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Sidney Needles – “We’re so appreciative for what they’re doing,” said Eden Valley Institute of Wellness* administrative secretary Kara Miller, one of the 28 volunteers who worked there this June. The volunteer team was organized by Maranatha Volunteers International,* a supporting ministry of the Seventh-day Adventist Church that specializes in construction projects. In just two weeks, this group framed a 2,800 square foot duplex of staff housing for the ministry based in Loveland, Colorado.

“People have come from all over the country, and many of them have never worked [construction] before,” said Miller. “And they can just come together as a team with a shared goal. It’s just awesome, and they’re fast!”

The volunteers’ gift—two weeks of their time and energy—will keep on giving at Eden Valley far into the future. “It enables us to have the staffing to support the lifestyle center and to be able to have guests,” explained Miller. “Because our lifestyle center has grown, more and more people are coming.”

Eden Valley Institute is a self-supporting ministry of the Adventist Church that relies on donations to achieve its mission to see lives transformed by God’s principles of education and healing. “We’re able to fund our operations. But capital improvements? We just don’t have that kind of money,” explained Miller. This is why free labor through Maranatha is such a game-changer. Miller elaborated, “We don’t have the manpower to do it ourselves.”

Maranatha Volunteers International mobilizes volunteers to build churches, schools, water wells, and other urgently needed structures around the world, including North America. Since 1969, Maranatha has constructed more than 16,000 structures and more than 3,500 water wells in nearly 90 countries.

* Please note that Eden Valley Institute and Maranatha Volunteers International are supporting ministries of the Seventh-day Adventist Church but are not affiliated with the Rocky Mountain Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.

—Sidney Needles is a Communications Specialist for Maranatha Volunteers International. Photos by Nancy Davis except group photo taken by an Eden Valley staff member.

Steve Pester – Cortez, Colorado … “The morning sun spilled over the mesas, painting Cortez in gold as members of the Cortez Seventh-day Adventist Church in Colorado gathered for worship on Sabbath, September 13. They didn’t yet realize they were stepping into a Sabbath that had been quietly orchestrated by the hand of God,” reflected Steve Pester, Dine Adventist Radio* (DAR) network manager.

The Cortez Church had scheduled a special visit from DAR and Adventist World Radio (AWR). No one knew then that the date would fall exactly on Radio Ministries Support Sabbath—a divine appointment that would share local mission and global outreach for the congregation.

From the first hymn, the congregation leaned into the moment—literally—doing their best to sing in Navajo. The unfamiliar words rolled off their tongues with joy and reverence, a small but heartfelt bridge to the culture DAR serves every day.

One by one, members of the DAR team stepped forward, each carrying a story that was more than just personal—it was a testimony of God’s pursuit.

Tamara Peshlakai, clinical social worker and therapist, told of a simple seminar handbill that changed her life, leading her into the Adventist faith. Her voice carried both gratitude and urgency as she spoke of the challenge—and the calling—of reaching her Navajo people with the gospel.

Nathan Manuelito shared a moment of decision when God answered his prayers and gave him the courage to choose Christ over deeply rooted tradition. Kietel and Anita Jones reflected on the quiet but powerful influence of their Navajo Code Talker relative, whose life of service and integrity still shapes their walk with God today.

Then the focus widened from the Four Corners to the farthest corners of the earth. Dr. Bob Peck, AWR Ambassadors program director, and Dr. Duane McKey, the retiring president of AWR, told stories of radio waves carrying hope into places where missionaries cannot go—villages tucked deep in jungles, cities closed to public evangelism, and hearts that had never before heard the name of Jesus.

“As testimonies flowed, it became clear: whether in Navajo or Arabic, whether through a handbill or a shortwave signal, God’s voice is reaching His children,” remarked Pester, “By the time the closing prayer was offered, the congregation knew they had witnessed something rare—a Sabbath where local and global mission met in one sanctuary, and the Spirit of God moved freely between them.”

It was, in every sense, a high Sabbath—one that will echo in hearts long after the last hymn faded into the high desert air.

* Dine Adventist Radio is supporting ministries of the Seventh-day Adventist Church but is not affiliated with the Rocky Mountain Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.

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

By Gary Thurber

Lynne Franklin, who works in neuroscience, authored an article about the difference between giving praise and showing gratitude.* She defines the difference between the two when she says, “Praise recognizes something a person has done. Gratitude is about the meaning of what they do and who they are to you.”

I know it seems a little bit like splitting hairs, but there is a difference between praise and gratitude. She goes on to explain that praise comes from the Latin word, pretium, meaning reward, prize value, worth. Gratitude comes from the Latin as well, and the root word is gradus, for pleasing, agreeable, thankful, grace.

October is pastor appreciation month, and I can’t tell you how many people over the years have told me we should not join this celebration that happens in nearly every denomination. The logic they use is that they don’t want the pastor to become big-headed in the process and therefore damaged as a result.

I do believe that could happen, if all you do as a church is heap praise on your pastor. Being human, any pastor could begin to think more highly of themselves than they ought to. I will say, however, there is less danger of that happening than for a pastor to feel under-appreciated.

A true story

I can remember the hardest nine month stretch in my pastoral journey. We were preparing for an evangelistic campaign when a terrible accident took place on our front lawn. One of our attending family’s daughters was killed in an accident right in front of our elementary school children who were just being let out of classes for the day. The trauma this brought to our church family was truly indescribable.

Five months later, another one of our families lost their daughter in a drowning accident in their backyard. Before she passed away, however, she lay motionless in the pediatric critical care unit at the hospital. It was unbearable for the family to think about pulling the life-support from her. I was there with them when they finally let her rest until Jesus comes.

Four months later, a newborn baby in our church died from an accident in their home. The pain, guilt, anger and nearly any other painful emotion you can think of hit this family hard. Spending time with them was the most important work I had to do at that time as they processed their grief.

I will never forget someone coming up to me and saying, “Pastor, you have had a rough stretch. We are grateful you were there for our families. I have a room reserved for you at a hotel by the beach and I want you to take your family and have some special time together.”

You know, that gesture did not inflate my ego. I didn’t say, “Well, I must be a great pastor!” This person was not heaping praise; he was showing gratitude. What I heard was that someone noticed the intense journey I had been on with these three beautiful families, and they wanted me to know my ministry was appreciated. To a very tired and emotionally spent pastor, this meaningful token of appreciation went a long way in encouraging my soul.

Double blessing

The interesting thing is that, according to Lynne Franklin’s article, showing or giving gratitude is actually good for you too—not just for the person receiving the gratitude. Dr. Franklin says that by showing gratitude we:

1. Become happier people.
2. Become physically healthier.
3. Becoming a better version of ourselves

So, this month is your opportunity to let your pastors know how meaningful their work is to you and the church family. Not only will you be giving your pastor a gift of encouragement, but you will be blessed as well.

We have wonderful pastors in the Mid-America Union. May God continue to hold them and their families in the palm of His hand!

* Are You Giving Praise or Gratitude? by Lynne Franklin, a neuroscience nerd, TEDx and Vistage speaker and author. www.LynneFranklin.com

—Gary Thurber is president of the Mid-America Union Conference. Republished with permission from OUTLOOK magazine News October 1, 2025, article. Photo Supplied.

Bruno Lopes – Loveland, Colorado … Campion Academy in Loveland, Colorado, took school to Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP), September 17, dividing into six different groups to hike and learn about various topics related to the park.

Taking a break from the regular busy schedule, students commented on how they enjoyed the opportunity of being at RMNP and seeing God’s nature in person.

Taylin Weber, a junior student, shared, “After a busy week full of tests I really enjoyed this day out and the time I spent with my friends. Hiking to the waterfall and having lunch there with my group was really fun.”

Despite the fickle weather affecting many groups, the students on the 10-mile hike conquered the trail with bravery and endurance. Senior student Theo Wolf commented, “In the beginning of the hike, hail started falling on us, but as soon as we got on the mountain top, the sun came out. The view from there was so beautiful.”

The groups each learned about different topics including elk ecology, geology, and other less academic topics such as music and serenity. Daphene Farner, a sophomore student, said, “I learned about elk and how the females and males look and act differently. We got to see a large male elk with a lot of females at a lake.”

After spending the day outside of the classroom, the students came back having learned a lot from the staff members about nature.

—Bruno Lopes, Campion Academy Student News Team. Photos supplied.

Oscar Ren – Lincoln, Nebraska … In a two-night, one-day trip, the students of the Class of 2026 of Campion Academy in Loveland, Colorado, experienced college life during Senior Preview Days at Union Adventist University (UAU) in Lincoln, Nebraska.

The trip gave senior students the opportunity to attend classes, explore campus life, and connect with both current Union students and potential future classmates.

After a full day of driving, the students first tasted the food in the Union’s cafeteria. The wide variety of options is one of the highlights of the university.

After completing the campus tour, the school provided pizza for more than 100 visiting students from different academies, fueling them up for the afternoon’s college class experiences.

International student Daniel Aleixo Lopes shared, “It was so nice to see some friends that I’ve made at tournaments and spend time with them. I also enjoyed the food and the campus. It’s a really nice university.”

For many, the highlight was experiencing a variety of different college courses. Senior student Adrian Balbin reflected, “Even though it was really hot, it was a pretty interesting experience. I liked how we got to know the campus, the staff, and the classes. I appreciated the dedication they put into the program.”

Of course, the preview days were not all academic. After classes and tours, students got a better understanding of college life by swimming, playing soccer, and shooting hoops in Union’s new gym.

The senior students returned to Campion with new memories, stronger bonds, and a clearer picture of life beyond academy.

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

Maddie Donovan – Lincoln, Nebraska … Senior students at Mile High Academy (MHA) in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, embarked on a journey to Union Adventist University (UAU) in Lincoln, Nebraska, for senior preview days, September 21-23. This wasn’t just for enjoyment, it was an invaluable opportunity, a blessing that allowed them to glimpse the possibilities that await. Together, the students shared meaningful worships, shared meals, and had the chance to truly explore the campus, feeling the pulse of university life.

Wanting to capture the essence of this experience, the MHA journalism team asked students that went “What made this experience truly memorable?” Their answers painted a vivid picture of exploration, connection, and clarity.

Student Mady L. embraced the spirit of discovery, sharing, “I enjoyed meeting new people, playing icebreaker games, and exploring the campus and the classrooms. I think that preview days are incredibly helpful for figuring out what I want to do in the future. I even got to talk to professors!” Mady’s experience highlights the power of preview days to open doors and provide direct, encouraging interaction with future mentors.

Ellen C., senior student, found her excitement in community and activity. “I had the most fun playing sports in the gym,” she said, confirming her positive view of UAU as a strong contender for her post-graduation plans. She emphasized how helpful the experience was, noting, “It helped me get a clear picture of what college life is like.”

Even for those whose path may lead elsewhere, the experience proved profoundly helpful. Student Phoenix M. had fun staying up late with friends and playing sports, and, while he may not attend UAU, he spoke about the larger value: “I do think that preview days helps some people figure out what they will do in the future.”

Student Roman C. echoed this sentiment about clarifying the future, adding, “I had fun sleeping in and playing basketball with friends.” These moments of connection and camaraderie underscore that the journey includes moments of joy and shared growth.

The universal takeaway is clear: senior preview days are a fun experience that solidifies friendships while providing essential clarity for college and career choices. It’s a powerful step that allows our seniors to stand on the cusp of their futures, equipped and inspired to choose their next grand adventure.

—Maddie Donovan is a senior student and MHA Journalism staff member. Photos supplied.

RMCNews – The final Rocky Mountain Conference (RMC) ministerial meeting of the year was held for 17 new-to-ministry, or unordained, pastors, September 28-30. While the two-day sessions are usually held at the Conference office, this event was held at Glacier View Ranch (GVR) in Ward, Colorado.

The pastors spent devotional and worship time together the first evening of the session. The following day’s agenda was dedicated to exploring the relationship between calling, purpose, and identity and to person and missional fulfillment. The final day of the session focused on pastoral spirituality, health, and evangelism.

During this retreat, the pastors dialoged with Conference leadership on the North American Division’s ordination framework—how pastors are formally recognized and authorized for ministry. Dave VandeVere, the new RMC president, also took time to meet individually with each of the pastors.

For Charles Hong, one of the newest pastors to join the Conference, this was his first time attending one of these sessions: “[GVR] is a wonderful place. You can learn and grow as a pastor, and you can come to know one another, pray together, and share ministry challenges. We have also learned many things to prepare for our future ministries. I was touched by Elder Inglish’s message this morning’s devotional reminding us that we can learn from our mistakes with God on our side.”

Joining the pastors at GVR for the duration of the retreat was VandeVere, Hugo Guillén, RMC Ministerial associate director and lead for Multicultural Ministries, and Nathaniel Gamble, RMC Religious Liberties director and lead pastor for the Grand Junction District. Other Conference officials led or joined the session for a day including Doug Inglish, vice president for Administration, Darin Gottfried, vice president for Finance, Diane Harris, director of Education, Paul Negrete, associate superintendent of Education, and Rick Mautz, director of Wellness Support.

Logan Earles, associate pastor of Littleton Seventh-day Adventist Church in Littleton, Colorado, has attended at least five sessions during his time in the Conference. “I really enjoy the community. It’s really fun to connect with pastors that are all over the Conference in similar situations; I get to learn from their scenarios before they hit me. It’s just cool to hear their stories and to be a part of that whole experience.”

When asked how this session has differed from others, Earles commented, “We’re spending a lot more downtime together than in past meetings. We had one that was out in Lincoln, Nebraska, that we had some downtime as a group. But, with this one, almost all of our downtime is together, so we get to connect at a different level; not just learning something, but learning each other.”

—RMCNews. Photos by Jose Briones and Liz Kirkland.

RMCNews – Ward, Colorado … Two major facility initiatives were celebrated at Glacier View Ranch (GVR) in Ward, Colorado, September 29, with the official opening of the new 9,600 square foot storage facility—requiring the displacement of 200 tons of gravel and rock—and the groundbreaking for the new ropes course replacing an almost decade closed course formerly in Pathfinder Village.

In attendance for the celebration was the Rocky Mountain Conference (RMC) leadership team including Dave VandeVere, president, Doug Inglish, vice president for Administration, and Darin Gottfried, vice president for Finance. Also present was Jonathan Carlson, director of Camp Ministries, Dan Hansen, former director of Camp Ministries and donor relations field representative for the Voice of Prophecy, and Christina Fernald, GVR groundskeeper. From the Youth Department was Brandon Westgate, Youth director, Jade Teal, Youth assistant director, and Eli Gonzales, Club Ministries executive coordinator.

The planning for the storage facility began in 2014 to address the issue of the significant wear and tear on GVR’s expensive equipment and vehicles—necessary for the functioning of the camp—due to the harsh elements of the high-altitude location and to clean up the camp facilities from unsightly equipment clutter. The site of the new facility had served many functions over the years including an outdoor pool, regionally recognized skatepark, and concrete pad for basketball.

Hansen played a significant role in the planning process. This included his creation of a to-scale mockup of all GVR’s equipment to equate the size of the facility and facilitating traffic, light pollution, and other government impact studies at this remote location.

“I have heard Dan tell the story about going to Boulder County and them saying, ‘Why do you need a building this big?’, and Dan, literally, cut out all of the equipment and all the vehicles that we had [at GVR]—to scale—put it on their desk and explained ‘That’s why we need it’,” remarked Westgate.

“I just want to say I appreciate Dan’s leadership while he was up here ten years making this camp be the best it could be. We appreciate your years of service up here, Dan, and thank you,” commented Westgate. “And then I would like to thank Jonathan and Christina and the work that they’re doing to take up the ball where you left it and getting this project done. It was a ton of work.”

Near to GVR’s horse stables, construction of the new ropes course, a project that began almost a decade ago, is underway. Planning for this project began with Kiefer Dooley, RMC corporate treasurer for Asset Management, when he was the RMC Youth director after the closure of the previous ropes course at the end of 2016.

Dooley began looking for funding for a new ropes course and formed a partnership with Eric Shadle, AdventHealth Regional vice president for Mission Integration in Colorado, when the healthcare system was still recognized as Centura Health. Centura Health had a strong relationship with GVR, providing scholarships for all staff, regardless of level, to send their children to camp. Additional matching funds were approved by the RMC Executive Committee to ensure completion of the project.

Standing at about 40 feet high, the course will challenge and connect visitors with two zip lines, “leap of faith,” climbing wall, A.D.A.-compliant accessibility lift, and more. The course is projected to be complete by the end of October and under budget. “We are always looking for new activities at GVR,” reflected Dooley, “and this will provide an avenue for hands-on ministry and for staff to connect with people by facilitating these activities.”

“We are just so grateful for the people that went before us that made days like today happen,” praised Carlson in a closing prayer over the spaces. “Their vision was impressed upon them because this work is about You, Lord. It’s about changing young people’s hearts forever so that they know Jesus for their entire lives.  We pray [these spaces will] glorify You and Your mission and Your work here.”

VandeVere closed the celebration with his personal experience of the camp: “[GVR] has had impact on me over the last forty years. Thank you to everybody here who is carrying on that tradition. It has big impact, and I can testify to that. So, thank you for what you’ve done.”

—RMCNews. Photos by Liz Kirkland.

Hannah Manase and Gerrad Vat – Loveland, CO … Over 500 alumni reconnected at Campion Academy (CA) in Loveland, Colorado, sharing old memories on campus, September 19-20. The homecoming event included a worship service, musical performances, time to catch up with classmates, and sports games.

Many alumni arrived on campus Friday afternoon to tour around the administrative building and view their class photos. After sundown, a vespers service was held at the Campion Seventh-day Adventist Church on campus and featured the International Student Program with Jill Harlow, CA Spanish, ELL, Communication teacher, where the choir and Koinonia performed.

After the vespers service, alumni and students gathered at the firepit for an afterglow event with s’mores and hot drinks.

On Saturday, during the church service, the honor classes (ending in 5 or 0) stood for roll call. Alumni-of-the-year awards were presented to Reggie Leech and Joe and Eva Martin. Leech received the award for his work in Adventist education and his support of Campion Academy. The Martins were honored for starting the Literature Evangelism program and leading it for many years.

After the church service, honor classes visited with each other across campus. Teddy Manase, Class of 2015, reflected on his weekend. “Alumni weekend was awesome. It was great catching up with my fellow classmates and seeing how far everyone has come in life—career wise, having families, etc—and reminiscing about the good old times that we had. I also missed some of the people that weren’t able to make it.”

The events ended with friendly competitions between the alumni and current students in volleyball and soccer. The alumni dominated both the volleyball and the soccer games again this year.

Blet Htoo, Class of 2023, stated, “I didn’t plan on going up to alumni weekend but I’m happy I did. I enjoyed getting to see staff and friends. It hasn’t been long since I’ve graduated, but I miss everyone so much. Getting to talk and hear about how everyone’s doing is great, especially since it’s hard to stay in contact when we are all busy. Campion will always be special and important to me.”

—Hannah Manase and Gerrad Vat, Campion Academy Student News Team. Photos supplied.

Jonathan Carlson – Ward, Colorado … A beautiful and spirit-filled weekend saw almost 50 Glacier View Ranch (GVR) alumni—those that have worked or volunteered at the camp—gathered once again on the beautiful grounds outside of Ward, Colorado, September 19–21, to reconnect with old friends, revisit meaningful memories, and be reminded of the deep impact this place continues to have on countless lives.

This year’s guest speaker, Ron Whitehead, brought powerful, heartfelt messages that reminded us all why we return to this place—and why it still matters. Whitehead, now serving as the Lake Union Conference Director for Youth, Young Adult, and Children’s Ministries after formerly directing seven International Pathfinder Camporees, delivered a four-part message series: “People Matter,” “Place Matters,” “Jesus Matters,” and “Glacier View Ranch Matters.”

Each message was rich with biblical truth, personal insight, and spiritual challenge:

• In“People Matter,” Whitehead reminded us that the true value of a person is measured by the price paid for them—and that price was the life of Jesus. We were challenged to live the life we say we believe, and to become people who remind others of their worth and purpose.
• “Place Matters”drew us into Genesis 28:16, where Jacob realizes, Surely the Lord is in this place, and I was not aware of it. Places become sacred when God meets us there. Whether through purpose, as seen throughout Scripture, or power, as demonstrated in Luke 23:24, the places God inhabits take on new significance. Glacier View Ranch is one such place.
• In“Jesus Matters,” we were reminded that Jesus reveals the invisible God, that Jesus restores, and that our relationship with Him brings healing and transformation. When God lives in us, we rise to another level—not for ourselves, but to serve and love others more deeply.
• The weekend concluded with“Glacier View Ranch Matters”—a heartfelt affirmation that this place is more than a camp. It’s a ministry built on service and legacy. Volunteers are the backbone of GVR’s impact, and their love continues to ripple through the lives of generations who have walked these trails and sung around its campfires.

The weekend was filled with more than powerful messages, it was also packed with joy, music, and fellowship. We were blessed by phenomenal music from Jared, Eliah, and their music team from Boulder Seventh-day Adventist Church. Their voices and worship leadership created a space where many of us felt the tangible presence of God.

Saturday night brought laughter, competition, and connection with classic camp fun—volleyball, soccer, bean bag toss, and sweet treats like ice cream sundaes and kettle corn. It was a time of community and celebration in our newly built Storage Building.

Sunday capped off the weekend with a final inspirational worship session followed by pool time—a refreshing close to a weekend that nourished both spirit and soul.

“As we left Glacier View Ranch, many of us carried away more than just nostalgia—we carried renewed purpose. We were reminded that people matter, places matter, Jesus matters, and yes—Glacier View Ranch still matters,” remarked one participant. “Until next time, may we all live the lives we say we believe and continue the work of love, service, and connection that GVR helped plant in us.”

See you at the next Alumni Weekend!

—Curated by ChatGPT and revisions and editing by Jonathan Carlson, RMC Camp Ministries director. Photos by Jonathan Carlson.