25 Aug

GATHERING TO GROW: TORRINGTON WOMEN’S MINISTRIES BUILDS COMMUNITY

Mona Fellers – Torrington, Wyoming … Torrington is a small town 85 miles northeast of Cheyenne, Wyoming, with a small Seventh-day Adventist Church.  And even though it is small, the Women’s Ministries team is working to build closer relationships with each other and with women in the community.

Once a month, they sponsor a social gathering nicknamed GALS, an acronym for “Guiding Aspirations, Lifting Spirits.” “We gather to learn different recipes, do a small craft, learn different helpful hacks, and deepen our relationships with each other,” remarked Mona Fellers, Torrington Church Women’s Ministries leadership team member.

On August 16, Alisha Knutsen, an Adventist women’s ministries volunteer presenter and a self-taught homeopathic practitioner, was invited to the church to conduct a “Home Remedies” class for the community.

“She presented a fantastic class that emphasized using the natural things God has provided to make deposits into our health bank,” commented Fellers. “We learned some practical ways to fight inflammation, treat bug bites, and boost our immune system. The women were very excited about what they were learning and requested we invite her back for a workshop.”

Bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, Who satisfies your mouth with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s (Psalm 103:2-5, NKJV).

—Mona Fellers is the Sabbath School secretary for the Torrington Seventh-day Adventist Church. Photo by John Levy of Unsplash.

25 Aug

CAMPION ACADEMY KICKS OFF THE SCHOOL YEAR UNITED

Jill Harlow – Loveland, Colorado … The Campion Academy campus in Loveland, Colorado, came to life again, welcoming 108 students to start the academic year. After a busy Sunday completing registration and moving into the dormitories, the students and staff came together for the annual welcome back party, the Student Association (SA) Handshake on August 16.

The SA creatively introduced the school year’s theme, united, by walking in dressed as a flight crew and encouraging everyone to have a great flight (school year) before leading the student body in worship.

“We introduced ourselves as a flight crew with the idea that we were the “Campion United” flight, flying through the school, united,” explained Natalie B., SA vice president. “This theme is valuable because Campion is made up of many diverse cultures and ethnic backgrounds and we’ve also received a lot of new staff and students, so—with that in mind—the idea of being united is so important.”

Christopher D., SA Spiritual vice president, shared a message on what it means to be united in Christ, inspiring students to go outside their friend circles to make everyone feel welcome.

SA Communication director, Joshua P. shared, “Our theme of unity is so important to me because, when we as a school stand together united in Christ, we can accomplish so much more for God than we could alone.”

The students gathered in their class groups to play some Campion classic handshake games such as the hula hoop race and the human knot. “The icebreaker games were a unique blend of awkward and fun,” recalled Aome A., senior student.

The event culminated with the classic handshake line, where every student and staff shook hands and introduced themselves. After a prayer of dedication, students had time to relax and catch up with old friends and meet new ones on Center Campus.

Jayden M., sophomore student, shared, “My favorite part of handshake was meeting all the new people and getting to really know my class better. Talking to my classmates from last year and learning about their summer was fun too.”

The event helped even brand-new students feel part of the community to start the year. Annalise G., new senior student, reflected, “I felt quite nervous and shy with not knowing really anyone. Everything felt so overwhelming at first, and it felt like everyone had their own friends and groups, but some girls opened their circle just to talk to me and got to know me a bit. They made me feel welcomed and more comfortable, even though I was still nervous. All the teachers were so kind and understanding. I really felt so welcomed and supported.”

Campion Academy held their first full week of classes with a special schedule that incorporated a daily assembly for student orientation.

The student body is made up of 86 residence hall students and 22 community (aka “village”) students. Eighteen international students represent five different countries, and there are 30 staff including both full and part-time members.

—Jill Harlow is Campion Academy Communication director. Photo supplied.

24 Aug

TWO NEW MISSIONARIES STAND TALL IN THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN CONFERENCE

Steve Pester – Farmington, New Mexico …The Rocky Mountain Conference (RMC) had two new missionaries start their work in August. These missionaries will never take a vacation, never call in sick, and never get tired of sharing the good news of Jesus.

They stand tall day and night through the sun, wind, rain, snow, and cold. Their voices carry hope across the high desert, reaching people in Shiprock, Farmington, and nearby communities.

These missionaries are two radio towers.

On August 12 and 13, KJSS-LP 106.5 FM in Shiprock and KBFH-LP 105.7 FM in Farmington officially began broadcasting the message of Jesus Christ. KJSS-LP is connected with the Waterflow Seventh-day Adventist Church in Waterflow, New Mexico. KBFH-LP is located on the property of the Piñon Hills Seventh-day Adventist Church in Farmington, New Mexico.

Engineers from Adventist World Radio (AWR) traveled all the way from Maryland to finish the work on both stations. They made the final adjustments, and then both stations came alive on the air with the programming from the Diné Adventist Radio* Network (DAR).

One special thing about these two stations is that their coverage areas overlap. “A person can drive from Shiprock to Farmington and switch from one station to the other without losing the program,” remarked Steve Pester, DAR network manager. “It is like a gospel highway connecting communities with Jesus.”

He continued, “There is something else exciting happening. Members from both churches are already creating radio programs for DAR. They are using their own voices and stories to reach people in their communities.”

At the Waterflow Church, Cynthia Risk and Norman Hale have produced nearly sixty programs about The Great Controversy. They have been helping listeners understand the great story of God’s love and His plan to save us.

“Their newest project is based on the Arthur S. Maxwell Bible Stories. These stories help bring the Bible to life. Listeners love stories. and Cynthia and Norman are sharing stories that point people to Jesus,” commented Pester.

At the Piñon Hills Church, Tamara Peshlakai and her co-host, Kim Pearson, who joins her from Missouri, produce “Jesus Bee Hozho.” Their program focuses on living a healthy and whole life through Christ. They talk about faith, health, culture, and hope. Their goal is to meet people where they are and point them toward Jesus, the One who can bring healing and hope. This is more than radio, it is church members using their voices to share hope with their community.

The most exciting part of this story happened only days after the stations went on the air.

“Both stations received calls from new listeners,” shared Pester. “Some called asking for prayer, others asked for Bible studies. The gospel message is already reaching hearts. The seed has been planted and God is already working. These steel missionaries are already doing what they were built to do.”

Standing tall over Shiprock and Farmington, these towers are more than metal, cables, and antennas. They are beacons of hope, carrying the love of Jesus across the Navajo Nation. Every day, they will send out a message of hope. Anyone who turns on the radio can hear about a Savior who loves them, cares about them, and wants to be part of their lives.

Long after the engineers have gone home, these missionaries will still be standing. They will keep broadcasting. They will keep reaching. They will keep sharing the good news. Somewhere across the high desert, someone will turn on a radio and hear a message that could change their life.

Pester closed, “We are thankful to God for these two new missionaries and for the churches and people who are using them to reach their communities. Two towers. Two frequencies. One message. One Savior.”

* Dine Adventist Radio and La Vida Mission are supporting ministries of the Seventh-day Adventist Church but are not affiliated with the Rocky Mountain Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.

—Steve Pester is the Dine Adventist Radio network manager. Photos supplied.

24 Aug

THE SANCTUARY THAT MADE AN IMPACT

Steve Nelson – Farmington, New Mexico … The Piñon Hills Seventh-day Adventist Church in Farmington, New Mexico, was pleased to participate in the 2026 San Juan County Fair that was held in Farmington, August 8-16.

“This year, we changed our focus and built a unique and meaningful display that featured a detailed model of the biblical sanctuary. It took a team of dedicated volunteers to design, construct and bring to life this incredible model. We were amazed that more than 400 people decided to tour our booth and explore the display to learn about the ancient sanctuary and its significance,” reflected Steve Nelson, lead pastor for Rocky Mountain Conference’s (RMC) Farmington District.

The booth provided an opportunity to introduce visitors to truths found in the Bible through a visual representation of the sanctuary given to Israel. Many were fascinated by the design, furnishings, and symbolism of the sanctuary, while others were surprised to discover how these ancient truths point to God’s plan of salvation and His desire to dwell among His people.

For many visitors, the display made the Bible come alive in a new way. “The visual presentation opened doors for conversations about Scripture, Jesus Christ, salvation, and the meaning of the sanctuary services. I personally witnessed profound changes in perspective as God’s Spirit touched the hearts and minds of people who were discovering—perhaps for the first time—that this ancient system of worship revealed God’s plan for His people, a plan that still speaks to us today,” remarked Nelson.

He continued, “We are grateful for every person who stopped by our booth and took the time to learn. Our prayer is that the seeds planted through this ministry will continue to grow and lead people to a deeper understanding of God’s Word and His love for humanity.”

—Pastor Steve Nelson is the lead pastor for the Farmington District of RMC churches. Photos supplied.

20 Aug

WESTERN SLOPE CAMP MEETING BRINGS PEOPLE TOGETHER FOR WORSHIP, RENEWAL, AND COMMUNITY

RMCNews – Montrose, Colorado … Continuing to serve as a spiritual gathering point for Adventist across the region, the 11th annual Western Slope Camp Meeting was held at the Mountaintop Retreat outside of Montrose, Colorado, August 12-16. Here, a space is created for faith to be experienced beyond the sanctuary through worship, music, shared meals, and relationship-building activities.

Dr. Karl Haffner, vice president for Student Experience and Enrollment Management at Loma Linda University Health, served as this year’s featured speaker. His background as a pastor, author, speaker, and mission strategist has given him perspective on spiritual fatigue, purpose, and discipleship connecting to the camp meeting’s purpose of taking a break from the everyday to reconnect with God and one another.

When asked what he believed people most need when they step away from their normal routines at a gathering like this, Haffner remarked, “To connect with Jesus in a personal way, and that changes everything relative to purpose. The foundation of spiritual life is a relationship with Jesus—that everything is abiding in Christ and Christ abiding in us—and living in and in the presence of Christ. That is the most important principle of spiritual life.”

“I have to tell you, Dr. Karl Haffner—our main speaker—I love how he tells stories and the stories are from the Bible that we can relate to our own lives,” commented Eileen Field, attendee and deaconess from the Montrose Seventh-day Adventist Church. “One night’s story touched my heart so deeply I started to cry. It was so beautiful and so relatable.”

The camp meeting also included music service led by Wylie and Dawna Stevens of the Last Song Ministry duo and a health workshop by Fred Hardinge, DrPH, registered dietician, and the director of Montrose Church Health Ministries Committee. “I talked about some of the principles involved in assessing nutrition information in this social media age,” Hardinge commented.

“[Social media] has introduced a lot of confusion and frustration and a lot of misinformation. [People should be weary that] good science does not evolve from one individual or one study, and that, if it goes against the body of data, that’s another red flag. And that antidotal evidence does not constitute data. A novelty makes lots of noise, but science rarely makes much noise.”

Extra attention was placed this year on inviting and including all generations at the camp meeting with special kids programming and activities included a popsicle stick bridge build, arts and crafts, and more. All generations enjoyed painting classes led by Eliezer Roque-Cisneros, lead pastor of the Colorado Riffle District, daily puzzles, and free Christian literature tables.

Camp meeting activities were paused briefly for the 2026 Northwest Colorado Rocky Mountain Conference (RMC) Town Hall meeting. RMC president Dave VandeVere began with a discussion on conference-wide mission and vision and did an introduction to the preparations for the 2027 RMC Constituency Session.

Attendees also received an introduction to the new vice president for Administration Nathaniel Gamble and the new Ministerial director Sean Lee. The session was closed out with reports from the remaining department representatives.

“The churches in the Western Slope have always enjoyed getting together, and this is a perfect excuse to gather for a spiritually uplifting time,” reflected Roque-Cisneros. “It wouldn’t have been possible without the help of people who have poured their heart and soul into this ministry. And beyond simply attending another church event, the goal is that people have a chance to connect with Jesus in a way that’s different than their everyday life. The hope is that—as people go home—they will feel the value of getting together.”

—RMCNews. Photos by Liz Kirkland and Eileen Field.

19 Aug

GOD IS LOVE AND JESUS SAVES AS MILE HIGH ACADEMY KICKS OFF THE 2026–2027 SCHOOL YEAR

Karrie Meyers – Highlands Ranch, Colorado … Mile High Academy (MHA) in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, opened its doors on August 18 to 255 students for the start of the 2026–2027 school year, with additional students currently finishing the admissions process.

Students and parents were especially excited to welcome back Mrs. Denae Yuros, a former MHA teacher who has returned to step into the role of vice principal for the 2026–2027 school year. Warm greetings of “Welcome back, Mrs. Yuros!” echoed throughout campus as families arrived.

“It is so good to be back at Mile High Academy,” said Yuros. “Walking through the doors this morning and seeing our students and families reminded me just how special this school community is. I’m eager to jump into this new role and support our staff, students, and families as we grow together this year.”

The morning started with all-call announcements followed by the first all-school chapel of the school year. Principal RD Gallant welcomed families back to campus, and students cheered loudly as the 2026-2027 teachers and staff were introduced.

Before moving into the worship portion of chapel, MHA recognized several sophomores for outstanding academic achievement through the national PreACT Rising Stars program. The program honors the nation’s top academic performers based on PreACT 8/9 Composite scores earned during their freshman year, distinguishing the top 3% as Distinguished Scholars, the top 4% to 10% as Rising Scholars, and the top 11% to 50% as Early Scholars. MHA celebrated four students who earned the Rising Scholar recognition and seven who earned Early Scholar status.

To set the spiritual tone for the year around MHA’s 2026–2027 school theme, “Made for More,” Chaplain and Upper School Bible Teacher Gerson Martinez spoke during chapel. He encouraged students that “the best decisions come from clear convictions” and to remember two key convictions: “God is Love and Jesus Saves.” Following chapel, students, staff, and parents participated in the school’s annual prayer walk, coming together to ask for God’s guidance and presence on campus throughout the year.

MHA remains deeply grateful for the ongoing guidance and support of the Rocky Mountain Conference (RMC). Dianne Harris, RMC’s director of Education, was on campus helping with the annual prayer walk and sharing in the morning’s excitement.

“There’s something special about the energy and possibility of the first day of school,” said Harris. “I’m thankful for the strong community at Mile High Academy and excited to support our students, educators, and families throughout the year. I pray that God continues to bless the school community with joy, wisdom, friendship, and a deeper walk with Jesus.”

With classes now underway, the Upper School looks forward to heading to Glacier View Ranch later this week, while Middle Schoolers prepare for their day trip to the lake next week. Meanwhile, the younger grades are happily settling into their classrooms for what promises to be a wonderful year ahead.

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

19 Aug

JESUS’ MODEL OF MINISTRY

JESUS’ MODEL OF MINISTRY

Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest” (Matthew 9:37-38, NKJV).

By Godfrey Miranda

Earlier this week, our dinner table was garnished with some of the best steamed broccoli I’ve ever tasted. And it came from our church garden! I don’t consider myself to be an expert farmer, so when my family and I heard about the start of the church garden, we were glad for the opportunity to grow our own produce alongside others who knew what they were doing. 

We’ve had limited gardening experience in the past … with varying levels of success. We’ve tried reading books and researching online for best practices, but there’s nothing quite like following the lead of someone who has done it all before. 

When it comes to harvesting souls for the kingdom, maybe you’ve had some experience in the past … also with varying levels of success. But if you’re looking for someone to emulate, there’s no better example than Jesus Himself. 

In Matthew 10, Jesus commissions the twelve disciples and sends them out as laborers into His harvest (vv. 1-5), but Matthew intentionally prefaces all that with a snapshot of Jesus’ own ministry at the end of chapter 9. In other words, when Jesus sends us out on mission, He first models for us what true soul-winning looks like.

BE AVAILABLE

Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people (Matthew 9:35, NKJV).

Much could be said about Jesus’ mobility, especially in a culture where walking was the main mode of transportation. (Incredibly, some estimate that Jesus traversed nearly 3,100 miles on foot during His public ministry!) But what’s of note here in Matthew 9:35 is not just that Jesus roamed about the country, but that He moved on a mission. He wasn’t just traveling to sightsee; He went to cities and villages in order to make Himself available to others. 

Whether we travel afar or just go down the street to the nearest grocery store, we too can be available to others and let all our movements be mission-driven. The reality is that discipleship happens through daily interactions, but we often get so caught up with our to-do’s, routines, and responsibilities that we lose touch with the disciple-making potential of our daily interactions.  

Being available is about being open to having gospel impact in others’ lives as we go about our day to day lives. We may not see ourselves as teachers, preachers, or healers in obvious ways like Jesus was, but each of us can purposefully interact with others to influence them closer toward God’s truth, God’s kingdom, and God’s healing rather than farther from it.

BE ATTENTIVE

But when He saw the multitudes (Matthew 9:36a).

The verb translated as “saw” can describe the physical sense of sight, but it can also point to the cognitive and even relational idea of understanding. Jesus may have seen multitudes, but He was actually attentive to individual stories, identities, and needs. 

In Matthew 9:2, Jesus may have seen a group bringing their paralytic friend to Him, but beyond their physical actions He “saw their faith.” He saw beyond what they were doing and could discern why they were doing it. In Matthew 9:9, we’re told that Jesus “saw a man named Matthew.” He didn’t gloss over this publican but gave him individual attention. 

Beyond his position, Jesus saw the person. And this is the kind of attentiveness He invites us to engage as well. We don’t have to operate on assumptions or stereotypes or surface-level judgments.  

As we make ourselves available to others, we can invest the energy to listen well and see the heart. Being attentive to individual stories, identities, and needs ensures that we connect with people in ways that are personally relevant to them and not just based on our own preferences or convenience.

BE MOVED WITH COMPASSION

But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them … (Matthew 9:36b).

In every instance the phrase “moved with compassion” is used to describe Jesus in the New Testament, it acts as a hinge between what Jesus sees and what Jesus does. It’s the bridge between Jesus’ perception and His subsequent action. Compassion literally moves Jesus to act on behalf of the needs He sees around Him.  

This aspect of Jesus’ ministry example calls us to check our hearts and examine what it is that truly moves us in ministering to others. When we make ourselves available and become attentive to the needs of others, we must be motivated by heartfelt compassion for the people to whom God leads us. 

Ministry absent of this compassion tends to serve ourselves more than others. We end up doing the right things for the wrong reasons. We may teach, preach, and heal, but without genuinely caring for the people we serve, we actually run the risk of becoming “sounding brass or a clanging cymbal” which actually amounts to “nothing” (1 Cor. 13:1-2). Instead, we ought to make sure that “the love of Christ compels us” (2 Cor. 5:14). In all our availability and attentiveness, let’s move toward action only from a heart that’s first moved with Christ’s compassion.

Friends, I believe the harvest truly is plentiful, and the Lord of the harvest wants to send us out as co-laborers with Him in making disciples prepared for His soon return. We may not all feel experienced, but Jesus is inviting us to follow His lead. 

Let’s be available and open to the opportunities to have eternal impact upon others in our daily interactions. Let’s be attentive to others’ hearts, willing to see who people really are and what they really long for. And in all our movement to meet those needs, let’s be moved with genuine compassion and care.

—Godfrey Miranda is lead pastor at Littleton Seventh-day Adventist Church. Photo by Markus Spiske of Unsplash. 

19 Aug

RENEWAL AMONG THE CLOUDS

Jose R. Alarcón – Ward, Colorado … Around 40 members and friends of Aurora First Seventh-day Adventist Church in Aurora, Colorado, stepped away from the routines of everyday life and gathered for a memorable weekend retreat, August 7-9, at Glacier View Ranch (GVR), the Rocky Mountain Conference’s (RMC) beautiful camp nestled among the clouds at approximately 9,500 feet above sea level near Ward, Colorado.

“Surrounded by the majestic beauty of Colorado’s mountains,” shared Jose R. Alarcón, lead pastor at Aurora First Church, “our group experienced the Word of God as participants studied Scripture, reflected on God’s goodness, prayed together, and strengthened their relationship with Christ. “

Miquela Luna, one of the guests, observed, “This was my first retreat. I did not know what to expect. I really want to know the Bible, but I’ve gotten so much more as I’ve received care and knowledge. During a mountain hike, I stood at the top with the breeze blowing, listening to two members sing praises to God. I will never forget this experience.”

The retreat was about more than Bible study; it was also about fellowship. Members shared meals, conversations, laughter, stories, and experiences. Children and adults played games together, creating moments of joy and camaraderie. Families had opportunities to spend quality time together, away from schedules, technology, work, and the many demands competing for our attention.

Friendships were strengthened, new relationships were formed, and the church family became more closely connected. Head elder Boima Sonii, Sr., shared, “The Aurora First Family Retreat was a memorable experience for my family. Aside from the genuine spiritual fellowship, it brought both members and non-members closer in many ways. We ate together, experienced nature together, played fun games, and above all, we worshiped together.”

The natural setting of Glacier View Ranch added another dimension to the experience. The mountain environment provided opportunities to appreciate God’s creation, breathe fresh mountain air, walk through beautiful surroundings, and reflect on the words of the psalmist: The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament showed his handywork (Psalm 19:1).

For the Aurora First Church members, the weekend demonstrated that church ministry does not happen only inside a sanctuary. Retreats and camp experiences can be powerful opportunities for discipleship, relationship-building, spiritual renewal, and family strengthening.

“The experience also reminded us of the tremendous blessing we have here at the Rocky Mountain Conference,” remarked Alarcón. “Glacier View Ranch is more than a beautiful mountain retreat. It is a ministry resource that can serve churches, families, young people, and institutions throughout the Conference.”

“We therefore encourage other churches, schools, ministries, and Seventh-day Adventist institutions to consider including GVR in their ministry calendars. Come and experience the mountains, study God’s Word, build relationships, strengthen families, create memories, but most importantly, come to support a ministry that belongs to our conference family.”

Attendees of the retreat are grateful for the opportunity to have spent this special weekend at GVR. The people who attended returned with more than photographs and memories—they returned with renewed friendships, stronger families, deeper relationships, and a greater appreciation for God’s Word and His creation.

“Sometimes we need to come apart for a while so that we do not come apart,” reflected Alarcón. “Our GVR experience reminded us that when God’s people intentionally make time for Christ, community, creation, and family, the entire church becomes stronger. Hence, Glacier View Ranch is waiting. The mountains are calling. And our churches can be renewed together.”

—Jose R. Alarcón is lead pastor at Aurora First Seventh-day Adventist Church. Photos by Dina Alarcón.

18 Aug

A SUMMER OF CONNECTION AT MILE HIGH ACADEMY

Cindy Roldan – Highlands Ranch, Colorado … Mile High Academy (MHA) in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, welcomed two major convocations to campus this summer, giving the school an opportunity to connect with families, alumni, and the wider community. The gatherings were also the first major events R.D. Gallant hosted at MHA as the new principal, alongside Cindy Roldan, director of Student Services and Registrar.

On June 27, MHA hosted the Indonesian Convocation, welcoming approximately 650 people for worship, fellowship, and community. MHA hosted an informational table where Gallant and Roldan connected with families interested in learning more about the school.

Alumni parents Natalia and Julia were among those encouraging families to stop by.

“Natalia and Julia kept sending parents our way, encouraging them to learn more about sending their children to MHA. Seeing our alumni families advocate for the school was incredibly meaningful.”

The gathering also included a special first: attendees stayed to share a meal together on the MHA field, extending the fellowship beyond the day’s program.

For alumni, being back on campus made the event even more meaningful. Alumnus Brody Koloay shared, “We loved that it was at MHA because we already missed you guys.”

On August 8, MHA hosted the Hispanic Convocation, welcoming approximately 500 people. With mental health as an important focus of the event, Gallant had the opportunity to participate in a Q&A about education, while he and Roldan also connected with families and alumni at the MHA table.

One of those connections was with a new family who had recently moved to the area. They were excited to discover MHA at the convocation and connect with the school as they considered enrolling their child. It was a meaningful example of how hosting these gatherings can create new relationships with families in the community.

Together, the two gatherings highlighted MHA as more than a place of learning. They provided opportunities to welcome new families, reconnect with alumni, and strengthen relationships within the communities MHA serves.

—Cindy Roland is Mile High Academy director of Student Services. Photos by Cindy Roland.

12 Aug

SMALL BAGS, BIG HEARTS: GRAND VALLEY YOUTH SERVE THEIR COMMUNITY

Emily Roque Cisneros – Grand Junction, Colorado … The Grand Junction Lights Pathfinder Club kicked off a powerful new initiative by assembling 54 lunch bags for neighbors experiencing homelessness, July 5. Following their assembly, Grand Valley Eagles Adventurers club director Millie Higgins delivered these bags directly to the Joseph Center*—a vital local daytime shelter—where they were immediately distributed to those in need.

This successful kickoff is the start of a new ongoing year-round program. Collection boxes were placed in the foyers of the Grand Junction, Fruita, and Palisade Seventh-day Adventist Churches in Western Colorado in June and will remain, collecting items throughout the year.

Every month, students of Intermountain Adventist Academy and the local Pathfinders and Adventurers clubs will gather to assemble the lunch bags in rotating groups.

Because these lunches are distributed at a daytime drop-in center, all items are highly practical for individuals who may not have access to kitchens. Collected items include crackers, protein drinks, energy bars, packages of nuts, chapstick, kleenex, disinfectant wipes, and bandaids. To add a personal touch of comfort and hope, every single bag also includes handwritten, custom cards made by the kids.

“I feel very strongly that the Holy Spirit is leading us in this ministry,” said Higgins. “We are so incredibly blessed to be a part of this work God has given us to do, and we are repaid tenfold in joy for any effort we put into it!”

She believes this project can easily bless other communities across the Rocky Mountain Conference.

If you are a club leader, pastor, or member interested in learning how to implement a similar service project in your own local club, she would love to chat with you. Please feel free to reach out to Millie Higgins, lead director of the Grand Valley Eagle Adventurers, at 970-778-5087 or via email at [email protected]

Together we can be the hands and feet of Jesus!

* The Joseph Center is not affiliated with the Seventh-day Adventist Church nor the Rocky Mountain Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.

—Emily Roque Cisneros is the Palisade Seventh-day Adventist Church communication secretary. Photo by Millie Higgins.

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