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22 Jan

BRIDGING GENERATIONAL GAPS: HOW CHURCHES CAN FOSTER UNITY AND ENGAGEMENT

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Jose Briones – Denver, Colorado … In a recent discussion on the Rocky Mountain Conference (RMC) podcast, Living Generously, Cris Dutra, Young Adult director for the Carolina Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, highlighted the dynamic involvement and importance of young people in church activities. Despite significant advancements in outreach to youth and young adults at all levels of church organization, recent statistics reveal a concerning trend: the Seventh-day Adventist Church is losing four out of every ten new members, many of whom are young people.1

Cris identifies a fundamental challenge in bridging generational gaps, attributing much of it to differing core values. She illustrates this with an example from a potluck scenario. At a church near Southern Adventist University in Collegedale, Tennessee, her alma mater, one of the local churches had various tables for vegetarians, vegans, and gluten-free diets. The older generation at that church, which valued stability and uniformity, viewed this as a display of the health message and the importance of an Adventist standard.

Conversely, the younger generation, who prioritized transparency and inclusiveness, felt they couldn’t invite their friends to the gathering because they ate meat. Their differing views on dietary inclusiveness at church meals demonstrate the underlying communication rift, not a lack of faith or commitment.

Cris emphasized that fostering unity involves more than accommodating both perspectives; it’s about recognizing the genuine motivations behind each viewpoint. By understanding these motivations, perceptions of rebellion or indifference can be transformed into opportunities for deeper connection. She encouraged people to host conversations among different generations to understand each other and create a path forward for mission.

She noted, “Effective dialogue between generations can break barriers.” Young people often seek mentors and guidance from older church members but feel conditional acceptance, leading to a sense of abandonment. Research from the North American Division (NAD) and the book Growing Young supports this by reminding us of the younger generation’s need for mentorship and genuine interaction instead of only a superficial engagement with faith.

Cris also highlighted the importance of inclusivity in the decision-making process. Church boards should integrate young voices to prevent feelings of being exploited for menial tasks without real influence.

By valuing ideas from all age groups, churches can nurture enthusiasm and engagement. A future where collaborative efforts extend beyond church walls is envisioned, showing that living generously includes listening, understanding, and working together for the kingdom of God. This renewed commitment to fostering intergenerational relationships ensures a thriving, united church community. Listen to the podcast for more insights.

CLICK HERE to listen to the full episode, and CLICK HERE to see the full list of previous and future series episodes. To listen to the full podcasts on YouTube, CLICK HERE.

—Jose Briones is the RMC Stewardship Promotion and Content creator. Photo by fauxels of Pexels.

 

1  General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. (2024, March 19). Reports by Topics – Adventist Research. Adventist Research. https://www.adventistresearch.info/research-reports/research-projects-commissioned-by-general-conference-officers/presentations-by-topics/

21 Jan

SEVEN COLORADO CHURCHES WELCOME STUDENTS TO THE PULPIT

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Damaris Lopez-Morquecho – Loveland, Colorado … Students from Campion Academy (CA) in Loveland, Colorado, led out worship services at seven different Colorado churches in a school-wide Students with a Testimony (SWAT) trip, January 11. Students traveled as far as Grand Junction and Colorado Springs and even conducted a service at a Spanish-speaking congregation.

Overseen by CA chaplain Lindsey Santana, the theme for the weekend was “Being a Disciple of Jesus.” Students were in charge of running the entire church worship service, including song service, children’s story, special music, and the sermon.

Evie Lange, a CA junior, was a part of a saxophone duet with fellow CA student Quiana Davis at the Grand Junction Seventh-day Adventist Church in Grand Junction, Colorado. “I was excited to do special music,” Lange shared. “It was fun to play with another saxophonist because I have never done that before.”

“The church was very welcoming,” Lange furthered. “Their arms were always open to us and they fed us a delicious lunch. We even stayed Friday night in some church members’ homes; they were very kind.”

CA senior Jasmine Smittick was among the students that were selected to give a sermon at First Denver Indonesian Seventh-day Adventist Church in Commerce City, Colorado. Smittick reflected, “I was very worried at first and overwhelmed, but as I continued to work on it, I was able to not only reach other people, but I also resonated with what I was writing.”

After church service, the church members open their doors with a potluck for the students. “It was really good, and the food was really amazing,” Abigail Brown commented of the meal hosted at the Park Hill Seventh-day Adventist Church in Denver, Colorado.

This was the second annual school-wide SWAT trip, helping students become leaders and more involved in church. Next year, students and staff look forward to reaching out to even more area churches.

—Damaris Lopez-Morquecho, Campion Academy Student News Team. Photos supplied.

21 Jan

FAMILY AND COMMUNITY SUPPORT FOSTERS YOUTH’S JOURNEY TO BAPTISM

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David Sakul – Commerce City, Colorado … Brody Koloay grew up in a supportive family environment deeply involved in church activities. He was a fun-loving child who enjoyed spending time with his friends and family daily. Brody attended public school in California where they lived at the time and was exposed to a wider community that challenged his beliefs.

Through the church, Brody was grounded in his faith, developing into a kind and devoted young man who loved Jesus, his family, and his friends, both inside and outside the church. He actively participated in the local Pathfinder Club, church activities, and school events. At the same time, he worked alongside his brothers to promote Christian-like activities and programs, striving to be a witness to others.

Brody’s father, Brian Koloay, shared, “Brody was calm, committed to the Lord, and always ready to help others, offering support whenever needed.”

After moving to Colorado, the Koloay-Korompis family recognized the importance of staying engaged in the Adventist community. They chose to send their children to Mile High Academy in Highland’s Ranch, Colorado, an Adventist school, as part of their commitment to Christian education, hoping to see their children continue to grow in their faith while participating in the school’s activities and programs.

“Brody made the decision to follow Jesus Christ wholeheartedly and accepted Him as his personal Savior,” remarked David Sakul, elder at the First Indonesian Seventh-Day Adventist Church (FDISDAC) in Commerce City, Colorado. Widy Gara, lead pastor of the church, provided ongoing support through Bible study, and the church’s youth group was very supportive of Brody’s decision and expressed their joy at hearing of his commitment.

Brody Koloay was baptized on January 11 surrounded by his family and church community. It was observed that he was filled with happiness and gratitude for his decision to follow Jesus and felt an overwhelming sense of support. “What a day to follow Jesus,” Brody said.

—David Sakul is an elder at the First Denver Indonesian Seventh-Day Adventist Church. Photos supplied.

16 Jan

DO YOU HAVE A PLAN? PROTECT YOUR LOVED ONES IN 2025 AND BEYOND

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RMCNews with Mary Lynn Green – Denver, Colorado … As the new year begins, it’s the perfect time to tackle those essential tasks we often push off until a later time if ever. High on that list should be creating a will and developing an estate plan. Though it may not be the most exciting resolution, ensuring your loved ones are cared for, your assets are distributed according to your wishes, and your favorite church ministry is remembered is a responsibility that cannot be overstated, especially if you have young dependents. Start 2025 with the peace of mind that comes from knowing your affairs are in order.

Surprisingly, a large portion of Americans delay or avoid estate planning entirely. According to a 2023 study, 67% of adults in the U.S. do not have a will. For younger adults, this figure rises even higher, with 81% of individuals aged 18-34 and 66% of those aged 35-54 lacking this critical document. Even among seniors, traditionally more prepared, 45% are without a will.¹ These numbers highlight the widespread hesitation surrounding estate planning, despite its importance.

One of the primary reasons people delay creating a will is discomfort with the topic. Conversations about mortality and financial distribution can feel overwhelming or unnecessary, particularly for younger individuals. Others procrastinate due to a misconception that estate planning is only for the wealthy. In reality, creating a will is a vital step for anyone with dependents, property, or specific wishes for their legacy. By taking the time to plan, you can ease the burden on your loved ones, providing clarity and avoiding unnecessary legal complications during an already challenging time.

“There is a saying that says, ‘If you don’t have an estate plan, the government has one for you.’ It is true there are laws that indicate how an estate is to be distributed when a person dies without a will (intestate). Likely, some of these laws do align with your wishes and some do not. Having a will helps each of us to fulfill the directive to be good stewards and take care of all that we have been given,” guides Mary Lynn Green, director of Rocky Mountain Conference (RMC) Planned Giving and Trust Services.

If you’re ready to take the first steps toward estate planning, here are some practical tips to help you get started:

  • Take Inventory: List your assets, including real estate, vehicles, savings accounts, and personal possessions.
  • Consider Beneficiaries: Decide who or which charitable cause will receive your assets and ensure your choices reflect your current wishes.
  • Appoint Key Roles: Select an personal representative to carry out your wishes and guardians for any underage children.
  • Consult an Expert: Reach out to RMC Planned Giving and Trust Services to help guide you through this process.

“Our office has resources and partnerships with other Adventist professionals in the trust and estate, planned giving, and fiduciary services arena,” continues Green. “A financial planner or accountant can help you determine how to best structure your gifts. Sometimes gifts of non-cash assets such as property, stocks, life insurance, annuities, valuable jewelry, digital currency, and other assets may provide tax advantages and ways to increase the value of the gift to fulfill goals for what you want to give to loved ones and to charities.”

Do not delay any longer and reduce the risk of leaving your family unprepared and your wishes unmet. For members of the Rocky Mountain Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, there’s no need to worry about costs—wills and estate planning services are offered free of charge. This invaluable resource makes it easier than ever to ensure your legacy is protected.

As we embrace this new year, make it a priority to secure your family’s future no matter what your age or stage in life. By creating a will and estate plan today, you can take a significant step toward being a good steward of the blessings God has entrusted to you.

Green leaves a parting message: “Let us know how our team can help. It is a pleasure for us to be here to serve you and to help you accomplish your stewardship and ministry goals. Let’s all get planning!”

Contact Alex Gamble, RMC Planned Giving and Trust Services department assistant, at [email protected] or by phone at (303) 282-3640 to get started today.

—Initial article draft created by ChatGPT, revised and edited by Liz Kirkland, RMC Communication Director, and Mary Lynn Green, RMC Planned Giving and Trust Services. Photo by Bich Tran with Pexels.

 

¹ LegalZoom. (2023). Estate planning statistics. Retrieved from https://www.legalzoom.com/articles/estate-planning-statistics

15 Jan

FAIRPLAY CHURCH STRIVES TO BE THE “LIGHT ON THE HILL”

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Jose Briones – Fairplay, Colorado … Amy Webb has been a devoted member of the Fairplay Seventh-day Adventist Church in Fairplay, Colorado, for the past four years. In 2018, while working at the Union Adventist University in Lincoln, Nebraska, Amy and her family decided to travel to Colorado. During their visit, they stopped at the Fairplay Church while helping their daughter move and exploring potential future property purchases.

The Webb family, consisting of seven members at the time, was accustomed to the large congregations often found in Adventist churches in Lincoln. Upon their arrival, the Webb’s found a small congregation of only five people at the Fairplay Church. There were more visitors that day than members. Despite the small number, the church congregation’s hospitality and warmth was very welcoming. The Webb family instantly felt drawn to this small, loving community.

The Webb’s decided to move to Colorado a few years later, purchasing a home they felt God had led them to, and began attending the Fairplay Church regularly.

During the COVID Pandemic in 2020, Amy and her husband Richard organized an “Unlocking Bible Prophecies” seminar at the Fairplay Church. Despite much planning, no one attended the event, leaving them saddened and disheartened, especially Richard.

“Amid their discouragement, Amy suggested they pray. They asked God to bring them ten more families, not knowing where they would come from but wanting to fill the church to overflowing,” recalled Jose Briones, lead pastor at the Fairplay Church and RMC Stewardship Promotion and Content creator, who interviewed Amy for the RMC video series “Always Faithful” that will begin airing in January 2025.

“Miraculously, shortly after their prayer, families began arriving from different places,” continued Briones. “These families had been searching for a place like Fairplay Church with the same love that initially attracted the Webb family. The church’s attendance grew from about five people during that initial visit to between 25 and 40 people each week now in 2024. ‘Praise God! He brought us more than ten new families who became members of Fairplay,’ Amy told me.”

Church members will tell you that some of their most cherished memories in recent years involve evangelism. They view that, without evangelism, the church would be dead. Inspired by a member from decades ago who referred to the church as the “Light on the Hill,” they hope to continue the legacy of the sentiment and excitement behind that reference. To do so, the Fairplay Church actively engages with the local community and events like the Burro Days and plans to expand their efforts to Alma and other higher mountain towns this year.

The Fairplay Church also values fellowship and holds a fellowship dinner every week. “The members believe some of the greatest moments come from sharing a meal together,” commented Briones. “They gather around a large table, facing each other and getting to know one another better. This weekly tradition helps people fall in love with the church’s loving God and fellowship.”

Amy’s story and testimony are a powerful reminder of the importance of evangelism and welcoming new members with love. Her experience at Fairplay Church highlights how truly caring about everyone that walks through the doors has been a significant part of the church’s success. The church’s goal is to make everyone feel wanted and welcomed back. As Amy always says, “If someone attends three times, they are already considered members.”

Keeping love and fellowship alive is essential for the vitality of any church community. CLICK HERE to watch Amy’s story and share it with your friends.

—Jose Briones is lead pastor at the Fairplay Seventh-day Adventist Church and is the RMC Stewardship Promotion and Content creator. Photo capture from RMC’s “Always Faithful” video series.

14 Jan

REFLECTION: LOVE BY NATURE COMMUNICATES!

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By Lucas Lujan

It was a typical Sabbath morning of prayer and devotional, loading up the vehicle with my bag of electronics, Sabbath fellowship meal food, and a warm Chai tea along with my 40-ounce Stanley water bottle. I remember turning through the winding highway roads of US HW-24 talking to Jesus and reflecting on the last time I was able to attend a Sabbath morning worship service that I didn’t have to be up front on a platform, publicly speaking and proclaiming the everlasting gospel. I remembered to ask Jesus to empty me of anything that would prevent me from hearing from Him that particular Sabbath morning. I knew that He wanted to speak to me, and I wanted to hear from Him.

Now, before I lay on you the short, simple, yet mind-shifting message Jesus gave to me, I would like to share with you something I read online to confirm a rumor I had heard. Just like many other things in life, surveyors found a way to gather stats on the average number of churchgoers who actually remember the sermon or its main points just one week after the worship service sermon is preached. According to this AI-generated survey, typically five to ten percent of churchgoers are likely to remember the sermon one week after hearing it while most people forget the significant parts of the sermon within days. I would also like to say that I am not entirely sure how AI came up with these statistics, however, I am afraid that they may be close to accurate. It reminds me of a lesson I was being taught early in my lay pastor training through the Rocky Mountain Conference (RMC) in 2019 and 2020.

Is Jesus really speaking to us through the sermon and other portions of the worship service on Sabbath mornings? I am under the conviction that He does still desire to speak to us in these gatherings. However, just like the days of old, I also believe that it takes some preparation in cooperation with His Spirit to be able to hear His voice on the morning of Sabbath. Jesus said,

My sheep hear my voice… (John10:27, KJV).

Have you ever questioned yourself about hearing Jesus speak? I have, many times. And this is why I was silently speaking to Jesus that morning on my way up to Woodland Park from Colorado Springs in Colorado. I wanted Him to search me and remove anything in me that would hinder me from hearing His voice.

By the time I arrived, my heart felt a great expectation to hear Jesus. I was listening carefully to what the parishioners were saying to me while we greeted each other, I was listening to the announcements being read, I was listening to every word of opening, offering, and congregational prayer. I did not want to miss what Jesus wanted to say to me. I was expecting Him to speak to me.

While everything in the Worship service had Christian significance, there was nothing that was hitting me in an extraordinary way that I needed at that time. That is until the preacher stood up to preach. From the opening sentence, I was locked in listening for Jesus’ voice. I knew there was something that I needed to meditate on, I just didn’t know what it was yet.

Now, I also do not remember all the sermon that was preached (remember the AI stats … It took the Spirit of God to touch my ears in order for me to hear Jesus in the part that I did). But what I do remember was a short four-word sentence that I believe he quoted from a study source he had: “Love by nature communicates.” Wow, there it was! It was Jesus, undeniably speaking to me, His hungry child.

Now why was and why is this short sentence so eye opening to me?

To understand this, you would have to understand my context. I grew up, for the most part, only communicating with people who I felt loved me, people who accepted me for who I was. And I was a black sheep to say the least: living on my own by the time I was 15 years old; running the streets at 13 and 14 years old behind my mother’s back while she was working two jobs giving it her best to keep a roof over my sibling and my head; hardly hearing from my dad at all, and, when I did, it was a bunch of broken promises. I came from a childhood where communication was empowering those who don’t love me to have ammo against me. And to be honest, nobody ever cared to communicate back. Not to mention, I developed an introverted personality throughout my teen years, leading to me only communicating with those I trusted. And even then, I was very closed off in many ways.

As I have been saved into God’s family, I do know that I am called into a new character, the character of Jesus, and my old character has passed away. Paul says, … if anyone is in Christ he is a new creation, behold old things have passed away and all things become new (2 Corinthians 5:17, CSB).

You see, what I was battling with that Sabbath morning, and even before then all the way to now, is and was opening myself up to people I hardly know. I get very uncomfortable being on a platform, gathering with people who I don’t know and who hardly know me. But I know it comes with my calling to pastor God’s people. That morning when I heard Elder Fredy share that quote, Jesus opened me wide with His loving care. He revealed to me that, if I love Him, I will love His people and attempt to communicate with them better than I had previously. That means to have concern for their well-being, check up on them, take them to lunch or dinner, visit with them, and communicate to them, not just by preaching, but more importantly in action that not only do I love them, but Jesus loves them even more.

If love, by nature, communicates then it makes perfect sense why God, throughout all human history, has been doing His best to communicate with humanity. By nature, He communicates in natural revelation, by prophets, He communicated in written revelation, and by Jesus, He communicates in special revelation.

God is constantly communicating with us, and we can still hear His voice if we prepare our hearts with His Spirit to do so. Those sermons we hear are prayerfully prepared by the speaker who is surrendered to Jesus at the time of sermon prep. Our hearts are prayerfully prepared during the week when we spend personal time in devotion to Jesus. And when the two come together in worship on Sabbath morning, how could we not hear our Shepherd’s voice. Because love by nature communicates.

I do have a New Year commitment in 2025. It took me a while to figure out what Jesus was saying to me through those four words—I am a slow learner, I guess. I want Jesus to use me to be a better communicator with the flock of Jesus. I will be more consistent, by God’s wisdom and grace alone, to write newsletters at least twice a month, connect more with church leaders and members while carving more time out for my own family as well. I know I won’t do it perfectly. However, I also know that if I am following the voice of my Good Shepherd, He will never lead me wrong.

What about you? What is Jesus communicating with you for 2025? Is He calling you to leave your comfort zone to metaphorically walk on waters? Do you have some old habits that He would like you to break? Is there anything that is getting in the way of you trusting Him and following Him even deeper? If you have been hearing His voice, why not respond to it in action. After all, “Love by nature communicates.”

—Lucas Lujan is head pastor at Colorado Springs South and Woodland Park Seventh-day Adventist Church. Republished with permission from the CS South/ WPSDA Church District 2025 Newsletter, January 1edition. Photo by Rodion Kutsaiev on Unsplash.

14 Jan

DINÉ ADVENTIST RADIO BEGINS AROUND-THE-CLOCK BROADCASTING

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Dorie Panganiban – Gallup, New Mexico … Diné Adventist Radio* (DAR) is a Christian radio network that serves the people of the Navajo Nation with programming designed to help them experience total well-being in their health, their families and their faith. December 8 was a day for celebration as the radio station began around-the-clock broadcasting.

“In 2020, God, in His great love and mercy for all people and kindred, and tongues, and nations, made the humble beginning of the Diné Adventist Radio possible. From the time of its birth, DAR management, and all the people behind it, have prayed that one day it would go on the air 24/7, broadcasting and bringing the wonderful love of Jesus across the Navajo Nation and beyond. That dream has come into fruition with the 24/7 broadcast of the good news in sight and just around the corner,” remarked Dorie Panganiban, La Vida Mission* office manager.

Present for the celebration were Adventist World Radio (AWR) ambassador Allen Steele, North American Division (NAD) assistant to the President Rick Remmers, Arizona Conference treasurer Reggie Leach, and Texico Conference president Lee-Roy Chacon. Also present were DAR board members, local church members, supporters, and some listeners of the radio station. The Holbrook Indian School and La Vida Mission school choirs offered special music during the program.

The event was spearheaded by DAR Network manager Steve Pester and Arizona Native Ministries coordinator Dale Wolcott with the help of Gallup, Window Rock, and other churches and ministries from the area. As Steve Pester said, “The grand opening was a true celebration of partnership with everyone involved. It truly felt like what Heaven will be like! So encouraging and inspiring!”

The station’s logo was also presented by Pester during the program. He explained, “[It was] created by DAR Network program director, Kenneth Kirtley, with his wife Misty, who suggested the background which is the base of it. The background of the logo is the Navajo Wedding Basket that helps us to remember that Christ is our groom, and we are His Bride and He’s coming back for us! It shows us the Love and Unity and best wishes from the Maker and what He wants for us: eternal life with Him.”

“The basket is woven, which symbolizes the weaving together of lives, families, and communities. And radio will be able to do that for this community,” Pester continued. “The stepped or terraced design represents the traditional Navajo Dwelling, the Hogan, which helps us think about the dwelling house the Lord has promised us in Heaven. The arrows on either side of the logo represent the fletching on the arrow that gives it direction as it flies. God gives us our directions; we only need follow. Finally, the most important part is the turquoise fingers on each side. One side is the Three Angels Message, the other side is the Trinity. Together, the two symbols are holding up the Diné—the Navajo—as a people and the Diné Adventist Radio network.”

Pester concluded, “I praise the Lord that the tower for KDHP – 91.9 FM near Piñon is stacked and standing there, 199 feet tall, pointing to Heaven, signaling that we’re another step closer to having radio waves flowing off that tower, pointing people to Jesus. The building that God provided is in place, and the next steps are getting the antenna mounted, the feed line attached, and getting the transmitter, internet, and backup generator installed. Keep the whole process in your prayers!”

CLICK HERE to learn more.

* 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.

—Dorie Panganiban is the La Vida Mission office manager. Photos supplied.

09 Jan

PERSECUTION? NOT YET, I WAS TOLD

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Society without great ideals, in which people chew gum and share gossip, can exist,
but I am afraid of such a world. The world has to have meaning.
– Archbishop Józef Życiński

Nineteen sixties. Who are we, I ask myself?

My answer is different today, as it was different when I encountered my personal “persecution” in the early 1960s. I was a freshman in a Warsaw high school, and, according to the educational system, I had to go to school six days a week.

But, being a Seventh-day Adventist, I refrained from attending school on Sabbath. The meaning and best Adventist lesson was when I was hit across my face by my high-school principal. “You will come to school next Saturday,” he shouted. I didn’t oblige him with what he desired. It was an emotional lesson for a kid, as I was.

Was I persecuted. That’s what an informed Adventist would ask? I knew my family and the church prayed that I would be strong. Yet …

Full of tears, I came home and reported what happened. My parents were summoned to the principal’s office and were told that there was no place for a student who belonged to a weird sect.

“Am I being persecuted? The Bible says so,” I argued. My grandmother was quick to explain that real persecution was still to come, and it will not be permanent and tearful, she added. “Not us, but God is in charge,” she told me as she hugged me strongly. Obviously, I needed a Bible study about the Book of Revelation.

Nineteen eighties. It was springtime and I was sitting in a plush office of the Polish Ambassador to the Vatican. I knew his son in-law, but we met once before and he invited me to visit him in his new job in Rome. We were talking about rod fishing, about his new job, his family, and about our famous countryman, John Paul II. He gets up from his armchair and asks me to join him at the window.

The vista hit me hard—St. Peter’s Square in its full glory. And I am viewing the scene from one of the best vantage points in the holy city of Rome.

Ray, just look at this view, he points to the basilica. What do you see? Beautiful, rich in history, yet in my view, stagnant in its medieval splendor. You represent a different church. Your church is a church of hope. You offer quality of life they don’t have. You speak about freedom from bad habits, living healthy lives, fighting social pathologies, having happy families … But let me ask you, why is your church so timid and so quiet about what you have? Perhaps you mainly persuading yourself about the good you have? I wish Adventists replaced all of this, what you see in front across the piazza, and help the world with a life of hope.

More currently. Time for reflection. In my view, to be in an Adventist believer is always timely as it is rich in meaning and expressions. Each decade challenges me to see it differently, yet with the same message—a community created to a time like this, but its Leader never changes. You are my people, God reiterates. His Word is true, and it gives a meaning to the world in which we live.

In his book, The World Must Have a Meaning, Józef Życiński, a clergyman and philosopher, recalls a comment by Victor Frankl, a known Austrian psychiatrist and survivor of Auschwitz Nazi concentration camp, who believed that a need of meaning is the biggest and basic of human needs. Frankl explains how a mother who is watching her sick child does not feel tired nor counts her hours, because she sees a meaning of her vigil. Recognizing its meaning, one can withstand even the fiercest suffering. He further comments that suffering, a feeling of helplessness and impermanence, can be withstood when we have hope. If there is no hope, there is no meaning. Hope is foundational.

For my faith community—in which I grew up—hope was essential. I was a member of People of Hope. I was excited about living in eternity at the end of time which Christian faith offers. I learned about three sisters: faith, love and … hope. I learned about caring for each other, with kindness, recognizing human dignity and freedom to be who I am as a child of God. These values were introduced when I was a kid, and they are there with no expiration date, all because it is guaranteed by Jesus Christ, his death, resurrection, and a promise of his return.

So, persecution, which is still ahead, does not annul my faith. No fear is present in my version of Adventism. My Adventism is celebrated daily. My faith is guaranteed by these words: Behold, I am coming soon! … Yes, I am coming soon (Book of Revelation 22: 7, 20).

Today. For decades now, I was busy communicating hope. Honestly, I often catch myself acting schematically. Yet, the cracks on my face cannot be covered up for long by a “fool-them-again” mascara of pretense, hoping that I will cover my faith.

Because soon they will know. “Here comes a Christian. He thinks we don’t know.”

Rajmund Dabrowski is the RMC communication director and editor of Mountain Views. He is retiring as of January 2025. Email him at: [email protected]

09 Jan

STONES AND STORIES

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A couple years ago, I went on vacation with my husband and the trip was filled with stones and stories. These stones and stories represented significant people, world events, victories in war, marathon winners, and basically anything people from the past wanted us to remember today.

At every stone and statue were tour guides telling large groups of tourists the stories that went with them.

While we were in Boston, we stopped at this statue and the tour guide said, “I’ve been a tour guide in Boston for 25 years and I have seen this statue go unnoticed. No one saw it important enough to take a picture with, and, honestly, people didn’t even know who it was.” He continued, “But six months ago, the Broadway play came out and now it’s ALL people can talk about, and now this is ONE OF THEE MOST photographed statues in the U.S. all because people started talking about this man again!” You want to take a guess who it was? The statue was Hamilton! Alexander Hamilton.

That is the power of storytelling! Only until someone dusted off Hamilton’s story and started retelling it in a beautiful way did people start taking interest in it again.

So, my question is—when people ask us about our God, our faith, our church … what stories are we telling and how are we telling them?

Let’s go back to the OT (the Old Testament). Have you read the Old Testament recently? Give yourself the gift this Christmas of giving the Old Testament a read! It’s so good! Today I’m going to be paraphrasing and highlighting certain points from Joshua chapters 1-4, but I encourage you to go read those chapters in addition to reading this article—you will be blessed!

Starting with Joshua 1:1-2, we see no sugar coating here. God is straight up with Joshua by saying, Moses is dead.

These three words are enough to truly grip the heart. Moses was the nation’s leader for over 40 years. He led the nation out of slavery and bondage from the Egyptians, he journeyed with them in the wilderness, and whether things were good, bad, or ugly, Moses always directed their eyes back to God. But now he died right before the nation was about to cross over the Jordan River and enter the Promised Land.

Before they cross over, God gives them a few instructions. And not like Siri instructions. Siri gives us the fastest, safest route, giving us every step-in advance and shows us where we can find a Starbucks along the way. God’s instructions are higher than our ways and higher than Siri’s ways. When God gives instructions to His people before a time of transition, He gives heart instructions. And in this case, before they are to cross the Jordan River, they go a little something like this:

  1. Prepare your hearts for what I am about to do.
  2. Let Me go first and follow Me in faith.
  3. Pick up stones along the way and share your salvation stories.

This is such a good Word for Joshua and the Israelites. But what does this have to do with us as believers today?

We are all about to transition into a new year, the year 2025. And although may not be a lot of changes from December 31st to January 1st, there is a great opportunity to be embraced in the close of one year and the opening of another. I believe that opportunity is for us as believers in Jesus to follow these same three heart instructions that God gave His people back then.

1. Prepare Our Hearts for What God is About to Do (Joshua 1)

Before crossing into the Promised Land, Joshua commands the people to get their hearts ready, to prepare their hearts for what God is going to do for them, so they do not miss the miracle!

Similarly, we are able to come boldly before the throne and ask Jesus to position our hearts so we don’t miss what He’s about to do in us individually and as a church. Now is the time to get our hearts in alignment with His will and prepare for the goodness of God in the new year ahead. Let’s not miss the miracle!

2. Let God Go First & Move Forward in Faith (Joshua 3)

The Israelites face the Jordan River—an obstacle that seems impossible to cross. But God instructs Joshua to tell the priests to step into the river with the ark of the covenant, and, as they do, the waters of the Jordan get pushed aside. The Israelites walk through on dry ground, a miraculous revealing of God’s power, promise, and provision.

Just as God parted the Red Sea and parted the Jordan River, God is able to make a way for us in THIS generation, too. Our part is to let Him go first and we simply step forward in faith. Because even when we don’t know what the future holds, we know who holds our future. Dude, Yes and Amen to that!

3. Pick Up Stones Along the Way and Share Our Salvation Stories (Joshua 4)

Finally, the people are instructed to take twelve stones from the middle of the Jordan River and set them up as a memorial. These stones represent God’s faithfulness in bringing them through the river and into the Promised Land. These stones represent how God keeps His promises—He’s a man of His word.

For us, let’s carry the “stones” of God’s faithfulness from 2024, moments where God showed up; moments where God pulled through for us; moments where God went into the pit with us; moments of victory; moments of healing; moments of growth, moments of provision; moments where God showed up in the nick of time.

These are the million little miracle moments that we can hold onto as we step into the new year.

Reader, Friend, Believer,

When people ask us about our God, our faith, our church, what stories are we telling? And how are we storytelling?

Are we telling them the list of things Adventists don’t do? Or are we telling the stories of why we are jazzed and blessed to be Adventists?

Are we telling stories that make it seem like our God is still in the grave? Or are we telling stories that show our God is alive and active?

As we wrap up 2024 and open up 2025, let’s position our hearts in expectation and faith for what God is about to do in us, through us, and for us. Let’s be in a heart posture of anticipation and courage, ready for what God has in store for us as individuals, as families, and as a church!

Let’s allow God to go ahead of us every step of the way—let Him be our Waymaker—trusting that He will make a way even when the path ahead seems dark, uncertain and impossible. Why? Because, yes, nothing is impossible for our God.

Let’s carry our stones of remembrance and share our salvation stories from this recent year, giving hope and encouragement to one another that we have a God who does not slumber or sleep, He’s not on vacation, and He’s certainly no longer in the grave—that’s right, we serve a RISEN God who is fully alive and active.

If we truly believe our God is no longer dead, let’s start telling stories like He’s alive.

Mollie Dupper is the associate pastor at Boulder Seventh-day Adventist Church. Email her at: [email protected]

09 Jan

THE OFFERING OF THE SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH

In

Years ago, American Express had a series of commercials with the tagline “Membership has its privileges.” It was clever marketing that I remember still. The same tagline could be utilized by the Seventh-day Adventist Church as being a member of one of our local churches certainly brings a sense of community and purpose that is somehow larger than the local church itself.

I was not raised as a believer, much less an Adventist, but I had an encounter with Jesus and an open Bible after a series of poor life choices as a young adult. A local Adventist church community became a place of first rebirth, secondly it was a school of learning spiritual truths about God and me, and lastly, yet equally as important, it was a safe place to build lasting friendships with quality people.

Our churches offer hope. Hope was something I desperately needed back then and something I dare say folks still need today. The primary focus of the message we embody as a church is chiefly a message of hope for daily living and a promise of hope eternally. As visitors enter one of our local gatherings, they need an experience that offers them hope as well. Having visited many of our churches in many different cultures and countries, I have heard many messages of hope from the pulpit and the pew.

Our churches also offer clear Biblical teaching. When I first entered a Seventh-day Adventist Church, I was a complete novice in terms of spirituality and biblical knowledge. Engaging in Sabbath School classes and conversing with passionate members in an environment where asking questions was encouraged really helped me to sort through the myriads of teachings that exist within the realm of Christianity, and it deepened my understanding of God’s love and his plan for humanity. The God of scripture revealed through these engagements compelled me to embrace the grace and forgiveness that Jesus was offering me. Clear teachings presented in the context of love change people’s lives.

Our churches offer friendship. We offer a point of contact to our communities through service projects and selfless giving. Through the years, I have seen so many amazing church members give of their time, effort, influence, and finances to foster growth and connection within the local church and intentionally reach out a hand of help outside the walls of the worship space and into their respective communities. One thing I have gleaned from all of these in-reach and outreach events is that we best represent our church when we intentionally extend a hand of fellowship to one another and to those in our community. There is no us and them, its simply us. We are all in this together.

Our churches also offer a global connectedness that is rare. Sure, the internet connects us all in some ways, but knowing that there are 23 million other people all across the globe who belong to the same faith community of believers as I do, makes the world seem smaller and somehow less scary. I know that when I travel most places in the world, I don’t have a hard time finding a place to worship on Sabbath that is filled with friendly people who will greet me with a warm smile and invite me to worship with them gladly.

That is one of many other benefits that is hard to fully understand unless you have experienced it. It’s like I said earlier, membership has its privileges.

Brandon Westgate is the RMC youth director. Email him at: [email protected]

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