05 Nov

DENVER SOUTH HISPANIC CHURCH CELEBRATES EVANGELISM WEEK WITH BAPTISMS AND RENEWED MISSION

Jose Briones – Denver, Colorado … The Denver South Hispanic Seventh-day Adventist Church recently concluded a powerful week of evangelism, October 4-11, under the theme “Don’t Be Deceived.” Each evening, members and guests gathered to explore biblical truths and unmask spiritual deceptions, guided by Scripture and the Holy Spirit.

The week culminated in a joyful baptismal celebration, where two couples publicly committed their lives to Christ. The baptisms marked not only a personal milestone for the individuals involved but also a spiritual victory for the entire church community.

“This week reminded us that the gospel still transforms lives,” said Julio Díaz, the church’s interim pastor, who led the series. “When the church comes together in prayer, service, and love, God moves in powerful ways. These baptisms are just the beginning.”

The success of the event was the result of a united church effort. Every ministry played a vital role: Pathfinders welcomed visitors, deaconesses prepared evening refreshments, youth led worship in song, and deacons ensured the logistics ran smoothly. The church’s mission director collected contact information from guests while the entire congregation supported the series through prayer and faithful attendance.

Each night, a different biblical truth was presented, offering clarity and hope in a world full of confusion. The messages resonated deeply with attendees, many of whom returned night after night to learn more.

The week left the church energized and inspired to continue its mission of sharing the gospel and serving the community. As Díaz emphasized, “We are not just celebrating decisions—we are witnessing the fruit of a church that believes in the power of the Word and the presence of the Holy Spirit.”

—Jose Briones is the RMC Stewardship Promotion and Content creator. Photos supplied.

05 Nov

DINE’ ADVENTIST RADIO ON THE ROAD AT PIÑON HILLS CHURCH

Steve Pester – Farmington, New Mexico … Dine’ Adventist Radio* (DAR) brought a joyful, hope-filled Sabbath worship service to Piñon Hills Seventh-day Adventist Church in Farmington, New Mexico, November 1.

The program blended powerful testimonies, inspiring beginnings, and music that celebrated the Gospel in multiple languages and musical styles. The vision at Piñon Hills to build KBFH 105.7 FM, “Keepin’ Bound for Heaven,” was honored throughout the day as a tangible step toward expanded outreach across the Navajo Nation.

Robinson Jones, Navajo Christian soloist, shared with the congregation two stirring songs and a testimony about Jesus’ work in his life and the faith lessons passed down from his grandmother. His music and story set a warm, personal tone for worship.

The remarkable origins of Dine’ Adventist Radio—how a phone call to the wrong person in the right place sparked the movement—was shared by Allen Steele. He also offered congratulations to Piñon Hills for their vision and commitment to building KBFH 105.7 FM and focusing on outreach.

Tamara Peshlakai, clinical social worker and therapist, recounted her search for truth, a season of giving up, and then receiving an unexpected invitation to a Bible Prophecy series at a Seventh-day Adventist church. Her gentle warning—“be careful what you ask for from the Lord, you may get it”—struck a chord with many listeners.

A raw, honest testimony of growing up on the Navajo Reservation, losing his mother at 17, and falling into anger and addiction was given by Nathan Manuelito. It wasn’t until a mentor named John pointed him to Jesus that his life began to turn around. Nathan celebrated the joy of having God living with him today.

Kietel Jones honored his grandfather, Navajo Code Talker George B. Willie, as the inspiration behind his decision to study radio in college. Kietel now serves as an editor and program host for Dine’ Adventist Radio, carrying forward a legacy of service through the airwaves.

Staff members from La Vida Mission* delivered a beautiful multilingual musical performance, singing verses in English, Navajo, Spanish, and Filipino, reflecting the diverse communities in the congregation. DAR Volunteers also performed a heartfelt rendition of “This World Is Not My Home,” reminding listeners of the eternal perspective at the heart of the Gospel.

The worship service concluded with Eric Bahnmiller, DAR pastor, who joked about his disappointment at having to speak because it marked the close of such a wonderful service. The event closed with a special DAR version of “Go Tell It on the Mountain” found below, adapted for the reservation and the radio mission.

A heartfelt thanks to Piñon Hills Church for hosting DAR on the Road and for their bold commitment to establishing KBFH 105.7 FM. Events like this remind us that radio is more than technology, it is a ministry that carries healing, testimony, and hope across distances, working hand in hand with the local congregation to follow up with those who are seeking.

* 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.

 


 

Chorus 1
Go tell it on the mountain,
Over the hills and everywhere,
Go tell it on the mountain
That Jesus Christ is born.

Verse 1
The airwaves tell the story
Of better life for all,
And spread the joyful message
Of Jesus’ loving call.

Chorus 2
Go tell it on the mesa,
Over the hills and everywhere,
Go tell it on the mesa
That Jesus died for you.

Verse 2
From towers on the hilltops,
God’s Word will now be heard,
Proclaiming hope and mercy
Through every spoken word.

Chorus 3
Go tell the reservation,
Over the hills and everywhere,
Go tell the reservation
That Christ is coming soon.

Verse 3
Through valleys, homes, and hogans,
The message will be clear,
That Jesus walks beside us,
His love is always near.

Chorus 4
Go spread the Gospel Message,
Over the hills and everywhere
Go spread the Gospel Message
That Jesus Christ is Lord.

04 Nov

“GOD IS”: HMS RICHARDS ADVENTIST SCHOOL STUDENTS SHARE HOPE, FAITH, AND THE MESSAGE OF JESUS WITH THEIR COMMUNITY

Carey Jordan – Loveland, Colorado … For the students at HMS Richards Adventist School in Loveland, Colorado, the past year has been about reading, math, science, and social studies. But it has also been about connection, purpose, and preparing to share their faith.

After months of reaching out to neighbors, building friendships, and serving their community, HMS is ready to open its doors for a weeklong event titled “God Is.” From November 9–15, at 7:00 PM each evening, the HMS Gym at will be filled with music, student-led messages, and doors open wide in welcome. The 45-minute nightly programs are designed to bring people together, offering encouragement, inspiration, and a message of hope through the eyes and voices of HMS students.

For over a year, the HMS seventh- and eighth-grade classes have been researching, writing, and preparing sermons rooted in Bible truths they believe need to be shared. These aren’t typical classroom assignments, their messages are born from personal study, prayer, and conviction. Each sermon has been written and will be delivered by the students themselves, reflecting their growing understanding of who God is and what His promises mean for the world today.

“Our students have poured their hearts into this,” said Carey Jordan, principal of HMS Richards Adventist School. “They’ve spent months praying, studying, and asking how they can best represent Jesus to their community. It’s inspiring to watch them grow in faith and courage.”

The entire weeklong event will be student-led from start to finish, with grades five through eight managing every part of the program—from sound and stage management to pew hosts, greeters, sermon introductions, music, and praise time. “We wanted this to be more than a presentation—it’s hands-on ministry,” Jordan explained. “Every student has a role and a purpose in sharing God’s love.”

The HMS commitment to sharing faith extends beyond the event itself. The fifth- and sixth-grade students have prepared a follow-up Bible study podcast series, written, presented, and recorded by the students. The first episodes will launch in December 2025, with QR codes distributed to HMS neighbors so they can listen from home and explore more of the topics introduced during the “God Is” series.

The “God Is” meetings are the culmination of a year-long effort to connect with Campion residents, who live around HMS, on a personal level. “Before we could share our message, we wanted to truly know our community,” Jordan said. “Our students have learned that ministry begins with friendship, and that faith grows best when it’s shared through kindness and conversation.” Guests attending the meetings can expect a warm, neighborly atmosphere with music, and student messages of truth and hope. Each evening will also feature free giveaways, including books, gift cards, and small gifts.

Evening Topics:

  • Sunday – Salvation: God Is Our Salvation
  • Monday – Great Controversy: God Will Win the War
  • Tuesday – Sanctuary: God with Us Forever
  • Wednesday – Sabbath: God’s Amazing Day
  • Thursday – Death and Resurrection: God Has Conquered Death
  • Friday – Second Coming: God Will Come Back Again
  • Saturday – Great Commission and Service: God, the Spirit in Us.

“God Is” is part of the North American Division’s Pentecost 2025 initiative, a continent-wide movement encouraging schools and churches to share the good news of Jesus and pray for a renewed outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Even if you can’t attend in person, HMS Richards Adventist School invites you to pray for this effort—that the Holy Spirit will move in Loveland and soften hearts to receive Jesus.

“This project isn’t about performance,” Jordan emphasized. “It’s about inviting the Spirit to work through our students and through this community. We want every person to feel that God is real, God is near, and God still changes lives.”

Follow HMS Richards Adventist School on Facebook and Instagram at HMS Richards Elementary School for updates, photos, and podcast announcements. Hear about the students’ journey in their own words in the video below.

—Carey Jordan is principal of HMS Richards Adventist School. Photo capture from video courtesy of HMS Richards Adventist School.

04 Nov

RMC HISPANIC WOMEN’S RETREAT ENCOURAGES ATTENDEES TO “GET CLOSER TO HIM”

Alexia Chavez – Ward, Colorado … Around 185 women from across the Rocky Mountain Conference (RMC) gathered at Glacier View Ranch in Ward, Colorado, for the annual RMC Hispanic Women’s Retreat, October 24–26. The theme for the weekend was “Get Closer to Him,” and keynote speakers Cesia Alvarado and Cindy Baez led participants through inspiring messages centered on deepening their relationship with God.

Ruby Guillen, the unofficial RMC Hispanic Women’s Ministries volunteer director and lead of the event, shared her personal connections with the weekend’s speakers. She first met Alvarado while attending college in Montemorelos, Mexico, and their paths crossed again later in life as pastors’ wives. Ruby met Baez through her sister-in-law, and the two became instant friends.

Throughout the weekend, the sermons reminded attendees to stay close to God despite rejection, criticism, or the opinions of others. These challenges can often distance people from their faith and lead to feelings of worthlessness; however, the speakers emphasized the importance of remaining grounded in God’s love and continually seeking His guidance.

Cecilia Chavez, a young adult from the Montrose Hispanic Seventh-day Adventist, reflected on her experience:

“This weekend reminded me how much I need the Lord in every part of my life. I came home with a desire to draw closer to Him and make changes that keep His presence near. I learned that He calls me by name and loves me deeply, no matter what I’m going through.”

Meanwhile, the teen-aged participants held their own meetings with Baez, focusing on discovering their identity and purpose in God. Grace Guillen, a youth from the Denver South Hispanic Seventh-day Adventist Church, shared her biggest takeaway:

“My biggest takeaway is that it doesn’t matter what the world labels you. The only thing that matters is what God says about who you are. And even though we might feel like we are not enough for the world, we are enough for God. If we allow Him to work in and through us, we can do amazing things.”

To conclude the weekend, the women gathered for a tea party–themed celebration, featuring a lively fashion show where participants showcased their beautiful outfits and enjoyed warm fellowship.

Reflecting on the weekend, Ruby Guillen emphasized the importance of such gatherings, remarking, “The importance of having women’s retreats is to address the specific spiritual challenges that women face, spend time together in fellowship, disconnect from everyday life, and most importantly, draw closer to God.”

—Alexia Chavez is treasurer for the Montrose Hispanic Seventh-day Church. Photos supplied.

03 Nov

ADVENTHEALTH LITTLETON WINS 2025 CUTTING EDGE AWARD FOR INNOVATION AND COMMUNITY IMPACT

AdventHealth – Littleton, Colorado … AdventHealth Littleton is proud to be the first recipient of the City of Littleton’s Cutting Edge Award for District III. The award celebrates organizations that exemplify innovation, creativity, and collaboration.

In its nomination, AdventHealth Littleton was highlighted for its pioneering approach to health care as seen in the Heart and Vascular Institute, which opened in August. The new facility provides patients with access to world-class treatments and includes cardiovascular operating rooms, electrophysiology labs, and a cardiovascular intensive care unit.

“We’re proud of being on the leading edge of technology through the groundbreaking work of our Heart and Vascular Institute,” said Matt Mendenhall, MD, Chief Medical Officer of AdventHealth Littleton. “Innovation is not just about advancing technology, it’s about advancing care. By reimagining cardiovascular medicine, we’re ensuring our patients receive the best outcomes and the compassionate, whole-person care they deserve.”

In partnership with South Denver Cardiology, the Heart and Vascular Institute has already achieved several innovative medical firsts, including being the first in Colorado to implement pulsed field ablation and cardioneural ablation, two groundbreaking procedures that destroy abnormal heart tissue. The hospital also leads the region in using leadless pacemaker implants and has introduced radiation-reducing cardiac catheterization lab technology that eliminates the need for heavy lead vests, protecting both patients and staff.

You can learn more about the AdventHealth Heart and Vascular Institute here.

—AdventHealth News. Republished with permission from the AdventHealth News & Stories website, October 10, 2025, article. Photo supplied.

29 Oct

FORT MORGAN CHURCH EVANGELISTIC SERIES BRINGS MANY TO JESUS

Waleska Agramonte – Fort Morgan, Colorado … The Fort Morgan Seventh-day Adventist Church in Fort Morgan, Colorado, hosted a powerful evangelistic series, October 19-25. The church pews were filled each night, and one could truly feel the presence of the Holy Spirit moving in the church. It was a week full of blessings for those who attended.

The church’s Pathfinders and Adventurers clubs served faithfully as ushers every evening, showing their commitment and joy in serving God. The Fort Morgan Adventist School also participated with principal Karen Espinola and students joining and supporting during the program.

During the Sabbath service on October 25, the attendees witnessed the baptism celebration where three Pathfinders, one Adventurer, and the mother of three club members gave their lives to Jesus.

Waleska Agramonte, the Fort Morgan Church’s Club Ministries director, shared that she “can’t describe the joy she feels in her heart.” She also expressed her gratitude to the club coordinators, who came on Sabbath to show their support.

“God used Brother Aaron Carranza in a tremendous way throughout the week,” Agramonte continued. “Words cannot fully describe how powerfully God manifested Himself during this series.”

Several other young people also made aware their decision to prepare for baptism in the near future. “We continue to pray for each of them. To God be the glory!” closed Agramonte.

—Waleska Agramonte is the Club Ministries director for the Fort Morgan Seventh-day Adventist Church. Photos supplied.

28 Oct

MEET THE LARGEST UNION ADVENTIST UNIVERSITY FRESHMEN CLASS IN FIVE YEARS

Union Adventist University News – Lincoln, Nebraska … The dorms are buzzing with activity. General education classes are full. Saturday night events are drawing bigger crowds than they have for years. These are all signs of a great freshman class.

With 128 first-year students, Union’s freshmen class is the largest since 2020 with the most new students (204 including transfers) since 2019. The total number of freshmen (all students who have completed fewer than 24 credits) is 22% higher than last year, and the number of first-time freshmen is 28% higher.

“This new class of students is an answer to prayer,” said Ryan Teller, vice president for Enrollment Management. “The enrollment team starts each day by praying for the students that God is sending to Union, and He has exceeded our expectations.”

Here are a few facts about the Union Adventist University class of 2029:

  • They represent 11 countries.
  • The top five home states are all in the Mid-America Union: Nebraska, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri and Minnesota (in that order).
  • 59% are female and 41% are male.
  • 75% attended an Adventist academy, and 5% were homeschooled.
  • Approximately one-third (32.5%) are first-generation college students.

The campus is celebrating as the number of full-time students has increased, with the full-time equivalent (FTE) growing to 646 compared to 635 last year. “We stepped out in faith and based this year’s budget on gaining 10 FTE,” said Dr. Yami Bazan, Union’s president. “Praise the Lord, we made it!” Overall headcount this academic year is 748, a decline from 799 last year. However, the difference is due to fewer part-time students and a shift in continuing education credits for professionals to the summer semester.

In addition to FTE growth, another key indicator is the residence halls. Occupancy is up this year from 298 to 334, a 12% increase over last year and a 31% increase compared to two years ago. There was so much demand for rooms that the Residential Life team opened up a floor of Culver Hall that has not been occupied in recent years.

“With more full-time students, more freshmen and full residence halls, we are celebrating these 748 opportunities God has blessed us with,” said Bazan. “You can feel the Union spirit alive on campus. I am so grateful to everyone who has prayed for and worked toward the upward momentum we are experiencing at Union.”

Comments from New Students

“I got good scholarships from Union. My parents went here. I like the faculty and staff, and I like the size of the school … I did high school online at home, and I’m still having a hard time remembering where my classrooms are. Smaller is good.”
— Jaden Blood, a psychology major from Leoma, Tennessee

“I heard about Union from my aunt. Her son had gone to school here and didn’t stay. I thought, I’m very different from my cousin, I’ll probably like it. I do like the small campus. Everything is close together and easy to get to. There’s a real family feel here.”
Janae Hsu, an Elementary Education major from New Market, Virginia

“I chose Union Adventist University first of all because it is Adventist. The teachers aren’t going to make it difficult for me to pass for being Adventist. I believe that what Union has to offer gives me a way to grow spiritually, educationally and in every area of my life. The professors are very welcoming. It’s a good environment where you actually want to learn about the subject.”
Kenny Rodriguez, a chemistry major from Panama

“My mom went here. My sister is here. A lot of my friends go here. It’s the closest Adventist college to home. I don’t know what I want to major in yet, but I can at least do my generals with my friends.”
Madi Hoffer from Shakopee, Minnesota

“I chose Union for the International Rescue and Relief Program. It’s something I couldn’t find anywhere else, and it’s something I’m passionate about. IRR classes are amazing.”
Jeneane Cochran, an IRR major from Parker, Colorado

“I had been praying about choosing a college for a long time. I finally just felt called that this is the place for me. It kind of ended up being a last-minute decision, just a couple weeks before I was graduating.”
Coby Bramham, a biokinesiology major from Inola, Oklahoma

—Union Adventist University News. Republished with permission from OUTLOOK Magazine News October 13, 2025, article. Photos supplied.

28 Oct

CAMPION STUDENTS GIVE BIBLE STUDIES AT HMS ADVENTIST SCHOOL

Jennifer Bizama – Loveland, Colorado … The Junior Bible classes at Campion Academy (CA) in Loveland, Colorado, completed their annual field trip down to the on-campus elementary school at HMS Richards Adventist School to present the Bible studies they had been working on in Bible class, October 15. Each Bible study included a main point about a specific Bible truth with a story and an activity at the end to reinforce learning.

The elementary students at HMS Richards enjoyed interacting with the high school students and completing such activities as playing with playdough, hide-and-seek, building with cups, reading the Bible, and acting out the story.

Sometimes the study went according to plan such as CA student Luke’s experience. He said, “It was fun, and they were working. They learned the whole memory verse!  And I think they understood the message.”

The CA students also learned that teaching can sometimes require some changes in lesson plans. Grace, CA student, commented that “it was good to learn to improvise on the spot and how to be flexible.”

But overall, the high school students enjoyed their time at HMS Richards. “I had fun!” enthused CA student Tita. “The kids interacted with the game. They were happy to read their Bibles, and they loved the Japanese candy that Aito brought.”

CA student Israel capped off the experience by saying, “I enjoyed hanging out with the kids. It was very fun.”

—Jennifer Bizama is Campion Academy’s Junior Bible Teacher. Photos supplied.

28 Oct

SHARING BLESSINGS: AHU DENVER DONATES USED EQUIPMENT TO AREA SCHOOLS

Ray Beasock – Denver, Colorado … When AdventHealth University Denver opened its relocated and expanded 16,000 square-foot site, in September in Greenwood Village, Colorado, it came with a slew of state-of-the-art equipment.

So, what happened to the equipment that was no longer needed in its previous location? It was donated, of course.

AdventHealth University Denver gifted items, such as televisions, carts, and projector screens, to seven Adventist schools across Colorado and Wyoming.

“We are grateful for the support we receive from our community and want to share that love,” said Katie Shaw, chief operating officer for AdventHealth University Denver. “Relocating gave us the opportunity to donate furniture and equipment we no longer needed, allowing us to extend goodwill to local organizations and institutions. It’s incredibly rewarding seeing these items being put to meaningful use again.”

According to Tyler Rettler, the information technology director for the Rocky Mountain Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, the donations were handed out six schools in Colorado including Vista Ridge Academy in Erie, HMS Richards Adventist School in Loveland, Campion Academy in Loveland, Mile High Academy in Highlands Ranch, Fort Collins Christian School in Fort Collins, Lighthouse Seventh-day Adventist Christian School in Fort Morgan, and Mountain Road Christian Academy in Casper, Wyoming.


About AdventHealth University Denver

AdventHealth University Denver is celebrating its sixteenth anniversary and offers degrees in nursing, sonography and radiography. The new site includes state-of-the-art simulation equipment, high-fidelity mannikins, an energized lab and expanded student and classroom space. In addition, the new site is situated in the same building as the AdventHealth Rocky Mountain Region headquarters, 6061 S. Willow Drive in Greenwood Village, Colorado, providing opportunities for synergy between the two organizations.


—Ray Beasock writes for AdventHealth University. Photo courtesy of Vista Ridge Academy.

27 Oct

LEARNING IN THE SAND: A TEACHER’S PERSPECTIVE ON OUR CLASSROOM SANDBOX

Mathias Gallaher – Erie, Colorado … “Can we learn in the sand again today?” That’s the first question I hear every morning. And the answer for two weeks is yes!

This year, our kindergarten classroom at Vista Ridge Academy in Erie, Colorado, had transformed into something extraordinary: a classroom-sized sandbox where all our learning happens through hands-on, sensory-rich exploration. What began as a creative idea to help students engage their senses has become one of the most joyful and faith-filled learning environments I’ve ever experienced.

Each morning began with a prayer and a short worship thought—often beach or ocean- themed—reminding us that “God made everything, from the sand beneath our feet to the stars above our heads.” Then, the learning begins.

On the day pictured here, we explored the letter D for dolphins, dig, and discover. Students used shovels and buckets to build sandcastles and trace the letter D in the sand on top. Then they begin adding more castles and letters to form words such as dad, dot, and had. After blending words together, the pre-K students visited our classroom, and we began digging for dinosaurs.

As we worked, we practiced our letter sounds: “D says /d/, like dinosaurs digging deep!” The sandbox became a joyful place of learning and laughter as children connected their phonics practice to real-world textures and play.

When we gathered at the end of class, one kindergarten student summed it up perfectly: “I love working in the sand because it feels like we get to play all day, and learning is fun!”

Each day, I watch my students grow more confident—not only in reading and writing but also in gratitude. Our sandbox isn’t just about phonics. We’ve used it for Bible stories, math concepts, social studies, and even science units about the ocean. Every subject becomes an adventure when students can dig, build, and discover with their own hands.

Kindergarten parent, Alba Santos, was thrilled for her daughter to have this experience saying, “I was so happy my child could experience something different in the classroom. She was excited to come to school every day and loved learning interesting facts about ocean animals.”

Through this experience, I’ve seen students grow in cooperation, curiosity, and gratitude. They aren’t just learning about God’s creation, they’re learning within it.

As Beach Week came to a joyful close, the kindergarten students gathered for a celebration of learning and praise. The classroom shimmered like a seaside festival, with students singing cheerful songs about the continents and oceans, proudly sharing what they had discovered about God’s world. Laughter and music filled the air as each child stepped forward, dressed as a colorful sea creature—from lobster to jellyfish—and confidently shared fun facts they had memorized.

The culmination party was more than a performance; it was a reflection of two weeks spent learning through wonder, creativity, and faith. With sandy hands and shining eyes, students celebrated not just what they learned, but the God who made it all.

—Mathias Gallaher is the kindergarten teacher at Vista Ridge Academy. Photos supplied.

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