Elisabet Kirkland

06 May

ADVENTURE STRONG: INSIDE THE 2026 GOOD SAMARITAN FUN DAY

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ADVENTURE STRONG: INSIDE THE 2026 GOOD SAMARITAN FUN DAY

Cinthya Miranda and Lacinda Hopkins – Brighton, Colorado … This year’s Rocky Mountain Conference (RMC) Adventurer Fun Day was nothing short of amazing, taking place May 3 at the Brighton Adventist Academy (BAA) in Brighton, Colorado.

“[BAA] graciously hosted our ‘Good Samaritan – To Know Jesus’ Fun Day, and from the very beginning, the excitement was contagious,” remarked Cinthya Miranda, RMC Adventurers coordinator. “When Nayeley and Lindsey heard it would be in Brighton, they hugged, jumped, and celebrated like kids on Christmas morning! Their love for the children is so real, they didn’t even mind all the joyful chaos we brought along.”

The event’s stage was transformed into a beautiful mountain scene, setting the tone for the Good Samaritan devotional drama, performed by the Aurora Las Águilas Pathfinder Club. Club members brought the story to life and reminded attendees what it truly means to be a good neighbor.

“And talk about stepping up, Kathy Juarez accepted a last-minute invitation to sing, and she did so with such grace. Truly, she sings like an angel,” praised Miranda.

Teen Leadership Training representatives, Kenndy M. and Edwin B., came ready to serve alongside the Aurora Master Guide Club. With over 450 people in attendance, their help made a huge difference keeping the event organized throughout the day.

Sharmila Roda, Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) Network Program coordinator, shared how ADRA serves communities and what it means to be a good neighbor in real life. The Brighton Fire and Police Departments also attended and were crowd favorites. They gave the kids a tour of their massive vehicles, turned on the lights, and answered many questions. Even Daniel Birai, lead pastor at LifeSource Adventist Fellowship in Denver, Colorado, joined in with a few questions.

One of the most meaningful parts of the day happened quietly in the background. Each club counselor had special pins to give out to Adventurer Club members who were seen doing good deeds. The kids had no idea this was happening, and yet they showed kindness everywhere.

Some club members helped carry supplies, others gave up their turn in line, and some simply chose to include someone new. One young girl even brought flowers to a club counselor. Other members stood bravely in front of hundreds to say their pledge, recite the law, or sing. Miranda commented, “They weren’t doing it for recognition, they were just being kind. Just being like Jesus.”

The morning rotations included a treasure hunt where the kids discovered at the end that the real treasure is the Kingdom of God. At the “Share Your Faith” table, they wrote thank-you notes to first responders, which will be delivered around Brighton and nearby areas.

In the afternoon, attendees enjoyed delicious food prepared by the different clubs and a dunk tank. “Let’s be honest,” reflected Miranda, “the dunk tank stole the show! Kids had one mission: get an adult up there. Between the throws and the laughter, it was easily one of the most fun moments of the day.”

Sirelly M. from the Littleton Cubs and Zachary C. from the Blue Jays Adventurer Clubs both agreed that getting parents into the dunk tank was a highlight. Sirelly shared, “I liked the memory verses because they stay in your mind and give you wisdom.”

From the Troops for Jesus Club, Giselle C. said her favorite part was “seeing the firefighters,” while Miguel C. loved “seeing the turtle,” referring to a 30-year-old tortoise owned by Brandon Westgate, RMC Youth director.

Adan T., also from the Blue Jays Club, shared that he really enjoyed the bug races and the treasure hunt, and club member Heidi V. said her favorite parts were the dunk tank and the bug races. Club Ministry leaders remarked how amazing it was that every child walked away with something different that made the day special to them.

The day ended with giving out well-deserved trophies and pins to the clubs. But one of the most powerful moments was praying over our club directors, the ones who work so hard to plant seeds of Jesus in each child.

A special highlight of the day was recognizing Golden Falcons Adventurer Club director, Beth Riley, who received the most prestigious honor of the year: the Adventure Hall of Fame Award. This award is given to individuals who are active, committed Seventh-day Adventists with a deep love for youth, and who have dedicated a significant portion of their time, energy, and resources to support RMC Club Ministries.

At the end of the day, club member Liam G. was asked what his favorite part of the day was, He paused for a moment and smiled as he said, “Playing with Caleb.” “Out of everything, that was the moment he chose,” remarked Miranda. “Caleb lives far away, and they only get to see each other during special events like this. That’s what makes these clubs so special, they create friendships and bonds that go far beyond a single day.”

The RMC Adventurer Fun Day is full of laughter, games, and unforgettable moments. But more than anything, it reminds every child that they belong, that they’re not alone. Miranda reminds all that, “We are a family, and you can be too. If you have a special talent and are willing to teach a kiddo, come check out the clubs near you.”

Adventure Strong.

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

06 May

MILE HIGH ACADEMY “ROBOSTANGS” TAKE HOME TOP HONORS AT NATIONAL ROBOTICS COMPETITION IN ORLANDO

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Karrie Meyers – Highlands Ranch, Colorado … The Robostangs from Mile High Academy (MHA) in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, recently returned from Orlando, Florida, with a significant national achievement. Representing MHA at the Adventist Robotics FIRST Tech Challenge, April 11-12, the team secured a third-place finish for the Inspire Award, which is the competition’s most prestigious honor, given to the team that best represents the spirit of the program and serves as a model for other participants.

The trip showcased the students’ hands-on skills and ingenuity. The Upper School team even brought their own 3D printer along, allowing them to manufacture and adjust custom parts when the team felt adjustments needed to be made.

“This year’s tournament was probably one of my favorite competitions during my time at MHA,” said Logen, an MHA senior student. “This year we dug deep into our design and were able to 3D print most of our parts. Plus, it was a fun group that enjoyed being a team together.”

Beyond the matches, the journey was a celebration of the broader robotics community. Between the engineering rounds, students spent their time meeting fellow builders, reconnecting with old friends, and enjoying a well-earned team day at SeaWorld.

These experiences highlight why MHA views robotics and STEM classes as essential for building lasting connections. At MHA, the process of taking an idea from the initial sketch to a finished, working machine requires a unique level of teamwork. By seeing a project through to completion, students learn to communicate through technical hurdles and find success in solving complex problems together.

This culture of curiosity starts early at MHA. From Lego Clubs in the Lower School to the competitive teams in the Middle and Upper Schools, MHA ensures that the joy of learning is fostered at every grade level. Jessica Gleason, MHA vice principal, oversees the Lower and Middle School robotics teams. She emphasizes that these programs are about developing students’ character rather than just technical skills.

“Robotics is a critical gateway for future generations because it teaches resilience and adaptive thinking,” says Gleason. “When a student builds a robot, they aren’t just learning to code; they are learning how to face a problem that doesn’t have an immediate answer and persevere until they find one. By fostering this interest at a young age, we are giving our students the confidence to be the innovators and ethical leaders of tomorrow’s workforce.”

While the Upper School robotics season is wrapping up for the school year, MHA is already hard at work planning for its next Middle School competition. The event will be held at MHA on February 7, 2027, with registration opening in late Summer 2026. For those interested in building a team or have any questions about the tournament, please contact Mrs. Gleason at [email protected].

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

04 May

NATIONAL INITIATIVE LAUNCHES TO BRIDGE THE “QUIET CRISIS OF VISION LOSS: CHRISTIAN RECORD SERVICES AWARDED $43,436 GRANT

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CRS News – Lincoln, Nebraska … Christian Record Services (CRS) in Lincoln, Nebraska, has announced the launch of a nationwide First Response Initiative to address a critical gap in the medical system: the “Quiet Crisis” of vision loss.

Supported by a newly awarded $43,436 grant from the North American Division Resource Development Committee, the initiative provides a tangible roadmap for the 8 million North Americans navigating irreversible vision loss due to diseases like Glaucoma, Macular Degeneration, and Diabetic Retinopathy.

The “Quiet Crisis”

While modern medicine is world-class at treating the pathology of the eye, clinical settings are often ill-equipped to treat the crushing isolation that follows an irreversible diagnosis. CRS calls this the “Quiet Crisis”—the terrifying gap between a medical diagnosis and a life of hope. According to the CDC, 1 in 4 adults with vision loss suffer from anxiety or depression as they grieve the loss of their autonomy and retreat into silence.

Answering the Call from Doctors

The First Response Initiative was born from a direct call for help from the medical community. Frontline eye care specialists have consistently reported that when sight-saving measures are exhausted, they have nothing tangible to hand a patient to help them navigate their new reality.

“We heard from doctors who were tired of sending patients home into a world of uncertainty,” said Dexter Thomas, president of Christian Record Services. “The First Response Initiative ensures that where the medical chart ends, a roadmap for life begins. We are partnering with eye care professionals to provide a lifeline at the exact moment a patient feels their independence is slipping away.”

A Two-Tiered Connection to Hope

The $43,436 grant is dedicated entirely to the production of two distinct resource tools:

  • Lifeline Kits: These kits are placed directly in waiting rooms and exam rooms of eye care clinics. They serve as an immediate “hand-off” for doctors to give patients at the moment of diagnosis, providing an instant bridge to support.
  • New Member Kits: Once a patient connects with CRS, they receive a comprehensive kit designed to walk with them through their journey, offering specialized resources to ensure life flourishes even as sight fades.

Reach 2026

The launch is part of a broader strategy called “Reach 2026,” which aims to establish active partnerships with 2,026 eye care facilities across the nation. By equipping these offices with frontline materials, CRS transforms the hardest conversation in a patient’s life into a pathway forward.

Because private donors cover 100% of the organization’s staffing and operational costs, the entirety of this grant is being used for these tangible patient materials.

“This is about dignity,” Thomas added. “We are equipping doctors to replace a patient’s fear with a plan for life.”

Christian Record Services is a national non-profit that has served people who are blind or have low vision for more than 125 years. It is an official ministry of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

For more information on the First Response Initiative or to learn how to support Reach 2026, visit www.christianrecord.org

—Christian Record Services News. Republished with permission from Christian Record Press Release, April 28, 2026. Photo supplied.

04 May

SENIORS BOND IN LAST HIGH SCHOOL TRIP IN GEORGIA AND TENNESSEE

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Oscar Ren – Loveland, Colorado … The senior class of 2026 at Campion Academy (CA) in Loveland, Colorado, and their sponsors took an unforgettable trip to Georgia and Tennessee, April 21-27.  The trip gave the students a chance to temporarily set aside the pressures of their studies and create lasting memories together on the eve of graduation.

On the first day of the trip, the group visited the home of CA principal Kaleb Leeper’s parents, where they spent a leisurely and enjoyable time, fully immersing themselves in the joys of swimming, fishing, and canoeing. Being surrounded by nature and spending time with friends was undoubtedly the perfect way to kick off the journey.

The students headed to Dollywood Theme Park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, On the second day where they experienced the thrill of roller coasters and various rides. From high-speed attractions to moments filled with laughter and interaction, the day was filled with joy, adventure, and unforgettable memories.

On the third day, they toured Southern Adventist University in Collegedale, Tennessee, and had the opportunity to experience college life firsthand. The beautiful campus left a deep impression on them; many students were particularly excited to take this opportunity to reunite with old friends from their time at Campion and catch up on each other’s lives. On Friday evening, they attended the university’s vesper service and enjoyed a pleasant evening. They gathered once again in the university church for a Sabbath worship service.

They spent the entire day at Six Flags over Georgia in Austell, Georgia, the next day enjoying a wide variety of rides and attractions. Whether riding roller coasters or experiencing other thrilling adventures, the day was filled with joy and excitement. As senior student Adrian B. put it, “This senior trip was truly a tremendous gift for me. I felt immense joy to have one last chance to spend time with my classmates before we each set off on our own paths in life.”

On Monday, they visited the famous Georgia Aquarium, where the diverse array of marine life—including dolphins and penguins—was a huge hit with the students. That afternoon, filled with precious memories, they boarded their flight back to Campion.

Sherlin V. senior student shared, “This senior trip was both fun and unforgettable. My favorite part was visiting the Georgia Aquarium and seeing the penguins, whale sharks, and otters up close. Additionally, we were very fortunate to receive such a warm welcome from the Leeper family. This truly was a journey I will cherish for the rest of my life.”

On the return home, student Theo P. reflected, “Not only did I gain countless precious memories, but I also forged deeper friendships with my friends and classmates.”

For this graduating class, this senior trip was far more than a simple vacation; it was one of the most meaningful shared experiences of their final year of high school. Against a backdrop woven with laughter, deep friendships, unwavering determination, and thrilling adventures, they created beautiful memories that will be cherished for a lifetime.

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

30 Apr

TAKE CONTROL OF HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE—NATURALLY

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High blood pressure is often called the silent killer—and for good reason. Left unchecked, it significantly raises your risk of heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, and heart failure. The danger is that it often develops without obvious symptoms, quietly damaging your body over time.

Managing high blood pressure should always involve working with your physician. But medication is only part of the picture. The encouraging news is that lifestyle choices can have a powerful impact sometimes even reducing the need for medication when done consistently and correctly.

The Daily Habits That Lower Blood Pressure

There are several proven practices that can help bring blood pressure under control:

  • Cut back on ultra-processed foods—if you can’t recognize its original form, limit it
  • Reduce visceral fat drivers like excess calories, sugar, refined carbohydrates, and alcohol
  • Measure your blood pressure correctly—accuracy matters more than you think
  • Eat nitrate-rich foods like leafy greens and beets to support blood vessel health
  • Increase potassium intake through foods like beans, lentils, potatoes, bananas, and avocados
  • Stay physically active to support weight and cardiovascular health
  • Prioritize quality sleep and get evaluated for sleep apnea if needed
  • Limit or eliminate alcohol, which can raise blood pressure even in small amounts
  • Don’t rely on medication alone—address the root lifestyle causes

A Less Obvious Cause: When You Eat

Most people have heard that salt affects blood pressure. And while sodium does play a role, it’s rarely the whole story. Think of salt like oxygen in a fire—it can intensify the problem, but it’s not usually the root cause.

One often-overlooked factor is insulin resistance.

After you eat, your body releases insulin to help move glucose into your cells. Between meals, insulin levels are supposed to fall. But if you’re eating constantly—snacking, grazing, or drinking caloric beverages throughout the day—your insulin levels stay elevated.

Why does that matter?

Because high insulin levels signal your kidneys to retain sodium. That means even if you’re eating a low-salt diet, your body may still be holding onto excess sodium—keeping your blood pressure elevated.

Over time, persistently high insulin can lead to insulin resistance, where your cells stop responding effectively. This not only increases diabetes risk but also contributes to ongoing high blood pressure.

What You Can Do About It

Improving insulin sensitivity doesn’t require extreme measures; it comes down to consistent, practical habits:

  • Avoid constant snacking and give your body time between meals for insulin levels to drop
  • Focus on whole, unprocessed foods
  • Reduce excess dietary fat and refined carbohydrates
  • Stay physically active throughout the day

The Bottom Line

High blood pressure isn’t just about salt—and it isn’t something to ignore. By understanding the deeper drivers, like insulin resistance and eating patterns, you can take meaningful steps to improve your health.

Small daily choices add up. And in this case, they can make a life-saving difference.

—Rick Mautz is the Rocky Mountain Conference Wellness Support director. Photo by CDC of Unsplash.

29 Apr

CATHY KISSNER RECEIVES LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD AT ACS WELLSPRING CONVENTION

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RMCNews – Denver, Colorado … Cathy Kissner, Community Services and Disaster Relief coordinator for the Rocky Mountain Conference (RMC), was honored with a lifetime achievement award at the 2026 Adventist Community Services (ACS) Convention, Wellspring, April 15-17, in Greenville, South Carolina.

Cathy began her service with the Seventh-day Adventist Church 46 years ago in the then Nebraska Conference until her husband, and former RMC pastor, Mike Kissner, transferred to RMC for Literature Evangelism. She became RMC’s ACS coordinator in 1996 in which she has since led the conference’s disaster relief efforts in the state of Colorado for all—except two—incidents and for two incidents in Wyoming.

During her tenure, Cathy has sat on the Colorado Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) as board chair for two terms and vice chair for one term as well as vice chair for the Wyoming VOAD for one term. She also holds the role of Mid America Union Conference ACS coordinator and has worked with the North American Division (NAD) on developing the multi-agency warehouse manual which will be presented in May at the national VOAD conference.

Through Cathy’s efforts, the Rocky Mountain Conference holds a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the State of Colorado and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), in which they will call upon her in to assist with disaster relief. By request of the NAD, Cathy has traveled as far as Saipan, a U.S. commonwealth in the western Pacific, to more local incidents within the continental United States including the 2025 Kerr County Floods in Texas and the St. Louis tornados.

The largest and most recent incident in the RMC in which Cathy led ACS involvement was the Marshall Fire that swept through Louisville and Superior, Colorado, in December of 2021. Over 3,700 family units received assistance, and Cathy and her team were able to donate over $6.5 million in volunteer hours to the state.

Cathy remarked that this incident was particularly noteworthy as they were rotating 100 new volunteers every two hours. “It was amazing. Just amazing … the relationships that you develop with people when you work that long that hard to continually solve problems,” she reflected.

Currently, there are over 13 community centers and food or clothing banks across the conference, with Cathy having helped procure $10,000.00 seed improvement grants from division level for almost all of these centers.

“Cathy’s ministry has been an incredible blessing to those who are facing life’s crises. She exemplifies Jesus’s message found in Matthew 25 of how we are to serve those in the deepest need and, in doing so, serve Him,” praised Dave VandeVere, RMC president.

When asked why she has continued to serve in this often-stressful ministry for so long, Cathy replied, “A number of years ago, I read a book where the author described having a mission statement for your life. My mission statement is to show the love of the Father to His hurting children. And God’s children continue to hurt.”

—RMCNews. Photo courtesy of NAD Adventist Community Services.

29 Apr

SPOTLIGHT ON MISSION AT APRIL 2026 RMC EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING

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RMCNews – Denver, Colorado … The April session of the Rocky Mountain Conference (RMC) Executive Committee held at the RMC Denver office, April 21, had a mission focus with highlights spanning both geographically and ministerially within the conference.

Andrew Abbott, who recently joined RMC as the lead pastor for the Loveland and Windsor Elm Haven Seventh-day Adventist Churches, led the session’s opening devotional. He started with the story of Tammie Jo Schultz, a former U.S. Navy fighter pilot, who gained acclaim for safely landing a commercial airline flight in 2018 after catastrophic engine failure, remarking on her ability to stay focused on the ultimate mission even under extreme stress.

Abbott then transitioned to the story of the biblical character Simon in Acts 8:9-24, reflecting on how Simon had tried to purchase receiving the Holy Spirit, presumably wanting power for his own glory and not for God’s mission. Abbott closed exploring how distraction and busyness is the enemy of discipleship where it is easy to lose sight of the greater Christian mission while still asking God for the power behind it.

President’s Report

Dave VandeVere, RMC president, did a short overview of spiritual retreats available for RMC staff including pastors, teachers, and office staff, thanking the staff at Glacier View Ranch in Ward, Colorado—where the retreats have been held—for their exceptional hospitality. He also reviewed the recent RMC Ministerial Meetings providing practical leadership training, pastoral ministry information exchange, and praise time remarking that it felt as much of a spiritual gathering as a professional development session.

VandeVere is also continuing to meet with RMC pastors and teachers that he has not already convened with since he began his leadership post in August of 2025, and gave updates on activities of some of the Conference’s committees. He also shared inspiring stories of what is happening in the communities from outreach by local churches he has recently visited.

Vice President for Administration’s Report

Doug Inglish, RMC vice president for Administration, reported on pastoral changes detailing the status of replacing the few vacant positions and filling the new associate and intern positions available. He remarked on the promising number of applicants for a few of the positions. Inglish also announced the Bylaw Committee’s plan to present suggested changes at RMC town hall meetings prior to RMC Constituency Meeting being held in August of 2027.

Mission and Vision

The RMC Executive Committee meeting then transitioned into mission highlights from the Conference’s three segments: church, school, and administrative ministries

Phil Mills, lead pastor of the Franktown Seventh-day Adventist Church in Franktown, Colorado, begin his highlight with the church’s intentional focus on prayer, organically leading to the formation of 26 prayer groups. “Prayer has been the foundation of where we have seen God moving in our church, and it is all member led,” he remarked.

Mills also shared about some of the programs focused on relationships at the church, including service teams and cooking classes, that have led to people of a wide array of backgrounds coming back to their faith or finding their faith for the first time.

Marsha Bartulec, principal at Vista Ridge Academy (VRA), illustrated the school’s philosophy with metaphor of a tree, beginning with roots for a strong foundation, the trunk being the school, the branches being highly effective teachers, and the leaves being the experiences when students are meeting Jesus and feeling loved.

Bartulec continued the metaphor with God as the sun providing the Holy Spirit energy, water coming from RMC’s CHERISH core values and the VRA Eagle Way, and apples representing the students who will go into the world to minister and spread the “seeds” of faith. She closed her time with a powerful testimony from a family of their children thriving in their new school environment at VRA.

The final highlight came from Mary Lynn Green, director for the RMC Planned Giving and Trust Services (PG&TS). She brought awareness to attendees of the unique ministry opportunities that occur through the department’s work while sharing the story of 14-month journey the PG&TS staff has had with an individual that is under their services.

From everyday banking to life care services, Green expressed the challenges and blessings of being able to help vulnerable members of the community, fulfilling Gods ministry who always provided what was needed at that time, and being witness to small acts of kindness along the way.

Financial Report

Darin Gotfried, RMC vice president for Finance, gave a very brief financial report for the first quarter of the year to accommodate the packed business meeting agenda. The Conference has seen a modest but notable 0.75% increase in tithe as related to this point last year, and income is above budget for the first quarter. It is a promising start financially for the year.

A consistent theme arose from the April 2026 RMC Executive Committee Meeting that the mission of the Rocky Mountain Conference is not confined to programs, positions, and places, but is lived out through people. From prayer groups and classrooms to pastoral care and administrative services, each report shared the commitment to keep Christ at the center and keep the Gospel in motion. United in purpose and empowered by the Spirit, the conference continues to move forward—intentionally, prayerfully, and mission-first—seeking to make a lasting impact in every community it serves.

—RMCNews. Photo by Liz Kirkland.

27 Apr

MUSIC DEPARTMENT CONNECTS WITH OTHER STUDENT MUSICIANS ON KANSAS TOUR

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Abigail Brown – Loveland, Colorado … The touring music groups of Campion Academy (CA)  in Loveland, Colorado—Koinonia, Bells, and Jazz Band—traveled through Kansas for their annual music tour this year, April 15-19, led by CA music director Naomi Fernandez.

The groups performed their songs at many different schools and churches. Along the way they also had joint performances with Midland Adventist Academy (MAA) in Shawnee, Kansas, and College View Academy (CVA) in Lincoln, Nebraska, giving them a unique experience to connect with other music students.

The first stop was at Adventist Christian School (ACS) in Greeley, Colorado. After that, they performed at Topeka Adventist Christian School (TACS) in Topeka, Kansas, and finally traveled to MAA where they stayed the night.

On Friday, the groups got to mix in some fun at BRKThrough,* a local escape room, and met up with students from MAA and CVA who were also touring in Kansas. “It was fun going to BRKthrough with everyone and playing team building exercises. Everyone enjoyed getting to know the students and staff from the other schools too,” stated Fernandez.

Another popular moment on the music tour was when the Campion group went to the mall. A lot of people went out to eat, and they enjoyed the restaurants that were there. “I loved going to Panera with all my friends. The food was really good, and it was fun sharing new memories with everyone,” expressed CA student Grace B.

Campion Students performed with CVA and MAA at one of the churches in Kansas for a special Sabbath service and hung out together for the afternoon and evening. The church members and schools were all very welcoming and demonstrated gratitude for the students’ performances.

Zach H., CA student, recalled, “My favorite moment was playing basketball with CVA. It was fun getting to know them.”

After a whirlwind tour filled with performances and fun with other schools, the students returned back to Campion on Sunday.

* BRKThrough is not affiliated with the Seventh-day Adventist Church nor the Rocky Mountain Conference of Seventh-day Adventists

—Abigail Brown, Campion Academy Student Editor. Photos supplied.

27 Apr

GARY THURBER ANNOUNCES INTENTION TO RETIRE

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Brenda Dickerson – Lincoln, Nebraska … After 44 years of dedicated service as a pastor and administrator, Elder Gary Thurber, Mid-America Union Conference (MAUC) president, has announced plans to retire.

Thurber shared his intentions with the MAUC executive committee on April 23, during a regularly scheduled meeting. He will continue to provide presidential leadership until the MAUC constituency session to be held in September of 2026.

During his announcement Thurber stated how much he loves the people of Mid-America, what an honor it’s been to serve, and how thankful he is to God for the privilege of 11 years as president. “It’s been a great run,” said Thurber. “I’ve gotten to work with the best presidents, the best committees. You’ve had courage to do hard things in the face of difficulties. To do the right things. It’s just been phenomenal for me, and I can’t thank you enough.” The committee responded with a standing ovation in recognition of Thurber’s leadership.

The MAUC constituency session nominating committee is scheduled to convene on August 2, chaired by G. Alexander Bryant, president of the North American Division. This committee is responsible for recommending candidates not only for the office of the president but for the other union officers including vice president of administration and vice president of finance. Their final report and nominations will be presented to the delegates for a vote during the MAUC constituency session on September 13 at the College View Church in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Thurber was elected MAUC president in August 2015. He has worked closely with Mid-America leaders and chaired key ministry boards, including the MAUC executive committee and the Union Adventist University board. He also served multiple terms as chair of the AdventHealth board of directors, in addition to collaborating with North American Division leadership on strategic initiatives.

Thurber will be remembered for his calm and authentic leadership style, his support of women in leadership, and his strong support of local conferences in the Mid-America territory. Milestone moments of his presidency include chairing the search committee selecting a new president for Union Adventist University in 2024, serving on the General Conference nominating committee in 2022, and overseeing hiring the most diverse team of staff the MAUC office has ever experienced.

The Mid-America Union serves more than 67,500 members through over 500 congregations and 75 schools across six conferences that include the states of North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Minnesota, Colorado, Wyoming, and San Juan County in New Mexico.

Please keep Elder Thurber and his wife Diane in your prayers during this time of transition.

—Brenda Dickerson is the associate communication director for the Mid-America Union and editor of OUTLOOK magazine. Republished with permission by OUTLOOK magazine from the April 23, 2026, news story. Photos supplied.

23 Apr

EARLY HOURS, ENDURING FAITH: LAS AGUILAS PERSEVERE TO SHINE AT DIVISION PBE

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RMCNews with Sandra Montano – Denver, Colorado … The Rocky Mountain Conference’s (RMC) Aurora Las Aguilas Pathfinder Club has a relatively long history of participation in the North American Division-level (NAD) Pathfinder Bible Experience (PBE) with this being the sixth year in a row at the event.

To be eligible to participate in division-level testing that was held in Hawthorne, Florida, April 17-18, Pathfinder Club teams have to score a first-place ranking in the local, conference, and union-level testing events. The Las Aguilas Pathfinder Club joined the event virtually from the Wellness Support Center at the RMC Office in Denver, Colorado, with the over 260 other teams participating and being tested on the biblical book of Isaiah.

Joining the event virtually meant a very early morning for the team members, their families, and club leadership. The morning programming for the event started at 8:00 a.m. eastern daylight time, so the team had to be logged in, registered, and streaming by 6:00 a.m. Denver time.

There to support and facilitate the testing was Julie Lim, RMC Club Ministries North Metro area coordinator, who entered the team’s responses into the testing system, Sandra Montano, RMC Club Ministries training coordinator, Club Ministries volunteer Juan Carlos Montano, and the Las Aguilas Pathfinder Club’s director, Ines Salazar.

“We give thanks to God for the experience we shared during these months of study, work, and fellowship,” praised Salazar. “As a Club—and as parents—we look forward to seeing the eternal results in our Pathfinders that will reward their steadfastness and dedication to the Word of God. We pray, dear Pathfinders, that our Good God grants growth to the seed that has been sown in your hearts.”

The Las Aguilas Pathfinder Club team closed the event with a very respectable second-place ranking, showing up well prepared to test and in full uniform. Even though they were not able to attend in person, other adults present remarked that the team members still had a wonderful experience and were excited for the day’s activities.

“I want to tell Las Aguilas well done!” remarked Sandra Montano. “They are smart and dedicated Pathfinders, and I have seen all of them grow too fast spiritually and in height. I’m so proud of them for participating four times under the direction of the previous director Martinez and for the past 2 years with Ines Salazar. Keep up the good spirit and the participation. It was a privilege for Julie Lim, my husband Juan Carlos, and myself to have been there to help support the PBE.”

—Sandra Montano is an RMC Club Ministries training coordinator. Photos supplied.

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