffman,” praised Long.

Long continued, “I would also like to thank the music coordinator Lindsey Mills, wife of Phil Mills, and all of our outstanding music volunteers and AV assistants. I would also like to thank Micah Buller and Natalie Longkutoy for their incredible videography. And, finally, I would like to thank every attendee for forming a very engaged and relational tapestry of Spirit-inspired lay members.”

* These organizations are a supporting ministry of the Seventh-day Adventist Church but is not affiliated with the Rocky Mountain Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.

—Josh Long is the ASI MA president. Photos by Liz Kirkland and captured from videos courtesy of ASI MA.

Karrie Meyers – Highlands Ranch, Colorado … At 6:30 am on Wednesday, April 22, more than 50 students, sponsors, and family members from Mile High Academy (MHA) in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, boarded the buses to begin a five-day musical journey across the Mountain West. The trip, which ran through April 26, was a blend of performances and fun, taking the group from the red rocks of Moab to pool sessions and the historic steps of the Utah State Capitol.

On the very first day, the group performed at Intermountain Adventist Academy in Grand Junction, Colorado, before heading to Moab for a concert at the Moab Seventh-day Adventist Church. After a long day of travel and song, the students relaxed for an evening of swimming and worship at the local Fairfield Inn.

The following day, students traded their performance outfits for hiking shoes to explore Arches National Park before heading into Salt Lake City. A highlight for the young musicians was an evening spent at the Salt Lake Tabernacle, where they sat in on a rehearsal of the world-renowned Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square.

“We learn through performing, but we also learn by gaining inspiration from others,” said Debbie Miranda, MHA Music director. “It was amazing to observe a rehearsal of that caliber. Our goal for this trip was to be ‘musical’ in every sense, using performance as a catalyst for growth.”

The group’s itinerary also included a performance at Summit Christian Academy in Millcreek, Utah, a hike to Ensign Peak, and a special stop at East High School in Salt Lake City, the famous filming location of “High School Musical.” On Friday, the students also performed on the south steps of the Utah Capitol building before touring the historic site.

For Miranda, the trip’s purpose was rooted in four pillars: making the music Meaningful, Memorable, Musical, and Missional.

“The more we perform the music we have learned throughout the year, the more the meaning of what we are singing and playing about emerges,” Miranda explained. “We have light to share. As we travel to schools and churches, we want to be an encouragement to our fellow believers and point people toward Jesus.”

After a meaningful Sabbath performing at Wasatch Hills Seventh-day Adventist Church, the group began the long trek back toward Colorado. They made the most of the journey home with supper at Canyon View Park, an overnight stay at Glenwood Canyon Resort—complete with an ice cream treat—and a final Sunday morning soak in the Glenwood Springs Hot Pool before arriving back at MHA.

As the buses pulled back into the school parking lot, the students returned with more than just tired feet; they brought back strengthened friendships and a deeper understanding of their Creator.

—Karrie Meyers is the Mile High Academy marketing and development coordinator. Photos by Mindy Philpott.