Rocky Mountain Conference of Seventh-day Adventists

14 Jul

COMMENTARY: SUMMER IS FOR PASTORS, TOO …

By Mickey Mallory … The other day, I was using my cell phone when suddenly, the screen went black. I thought initially something was wrong with my phone. “Oh no, I am out of warranty, what will I do?” But then I remembered that my phone had given me a number of warning readings that my battery was dying and I needed to plug in for a recharge. Unfortunately, I got so busy doing other things that I forgot to plug in.

Like cell phones, pastors need recharging also. They need to set aside time when they can get away from the stress and pressure of ministry and be refreshed. If they choose not to do this, they could eventually end up like my cell phone – DEAD! And while resurrection power is possible, I think God would rather keep pastors alive and see them thrive in ministry.

One thing that recharges me personally as a pastor is taking vacation time. Whether going to the mountains or to the beach, I always come back refreshed and ready to deal with life and ministry again.

Last week, I took some vacation time and received these benefits:

Lots of Rest and Relaxation – It felt great to not be in a hurry and to sometimes just do nothing.
Reading – I enjoyed some extended time for reading.
Meditating – I loved being able to spend extra time reflecting on how good God has been to me and my family.
Exercise – A three-hour-long hike in the mountains was such a great de-stressor.
Fun with my family – We had great talks in the hot tub. We even played the board game called Life. Unfortunately, my son stole my salary card, and I didn’t have enough “Life Tiles” to win.

Some pastors will look at everything that is dependent on them and feel that they cannot afford to take vacation time. Though the possibility exists, the things they worry about happening while they are gone will most likely never happen.

Take for example, my recent vacation when I took a whole week off. Thank God that while I was gone:

Neither my house nor my office collapsed or burned down.
I did not lose post-vacation contact with my fellow workers.
I did not miss any earth-shaking decisions.

So, while I was tempted to worry about the work that didn’t get done while I was gone, in reality, everything went as well as could be expected in my absence. Big thanks to those who were available to help if needed, but an even bigger thanks to God who watched over everything while I was gone. I believe the main reason He blessed me so much is because He is pro-vacation. As a pastor Himself, He knows how important it is to get away and “rest awhile”. (Mk. 6:31)

In order for your pastor to have peace of mind while on vacation, below are a few things the church can do:

Encourage your pastor to take vacation time. Most get at least two weeks a year. This time is meant to be used for a recharge.
Make sure the pastor’s vacation date(s) is on the church calendar. This way there won’t be anything on those days that is solely dependent on the pastor.
Make sure the core leadership team of the church knows the pastor’s vacation dates and what to do in case of an emergency.
Ask the pastor before they take off on vacation to contact a pastor close to where the church is located to cover in the event of an emergency, like a funeral.
Put an announcement in your bulletin/email that communicates to the church members that the pastor is on vacation and who to contact in their absence.
Pray for your pastor when they are taking vacation time. Pray that God will protect them and bless them with a great time.

As much as pastors are on the giving end, they also need to be on the receiving end. Vacations are a great opportunity for them to receive a recharge. Trust me, the time they spend away from ministry will help them be even more effective when they return.

The next time you plug your cell phone in, I would like to invite you to think of your pastor and, for that matter, all of the spiritual leaders who serve in the church. Once they are recharged, they will be able to perform great tasks so their Light will shine much brighter.

Mickey Mallory is RMC ministerial director; photo by iStock

08 Jul

Reflection: SINAI SUNRISE

By Andy Nash … We wake up at 2:30 a.m.—my daughter and I—more eagerly than we’ve ever woken up at 2:30 a.m.

This is the morning we’ve waited for—we’re climbing Mount Sinai at sunrise.

At 17, Summer knows I’m not the mountain climber she is. “I’m proud of you, Dad,” she says.

“This one is different,” I tell her. “It’s biblical.”

We both laugh.

We attach our head lamps and head out, joining four dozen travelers on our Egypt study tour. Our group is all ages–eight to eighty–just the way I like it, a traveling family, like the Israelites themselves.

Fortunately, we have ready help for the first two hours of our climb. Fifty camels sit steaming in the darkness at the base of the mount, sizing us up along with their Bedouin owners.

The always-awkward experience of mounting a camel is exceeded only by the camel’s sudden rise—a desert roller coaster: a startling dip, and then . . . stateliness. One by one, I hear the gasps, then the delighted laughter, of our travelers. Just wait till the camel drops to its knees again.

In the darkness, we begin the ascent, and I get to . . . rest. On these tours, I’m nearly always working or teaching, so that others can rest, learn, and enjoy the journey. I love nothing more than their contented smiles.

But now and then, I get to rest too—the boat at Galilee, the ferry at Patmos, and now the camel at Sinai (Not far from here, Jethro once reminded Moses about resting).

So here, on Sabbath morning, I let the tranquility wash over me, so grateful to rejuvenate, reflect, and watch the story of redemption unfold just a little bit more.

Bathed in fresh light, Mount Sinai is both harrowing and comforting—I keep returning to that word “bulwarks.” “Shut in by the bulwarks of the mountains, Moses was alone with God” (Patriarchs and Prophets 248). To be climbing the very mount where Moses met Yahweh? It overwhelms me until I remember the words: “You (plural) will be my treasured possession . . . a kingdom of priests” (Exodus 19:5-6). This was His plan all along–you and me entering directly into His presence, through the flesh-veil of Christ, by the blood-cover of Christ.

Jewish tradition holds that, right here, Yahweh spoke the Ten Commandments—more accurately, the Ten Words (devarim)—in every language on earth: meaning these Ten Words were for all peoples (In this way, the Ten Words are distinguished from the 613 commandments).

If the Ten Words were for everyone, I reason, then that includes the Egyptians too. Indeed, as the second most-mentioned place in Scripture (700 times from Genesis to Revelation), Egypt often comes off as the enemy of God’s people. But in God’s eyes, the Egyptians have always been His people. “So, the LORD will make Himself known to Egypt, and the Egyptians will know the LORD on that day” (Isaiah 19:21, NASB).

And the LORD personally introduced himself to Egypt—when He traveled here as a toddler: Jesus in the shadow of the pyramids. Three decades later, Egyptian God-fearers traveled to Jerusalem for the Feast of Pentecost, which, ironically, celebrated the giving of the Ten Words at Sinai. At that final Pentecost, 50 days after the final Passover, the Egyptians heard not Ten Words, but only one: Jesus. And today, 10 in 100 Egyptians believe.

My realizations will grow with time. So will Summer’s, and the four dozen others experiencing Sinai at sunrise. For now, it’s time to let our animals rest, and hike the final hour to the summit, together with my daughter and her Father.

–Andy Nash is lead pastor of Littleton Adventist Church. He leads study tours each summer to Israel, Jordan, and Egypt. Email him at: [email protected]; photos supplied

Pastor Chris Morris reads the Ten Commandments.

08 Jul

IGNITE CAMPERS LIGHT UP GVR

RMCNews with John Boone – Ward, Colorado … After a quiet week at Glacier View Ranch after its closure by the threat of Covid, the excitement returned on July 4, when 80 Ignite campers arrived for five days of fun-filled adventures.

Ignite Camp, designed for ages 12 to 14, gives campers variety and choice in the activities that interest them. They have the opportunity to participate in outdoor rock climbing and can step up to the challenge of Rocky Mountain biking.

The week began with a boom. To celebrate Independence Day, the camp was filled with music, food, and fireworks. No explosions, but the evening concluded with a gymnastics show.

After the day of celebrations, campers dug in to the numerous activities that awaited them, while learning that “because God sees me, I know I’m His child.”

One of the ventures some decided on was the Shredder’s Pump Bike Track, an action-filled mountain bike track with many obstacles.

One camper exclaimed, “The pump track is awesome!”

Joy came for the staff in the simple moments. “I got to teach a camper how to ride a bike for the first time,” Nathaniel Sanchez, mountain bike instructor at the camp, said.

Ignite Camp wraps up on Friday, July 9, in time to prepare GVR for Summit Camp, created for teenage campers ages 13 to 17.

To learn more about GVR check out their website www.RMCYouth.org/camp

–RMCNews with John Boone who is GVR’s camp PR and marketing intern; photos supplied

08 Jul

COMMENTARY: Retirement in the Light of the Second Coming

By Dr. David Ripley … My wife and I, both pastors, began our retirement in August 2019. We started our ministry so young, believing that we likely would never need to retire because of the soon coming of Jesus. Should we further our education or save for retirement in the light of this imminent second coming? Would saving for retirement be a lack of faith in the message we were preaching? Jesus is coming!

As we began our pastoral ministry, we had no resources to administer. Without any financial training or modeling, we were not always the best money managers. We slowly learned and even purchased our first house. When we were moved, as pastors are, the economy took away all our investment in that home. For another home we put $35,000 down, then we had to add $7,000 to sell the house. Pastoral moving is hazardous!

We ended up in our mid 40’s, tens of thousands of dollars in debt with nothing saved for retirement. We knew something had to change. If Christ delayed a few more years, we would need resources. We had witnessed too many aged pastors who could not retire and were struggling every day.

While we were still confident of our message of the soon coming of our Savior, retirement was a clear probability. As recent empty nesters, we began our climb out of debt and preparation for this likelihood.

The first step was to eliminate consumer debt. Researching several strategies, we chose one and worked through it till we were debt free. We took vacations visiting different parts of the country to determine where we would like to retire. After choosing, we purchased land in our selected location. That mortgage we were determined to pay off quickly; we eliminated the debt in about 10 years. We built a home on the property debt free.

We started a savings account and conservative investments to grow our cash. We also took advantage of the matching towards retirement offered by the church to increase our percentage over time.

Even starting later in life, we were able to retire comfortably, and we have not paid any interest for 10 years. When needed, we paid cash for our car. We travel to our grandkids scattered across the country. We are so glad that while preaching the soon coming of Jesus we still prepared for the tarrying of the bridegroom.

Not being a financial management expert, or early on a good role model, I can simply tell you what we intentionally did to prepare for retirement. Here are some suggestions, whether you are in your 20’s or your 50’s.

-Get out of debt. Determine that you will not accumulate consumer debt. Do not pay high interest rates in perpetuity. If you have consumer debt, research plans to eliminate it, choose a strategy, and stick to it.
-Start a savings account for a car. Instead of paying interest, earn interest. When it is time to buy your next car, you can pay cash or a large portion of the cost.
-Start a retirement savings account. Even if it is a very small amount each month, increase it slowly over time. Find a professional financial advisor you trust and begin a conservative diversified investment portfolio.
-Maximize matching towards retirement. Increase your percentage over time. While in conference administration, I was amazed at how many pastors do not take advantage of the church’s matching investment.
-Do not opt out of Social Security. I know the theory that if you invest for yourself you will be ahead, but I have seen too many who opted out and then the pressures of life and emergencies left very little for retirement. Spending a significant number of years struggling is not a scenario you want.
-Determine where you would like to retire, perhaps 15 years out, and purchase a home, lot, or land. Work to pay it off.
-Monitor regularly all the moving parts of your retirement plan. Be ready to adjust as needed. It takes discipline and sacrifice to stay on track.

Preach the soon coming of the Lord while you prepare for the possibility of retirement. If Jesus appears before you retire, you have not lost anything. You have gained the ultimate retirement! If Jesus tarries, then you will be ready to retire and continue to be a voice for His second coming. God will bless you as you seek to be responsible with your plans.

–Dr. David Ripley currently resides in Fredricksburg, Texas

This article was originally published on the NAD Ministerial Association website

06 Jul

NEWDAY HOSTS FREE FARMERS MARKET

By Agape Hammond – Parker, Colorado … The line is already forming and the produce hasn’t even arrived. This is a common experience at Newday Adventist church free farmer’s market.

Individuals line up ahead of the 2 p.m. opening to ensure they get a bag of the fresh fruits and veggies. With a smile and a “thank you for coming,” everyone is greeted warmly and they leave with what might be their only fresh produce that week.

This summer marks Newday’s fourth annual Free Farmer’s Market. It has taken three years of dedication to build relations with the community and to gain traction for the event.

During the first few years of the Free Farmer’s Market, it took hours to give the produce away. Often, volunteers went door to door to make sure those who needed it received the fresh fruits and veggies being offered. Now, there is a line when volunteers arrive each week. Currently serving approximately fifty families per week, Newday volunteer Shawna Sajdak commented, “We are seeing more and more families coming and [we] look forward to serving them as the summer progresses.”

The gathering includes young families and the elderly who sometimes need a little help taking their bags home.

What makes the weekly market so important? For Newday members and volunteers, it’s hearing the words from the community, “You don’t know how much this helps. Thank you for what you are doing.”

–Agape Hammond is director of social media and communication at Newday; photos supplied

06 Jul

RMC HISPANIC MINISTRIES HOST FEJA FÚTBOL TOURNAMENT

By Wilmer Martinez – Highlands Ranch, Colorado … For the first time in two years, the Rocky Mountain Conference Hispanic ministries hosted the yearly fútbol (soccer) tournament at Mile High Academy on June 27.

The FEJA, also known as Youth Adventist Federation, organized the match-ups which featured members of more than ten churches. Nine teams registered for the games and two-hundred individuals assisted with the activities.

For some individuals, this event expanded the mission of the church. “I’ve been here for only four months and it makes me happy that despite the pandemic, there is an effort to get together as a church, to go beyond the four walls of the building,” Hugo Guillen, pastor of Denver South and Central Hispanic churches said.

He added how great it was that many individuals turned out for the event from around the conference, including New Mexico. “It is really a blessing to see everybody here from different churches for this event organized by FEJA.”

Leslie from the Littleton church added that although it was really hot, she felt happy and was having a good time with the people from her church. Genaro, also from Littleton, was happy to see the acceptance of girls playing on the teams and to see all the young people playing on the teams.

David Rodriguez, pastor of Westminster, Loveland, and Denver (Pecos) churches, commented on the large presence of young adults at the event. “To see these kids here today is the evidence that the seed of the truth is bearing its fruits. It is brotherhood, a team effort, and it is really a delight.”

Herbert Hernandez, pastor of Chapel Haven and Northglenn Hispanic churches added that he hopes and prays for this event to be the beginning of many other activities for the enrichment of the spiritual and social lives of the Adventist Hispanic Youth.

–Wilmer Martinez is pastor of the Pagosa, Spring, Bloomfield, and Durango Hispanic churches; photos supplied

06 Jul

CODY YOUTH EXPLORE CREATION, THE FLOOD, AND DINOSAURS

By Samantha Nelson – Cody, Wyoming … During the last week of June, a group of Cody Adventist church youth walked with the dinosaurs at the Red Fleet Dinosaur Trackway and Dinosaur National Monument Park in Utah.

The trip, led by Steve Nelson, pastor of the Cody district, and his wife Samantha, was part of ongoing Bible studies and preparation for the upcoming Dinosaur/Creation seminars to be held in September. The Nelsons guided the group through discussions of Creation, the Flood and dinosaurs, a fun topic to study with youth, captivating their attention.

Impressed by visual support of the biblical narrative, Dean Jeffers, one of the participants, said, “I like the geologic formation of Split Mountain because everyone who doesn’t know or believe in God, or the Bible is confused by how the river “split” the mountain. As a believer, it shows what the Flood did instead of millions of years of a river splitting a mountain,” Dean Jeffers expressed.

Aside from hiking to the Red Fleet Dinosaur Trackway and touring the Dinosaur National Monument Quarry, where hundreds of dinosaur fossils are embedded in the rock at the top of the mountain, the group climbed the mountainside to see the ancient petroglyphs and pictographs. There, they also saw an historical cabin owned by Josie Bassett, a rancher who associated with Butch Cassidy’s “Wild Bunch.”

When asked what they enjoyed most about the adventure, another participant, Cedar Jeffers commented, “My favorite part was the bone wall at Dinosaur National Monument because it showed how the Flood affected them and how everything was just right to turn them into fossils and leave them in a jumbled mess.” She added, “Another favorite part of mine is the museum where they put into perspective how big the dinosaurs really were.”

According to many on the trip, it helped them to trust God more and establish their faith in His Word, and they enjoyed the hands-on, close-up view of the aftermath and destruction of the Flood.

–Samantha Nelson is a pastor’s wife who serves alongside her husband, Steve, in Cody Wyoming; photos supplied

01 Jul

LOS ADULTOS JÓVENES SON LOS PRIMEROS EN FIRMAR EL ROLLO DE CARTA EN LA INAUGURACIÓN DE LA IGLESIA HISPANA DE MONTROSE

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Por RMCNews – Montrose, Colorado … La Compañía Hispana montrose fue aceptada en la hermandad Adventista del Séptimo-día de las iglesias el sábado, 26 de junio, con los jóvenes adultos de la congregación corriendo al frente para ser los primeros en firmar los libros de membresía de la carta.

Cien se reunieron en el santuario de la iglesia adventista inglesa de Montrose para esta ocasión especial que marca cinco años desde que se formó el grupo.

Rubén Balaguer, pastor del distrito hispano de Grand Junction, recuerda a los reunidos la pasión que él y su familia tenían por plantar esta iglesia hispana.

“Con el sueño de comenzar un grupo o iglesia, llegamos a Montrose en abril del 2010. Teníamos el deseo de conocer pueblos pequeños porque ya no queríamos vivir en la ciudad. Al instalarnos en Montrose, vimos mucho potencial para comenzar un grupo. Le propusimos a nuestro pastor el plan de comenzar una rama en Montrose, pero él nos dijo que no era posible”.

Sin embargo, eso no fue el final de la historia, Balaguer agrega: “Él [el pastor] nos pidió que siguiéramos orando hasta que finalmente, nuestro sueño se hizo realidad. Un sábado, el pastor Mike Shannon nos animó a comenzar a realizar nuestro deseo. Unas semanas más tarde, nuestras oraciones comenzaban a ser respondidas a medida que se planificaban y celebraban reuniones. Las reuniones comenzaron con Horacio Gómez, Marina Guillén, la familia Magaña, la familia Espinoza Chávez, la familia Espinoza Venzor y mi familia”.

La inauguración de la tarde incluyó actuaciones musicales de varios miembros e invitados, mejorando el servicio. Una selección musical fue interpretada por el coro juvenil de la iglesia llamada “Generación Escogida” que significa “Generación Elegida”.

Ed Barnett, durante lo que muy probablemente será la última vez que asista a una inauguración formal de la iglesia como presidente de RMC, recibió una placa de las iglesias del área hispana agradeciéndole por su servicio.

Al comentar sobre el evento, Barnett comentó: “Fue una tarde tremenda celebrando que nuestra Compañía Hispana Montrose se convirtiera en una iglesia. Qué dulce espíritu y familia de iglesia talentosa tienen. Las selecciones musicales eran poderosas. Me impresionó la cantidad de jóvenes que son miembros fundadores. Quiero agradecer a todos los pastores que hicieron esto posible. Es agradable ver a nuestra Asociación de las Montañas Rocosas agregando otra iglesia a nuestras filas”.

Doug Inglish, vicepresidente de administración presidió la firma del libro de membresía de la carta y reflexionó sobre ese momento diciendo: “Es tan impresionante que las primeras personas en dar un paso adelante para firmar la lista de la carta para la iglesia fueron los miembros más jóvenes. Es un signo de una iglesia saludable cuyos jóvenes se apropian”.

Para los miembros fundadores, este era el momento que han estado esperando.

“Este es un sueño hecho realidad y lo que tenemos que valorar es el hermoso grupo de jóvenes que tenemos”, comentó Abimael Chávez, anciano hispano de Montrose. “¡Ellos son los futuros líderes de nuestra iglesia y tenemos que apoyarlos siempre!”

Dennis Magaña, primer anciano de Montrose Hispanic también comentó sobre ser parte de la historia: “Nuestro compromiso y deber con Dios sigue siendo el mismo: ir y hacer discípulos llevándolos a los pies de Jesús. Para ello necesitamos, hoy más que nunca, el poder del Espíritu Santo para cumplir nuestra misión”.

El pastor Balaguer está emocionado de ser parte de esta iglesia en crecimiento. “Es una gran bendición para mí ser parte de la historia de la creciente iglesia hispana”, dijo.

El rollo de carta de Montrose Hispanic incluye a 37 personas y algunas más que no pudieron asistir al evento especial, firmarán la carta en los próximos sábados.

Balaguer, dirigiéndose a la congregación participante, expresó su agradecimiento a su iglesia matriz, Olathe Hispanic, por apoyarlos y proporcionar oraciones; la Iglesia Adventista Inglesa de Montrose para el uso de su espacio y el apoyo incondicional; y a la Asociación de las Montañas Rocosas por apoyar a los miembros de este proyecto.

Balaguer concluyó con un desafío a los miembros: “Hoy, como en ese primer día que nos reunimos aquí, nuestro compromiso y deber con nuestro Dios sigue siendo el mismo: ir y hacer discípulos, llevándolos a los pies de Cristo y uniéndolos a la iglesia a través del bautismo. ¡Maranatha! Cristo viene”.

–RMCNoticias; fotos de Susan Inglish

01 Jul

DARIN GOTTFRIED SE UNE A RMC COMO NUEVO VICEPRESIDENTE DE FINANZAS

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Por RMCNews – Denver, Colorado … El 25 de junio, el Comité Administrativo de RMC extendió una invitación a Darin Gottfried para servir como vicepresidente de finanzas, reemplazando a George Crumley, quien dejó RMC el 30 de junio para servir en la Asociación Kentucky-Tennessee.

“Darin ha pasado los últimos nueve años en la Asociación Kansas-Nebraska. Ha hecho un trabajo tremendo allí y sé que Dios lo usará de una manera poderosa aquí en nuestra Asociación”, dijo Ed Barnett, presidente de RMC. “George Crumley, que se retira a partir del 1 de julio, ha sido una bendición y lo extrañaremos”.

Gottfried aceptó la invitación el 28 de junio y dice que está “emocionado de unirse al equipo de la Asociación de las Montañas Rocosas. Tiene un gran grupo de personas allí con las que estoy deseando trabajar y conocer mejor. Espero poder apoyar y ayudar a hacer crecer la Asociación tanto como sea posible”. Asumirá sus responsabilidades en RMC el 1 de septiembre

Más recientemente, se desempeñó como vicepresidente de finanzas de la Asociación Kansas-Nebraska durante los últimos cinco años, después de ser tesorero asociado de la misma Asociación, de ser gerente de negocios para la Academia de Wisconsin, y de trabajar en el Hospital Adventista Fletch en Carolina del Norte.

Doug Inglish, vicepresidente de administración, está deseando trabajar junto a Gottfried. “Estamos muy emocionados de que Darín haya aceptado esta convocatoria. Creemos que no solo tiene el conjunto de habilidades que estamos buscando, sino el enfoque orientado a la misión que coincide con la Asociación de las Montañas Rocosas”.

Nacido y criado en el Dakota del Norte, Darin Gottfried no es ajeno a la zona de las Montañas Rocosas, donde pasó muchos fines de semana explorando el paisaje de la región.

Se graduó de Union College, donde conoció a su compañera de ministerio, Stephanie. Ella está familiarizada con RMC como alumna de Campion Academy y sus padres son residentes en Monument, Colorado.

Los Gottfried tienen dos hijos de cuatro patas, incluyendo un gran danés llamado Berg y un puntero alemán de pelo de alambre llamado Otto. Stephanie comentó que “[nosotros] no hemos podido formar una familia propia, por lo que nuestros perros son nuestros hijos”.

En su tiempo libre, a Darin le gusta la fotografía, viajar, acampar y trabajar en automóviles. También está ampliando su vocabulario aprendiendo el idioma alemán.

La esperanza de Gottfried en RMC es “que como tesorero, él ser capaz de ayudar a mantener una Asociación sana y financieramente estable y de usar el dinero que se nos ha confiado de la manera más efectiva, para que la iglesia pueda crecer y compartir el amor de Jesús con cada persona en nuestro territorio”.

Además, expresó su interés en “conocer a los miembros y empleados de la Asociación de las Montañas Rocosas, aprender sus historias y encontrar formas de apoyar al ministerio en cada área”.

“Llegar a viajar por el hermoso territorio de la Asociación de las Montañas Rocosas es una ventaja adicional”, agregó.

–RMCNoticias; foto por Stephanie Gottfried

01 Jul

DARIN GOTTFRIED JOINS RMC AS NEW VICE PRESIDENT OF FINANCE

By RMCNews – Denver, Colorado … On June 25, the RMC Administrative Committee extended an invitation to Darin Gottfried to serve as vice president of finance, replacing George Crumley who left RMC on June 30 to serve in the Kentucky-Tennessee Conference.

“Darin has spent the last nine years in the Kansas-Nebraska Conference. He has done a tremendous job there and I know God will use him in a mighty way here in our Conference,” Ed Barnett, RMC president, said. “George Crumley, as of July 1 no longer in RMC, has been such a blessing and we will miss him.”

Gottfried accepted the invitation on June 28 and says he is “excited about joining the team in Rocky Mountain. You have a great group of people there that I am looking forward to working with and getting to know better. I hope that I can support and help grow the Conference as much as possible.” He will assume his responsibilities at RMC on September 1

Most recently, he served as vice president of finance for the Kansas-Nebraska Conference during the last five years, after being an associate treasurer for the same Conference, business manager for Wisconsin Academy, and working at Fletch Adventist Hospital in North Carolina.

Doug Inglish, vice president of administration, is looking forward to working alongside Gottfried. “We are very excited that Darin has accepted this call. We believe that he not only has the skill set we are looking for, but the mission-minded approach that matches the Rocky Mountain Conference.”

Born and raised in North Dakota, Darin Gottfried is no stranger to the Rocky Mountain area, where he spent many weekends exploring the scenery of the region.

He is a graduate of Union College where he met his ministry partner, Stephanie. She is familiar with RMC as an alumna of Campion Academy and her parents reside in Monument, Colorado.

The Gottfrieds have two four-legged children, including a Great Dane named Berg and a German Wirehaired Pointer named Otto. Stephanie commented that “[we] have not been able to start a human family of our own, so our dogs are our kids.”

In his spare time, Darin enjoys photography, traveling, camping, and working on cars. He is also expanding his vocabulary by learning the German language.

Gottfried’s hope at RMC is “that as treasurer, he is able to help maintain a healthy and financially-stable Conference and to use the money that has been entrusted with us in the most effective manner, so that the church can grow and share the love of Jesus with every person in our territory.”

He further expressed his interest in “getting to know the members and employees of the Rocky Mountain Conference, learning their stories, and finding ways of supporting the ministry in every area.”

“Getting to travel the beautiful territory of the Rocky Mountain Conference is an added bonus,” he added.

–RMCNews; photo by Stephanie Gottfried