RMCNews – Montrose, Colorado … The 2025 Rocky Mountain Conference (RMC) Western Slope Camp Meeting marked its tenth year of being a physical, mental, and spiritual retreat in western Colorado, August 6-10. The retreat was held again at the Mountaintop Retreat just south of Montrose, Colorado, providing a scenic view of the Uncompahgre Valley and a visual representation of this year’s camp theme “And We beheld His Glory.”
The tenth anniversary was marked with powerful messages and peaceful fellowship bringing attendees from as far as Texas, Montana, and Alabama, and was under new coordination leadership from Eliezer Roque-Cisneros, lead pastor of the Riffle District along the western I-70 corridor in Colorado.
Featured speakers Gary and Lee Venden, currently ministering for and in association with the “All About Jesus” seminars of the Arizona Conference, presented their unique duo blend of biblical reflection and personal experiences from the Gospel of John with a deep introspection on such characters as Nicodemus, Mary Magdalene, and more.
With each having around 40 years of experience in ministry, one core message from their program was to focus on a personal relationship with God: “The Jewish leaders focused on Rome and Prophecy, not on Jesus. They knew the rules but didn’t know the Ruler; they knew the doctrine but didn’t know the Doctor. Christianity is about who you know, not what you do.”
One of the most impactful moments in their program was Lee sharing his journey from empty religion to an authentic spiritual conversion of being a true believer in Jesus, commenting, “I was tired of playing church. I wanted the real deal.” He contrasted “going through the motions” of church life with experiencing a true transformation of the heart which he had termed “the click.”
Lee emphasized that conversion is not about rules or rituals but about looking to Jesus Himself along with personal reflection, study of scripture, prayer, and the influence of others who have encountered Christ. “We work on our relationship with Him, and God works on our transformation.”
Ron Price, author the PLAY NICE in Your Sandbox series, co-founder of the Institute for Biblical Peacemakers,* and elder at the Piñon Hills Seventh-day Adventist Church in Farmington, New Mexico, led afternoon sessions on his trademark seminar series “Relationship CPR: Conflict Prevention and Resolution.” He explored sources of conflict and provided practical steps to resolve and prevent conflict.
This year’s Western Slope Camp Meeting was blessed with several musical guests. Marilynn Venden, wife and ministry partner of Gary Venden, added her vocal evangelism to the worship programs. A special concert was held Saturday night hosting the comedic banter and music stylings of the male gospel music quartet, King’s Heralds, including one member, Don Scroggs, that has been with the group for 43 years.
During activity times, camp meeting attendees were free to enjoy leisure time completing puzzles, exploring the surrounding campgrounds and adjoining national forest, or joining the very popular guided painting classes led by Roque-Cisneros. His wife, Emily, encouraged him to take an art elective while a student at Union Adventist University in Lincoln, Nebraska, leading to a life-long pursuit of the fine arts.
Bob and Sharrel Fullmer, elder and treasurer at the Aztec Seventh-day Adventist Church in New Mexico, respectively, are regular attendees of the Western Slope Camp Meeting. When asked why they come back year after year, Bob remarked, “We love the outdoors and the people we meet.”
Sharrel commented, “It’s fantastic. Our favorite part of this year was the Venden speakers. But the drive up is gorgeous, we’re up in the mountains, and we’re away from the city. It’s nice. The air is so fresh, and the food is fabulous!”
In attendance at this year’s event was RMC’s vice president for Administration Doug Inglish, vice president for Finance Darin Gottfried, and special remarks were given from RMC’s new president, David VandeVere.
The camp meeting leadership team extends heartfelt gratitude to the incredible local leaders and volunteers whose dedication made this year’s gathering possible. From Alan Scott, Ron and Linda Johnson, April Wright, Judy Kelly, and Steve and Jerilynn Pester, to the hardworking camp cooks and the many faithful elders across the region, their tireless service, warm hospitality, and behind-the-scenes efforts created a meaningful and memorable camp meeting experience for all.
* Please note that the Institute for Biblical Peacemakers is not affiliated with the Rocky Mountain Conference of Seventh-day Adventists or the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
—RMCNews. Photos by Liz Kirkland and Ron Johnson.
