Elisabet Kirkland

Joshua Profir – Loveland, Colorado … Students at Campion Academy (CA) in Loveland, Colorado, geared up and trekked through the mountains for Campion’s annual backpacking trip, August 28-30. Twenty-seven CA students split into two groups, one hiking to Finch Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) and the other to American Lakes in State Forest State Park (SFSP).

The group at RMNP was able to complete the weekend, however, the group at SFSP had to hike out Saturday night due to a major storm that soaked their equipment.

On Friday afternoon, both groups set out to their respective trailheads to begin hiking about four miles to their campsites. After setting up camp, cooking meals, and surviving the night, students continued further up the mountains on Saturday. The RMNP group hiked up to higher alpine lakes while the SFSP group climbed to the top of Lulu Mountain. Both groups hiked around 16-20 miles over the weekend.

While the weather was favorable for most of the trip, for the students in the SFSP group, the weather took a turn on Saturday evening. At about 5:00 p.m., rain started pouring, flooding tents and forcing the group to pack up and hike down the mountain in the dark all while enduring the rain. They safely arrived back to campus at about 1:00 a.m.

Teagan P., senior student, commented, “It was very tiring, but definitely an adventure.”

Backpacking provided students with unique challenges and opportunities to bond together. Students had to pack light while also packing everything they needed, including food, clothes, a stove, and a tent, all carried in their backpacks up the mountain. Once at the campsites, students cooked meals on portable stoves and filtered water from the lakes for use.

The trip offered many students a new opportunity to explore nature and experience the outdoors in a new way. Clayton R., a freshman student in the SFSP group, said, “I’ve never been backpacking before, but it was really fun. At some point, we hiked up to this glacier lake in between two mountain peaks, which was epic.”

Bernardo O., sophomore student, said, “It was really awesome because, even though it was exhausting having to carry big heavy backpacks, the hikes were amazing and the views were even better. For me, it was one of the craziest experiences of my life, especially with so many great people around me.”

—Joshua Profir, Campion Academy Student News Team. Photos supplied.

Denali Sager – Loveland, Colorado … Members of Campion Seventh-day Adventist Church and students and staff of Campion Academy in Loveland, Colorado, joined in fellowship and adventure together, August 29, on the mountain at Glacier View Ranch in Ward, Colorado, the summer camp and retreat center operated by the Rocky Mountain Conference. Activities, including three intensities of hikes and crafts in the Longhouse, were available for everyone.

“I didn’t grow up going to camp, but I love coming here to be in nature. Being up here at the camp and in the mountains brings me closer to God,” said Campion Church lead pastor Rodlie Ortiz at the top of the Lions Rock formation.

On the medium intensity hike, adventurers created biblical dioramas of stories including a representation of the feeding of the five thousand with pinecones for people and five rolls of candy and two leaves as the loaves and fish.

In the Longhouse, participants created small wood slice coaster art and used string and nails to create signs reminding them to “Be the Light” to those around them.

After a fellowship meal—and some time to make new friends and catch up with old friends—Brooke M., sophomore student, remarked, that “[Mountain Sabbath] is special to me because we get to worship God in His creation.”

When asked why Mountain Sabbath is important, Bruno L., senior student, said, “Having the church and students come together is important because just being at church can sometimes make students feel as if they don’t belong [in the church community], but here everyone feels more equal and approachable.”

Similarly, Ortiz said, “When Jesus comes back, He isn’t going to ask other churches ‘What did you do for the students I gave you?’ We are the academy church and I feel a responsibility for stewardship. I think events like Mountain Sabbath should happen more often—the church body coming out to mingle with students in nature. It’s a win-win!”

As the sun neared the mountains, Denison Sager, Campion Academy’s new director of recruitment and marketing, gave a short worship thought to close out the Sabbath. He reminded everyone of the importance of staying united as a church family, even in changing circumstances.

—Denali Sager, Campion Academy Student News Team. Photos supplied.

RMCNews – Denver, Colorado … The Rocky Mountain Conference (RMC) Executive Committee met August 11 with a focus on the conference’s future and mission happening across all of its churches, schools, and ministries. From planning efforts to inspiring stories of lives being changed, the meeting offered a look at how God is already working across the conference.

President’s Report

Dave VandeVere, RMC president, led his report looking forward at the planning efforts for the 2027 RMC Constituency Meeting happening August 22 and conference-wide communication initiatives to better connect the vast geographical regions and ministries of the conference. He followed with pastoral personnel updates and reviewed his recent preaching and worship travels.

VandeVere also providing a historical review of the formation of the conference recalling the pioneer efforts of Mrs. Cora M. Thayer, later Jones, and her two daughters settling in the Georgetown area and being “lights in the darkness,” bringing Adventist representation to the region.

Vice President for Administration’s Report

This was the first Executive Committee meeting for Nathaniel Gamble as the new RMC vice president for Administration, in which he opened with an introduction himself. He noted that he is a Colorado native that graduated from Mile High Academy. While employed with RMC, he has pastored 10 churches and is still the acting director for Public Affairs and Religious Liberty (PARL) department along with completing his doctorate decertation on the Trinity. He is joined by his ministry partner and wife, Alex, and their toy poodle, Johnny.

Through his membership report, Gamble noted a total membership of 21,942 people in RMC as of August 9 including 16,493 documented members and 4,999 non-members. He remarked that he found a “slow drift” towards a decline in membership of 3.1% since 2020 through his evaluation. Gamble also gave emphasis to the designation of “non-member” as being a large group of engaged individuals with investment and inertia to discipleship.

The final portion of Gamble’s report was to provide insight to his priorities under this new role, including analyzing factors for membership losses and helping churches with strategies to connect with inactive and non-members. Gamble will also be filling vacancies on the various conference committees and subcommittees and working on integrating the outreach RMC ministries like Adventist Community Services (ACS), PARL, Wellness, and Stewardship into the larger RMC mission.

Mission Focus

The RMC Executive Committee meeting then transitioned into the newer standing segment of meeting focusing on mission highlights from around the conference.

The first to speak was Dany Hernandez, director of Mission Integration for AdventHealth Colorado, shared how the AdventHealth system seeks to offer patients and team members “glimpses of Jesus” through a Christ-centered approach to care. Using the story of a man who experienced numerous surgeries with unsuccessful outcomes before coming to AdventHealth Porter, Hernandez described how the patient immediately sensed that the hospital felt different and more like family. The goal, Hernandez explained, is to create an environment where people from all backgrounds can experience God’s love saying, “We want to make sure that when you leave, you’ve experienced Jesus.”

Brandon Westgate, RMC Youth director, spoke next starting with the particularly strong year of youth summer camp maxing out occupancy at the facilities at Mills Spring Ranch in Casper, Wyoming. “This year we had around 83 campers at camp. We were moving staff around to house the different campers because we were at capacity. We were literally searching for beds.”

Beyond the numbers, Westgate illustrated that the summer produced significant spiritual moments. During the final worship service at each summer camp session, parents were invited to participate and see firsthand what their children experienced throughout the week. One young camper decided to be baptized, and his father also made the decision to be baptized with him. Their pastor from their local church came to camp to baptize both father and son, creating what staff described as an especially meaningful moment and a powerful reminder of why summer camp ministry matters.

Andrew Carpenter, the new RMC associate Superintendent, spoke next with updates from the Education department highlighting how a school experience transformed more than just one student’s attitude toward education—it opened a door for an entire family to discover Jesus. After struggling with her previous school, one young girl enrolled in Mile High Academy in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, after a neighbor recommended it.

Her positive experience at the school also inspired her younger brother to enroll, and they would both worship together during chapel. The experience eventually led their family to ask questions about Bible studies, church, and faith. Carpenter shared, “Sometimes we reach the families through the kids who have an experience with Jesus.”

Financial Report

Darin Gottfried, RMC vice president for Finance, presented after the mission highlights. He was able to report a small increase in Tithe of 0.22%, or just under $20,000, through June of this year.

The August meeting closed with a clear reminder that RMC’s mission is ultimately about people’s relationship with Jesus. With ministry highlights from the hospital bed to a summer camp cabin to a classroom, each story showed the power of intentional ministry to open doors to faith. As conference leaders continue to address challenges and plan, there is a sense of purpose of creating more opportunities for people to experience the love of Jesus.

—RMCNews. Photo by Liz Kirkland.

By Michael Hansen

Keeping our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. For the joy that lay before him, he endured the cross, despising the shame, and sat at the right hand of the throne of God
(Hebrews 12:2, CSB)

There was a season in my life of unprecedented stress and anxiety, sparked by one phone call I should never have taken. It got so bad, at one point I ended up in the emergency room with my back tied up in knots, spasming in excruciating pain.

Through a series of choices we made and circumstances beyond our control, we had to foreclose on and leave a home we loved and file for bankruptcy, all within a few short months.

We lived not far from the house we left, and driving by it one day, a thought settled over me, one I couldn’t shake: I wasn’t built for this place. Nothing about it was mine to hold onto, and I was never meant to feel at ease here. Whatever peace I was looking for wasn’t going to come from getting comfortable in something this world could take away. I slowly began to feel a sense of peace because, while losing a home was painful and filing for bankruptcy was humiliating, God was lifting my heart higher.

And, while I was starting to see his beautiful promises in more detail, I also started noticing something about Jesus’ life. He never seemed rattled. Frazzled, upset, blindsided by something he didn’t see coming? Not once. In fact, I don’t think Jesus was ever surprised.

Why not?

Because he was living out a plan—His and His Father’s—one step at a time. Ellen G. White captures it in The Desire of Ages: “Before He came to earth, the plan lay out before Him, perfect in all its details. But as He walked among men, He was guided, step by step, by the Father’s will” (p. 147).

Guided step by step. Jesus wasn’t handed the whole itinerary at once. He learned the plan one day at a time, seeking His Father for just the next right detail. And doing His Father’s will, not knowing every outcome in advance, was the source of his peace. “My words are not my own,” He said, This message is from the Father who sent me (John 14:24). Obedience was His serenity. Purpose was His peace.

This kind of settledness is magnetic. People wanted to be near Him because He carried something most of us are starving for: a calm not dependent on circumstances lining up.

Someone might say, “Good for Jesus, but what about me? Is there a plan for me too?” I believe there is. Not a plan to save humanity; the work of saving us is already finished. This is a plan for your days. Every day of my life was recorded in your book, the psalmist writes. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed (Psalm 139:16).

I can’t tell you exactly how God holds it together with your freedom to choose. Scripture doesn’t fully resolve this tension, and I won’t pretend to either. What I do know: His plan for you is for your good, and walking away from it costs you something real.

This is where my peace has come from too, not certainty about tomorrow, but trust: today’s step is enough, and He is the one holding the rest.

If you’re white-knuckling your way through anxiety, wondering whether God actually has a plan for the mess you’re in, I’d love for you to join us. This article is just a glimpse into a three-part seminar I’m bringing to Littleton Seventh-day Adventist Church, September 11 and 12. I’ll share more of what I’ve learned, along with a simple daily tool I use to actually live into God’s plan instead of just believing it exists. CLICK HERE for more information on the program.

—Michael Hansen is a member of the Littleton Seventh-day Adventist Church. Photo by Canva.

Samantha Nelson – Farmington, New Mexico …  The Piñon Hills Seventh-day Adventist Church in Farmington, New Mexico, hosted a fundraiser dinner and auction on August 23 to help support the Aztec Seventh-day Adventist Church youth/young adult group the “Truth Seekers.”

Led by Steve Nelson, pastor for the Farmington District, the group has been meeting since April and is comprised of Adventists and non-Adventist youth from the community, ranging in age from 12 to 32. Arta Specht, group chef—who has prayed for years for a youth group to get started—volunteers to cook a delicious meal each week, while Yuly Gutierrez, youth group activity planner, helps coordinate activities before the Bible lessons, such as volleyball, kayaking, and more.

The Aztec Church voted in June to buy a 25-passenger shuttle bus so the youth could go on field trips. Originally, that would have been enough seats but now the group has grown so much there would not be enough seats if everyone were able to go. “What a great problem to have!” praised Samantha Nelson, wife and ministry partner of Pastor Steve Nelson. The youth and church members have been fundraising through garage sales to pay for the bus and the first field trip to the Grand Canyon on October 3-5.

“Piñon Hills Church offered to host a fundraising dinner and auction to help support the young people and it was an overwhelming success! Several people donated items from tasty treats to handmade pottery to custom-made cutting boards to a museum-quality painting,” remarked Samantha.

She continued, “Ana Foley made the delicious enchiladas, while Mirna Casaus, Yami Polanco, Yuly Gutierrez, Beryl Lopez, Dave Whitaker and Julie Romero (and others) made the rest of the delicious meal and desserts. Denise Whitaker and Jody Roy helped decorate for the dinner.”

Enough funds—$6,222.10—were raised to cover the cost of the Grand Canyon trip, as well as pay for the second third of the bus cost, leaving only one-third left to pay. The initial one-third of the bus cost was covered by a very generous donation made by some Piñon Hills Church members. Another Piñon Hills church member donated the cost of bus maintenance and service as well as putting the “Truth Seekers” logo on it. Community members have shown tremendous support for the young people.

The youth had a great time serving at the dinner and sharing about why they love to attend the weekly Bible studies. Samantha commented, “It’s great to see such widespread support from both churches for these precious young people.”

Dalilah Gutierrez, a group member, said, “I enjoy learning different ways to handle temptation, and knowing that I’m not the only one going through it. Each lesson we break it down and Pastor and his wife are giving amazing solutions along the way and that’s why I enjoy the youth group.”

Another group member, Isaiah Gonzales, shared, “I enjoy being part of my church youth program because it brings me closer to God while giving me a place to grow in my faith alongside other people. I also enjoy the friendships, activities, and opportunities to serve others and be a positive part of my church community.”

They will be learning more about biblical Creation and the Flood as they travel to and from the Grand Canyon in October. They wish to express their deepest gratitude to everyone who helped and supported them.

“Please keep our youth and young adults in prayer as they face a multitude of challenges in today’s world,” urged Samantha.

—Samantha Nelson writes from the Piñon Hills Seventh-Day Adventist Church where her husband is lead pastor of the Farmington District. Photos supplied.

Karrie Meyers – Highlands Ranch, Colorado … More than 90 Upper School students and staff from Mile High Academy (MHA) in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, traveled August 20-21 to Glacier View Ranch (GVR) in Ward, Colorado, for their annual school retreat, an event designed to build community and set the tone for the upcoming academic year.

Upon arrival on Thursday, students unpacked and gathered for lunch before starting the afternoon’s outdoor activities. The schedule featured team-building games, including capture the flag and a water-soaked sponge relay, where MHA principal RD Gallant and coach Michael Camacho doused the kids with water. The afternoon concluded with the annual “Capture the Mattress” competition, which ended with the Senior and Sophomore classes securing the victory.

“Capture the Mattress was very intense this year,” said Layten M., upper school student. “But it’s an event I’ll always look forward to at Retreat.”

“Capture the Mattress is always a classic MHA tradition, and the food was great, too,” agreed Senior Ryan W., reflecting on his final retreat. “Being my senior year, it really made me think about how much I’m going to miss hanging out with my friends, as well as seeing the underclassmen experience MHA community in a whole new environment outside of campus.”

Following dinner, the group gathered for an evening worship service led by Gerson Martinez, MHA chaplain and Upper School Bible teacher. Drawing from the biblical narrative of King David and Nathan, Martinez highlighted the value of strong relationships, encouraging students to recognize the importance of having a mentor while also striving to be a positive mentor to their peers.

On Friday morning, students completed breakfast and cabin clean-up before boarding the buses to return to the Mile High Academy campus.

“The annual retreat provides a foundational start to our academic year,” said Gallant. “Beyond the excitement of the activities, it offers our students an invaluable environment to cultivate meaningful friendships, build strong mentor relationships with faculty outside the traditional classroom, and connect spiritually as a group.”

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

Karrie Meyers – Highlands Ranch, Colorado … The senior class students from Mile High Academy (MHA) in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, returned Sunday, August 30, from its annual Senior Survival retreat at Glacier View Ranch (GVR) in Ward, Colorado. This special weekend not only allowed the students from the Senior class to focus on spiritual reflection and time in nature but also helped build class unity for their final year together.

Students left campus following classes on Friday, August 28. The retreat opened that evening with a vespers service followed by a special “Afterglow,” during which students gathered—due to fire restrictions—around a fake fire to share words of encouragement.

On Saturday, Scout Master Ryan guided the class on a three-mile trail hike through the camp property. Students also participated in a Saturday night game of Sardines, a camp-wide variation of hide-and-seek won by senior class member Yana. Throughout the weekend, students also enjoyed informal circle volleyball games and plenty of shared laughter.

Student chefs Roger and Chelsea oversaw kitchen operations for the group, preparing meals planned and supplied with assistance from MHA principal RD Gallant. The menu included Friday night Haystacks, a Sabbath breakfast of pancakes, hash browns, and eggs, a sandwich lunch, and a Sabbath supper of spaghetti served with garlic bread, which proved to be a crowd favorite.

When asked to describe the weekend, student chef Roger summed up the experience simply: “The retreat was amazing.”

Annual retreats like Senior Survival give the class students a chance to step away from campus and connect before the busy school year takes off, setting the tone for a memorable final year that will quickly lead to their senior class trip and graduation.

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