Elisabet Kirkland

06 Jun

COMMENTARY: THE POWER OF PREVENTION

By Rick Mautz

Most of us deal with our personal health with what I call the disease/treatment model. We wait until there are symptoms or a diagnosis and then we go and seek help to fix the problem. Or we might say, “I am getting regular medical examinations. If there are any problems, my doctor will let me know and take care of it.” The problem with that mindset is that, once there are symptoms, the disease may either be not treatable, the treatment is expensive, or the treatment is worse than the disease itself.

One example is breast cancer. A few breast cancer cells are not much of a problem. But, after 20 years of silently growing, there may be a billion cells, the amount needed for detection. Why not choose a lifestyle that fights the cancer cells before you ever know it’s there?

Another example is heart disease. It silently develops until there is a small crack in the lining of the coronary artery, forming a clot leading to a sudden heart attack. There are often no symptoms, and it may not be detectable by medical examination. For too many, the first symptom is sudden death. If you were waiting for symptoms to appear to make changes, it’s often too late.

Most heart disease is preventable through lifestyle, and prevention is the only safe course. But that requires a new mindset. Instead of a disease/treatment model, you follow a lifestyle/prevention model. And the side effects of the prevention model are only good ones, like a happier, longer, healthier life with greater mental clarity. The lifestyle that prevents these two diseases also prevents many others as well.

The question may be, Is it worth the effort? There will be things that you enjoy that you will have to give up. But, from my experience, the positive results in your life will be worth the initial inconvenience.

Those are examples of the power of prevention in your physical life. How might the power of prevention change other areas of your life? Such as in relationships or preventing conflict rather than fixing it afterward. Or what about your spiritual life?

The disease/treatment model is like a sin/forgiveness model. It will take a new mindset to practice prevention in the spiritual life as well. Make no mistake, it takes no more power on God’s part to give us strength to resist temptation than to forgive us afterward. In fact, He would preferer it that way. Just pray early and avoid the remorse and pain for yourself and others. Is it possible?

The real question to ask is how big is your God? He is more than able even if we are not able on our own strength or willpower. All that it takes on our part is to just ask for His help at the point of temptation and He is more than willing to give us the victory through His strength. Both physical and spiritual prevention take a new mindset, but it’s the same mind that is changed for both. So, practicing the new mindset with one helps the other. That is the work of the Holy Spirit.

“The prince of this world cometh, said Jesus, and hath nothing in Me (John 14:30). There was in Him nothing that responded to Satan’s sophistry. He did not consent to sin. Not even by a thought did He yield to temptation. So, it may be with us. Christ’s humanity was united with divinity. So long as we are united to Him by faith, sin has no more dominion over us. God reaches for the hand of faith in us to direct it to lay fast hold upon the divinity of Christ, that we may attain to perfection of character” (DA 123.3). ¹

Physical prevention is the answer to health care crises. Spiritual prevention is the answer to the Great Controversy.

—Rick Mautz, PT MS, is RMC director of the Rocky Mountain Lifestyle Center. Photo by Pexels.

¹ White, Ellen G. (1898). The Desire of Ages. Pacific Press.

01 Jun

CAMPION ACADEMY CELEBRATED GRADUATES WITH A FESTIVE WEEKEND

Jill Harlow – Loveland, Colorado … Campion Academy celebrated the achievements of 35 graduates over a weekend of festivities.

The Class of 2023 began the weekend by honoring their parents during Friday evening’s service. On Sabbath, the students took charge of every aspect of the church service, presenting several musical selections. In the evening, the class introduced themselves in a creative spin on “The Masked Singer.” Class sponsors Cindy Santana and Zeca Santana were the speakers at the main events on Sabbath and Sunday, respectively.

Twenty-one of the 35 graduates were four-year seniors at Campion Academy. Twelve seniors earned College Preparatory or Advance College Preparatory diplomas, and 15 seniors graduated with honors. Union College presented several of the highest-achieving graduates with scholarships worth up to $40,000 each. Due to opportunities at Campion Academy to take dual-credit classes, 26 of the seniors graduated having completed college credits.

“I am so proud of our graduates,” commented Principal Don Reeder. “This class is very talented. They have earned over $2.5 million in scholarships from our Adventist Universities and Colleges. What is even more exciting is that each one has been educated about the importance of using their talents in service to God and man. I am excited to see where God takes them in life and ministry for Him.”

In her graduation speech, Campion’s Student of the Year Lindsey Smith spoke, “By the end of Senior Survival [activities], a safe feeling of a home away from home sunk in as I realized ‘these people are family’ … what we each are, individually, is not what sticks out to me. It is when we are all put together.”

She continued, “That is when we can overcome anything, accomplish great things when our compassion and love for each other comes out … There are big things in store for each and every one of us. Plans of traveling, going to college, pursuing a career. Our potential is limitless. I know God has amazing plans for each of us.”

Campion Academy is proud of the leaders these young adults have become and we congratulate them on all their achievements!

—Jill Harlow is the Campion Academy communication director. Photos supplied.

01 Jun

NEWLY BAPTISED BELIEVERS JOIN CAMPION CHURCH

RMCNews – Loveland, Colorado … The Campion Adventist Church family joyfully accepted three newly baptized members and one recommitment on May 6. Ten more baptisms occurred on May 12, and one rebaptism on May 19. If you do the math, that is 15 of God’s children entering, or reentering, into a commitment of faith.

Over the course of the month, the baptisms were officiated by four pastors and/or elders. Those baptized ranged in age from second-grade students to retired dentist. Two even requested to be baptized together: Cana Goetz, daughter of Michael Goetz, pastor of Campion Church, and her best friend Emma Nelson, a student at HMS Richards School, baptized by Eric Nelson, former RMC vice president for administration, her grandfather.

Seven-year-old Madelyn Schwisow gave her testimony: “I want to be baptized because I want to follow Jesus. I want to do as Christ did each day by faith, by prayer, by trust, by choices, and by reading the Bible.”

Bodi Jacob, a young student, shared, “I decided to be baptized a year ago. My family and I did Bible studies with Kim and Mary Mehlenbacher. They have helped me in my spiritual walk. I want to be baptized because I want and need Jesus in my heart every day. I want to give my life to Him.”

Annalise Gomez, 14 years old, said, “I have been learning about God and seeing how he works through other people’s lives for as long as I can remember. I want God to work through me spreading His word. I want to accept Him into my life no matter what the cost may be. I want Jesus as my best friend.”

Kenneth Jacob, a husband, and father, testified, “I wasn’t [raised Adventist]. I met Alisa, my wife, while she was attending Andrews University. She has been my rock, standing by me patiently through this long journey as I worked to shed my prideful secular ways, allowing me to view the world through the lens of Christianity. Together we have two amazing boys that I have the extreme pleasure of sharing this baptismal tank with. I would also like to thank Kim and Mary Mehlenbacher for guiding our family in our spiritual journey over the past six months of Bible studies … Once I realized that we are loved unconditionally by God, we can become loved for the sake of others. To be baptized is more than a public display, it’s a soul-cleansing birth into Christianity.”

Timm Eickmann, a retired dentist, spent the year prior reading his bible. He was amazed at what God has done to save His people and His grace, mercy, and peace. “More than ever,” he says, “I appreciate who God is. Today, I want to rededicate my life to Him.”

—RMCNews, a story based on Campion Connections newsletter. Interviews by Muriel Indermuehle and Ella Jean Albertsen. Photos by Catherine Chamberlain and Eric Stenbakken.

campion-2 — Madeline Schwisow being baptized by her father, Eddie Schwisow, with Pastor Bizama holding the microphone.

campion-3 — Retired dentist Timm Eickmann being rebaptized by Pastor Michael Goetz.

01 Jun

FORT MORGAN LIGHTHOUSE SCHOOL RETIRES DEBT

Doug Inglish – Fort Morgan, Colorado … The pandemic presented challenges to businesses, churches, schools, and other enterprises. Not every organization survived, and those that did often found themselves with very real obstacles to continued operation.

Fort Morgan Lighthouse School emerged from that period with a $50,000 debt. That is a daunting amount for a small school with most students coming from outside the church family. To make things even more difficult, the teacher shortage forced them to look outside the United States to find a qualified Adventist teacher, and immigration red tape held up her admission to the country until after the school year ended.

The second problem was answered when retired teacher Kathy Goley stepped forward. It was only supposed to be temporary, but the weeks turned into months and finally, the entire year had passed. Kathy stayed at the helm and provided quality teaching to grateful families all the way through. Our appreciation for her dedication is beyond words, and all parents voiced strong support for the work she did.

The first problem seemed far more daunting. How could a small church in a small community retire that debt while keeping up with current commitments? How could they do it while searching for a pastor, as the pastor shortage is only slightly less severe than the teacher shortage?

The answer began with interim pastor, Rex Bell, who challenged the church to step forward in the interest of the next generation, the community, and the church’s mission. The rest of the equation came when not only did the Fort Morgan Church accept the challenge, but so did the rest of the district churches. Yuma, Sterling, Akron, and Burlington may not be within driving distance for sending students, but the members embraced the Lighthouse School as their own and lent their support in tangible ways.

Pastor Rex Bell commented, “What a joy and privilege to serve God’s people in northeast Colorado! Truly they are God’s family united in serving God. It is incredible to witness God’s blessings upon His churches and school!”

On May 27, Pastor Bell and Kathy Goley stood in front of the church with a chart representing the final few dollars raised. A check was in hand to deliver to Doug Inglish, RMC vice president for administration, who was in attendance that day.

This story is about the determination of God’s people. It is about the value of Adventist education not just to the local church, but to the local community. And it is about the dedication of people from other communities who value Adventist education enough to support it even when they don’t have a student of their own at the school they support. God’s power through His people to His children is an awesome thing to witness.

—Doug Inglish is RMC vice president for administration. Photos by Susan Inglish.

01 Jun

NEW FIELD REPRESENTATIVE JOINS RMC PLANNED GIVING & TRUST SERVICES

Mary Lynn Green – Denver, Colorado … The Rocky Mountain Conference (RMC) Planned Giving & Trust Services welcomes Dawn Westgate to the team as the new assistant director/field representative. Dawn begins her ministry on June 3, 2023, at the northeast camp meeting at Campion Academy in Loveland, Colorado.

Dawn attended Andrews University and local community colleges. She holds degrees in nursing and business administration and is certified in office management.

While serving in trust services for a public national bank, she felt God’s calling to care for His people, and she takes that calling very seriously. Dawn has been serving our Lord most recently in the RMC treasury department in a temporary capacity. She is detail-oriented and has a deep respect for client’s wishes.

Dawn is a caring person who loves the Lord dearly. As Christ shows compassion towards others, Dawn strives to be more like Him every day as she serves Him both personally and in corporate trust work. She has also found hope in emergency nursing.

Dawn has been married for 36 years to Brandon Westgate, our RMC youth director. She has served as a pastor’s wife for the last 20 of those years. Dawn and Brandon have two grown children and two grandchildren.

Our team bids a fond farewell to Matthew Moreland at our staff meeting in early March. He began his new position as associate director of major gifts at Southern Adventist University on March 28. We miss him and wish him well in his new role.

—Mary Lynn Green is the RMC Planned Giving and Trust Services director and Corporate Secretary for Asset Management. Photo supplied.

31 May

250 ATTEND RMC PATHFINDER FAIR

Brent Learned – Grand Junction, Colorado … Some 250 Pathfinders, staff, and parents from small towns and larger cities across RMC came together on May 21 for the annual conference-wide Pathfinder fair. The event was held at the Intermountain Adventist Academy campus in Grand Junction, Colorado, and was organized by Pathfinder coordinators Dwight Laubscher and Jodi Gage.

The day started with the Pathfinder clubs setting up booths in the gym displaying everything they had learned and accomplished throughout the year. These displays were scored by a team of Pathfinder leader judges.

The Pathfinders then marched the field perimeter, club by club, to the rhythm of drums pounding and cymbals crashing, skillfully played by several clubs. The clubs were collaborating under the direction of the RMC Pathfinder drill master Joel Domingez. Following the parade, clubs stood together and sang the Pathfinder song before a worship service led by RMC assistant youth director Jade Teal.

RMC youth director Brandon Westgate then presented Joel with the Pathfinder hall-of-fame plaques and pin recognizing him for his exceptional leadership and commitment to Pathfinder ministry within the RMC. The award presentation was followed by the club’s lively judged marching competition.

Cinthya Miranda, Northeastern Colorado Area adventurer coordinator, said, “[I] saw kids praying prior to participation. They weren’t asked to pray by an adult, it was done out of their own volition. These small, yet big gestures remind us why Pathfinder clubs are so important in a kid’s overall growth.”

At lunchtime, the participants could purchase food from clubs that were selling food as a fundraiser for their upcoming activities. The Pathfinders rotated through more than a dozen activity stations after lunch where they participated in a variety of team-building activities. They learned skills such as tying knots and played field games such as Capture the Flag.

After the activity stations, clubs returned to the gym where awards and accolades were handed to top-performing individuals and clubs before the participants packed up and returned to their respective communities.

One of the Pathfinders in attendance, Kaylon Miranda, commented, “This fair was amazing!”

Eli and Veronica Gonzalez, RMC club ministries associate executive coordinators, said, “We were so impressed by all who attended the Pathfinder fair. We believe the real way to gain happiness is to give it to others. This weekend you (Pathfinders) have shown a happy heart while participating and competing with each other.”

—Brent Learned is the RMC assistant youth director and Mills Spring Ranch manager. Photos supplied by Aaron Dove and Cinthya Miranda.

31 May

LIFESOURCE MOUNTAINEERS INVESTITURE

Daisy Dalegowski – Denver, Colorado … The LifeSource Mountaineers had their first combined Adventurers and Pathfinders Investiture on May 20. This was a special ceremony to honor the completion of the curriculum’s requirements.

Sixteen Adventurers and eight pathfinders earned a combined 142 honors and badges during the program year. That is an amazing achievement!

This year the Mountaineers participated in door-to-door community outreach, a Christmas extravaganza, Club Ministries Sabbath, and Adventurer Fun Day. They also raised over $1,000 during the Great LifeSource Bake-Off. All of that was outside the 550 program hours prepared by the staff for the kids.

It was a busy year full of making friends, learning, and growing in the Lord. The Mountaineers Leadership team would like to thank all of the staff, families, church members, and conference team that supported them through this very successful year.

We look forward to seeing what amazing adventures are in store for them next year!

—Daisy Dalegowski is the director of club ministries at LifeSource Adventist Fellowship. Photo supplied.

30 May

STEWARDSHIP: PART 3 – THE LORD OF THE STEWARD

We have the idea that we can dedicate our gifts to God.
However, you cannot dedicate what’s not yours.
– Oswald Chambers

Years ago, I invited the conference stewardship director and good friend to be the guest speaker in the church I pastored. He spoke about the new budget for the conference and how each local church has to increase the giving so the new budget can be reached and the conference can meet its financial responsibilities. After his visit, I received many questions from the congregation regarding the steward’s responsibilities and whom we should have as the focus of our giving. In this reflection on stewardship, we will look at the object of the steward’s service as a foundation for giving and why it is essential to give only to the Lord.

There is no steward or stewardship without a lord or lordship. Biblical and Christian stewardship does not exist without the Lordship of Jesus Christ and the sovereignty of God. In other words, stewardship only exists in the context of God’s ownership, household, and economy. We will face these subjects in the upcoming articles. But, who is this sovereign Lord the stewards serve? David, the chosen of God, exclaimed: The earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness, the world and those who dwell therein (Psalm 24:1, NKJV). Asaph the Psalmist also acknowledged God’s ownership by proclaiming: For all the animals of the forest are mine, and I own the cattle on a thousand hills (Psalm 50:10, NLT). Even as arguing with Job, The Lord declared: Who has preceded Me, that I should pay him? Everything under heaven is Mine (Job 41:11, NKJV).

The stewards are serving the owner of this world and of the universe. They are serving the Creator God, Elohim, and handling, increasing, and multiplying all that the owner has surrendered into their hands for the Owners glory and not their own. Blackaby wrote, “He [God] reveals what He is doing, and then we adjust our lives, our plans, and our goals to Him. We are to place our lives at His disposal—where He is working—so He can accomplish His purposes through us.” ¹ The stewards have only one purpose, and that is to make the name, the character, the economy, the property, the kingdom, and the realm of their Lord glorious. The stewards live for the glory of their Lord, Master, and King and not for their own. They can do this only because they know who they serve. They know their Lord.

In one of his sermons, the late S.M. Lockridge spoke of the Lord and King he knew: “My King is a sovereign King. No means of measure can define His limitless love. He’s enduringly strong. He’s entirely sincere. He’s eternally steadfast. He’s immortally graceful. He’s imperially powerful. He’s impartially merciful. DO YOU KNOW HIM? He’s the greatest phenomenon that has ever crossed the horizon of this world. He’s God’s Son. He’s a sinner’s Savior. He’s the centerpiece of civilization. He’s unparalleled. He’s unprecedented … I WONDER IF YOU KNOW HIM? He’s the key to knowledge. He’s the wellspring of wisdom. He’s the doorway of deliverance. He’s the pathway of peace. He’s the roadway of righteousness. He’s the highway of holiness. He’s the gateway of glory. DO YOU KNOW HIM? His life is matchless. His goodness is limitless. His mercy is everlasting. His love never changes. His word is enough. His grace is sufficient. His reign is righteous. His yoke is easy, and His burden is light. I WISH I COULD DESCRIBE HIM TO YOU! He is indescribable. He’s incomprehensible. He is invincible. He is irresistible. You can’t get Him out of your mind. You can’t get him off of your hand. You can’t outlive Him, and you can’t live without Him. The Pharisees couldn’t stand Him; they found out they couldn’t stop Him. Pilate couldn’t find any fault in Him; Herod couldn’t kill Him. Death couldn’t handle Him; the grave couldn’t hold Him.” ²

The stewards know their Lord and Master as he is. They see the service to the Lord and Master as most honorable, worthy, glorious, and wonderful. For this reason, they will never stop giving their utmost with borrowed time, talent, or treasure. The intensity of serving will never linger, and the commitment will never faint. Just as Isaiah said: But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint (Isaiah 40:31, NKJV).

In Part 4 of the series, we will look at what the waiting stewards manage, invest in, and multiply for their Master.

—Anton Kapusi is the lead pastor of Pueblo First Seventh-day Adventist Church. Photo by Pexels.

¹Blackabe H., and Blackaby R. (2008). Experiencing God. BH Publishing, p. 188.

²Martin, A. (2008, July 23). That’s My King Dr. S.M. Lockridge – [OFFICIAL]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yzqTFNfeDnE

25 May

DENVER ADVENTISTS RUNNING FOR CLEAN WATER

Kelly Loney, Emily Woodhull, and RMCNews – Denver, Colorado … Two Adventist teams ran the Colfax Marathon relay race in Denver, Colorado, on May 21 raising money for World Vision International, a well-known Christian humanitarian organization. The money raised was going to fund projects that would bring clean water to communities globally.

One relay team was from Newday Adventist Church in Parker, Colorado, and the other was from LifeSource Adventist Fellowship in Denver, Colorado. Each team supplied five runners to run/walk a certain portion of a full marathon of 26.2 miles. This was the ninth year a Newday team and the third year a LifeSource team had participated in the race.

One runner from Newday Church also completed her first marathon, and five other Newday runners finished their first half-marathon (13.1 miles).

Kelly Loney, director of communication at Newday Adventist Church, and Emily Woodhull, Newday team co-captain, remarked, “That is incredible … not only did they run/walk much longer than most of us would ever dream of doing ourselves … but they also raised funds with Team World Vision to bring clean water access to places that need it.”

At this year’s race, Team Newday raised $44,650 which provides clean water for 893 children. Team LifeSource raised $9,418 which provides clean water for 188 children. For the nine years that Team Newday has been involved with the race, they have raised an astounding $509,555 which provides clean water to 10,191 children!

Co-captain, and runner on the Newday Team, Steve Cochran said, “Being able to be a part of what God has done is incredible. It humbles you to know what we can do when we come together as the body of Christ, even if it is just getting off the couch.”

The church leadership thanks those who ran, who supported financially, and who cheered the group on from the sidelines. One hears that once you run one you want to run another!

Way to go Team World Vision Newday and LifeSource runners!

—Kelly Loney is the director of communication at Newday Adventist Church, and Emily Woodhull is a Newday Team co-captain and runner. Photo supplied.

25 May

MUSIC AND AWARDS MARK A MEMORABLE CAMPION YEAR

Tiffany Mogaka – Loveland, Colorado … The Campion Adventist Academy gym came alive May 20 as the Academy held its highly anticipated Award’s Night and annual Pop’s Concert. The event showcased the musical talents of students and recognized their outstanding athletic, academic, and artistic achievements.

Campion’s orchestra opened the concert with the selections City of Stars and Highlights from Grease, an extravagant commencement to the event.

Orchestra violinist, Shawn Furgurson, commented, “The music was really fun to perform. The piece Highlights from Grease was a struggle to learn, but I would definitely say that it was well worth it. Being able to open up the concert was a thrilling experience. It allowed me to reminisce about the past year’s performances because this was the last concert of the year.”

Students from the various music departments, including Jazz Band, Bells, Chorale, and Koinonia choir, showcased their incredible talent and hard work through a delightful array of performances prepared under the guidance of Campion’s music director, Cecilia Simmons.

Senior, and Koinonia member, Melody Mambo reflected, “My highlight of the concert was when Koinonia sang Stand Up, which is our favorite. It was cool to show our creativity with this song. I also enjoyed the theme and detail that Miss Simmons put into prompts to introduce each presentation. It was overall a memorable experience.”

Between each performance were moments of recognition and celebration as deserving students were acknowledged for their remarkable achievements. Awards were presented for a wide range of accomplishments, including academic excellence, leadership, musical, and athletic recognition.

Senior Ana Segawa commented, “I found it wholesome to watch people get recognized for their accomplishments. This school year was hard, but it felt nice to receive appreciation and to be able to celebrate that with my friends and staff members who have always been so supportive.”

At the end of the event, students and staff gathered in the chapel to watch presentations by the current dorm staff announcing next year’s Resident Assistants. They enjoyed a selection of animation video projects and appreciated the year-end video prepared by Campion’s Student Association (SA) tech director, Ciara Felix.

Carla Ramos, a senior, recounted, “I really loved seeing the end of the year video. It took me back to all the highlights and fun memories from this year. It was a wonderful way to end a fantastic evening and great year.”

—Tiffany Mogaka, Campion Student News Team. Photos supplied.

Elisabet Kirkland Page 55