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29 Mar

WE NEED A FRIEND NOT AN ENEMY

In

By Reinder Bruinsma … Some twenty years ago, I attended a meeting in Miami about evangelistic strategies organized by the leaders of the Inter-American Division. In most countries in that part of the world, the majority of the population belongs to the Roman Catholic Church. To my surprise, one of the top leaders of that division appealed to the participants to be much less aggressive in their attempts to “convert” Roman Catholics to Adventism. He argued that by constantly criticizing the leaders of the Catholic Church in the evangelistic programs, we lay the basis for, or reinforce, a critical attitude, which the new members are likely to maintain once they have joined the Adventist denomination.

I doubt whether this strong advice led to any major change because many of the evangelists in Inter-America and elsewhere continue to use confrontational tactics to get the attention of their audience. This may well contribute to the unfortunate reality that for many Adventists the ideal of defending the Truth implies aggressively confronting “the enemy,” who supposedly is bent on destroying God’s Truth and will, ultimately, fiercely attack those who have accepted and defend that Truth. In traditional Adventist thinking, the enemy is first and foremost found in the Roman Catholic tradition, but also in other Christian movements that have adopted some of the Catholic dogmas—Sunday keeping being, of course, paramount among these.

Where Did This Come From?

Not all Adventists think alike. Some feel that the time has come to end all bashing of other Christians, Catholics included. Others believe that protecting our Seventh-day Adventist identity, as the commandment-keeping remnant church, requires that we carefully maintain our traditional stance. No doubt, this discussion will continue, but it may be useful for a better understanding of the issue if we look at its historical context.

To say that early Adventism was rather combative in character would be a strong understatement. Admittedly, nineteenth century Adventists needed to be combative in the world in which they lived. The denomination began when a number of small groups of (mainly) former Millerite believers started to hold meetings, studied their Bibles and gradually reached consensus about a number of biblical truths that the members of other denominations regarded as totally unfounded or even as horrible heresy. During the first decades of their emerging movement Adventists were usually viewed as weird and not as bona fide Christians. In particular, their conviction that God wanted them to keep the seventh-day Sabbath rather than Sunday—which they denounced as a “popish” invention—created a lot of opposition.

As the nineteenth century progressed, a strong movement emerged that wanted to make America “a Christian nation.” One key element in this process would be legally enforced Sunday worship. As a result, several states enacted “blue” laws that made Sunday keeping obligatory. As this occurred, in several places Seventh-day Adventist were fined or even incarcerated for disobeying these laws. Ever since, there have been attempts from various political and religious groups in the United States (and in some places in Europe) to enforce Sunday keeping. And ever since, Adventists have feared that one day these tenacious attempts will succeed and make life for Sabbath keepers very uncomfortable indeed.

The Influx of Millions of Catholics

Also, as the years went by, the growing strength of the Roman Catholic Church in the United States was seen as an immense threat. Originally the United States was staunchly Protestant. From a mere 50,000 Catholic believers in 1800, they had increased to 200,000 by 1820 and 2 million by 1860. And by the turn of the century, the number of American Catholics stood at 12 million (in a total population of 76 million). No wonder this created a lot of uneasiness. Moreover, it was widely believed that some countries exported their most undesirable citizens. Also, the newly arrived immigrants were often prepared to work for lower wages and this was considered unfair competition on the labor market. But what was perhaps even more important: people feared that the ultimate loyalty of these Roman Catholic newcomers would be to the pope rather than to American democracy. Perhaps the anti-Catholic sentiment of that time among Protestants in general, and Adventists in particular, can be compared to the resistance of many people of Western countries today to the arrival of large numbers of Muslims.

As the nineteenth century changed into the twentieth century, most of the strongly anti-Catholic sentiment among Protestants had gradually disappeared. But not so among Seventh-day Adventists. Their prophet—Ellen G. White—had developed a five-volume series of books about the conflict between good and evil. The books covered the Bible times, while also sketching the story throughout the Christian era. In her depiction of the history of Christianity, Ellen White vividly described the high points of faith and commitment and the low points of moral decay, the unbiblical notions and rebellion against God. As we look back and try to see her work in the context of the time in which she lived and wrote, we easily understand how for her—in her context—the Roman Catholic Church became the culprit par excellence. Her book The Great Controversy, which appeared in its more or less definite form in 1888, did not, however, significantly differ in its criticism of Catholicism from that of many other contemporary Protestant authors.

Ellen G. White was part of a nineteenth-century Protestant American environment, which differed greatly from our present globalized, multi-religious and multi- cultural world. Quite naturally, she saw Roman Catholicism as an ever-growing menace. It should also be noted that her thinking, in line with the attitude of most of her contemporaries, was almost exclusively focused on what happened in the United States and in Europe. She had very little to say about spiritual developments in other parts of the world or about the non-Christian world religions. In all her printed works one can only find a handful of references to Islam!

The Great Controversy Theme Is as Valid As Ever

What does this mean for Seventh-day Adventists in 2021? Does this mean that all traditional Adventist criticism of Roman Catholic dogma and Catholic history must be forgotten? And do I want to suggest that Ellen White’s The Great Controversy has totally lost its value? Certainly not. The fundamental theme of The Great Controversy between Christ and Satan is, and remains, a fundamental aspect of Adventist theology and of its perspective on past, present and future. However, we must try to discover how the principles of this basic philosophy apply to our current situation.

Looking with twenty-first century eyes at Ellen White’s The Great Controversy, we may wonder whether she might have changed her appraisal of Roman Catholicism if she were still alive today. In fact, already during her life, with her express approval, the anti-Catholic rhetoric of her book was toned down, as the 1911 edition shows. But, apart from this, just as the Bible needs to be interpreted to make sense for us who live so many centuries later, this is also required when we read the works of Ellen White. The trouble is that we may find this rather self-evident when we read the Bible, but many forget that this principle also applies to our reading of Ellen White. When I read in the Ten Commandments that I should not “covet” my neighbor’s donkey, I understand that, for me, that means that I should not look with jealousy at my neighbor’s Jaguar. And, even though some Bible texts clearly condone slavery, we do not take this as a recommendation for us but fit this into the biblical context.

The “great controversy” is still a very relevant theme, but in our time, it may play out in a way that differs substantially from what Ellen White and her contemporaries experienced and then extrapolated into the future. An important part of their future expectations was the prediction that Sunday laws would soon be enacted on a global scale. Today, there are still many church members who expect that a coalition of Catholics and (especially American) politicians will use some, as yet unforeseen, opportunity to put these Sunday laws into effect. This will then, it is argued, be the beginning of a series of actions which will eventually make life unbearable for Sabbath keepers, culminating in terrible persecution and even a “death decree.”

It has often been said that it is difficult to make predictions, especially when they concern the future. This certainly also applies to this matter of Sunday laws. Global enforcement of such laws might have been a credible future panorama, but as we look at currents in our contemporary society, this looks highly unlikely. All around us we notice that interest in a weekly day of rest and worship has been waning, with no signs that this trend will be reversed.

We must come to terms with the undeniable fact that the Western world is no longer dominated by Catholics who are bent on destroying Protestants—and especially Seventh-day Adventists. Today, the main threat to the Adventist Church does not come from other Christians, but from the rampant secularism that has pushed God to the margins of our society, while non-Christian religions and sheer paganism are constantly gaining territory. Let us remember that in plotting the prophetic scenario we have often been overtaken by actual events in the world. It remains to be seen how the great controversy will eventually take shape.

Hope

Finally, our Adventist hope cannot be based on a triumphant conviction that we belong to a movement which claims loyal adherence to biblical truth, over and against all those who are part of the machinery of the arch-enemy. Our hope is based on Jesus Christ, who has already defeated the enemy for us. In following Him, we must not be propelled by aggressive combativeness against what we consider false teachings, but by love for our Lord and for all people around us, without regard to their religious persuasion. After all, although we hope that many will feel attracted to our faith community, our ultimate mission is to “win” them not for our church but for Christ! They need a Friend, not an enemy.

— Reinder Bruinsma, PhD, has served the Seventh-day Adventist Church in publishing, education, and church administration on three continents. He writes from the Netherlands where he lives with his wife, Aafie. Among is latest books is “I Have a Future: Christ’s Resurrection and Mine. Email him at: [email protected]

29 Mar

ADVENTISM AND CHANGE?

In

By Tim Gillespie … Strange bedfellows. I’ve always been a bit amused at that idiom. What makes for strange bedfellows? Peanut butter and pickle sandwiches. Razzleberry pie and chocolate mint chip ice cream. Adventism and change. What these three things have in common is that they are strange bedfellows. They seem disparate, but when tried together, phenomenal things can and do happen.

The last one, Adventism and change, seems to be a sticky Gillespie wicket at times. Adventism has had a difficult time with change, which is strange, as we are products of significant changes, pivots, and even mistakes that informed our early church trajectory. For a group of people who believe so strongly that God still speaks and moves, who are known for our understanding of Present Truth, we are a strangely immovable group of believers. We seem to believe in the Grand Canyon kind of change—slow and slower—rather than an earthquake that can change whole landscapes at once.

Now, I know that people don’t like it when someone who is seen as a bit more progressive is discovered being critical of the church. There is a sense of disloyalty that is inferred, although not attributed to those who might be considered more “conservative.” However, if I may, I would pose a simple question: What are you trying to conserve? Trying to conserve the very heart of the Seventh-day Adventist church—Jesus—is the most conservative stand you can take.

But I digress—back to the task at hand. The strange bedfellows of Adventism and change is really a matter of us becoming disconnected with the elemental tendency of the early Adventist pioneers, who were willing to go where God was leading, regardless of the cost. As we re-engage those traditional muscles, we will see that change is something that we embrace, and not something that we fear. But it does beg the question, “What needs to change in Adventism?”

I would posit that there are a few things that need to change in any organization to keep it functioning in today’s world, and Adventism is no different.

Processes

Adventism is stuck with a collection of processes that are no longer efficient in today’s world. If the pandemic has taught us anything, it is that travel budgets for executives, the need for huge brick-and-mortar headquarters, and over-staffing are simply not needed. If we are looking for the world to change back to what it was before our Covid-imposed isolation and work-from-home practices, we will simply go back to processes that were expensive, inefficient, and ineffective. It is time for us to embrace a change toward minimalism in administration and bureaucracy in order to more profoundly fund and execute the local work of the gospel.

Evangelism

We have to take stock of what this word even means. “Evangelism” is nothing more than the orientation of the hearts of each our congregants. As we have handed over the work of evangelism to “professional” evangelists, we have taken away the blessing of sharing the gospel from our congregants. This is not only a tragedy, but has changed the nature of what our churches seek to be. A church that is interested in sharing the gospel will be more loving, caring, outreach oriented, and inclusive. As our churches have experienced mission drift, they have become more and more exclusive, catering to those already a part of the community, and unrecognizable as outposts for evangelism in our communities. We pay for “experts” to share the gospel with our friends and neighbors, and we diminish our own responsibility and joy at sharing the grace of Jesus Christ with them. This investment in our resources would be better spent with updating facilities, seeking younger and more vibrant ministers and their education, and allowing the local church to do the work for which it was incepted, be the Kingdom of God in a particular place for a particular people.

Excellence

Over the years there seems to have been a lowering of the bar when it comes to how our churches do the work. We have become complacent and willing to accept “good enough.” This comes from a scarcity mentality that misunderstands that our resources are not simply handouts that come from the trickle-down economy of the world church, nor are they gifts we have to beg out of our congregations. They are the blessing of God’s abundance in the world and for His work through our communities and congregations. Psalm 50 tells us that God owns the cattle on a thousand hills. If this is true, why do we allow ourselves to work in human scarcity? While I do agree the church needs considerable reorganization, I also believe that even within our system, we can do great things with what God has in store for us from His storehouses, not from the storehouses we have built up. Case in point: Crosswalk, the church I am blessed to serve, had more than 500 new givers in this Covid year. We expected to not only run lean, but at a deficit. However, God provided. We all need to live in the reality of the abundance that God has continually created in the world; but this also means we have to work with a sense of excellence and hold our congregations up to this same standard.

Reimagining Our Identity

I know this is hard for some, but we need to do a deep dive on what Adventists truly are. We have been involved in an identity crisis for some time, allowing the most fringe elements within our faith to become normalized and be seen as reasonable. We have followed the world in that we allow those who can create the largest megaphone not only a seat at the table but to also order for us. Just because a ministry becomes popular does not mean it should influence policy and culture. I am saddened that our church has followed the world when it comes to popularity of certain pastors and ministries and has allowed them undue influence on the very identity we hold as Adventists. Every church member decides every day what an Adventist is. The way they express the gospel in their lives, homes, businesses, and churches defines Adventism for their circle of influence.

We could continue this list ad nauseam, or we could pick apart each and every aspect of our lives in Adventism. However, what I think we need more than anything is a hard look into what makes us us. What are those pillars that define who we are? This question goes far beyond simple fundamental statements. It speaks to the totality of who we are, how we experience life, and how we can rediscover the elemental impulse of Adventism, which has to be that clarion call of “God with us.” In its earliest inception, those early pioneers were fascinated and held captive to the idea that Jesus wanted to be with his people. While in their excitement, it led them down some paths that were not necessarily efficacious (i.e., The Great Disappointment.), it was the guiding principle they clung to.

Jesus with us.

This relational and high Christology has to be rediscovered, reimagined, and re-implemented in order for us to have a clear way forward. And this is not something that should or can happen from simply the right messaging or from a new program or motto. Rather, it comes from the conviction of every heart that identifies itself as Adventist and then goes about living in such a way that others know God is indeed with us. Jesus has to be both the center and circumference of our faith, the message and the messenger. Without an assent to this kind of expression of Adventism, I fear we will re-engage in the previous trajectory we had as a people of faith.

Now, perhaps where we were was where you were comfortable. It is possible that many don’t see any need for change at all. If that is the case, then the previous words of this article will cause you consternation. It will cause you anxiety that something you have become very comfortable with is being pulled from you. I can understand that sentiment, but I can’t retract what I have come to believe is the truth for our future. Now, I would much rather have Jesus come so that we don’t have to see who is right, but if He decides to delay a bit more, then what is the trajectory for our tradition? What is the hope of how we will continue to grow the kingdom of God?

If we are Christians, then we have nothing to fear from a deeper identity with Christ, a deeper expression of His love and grace for us, and a greater explanation of the gospel into the world. In fact, with Christ, we embrace the changes that are coming with joy and not fear, as the perfect love of Christ will always cast out any fear that we have. What have we got to lose by change? Perhaps everything we have built; but we can never lose what Christ has built, as that is everlasting.

Adventism and change? They shouldn’t be strange bedfellows; they should be best friends.

–Dr. Tim Gillespie is lead pastor of Crosswalk Church in Redlands, California. Email him at: [email protected]

29 Mar

EL ADVENTISMO Y LA NECESIDAD DE CAMBIO

In

Por Ed Barnett… Hay un viejo truco que he compartido con los pastores en varias ocasiones que es realmente muy simple. Lo escuché por primera vez de Robert S. Folkenberg, nuestro ex presidente de la Asociación General. El pastor les da a todos los asistentes una pequeña hoja de papel y les pide que escriban su edad. Cuando los diáconos recogen los papeles, suman los números y los dividen por el número de personas que los completaron para encontrar la edad promedio de la iglesia. Si esto se hace todos los años, dentro de unos pocos años, se hará evidente si su iglesia se está haciendo más joven o más vieja.

 En toda la División Norteamericana de la Iglesia Adventista del Séptimo Día, la población está envejeciendo rápidamente, una preocupación real para mí y debería serlo para usted también. No creo que estemos atrayendo a jóvenes a nuestras iglesias hoy. Incluso nuestro liderazgo pastoral en esta división está envejeciendo. Cuando visito iglesias rurales en RMC y miro alrededor de la congregación, me doy cuenta de que a menudo soy el más joven allí. A menos que haya un milagro, sus días como congregaciones están contados.

 ¿Ha perdido la iglesia su celo y su primer amor? ¿Están nuestros jóvenes frustrados con la iglesia? ¿Es por las disputas que están teniendo lugar en la iglesia? ¿Están frustrados porque rara vez se les ofrece un lugar en la mesa cuando se trata de tomar decisiones para la iglesia local o la iglesia en general? ¿Necesitamos desempolvar algunas de las cosas que hemos hecho habitualmente durante los últimos cien años?

 Quizás la pieza que molesta a toda nuestra gente, especialmente a nuestros jóvenes, es la falta de amor genuino entre nosotros en nuestras comunidades de fe. Debería ser obvio que como cristianos adventistas del séptimo día, debemos ser las personas más amables y amorosas de nuestras comunidades. Pero, ¿es eso realmente lo que somos en nuestras iglesias? ¿Somos un testimonio de Jesús?

 El 6 de enero de 2021, cuando el Capitolio de los Estados Unidos fue atacado por una turba, me molestó ver a una persona con un cartel que decía “Juan 3:16”. Todos conocemos ese versículo. Cuando vi eso, me encogí. Estaba pensando: “¿Entonces se supone que los cristianos usan un versículo de la Biblia que afirma el gran amor de Dios por el mundo y, sin embargo, aquí están atacando el Capitolio de nuestra nación, saqueando y profanando uno de los símbolos más grandes de nuestro país y todo en el nombre de Dios?”

 Reflexionando sobre los eventos del 6 de enero, me pregunto si así es como nuestros jóvenes ven nuestra iglesia hoy. ¿Nos ven “nosotros” llevando carteles que apuntan a Juan 3:16 y nos escuchan decir que debemos amar como Jesús? Y luego, ven a la iglesia y pregunta por qué no sienten ese amor. ¿Dondé esta el amor? ¿Por qué, en cambio, escuchamos chismes y vemos apuñalamientos por la espalda?

 Nuestros jóvenes pueden estar haciendo preguntas: “¿Por qué no me dejan participar en la vida de nuestra comunidad de fe?” ¿Por qué hacemos la iglesia de la misma manera todas las semanas, año tras año? Los jóvenes no quieren jugar a la iglesia. Quieren una experiencia auténtica y transparente. Quieren que sea significativo y que cambie la vida, no solo para ellos, sino también para el resto de la familia de la iglesia.

En el último año, muchas de las normas de la vida han cambiado, un hecho muy desalentador que nos agota a todos. Sin embargo, una cosa que notamos que nos sorprendió fue lo rápido que cerraron nuestras iglesias y escuelas. Algunos pensaron ingenuamente que la única forma en que eso sucedería sería cuando llegaran las leyes dominicales. Con suerte, esta ha sido una llamada de atención. Tenga cuidado de no pasar por una lista de cosas que cree que deben suceder en una secuencia determinada antes de que Jesús pueda venir. Quizás necesitemos mejorar nuestro estudio de la Biblia y estar dispuestos a escuchar al Espíritu Santo mientras consideramos el fin de los tiempos en este viejo planeta.

 Necesitamos sacudirnos las telarañas y darnos cuenta de que la iglesia tiene que cambiar para mantenerse al día. Para empezar, debemos ser un atractivo para nuestros propios jóvenes y para aquellos en nuestra comunidad que buscan respuestas al mundo loco en el que vivimos. ¡Necesitamos desempolvar los muebles y hacer que se vean nuevos y acogedores de nuevo!

 ¡Jesús viene pronto! Quiere que la iglesia se acerque con un mensaje de esperanza y amor de los últimos días al mundo que nos rodea.

 –Ed Barnett es presidente de RMC. Envíele un correo electrónico a: [email protected]

29 Mar

ADVENTISM AND THE NEED FOR CHANGE

In

By Ed Barnett … There is an old trick I have shared with pastors on several occasions that is really very simple. I first heard it from Robert S. Folkenberg, our former General Conference President. The pastor gives everyone in attendance a small piece of paper and asks them to write their age. When the deacons pick the papers up, they add the numbers together and divide it by the number of individuals who filled them out to find the average age of the church. If this is done every year, within a few years, it will become evident whether your church is growing younger or older.

Across the North American Division of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, the population is rapidly aging, a real concern for me and it ought to be for you as well. I don’t believe we are drawing young people into our churches today. Even our pastoral leadership across this division is aging. When I visit rural churches in RMC and look around the congregation, I realize I am often the youngest one there! Unless there is a miracle, their days as congregations are numbered.

Has the church lost its zeal and its first love? Are our young people frustrated with the church? Is it because of the bickering taking place in the church? Are they frustrated they are rarely offered a place at the table when it comes to making decisions for the local church or the church in general? Do we need to dust off some of the things we have typically done for the last hundred years?

Perhaps the piece that bothers all of our people, especially our young, is the lack of genuine love for one another in our faith communities. It should be obvious that as Seventh-day Adventist Christians, we ought to be the kindest and most loving people in our communities. But is that really what we are in our churches? Are we a testimony for Jesus?

On January 6, 2021, when the U.S. Capitol was attacked by a mob, I was bothered by seeing a person holding a sign that said “John 3:16.” We all know that verse. When I saw that, I cringed. I was thinking, “So this is supposed Christians using a Bible verse claiming God’s great love to the world and yet here they are attacking our nation’s Capitol, looting and desecrating one of our country’s greatest symbols and all in the name of God?”

Reflecting on the events of January 6, I wonder if this is how our young people see our church today? Do they see “us” carrying placards pointing to John 3:16 and hear us saying we ought to love like Jesus? And then, come to church and question why they don’t feel that love? Where is the love? Why do we instead hear gossiping and see the back-stabbing?

Our young people may be asking questions, “Why won’t they let me take part in the life of our faith community?” Why do we do church the same way every week, year after year? Young people don’t want to play church. They want an authentic and transparent experience. They want it to be meaningful and life changing, not only for them, but for the rest of the church family as well.

In the last year, so many of the norms of life have changed, a very discouraging fact that drains us all. Yet, one thing we noticed that has surprised us was how quickly our churches and schools closed. Some naively thought the only way that would ever happen was when the Sunday laws came. Hopefully, this has been a wakeup call. Be careful not to go by a list of things that you think must happen in a certain sequence before Jesus can come. Perhaps we need to enhance our Bible study and be willing to listen to the Holy Spirit as we consider the end of time on this old planet.

We need to shake off the cobwebs and realize the church has to change to keep up with the times. For starters, we must be a draw for our own young people and those in our community who are looking for answers to the crazy world we live in. We need to dust off the furniture and make it look new again and inviting!

Jesus is coming soon! He wants the church to be reaching out with a last-day message of hope and love to the world around us.

–Ed Barnett is RMC president. Email him at: [email protected]

25 Mar

CAMPION SENIORS NAVIGATING FOR AN UNKNOWN FUTURE

In

By Tiffany Dien – Loveland, Colorado … The past year has made a significant impression on many high school seniors at a point in their lives where decisions are critical. They have had to adapt to the changing times of online education platforms, standardized testing, and college applications. The pandemic world has compelled many to reevaluate their plans for college and careers.

Campion senior Sharmaine Monreal’s plans for college before the pandemic are not so simple now. “I planned to go to college overseas, but COVID travel restrictions would have made it difficult. So, this opened up a door for me to start looking into American colleges.”

She went on to explain that “all my plans have completely changed, but I managed to find a way around them with my parents’ help. I tried to stay positive and prayed a lot. Now I’ll be able to start college in the U.S. this fall.”

Many seniors are having difficulty making their final decision on a college without getting to visit a variety of campuses.

Ryan Bell, Campion senior, was looking forward to visiting colleges in person as a way of getting a feel for the right school. “I’m still struggling with coming to the realization that traveling and visiting colleges just isn’t going to happen at this point. It’s disappointing not being able to have those experiences that I was expecting before COVID began.”

Some students were depending on acquiring a scholarship through activities such as sports and music, which have been on hold for the majority of the year. Dominick Maldonado, Campion senior shared, “I really wanted to get a soccer scholarship. As a team, we were proud of each other because we went undefeated last year. If we had had a strong soccer season again, there would have been potential for scouts and scholarships. Then COVID hit, and we never got the opportunity to see whether one of us would have gotten even just a small scholarship. I feel like it brought down the team’s morale and whole mindset.”

Despite these challenges, the majority of seniors at Campion are still planning to attend college next year. Colleges are helping students make those decisions by holding virtual events, such as tours and fairs, and sending recruiters to visit our campus. In addition, most universities have waived their requirements for SAT or ACT scores and are accepting students and basing scholarships on grade point averages.

“Even though we didn’t have college days for a big group of students, I was still able to visit Union during my spring break and get a tour of the campus. I’m looking forward to taking the next step in the direction of my career,” Jayce Treat, Campion senior said.

–Tiffany Dien is a senior at Campion; photo supplied

25 Mar

MATTHEW HASTY ORDAINED TO GOSPEL MINISTRY

In

By RMCNews with Mickey Mallory – Loveland, Colorado … More than 750 people gathered online and in-person on March 20 to witness Matthew Hasty, Literature Ministries coordinator for the Rocky Mountain Conference, being ordained to the gospel ministry.

Hasty traces his ministerial calling to a book he read by E.G. White, Colporteur Ministry, when he was age 15. “Through that book,” he shared, “God called me to participate in literature evangelism.” After many summers of participating in student literature evangelism during college, he into full-time literature ministry, leading a number of student programs in Michigan and Indiana. In 2019, he accepted the call to serve in the Rocky Mountain Conference.

Addressing those gathered for Hasty’s ordination, former teacher Elder Larry Carter, retired Literature Ministry director of the Pacific Union Conference and founder of SOULS West Bible College, remarked that he was very impressed with Matt as a student because “he not only had a knowledge of the Scriptures, but a knowledge of what those Scriptures meant.”

Carter went on to say that Hasty had a determination to succeed, which helped make him a successful student.

Reflecting on Hasty’s ministry, Mickey Mallory, RMC Ministerial director commented, “God shines through [Hasty’s student evangelists]. He is using them to make a major difference at Campion and around the conference during the summers when he takes student teams out to serve.”

Pastors from area churches, as well as leaders of the Conference, participated in the ordination celebration held at Campion Church.

Hasty, reflecting on this life changing moment was appreciative of the support shown by the area ministers and RMC conference staff who attended. Matthew and Amanda, his spouse were especially thankful for family and many friends who has shown them support throughout the years.

—RMCNews with Mickey Mallory who is RMC Ministerial director; photos supplied

24 Mar

LITTLETON CELEBRATES MEMBER’S BIRTHDAY 102 YEARS IN THE MAKING

In

By Jon Roberts – Littleton, Colorado … Neither snow nor a pandemic would stop the Littleton church from gathering to celebrate a founding member’s 102nd birthday.

Some 30 members congregated in the church parking lot on Tuesday, March 23, to form a car parade and drive by the home of their beloved member, Lucile Claridge, who has been homebound since the pandemic engulfed the region.

Members usually celebrate Lucile’s birthday in person, but the question facing Alise Weber, Littleton’s children and family ministry pastor, was how to safely celebrate a 102nd birthday during COVID.  “I had realized that Lucile was turning 102 soon, but didn’t know how to celebrate her during this pandemic. Lucile hasn’t been at church since the Covid-19 pandemic began. It was another member who thought of a car parade and once that was suggested, I knew it was the perfect thing to do and the planning began.”

Long-time Littleton member Charlie Phillips came to celebrate because Lucile has been so generous to others in the church. “She and her husband helped a lot of people over the years. There was a young man who came here from Guam and they helped him through college. They have always helped with La Vida Mission.”

For Kelly Waller, Cradle Roll teacher at Littleton and life-long member, Lucile is a friend and a devoted Cradle Roll volunteer. “I have known Lucile since I was a child, and she has always been a bright spot in our church! She has always had a smile, a kind word, and a willingness to help. I want to be like Miss Lucy when I grow up.”

When not volunteering in the Cradle Roll Department, she can be seen giving encouragement to fellow members.

“I have been at Littleton Church for about 3 1/2 years and, during that time, Lucile has shown great love to our family. She has sent birthday cards to my girls and really encouraged me when I was new to the position of children’s ministry leader,” Weber said.

Lucile expressed her gratitude to her beloved church family. “I was so overjoyed and happy when the cars started coming by and waving and honking their horns. Thank you so much. I love you.”

Weber added, “There is something very special about having a centenarian in the congregation.  Everybody at Littleton loves Lucile.”

–Jon Roberts is RMC communication/media assistant; photos by Andy Nash

24 Mar

AURORA FIRST RECEIVES GRANT TO HELP SERVE THE COMMUNITY

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RMCNews with Joanne Smith – Aurora, Colorado …The Aurora First church, with assistance from the Rocky Mountain Conference Adventist Community Services (ACS), applied for a grant last year from the North American Division Seed Grant program, which would help them better serve those in their community who are struggling to provide the basic needs of food and clothing.

According the Adventist Community Services website, “ACS Seed Grants are awarded to ACS programs in the U.S. and Bermuda and are intended to encourage innovation and increased humanitarian service in the community.”

The church already had a food bank and a clothing store, but both were in need of repair and adjustments in order to serve more individuals efficiently, which the grant funds would allow them to accomplish.

Aurora First church was awarded the seed grant money and was able to move closer to their goal of blessing their community.

The improvements made were significant and allowed the church to double the days they are able to open for the community, explains Donna Tumbarante, Aurora First ACS leader. “With the additional refrigerator, we are able to store more perishable foods that need to be kept cold for those who visit the food pantry. We’ve also been able to remove the old carpet and add epoxy cement flooring.”

Tumbarante added, “The most significant accomplishment we’ve been able to achieve through these additions is that we are able to provide more for the community we serve and open our doors twice a month now as opposed to our previous openings once a month.”

The church is thankful for the grant money that has helped them make the needed improvements. “We extend tremendous gratitude to the ACS grant committee for considering our church for their grant. Special thanks to Cathy Kissner, RMC ACS director, for letting the church know about this opportunity. With the grant, we were able to bring the food bank and the clothing store to a more sterile level for our clients, and to purchase a much-needed trailer for hauling food from the food bank and refrigerators for storing fresh produce,” Joanne Smith, finance chair for Aurora church said.

Kissner was interested to hear that the funds are already helping the community. “Through this grant, the food pantry volunteers are blessing their community,” she said. “Every time a hungry, struggling family is fed, they are showing the love of Christ.”

To find more information about the seed grant and how to apply please click here. https://www.communityservices.org/resources/acs-grant-applications/

–RMCNews with Joanne Smith Aurora First church’s finance chair ; photo supplied

24 Mar

ADVENTIST EDUCATION: PAYING IT FORWARD

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By Diane Harris – Denver, Colorado … Through every age, God “has always had a people” to be His hands to serve the world. They cover every ministry that serves others.

One of those ministries involves our education system. We have all heard of the accomplishments of Adventist education—the higher test scores, higher percentage of graduates going to college, higher retention in the church, a stronger culture of kindness and service.

What we don’t often hear about are the donors who recognize the financial investments of putting a child through Adventist education. They are the ones who may have long since finished putting their own children through our system yet continue to give because they value the benefits of Adventist education and want to continue to make a difference in the lives of others.

The Rocky Mountain Conference has been blessed with many individuals who recognize the importance of Adventist education and the financial requirements to keep students in school, especially through the COVID pandemic when many families have been financially hit hard. They may have to choose between an Adventist education and many other things, even food.

During this time, God “has a people” to be His hands to serve the world—people who pay it forward with no desire for acknowledgement.

Thanks to these donors, who give unselfishly, many students have been blessed by their financial support. There are families who were going to have to tell their children they would need to leave the school because there was no money to keep them there. And there were students who were able to graduate because someone paid the remaining balance of a school bill. There has been story after story of lives impacted by people who gave, not because they had to, or because they wanted recognition, but because they believe in our Adventist education system.

I was one of those students whose life benefited because someone had the commitment and passion to make sure Adventist education was available to all. Coming from a single parent home, I was the recipient of many scholarships and generosity of individuals from elementary school through academy and finally through Southwestern Adventist University.

God “has always had a people” to be His hands to the world. We are blessed to have so many of them right here in our territory.

–Diane Harris is RMC education superintendent; photo by Intermountain Adventist Academy Facebook page

This article was originally published on Outlook Magazine’s website.

23 Mar

STATEMENT ON TRAGEDY IN BOULDER, COLORADO — WILL THIS EVER END?

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RMCNews – Denver, Colorado, March 23, 2021 …The Rocky Mountain Conference is mourning with the community of Boulder after a senseless act of violence claimed the lives of ten individuals, including a law enforcement officer.

We mourn for the families whose mother, father, partner, grandparent, or child had their life snuffed out due to evil that played out in what is supposed to be a safe public space—a grocery store.  We mourn for the workers who will ever be traumatized by what they witnessed. Finally, we mourn for the shooter’s family as their lives have ever been changed by the devilish act of one individual.

Responding to the tragic events of Monday, March 22, Geoff Patterson, senior pastor of Boulder Adventist church, addressed the faith community of Boulder by email. “Our hearts and prayers go out, first for the families that tonight are bereaved, next for our law enforcement community that has lost one of its own, and also for all of our friends and neighbors who have been shaken by this tragic event.”

The Boulder church is responding by providing support with members available to listen and pray with those in need. “If anyone needs specific prayers, our prayer line is available at 877-793-7729. You may call and leave a voicemail, or send us a direct text. Our prayer team is standing by. In addition, our pastors are available to talk if you wish for them to contact you,” Patterson added.

Adventist Community Services is mobilizing and awaiting instructions from the State of Colorado on what assistance they can provide the community.

“We have had too many of such tragedies in our communities,” said Ed Barnett, president of Rocky Mountain Conference. “Will this ever end? We long for the day when violence will cease to exist and when there will be no more tears, pain and death.”

Patterson prayed “Lord, there is sickness in this world, and this time it has struck in our town. Grant us strength in this difficult hour. Amen.”

–RMCNews

 

 

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