Elisabet Kirkland Page 18

Karrie Meyers – Highlands Ranch, Colorado … Mile High Academy (MHA) in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, celebrated a major milestone with its annual Alumni Reunion Weekend, September 27-29, marking 60 years of providing quality Christian education as a full K-12 day academy in the Denver Metro area.

Founded in 1913 as an elementary school, MHA expanded over the years, with its first senior class graduating in 1964, marking its full K-12 status. Cheryl Becker Miller, a member of that historic 1964 class, returned to campus to join the weekend festivities, representing her class’s pivotal role in shaping the school’s legacy.

The weekend was filled with reflection and reconnection, beginning with Grandparents Day on September 27, where over 115 grandparents gathered to celebrate alongside their grandchildren.

The highlight of the weekend was Alumni Reunion Sabbath, where alumni from across the country gathered to worship and reconnect. Clint Watson, Class of 1984 and the featured guest speaker, delivered a powerful message. His sermon focused on the enduring presence of God in our lives, reminding those in attendance of Matthew 28:20: Surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.

Watson, who met his wife at MHA and has been married for 32 years, emphasized that reunions with God are never needed because He never leaves us. Rather, he encouraged attendees to see reunions as an opportunity to reflect and reconnect, rediscover God’s plan for their lives, and seek renewal when needed.

Among the alumni was Cheryl Becker Miller, who traveled from her home in California to join the reunion and shared her fond memories of growing up at MHA. Starting her education in first grade, Cheryl can still name each of her teachers, including Ms. Pierce and Mrs. Silverstein, and remembers the impact they had on her life. A talented musician, Cheryl was involved in the choir, band, and played both the piano and organ throughout her time at MHA. Music became an integral part of her life, even leading her to meet her husband while she accompanied students during voice lessons.

Her fond memories also include the school’s ski club, where her father, a member of the school board, provided boots and skis for the students. Weekend trips to Winter Park, Loveland, and Berthoud Pass were highlights of her time at MHA.

Cheryl was one of 17 students in the Class of 1964, a group that discovered late in their junior year that they would be able to graduate from MHA instead of transferring to the boarding school Campion Academy, as many students did at the time. Through bake sales and hot lunches, her class raised money for their senior trip, and they fondly recall Adventist classics such as haystacks and veggie burgers served at their fundraising lunches. A photo of Cheryl and her classmates standing beside a plane now proudly hangs on MHA’s honor wall, commemorating this pioneering group of graduates.

When asked for advice to the current Senior class, she said, “Hold on to the memories because they mean so much. Remember your teachers and what they meant to you.”

After a day of celebration, an enchilada lunch, and campus tours, alumni and families continued to enjoy fellowship and fun during the annual 3-on-3 basketball tournament, where spectators and 16 teams—ranging from adults to students—cheered each other on, filling the gym with lively Mustang spirit.

The weekend concluded with the Mustang Classic Golf Tournament on September 27, where more than 65 golfers gathered for a day of fun and competition. The event brought together alumni and community members in support of MHA, underscoring the lasting connections that the school fosters.

Reflecting on the weekend’s celebrations, MHA’s vice principal of Finance and Development, Jocelyn Aalborg, shared, “It’s such a privilege to be part of this amazing community. We are so grateful to celebrate 60 years of continued Christian education and the impact it has had on so many lives. MHA’s legacy is strong, and we look forward to many more years of serving students and families.”

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

Nathan Cranson – Montrose, Colorado …  About 60 members of the Montrose Seventh-day Adventist Church in Montrose, Colorado, enthusiastically gathered after a Sabbath potluck to help prepare 1,500 copies of Ellen G. White’s book The Great Controversy for distribution to the surrounding community.

“What a blessing it has been to be working together in God’s vineyard,” remarked Nathan Cranson, head pastor at the Montrose Church. “After many months of planning, the time had finally come for action.”

Tucked into the book was an invitation to a week-long Bible study seminar taking place at the church. The feeling in the church was energetic as supplies were being passed back and forth between several tables. What would have taken one person at least five hours to complete was done in less than an hour. Prayers were offered, maps were passed out, and instructions were given to the volunteers that were to distribute the books.

Over the next two weeks, church members worked eagerly to pass these books out to the households around our Montrose.

Eric, the newest Montrose Church member as of a couple of months, joined in too. Together with his two daughters and a daughter’s non-member boyfriend, Eric began to distribute to his entire neighborhood. One of the doors was opened by an old-time friend.

With a confused look on his face, Eric’s friend asked him what he was doing. Eric began to explain that God had changed his life, and he was now going to the Seventh-Day Adventist Church and that his new church was passing out books in the community, so he was helping out.

Eric noted that his friend laughed in disbelief. Eric had never participated in religion as a former gang member, and he had never been to church until God started working on his heart four years earlier. Standing at that door, Eric realized how different his life was now.

Cranson recounted, “While it hurt [Eric] to have a friend laughing at him, as he reflected on it, he began to rejoice and give thanks for the transformation God had worked in his life. Never would he have pictured himself passing out religious books in the very community he used to terrorize as a young person.”

Eric and his family passed out books to nearly 100 homes that day. Even when it started raining, they persisted until every book had been distributed. Eric finished with wet clothes and a deep sense of accomplishment.

—Nathan Cranson is the lead pastor for the Montrose, Gunnison, and Paonia Seventh-day Adventist Churches. Photos supplied.

Solie Swan – Denver, Colorado … At True Life Community (TLC) Seventh-day Adventist Church in Denver, Colorado, a unique and inspiring ministry is making a big impact on the lives of church members in need.

“The Car Guys,” a team of TLC church members and volunteers led by Mark Brodis, Eric Brodis, Rodrigo Aguilar, and Chuck Henry from Littleton Seventh-day Adventist Church in Littleton, Colorado, have stepped up to offer free automotive repairs to those who can’t afford them. This dedicated group of skilled individuals uses their talents to keep others on the road, providing a vital service that many depend on for their daily lives.

“What makes The Car Guys ministry so special is not just their technical skill, but the heart behind the work,” remarked Solie Swan, lead pastor at TLC Church. “Each repair is more than just fixing a car—it’s an act of love and compassion, an opportunity to serve their fellow church members in a meaningful and practical way. The volunteers give their time and expertise willingly, showing that even something as simple as fixing a car can be a powerful expression of care and support.”

However, the demand for these services has outstripped the ministry’s current capacity. To continue meeting the growing need, The Car Guys are seeking both volunteers and financial support. If you would like to be involved in this life-changing ministry, either by lending your skills or by donating to help cover the cost of parts, reach out to The Car Guys at [email protected]

—Solie Swan is the lead pastor at TLC Seventh-day Adventist Church. Photos by Eric Brodis.

Waleska Valdez – Fort Morgan, Colorado … Jesus says in the Bible that You shall know the truth and the truth will set you free (John 8:32). That is exactly what happened at the Fort Morgan Seventh-day Adventist Church in Fort Morgan, Colorado, September 22-28, when the church celebrated a week of public evangelism, hosted by head pastor Gabriel Agramonte, entitled “The Truth Will Set You Free.”

“Our friends were finding the truth that gives freedom through the messages that were presented at the evangelistic series that were being held, where freedom from sin in Jesus was found,” commented Waleska Valdez, wife of Pastor Agramonte.

“During the week,” she continued, “the Lord was working through the Holy Spirit in the hearts of the friends that were attending night after night. We had a great support from the church members, and we counted a good amount of people being engaged through our Facebook live-streaming as well.”

One of the series attendees was Alexander Pacas, who did not miss a single night of the event. He has been a good friend of church members and regularly attended services. “Through this powerful week, and through the work of the Holy Spirit, he decided to give his life to Jesus through baptism and be freed from the bondage of sin through His blood,” recounted Valdez.

The attendees also witnessed a precious moment when young siblings Camila and Isaac Tahay, who are part of the Church’s Pathfinders club and children of a cherished church family, also made the decision to give themselves to their Savior through baptism and be set free from sin slavery and become free in Jesus. Their mother, Lucy Tahay, said that she was so happy and thankful to the Lord because it was a dream come true that her children were being baptized.

Karen Espinola, principal of the Lighthouse Seventh-day Adventist Christian School in Fort Morgan, was also accepted by profession of faith to become an official member of the church.

Valdez concluded, “The week ended with the Lord blessing the church with the fruits of its work. We had three baptisms and one profession of faith, and some other friends interested in being baptized in the near future.”

—Waleska Valdez writes from the Fort Morgan Seventh-day Adventist Church where her husband, Gabriel Agramonte, is head pastor. Photos supplied.

Alexandra Cordoba – Loveland, Colorado … Hundreds of alumni reconnected at Campion Academy (CA) in Loveland, Colorado, reminiscing about old times, September 20-21. The event included musical performances, church and vespers services, time to catch up with friends, and friendly volleyball and soccer competitions.

Shelley Stroh, Class of 1974, expressed why she thinks it’s important to come back to these reunions: “Our class was so close while we were in the dorm, and it’s awesome to be able to rekindle those friendships. It’s really nice to be able to encourage one another, pray for one another, and it’s just been a really amazing experience.”

The weekend kicked off with an evening vespers service on September 20, where CA students and adults alike shared heartfelt testimonies from their time canvassing. The night ended with a performance by the CA choir of “The Prayer.”

At the church service on September 21, the honor classes, or graduating classes with the year ending in four or nine, were recognized. Alumni of the Year awards were presented to Anne (Lucero) Wham, Class of 1964, for her service to the community while Ryan Hoover, Class of 1998, was honored for his service in the work of God. Jim and Shirley Turner were inducted to the Hall of Faith for their dedication to the students and staff with over 40 years of combined service at Campion Academy.

The church service featured performances from the orchestra, the Koinonia choir, and the handbell ensemble. Kay Kuzma, Class of 1959, was the speaker for the church service. In her sermon, she encouraged people to learn to embrace the plans God has for your life and how you should always aspire for something greater.

In the afternoon, honor class members gathered to celebrate their reunions.

That evening, Lisa Wham-Hickman, Class of 1989, performed a concert during sundown worship in which she sang some of her family’s favorite songs, alongside her aunt, husband, and mother.

The current CA students and alumni also competed in soccer and volleyball games. Alumni were victorious in the soccer game winning six to two and dominated the volleyball game winning three to zero.

Arthur Lee Hatfield, Class of 1984, reminisced on his time in sports and outreach. “We had ski trips, a gymnastics team, a flag football team, basketball, and volleyball,” he recalled. “Instead of competing against other schools, we went to other small Adventist schools and set up clinics for the kids. We would do a little worship program on the weekends when we were there for Sabbath School, church, and vespers.”

Milka Mendoza, Class of 2021, reflected on why she came back this year: “It wasn’t my honor year, but I just wanted to come back because Campion feels like home. It makes me feel warm, and I will always love it here.”

—Alexandra Cordoba is student editor in Campion Academy news team. Photos supplied.