Rocky Mountain Conference of Seventh-day Adventists

12 Oct

MINISTRY PARTNERSHIPS HELP NAVAJO COMMUNITY THROUGH LA VIDA MISSION

By Dorie Pangananiban – Farmington, New Mexico … La Vida Mission continues to provide basic needs for the community, even though the Navajo Nation is under another lockdown.

The Navajo Nation has been an epic center for the pandemic. In the months of April and May, they had the highest per capita COVID infection rate in the country, surpassing even New York City. While the lockdown is an attempt to provide safety, it undeniably makes life harder for Native Americans to get around and to secure food for their daily needs. The loss of numerous jobs and the resultant income left many families struggling.

During these difficult times of lockdown, La Vida Mission campus has never shut down but has continued to bless the Navajo community through its emergency relief operation, supplying food, fresh produce and propane refills to those in need who are impacted by this ongoing, seemingly never-ending, pandemic.

How is La Vida Mission able to continue this?

The mission has held eight community outreach events, giving them the ability to help more than 1,200 families with food boxes and propane refills.

La Vida Mission has become a “depository” of God’s blessings sent through numerous partners in ministry.

Most recently, the Partnership with Native Americans (PWNA) delivered twenty pallets of groceries, other essentials, personal care items, and 200 cases of fresh produce, which filled the gymnasium. These donations were used during the month of September to provide relief at three community gatherings.

In late September, PWNA donated another 200 cases of fruits and veggies allowing for another food giveaway to the community during the first week of October.

“While many services around us are closed (we’ve received several calls from people and agencies who have told us that they are closed, but that they’re happy we’re open and they would channel their donations through us), we truly praise the Lord for keeping La Vida Mission, this “light on a hill”, shining and making a difference by impacting the lives of our Native community in this dark time of global pandemic,” Dorie Panganiban, La Vida outreach director, stated.

The annual La Vida Mission drive is taking place in November. Click for a list of needed items and pick-up locations.

—Dorie Panganiban is La Vida Mission office manager and outreach director; photos supplied.

12 Oct

A MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN

By Carol Bolden – Trinidad, Colorado … Walter Williams was a pilot for Piedmont Airlines when he met Michelle, a flight attendant for the same airline. That was in 1984. It wasn’t until a year later that they met again, and he asked her out. Many dates followed that first one and by the time eight months had passed, they knew they were on the path toward marriage. Ten months later, they were ready to tie the knot.

At that point, Walter asked a good friend from Andrews University to marry them, but he was not keen on doing that since both were not Adventists, even though at that point, Walter was an Adventist in name only.

Frustrated, Walter made the decision to drop his membership from the church so that he and Michelle could be married by their friend. Thus, it was, that on June 24, 1986 in Charlotte, North Carolina, Walter and Michelle were married.

In the early years, Michelle, raised in a Presbyterian home, was curious about Walter’s beliefs and would ask him questions about his abandoned faith, questions that Walter often could not answer. Although they weren’t attending church then, both, says Michelle, always believed in God.

Nearly ten years ago, the two became earnest about finding biblical answers to their questions. Together they studied, reading the Bible, listening to videos from Amazing Discoveries, finding truths that burst on their consciousness with conviction. Somewhere at the beginning of their studies, they were convinced of the importance of keeping the Sabbath and began observing it.

Not long after the coronavirus hit the United States, Walter and Michelle began checking out the Seventh-day Adventist church in Trinidad. Although closed at that point, they continued to watch until it opened. That’s when they met some “wonderful people” who “welcomed us,” said Walter. Convicted that he had done the wrong thing by dropping his membership all those years ago, Walter wanted a fresh start with God’s church.

So it was that on September 26, the two who had been earnestly seeking for truth from God’s Word were baptized together into the church that Walter left, the one whose God never left him.

—Carol Bolden, now retired, she was RMC communication assistant; photo supplied.

08 Oct

EDUCATION THROUGH ADVERSITY

By Steve Schwartz …This summer while following the front bumper of my Jeep to explore what I thought was a new-to-me mountain forest track, I suddenly I realized that I had been in this place before. Instantly I remembered when. And a deluge of somewhere-stored, vivid childhood memories caused this now quiet forest to come alive with the decades-ago activities of the four people who make up the family I grew up in.

It was Memorial Day weekend. I think I was 9 and my brother Joe was 7. The school year had just come to an end and we both were advocating for some summer adventure, specifically camping. I mention this to absolve my innocent parents of responsibility in the events described below, as a 9 and a 7-year-old highjacked our parents’ four-day holiday weekend.

Dad had recently acquired a used 1953 Chevy pickup to drive to work. It came with a homemade wood frame, canvas covered topper over the pickup bed. The perfect off-road camping vehicle. Our family already possessed some of the necessary outdoors equipment—four sleeping bags, a two-burner gas camp stove, and a cabinet Dad had cleverly constructed with compartments for a cast iron griddle, cooking pans, and utensils. A quick shopping trip provided our last requirement–a tent for shelter.

Mom planned the menu and packed the food. We loaded everything in the back of the truck. The four of us squeezed into the seat, me with a leg on each side of the gear shift. And we were off for uninterrupted mountain fun. Not.

When we arrived at a likely camp site, we saw that a considerable amount of the winter’s abundant snowfall was preserved in sporadic 2 to 5-foot-high melting drifts all over the mountain. Choosing a less muddy patch of ground, it required all four of us, not always in the best of humor, to pitch the tent. That night between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. we found that it was not a tent, but a walk-in human freezer. For the next two nights we slept, not “like a log,” but like four logs piled in the back of the pickup. On the inside of the pile, you couldn’t wiggle. On the outside, you were wedged against 20-degree cold steel.

As an adult, about 30 years later, I attended a marriage and family seminar. One of the presenters, Gary Smalley, described interviews done with strong, healthy families. Most of these families had something in common that made them strong–doing a shared activity. The number one shared activity they listed was camping. One reason camping made them strong was having to overcome adversity.*

On our frozen weekend, my parents quickly learned all they needed to know about adversity making us a close family. We seldom camped all together again. However, my brother and I were slow learners. And do we have some camping tales for you!

Experiencing hardships and then overcoming them together is an essential life lesson, not only for every birth family, but for every re-birth family, for my church and yours. I wish you God’s blessings as you become stronger living this adventure.

—Steve Schwarz most appreciates seeing God at work when out-of-doors and in the lives of people. He currently enjoys doing both, being part-time retired and part-time pastor in Delta, Colorado.

08 Oct

LONNIE HETTERLE TO RETIRE AS RMC EDUCATION SUPERINTENDENT

By Jon Roberts – Denver, Colorado … In a presentation filled with tears and laughter, Lonnie Hetterle, VP of education, announced to RMC employees during their monthly staff meeting on October 6, his desire to retire at the end of December.

Holding back tears, Hetterle struggled to read the statement recalling the past 25 years of education in RMC, while staff listened in shock trying to absorb the news. He moved to his present position as RMC superintendent of education after serving as RMC assistant superintendent of education from 2001 – 2003. Prior to joining the conference, he worked at Mile High Academy where he served as principal for many years.

“The Book of Ecclesiastics gives us the guidance that for everything there is a season and a time,” began Hetterle in his statement to the staff. “What it does not do, nor can do is interpret the specific season and time for each of us individually. That is something that each one of us has to prayerfully and, with counsel and input, make for our own individual lives in specific situations. Just like I thought I would never be 66 years old, I also never dreamed that my time as VP of Education for the Rocky Mountain Conference would ever come to an end,” Hetterle said.

Educators across the conference were notified via email Tuesday afternoon of the pending retirement.

Staff at Vista Ridge Academy were surprised at the news of Lonnie’s retirement. “Lonnie has been part of our Academy from the beginning when the idea of a new school took root over 15 years ago,” said Sandy Hodgson, Vista Ridge Academy principal. “We have been blessed by Lonnie’s contribution to Adventist education in the Rocky Mountain Conference and know that this next phase for him is well deserved. Congratulations,” she commented.

When Michelle Velbis, Springs Adventist Academy principal heard news “I started crying. When I began my teaching career, Lonnie took a chance on me and hired me without any previous experience. Through the years he has mentored, inspired, and empowered me to become a better teacher and a better human being.”

Hetterle explained his decision to leave in the middle of the academic year saying, “It is always better, if possible, to be hired by someone who will be your boss than to be hired by someone who then leaves. If I leave this upcoming January 1, the new individual will be able to be involved in all of the new hires for the 2021-22 school year.”

The accomplishments made in the education department by Hetterle were quickly recognized and applauded by many.

“Lonnie has been a tremendous blessing to our entire conference. He has done a fabulous job of letting our teachers know that they are loved and supported. He will be missed and always loved for the great job that he has done,” Ed Barnett, RMC President commented.

Pastor Barnett explained that Conference administration will begin to search for a replacement soon. He asked all RMC members to keep the search process in prayer as they seek God’s guidance in filling this important role.

“At any school that I have been at, Lonnie has always been willing to give clarity, wisdom, guidance, and would even play basketball with a troubled teen to make a connection. I cannot fathom the RMC without him. At the same time, I know my friend needs to do what’s best for his health and family,” Velbis stated

“I am proposing to retire from my position December 31, 2020, but certainly never from ministry. May God bless Rocky Mountain Conference abundantly is my prayer,” Hetterle concluded.

—Jon Roberts is RMC communication/media assistant; photo by Jon Roberts

08 Oct

CAMPION ACADEMY COMPLETES A HEALTHY FIRST QUARTER IN PERSON

By Jill Harlow – Loveland, Colorado … Campion Academy was among the first high schools in the United States to reopen for in-person classes on August 9. Now, eight weeks later, they’ve completed the first quarter without a positive COVID case.

School nurse, Jenny Gann, was instrumental in developing the health and safety policies which have helped Campion manage the risk of an outbreak. For starters, mask wearing is required at all times, even outdoors. “As frustrating as they can be, I believe masks and limiting our students coming on and off campus have been the main policies which have kept our students healthier this quarter,” Gann commented.

Residence hall students have only been able to leave campus with immediate family members, and trips off campus have been vastly reduced, which has limited the potential for community exposure. While some of these restrictions can be draining on students, Gann said, “I appreciate that the staff and students have been cooperative, so that we’ve been able to stay open.”

Teachers have had to adapt as well to social distancing and to managing an in-person classroom along with students joining on Zoom. Anytime a student experiences any type of viral symptoms, he or she must stay home or in their residence hall, able to join classes remotely through Zoom until they’ve been cleared through testing and/or nurse approval to rejoin their classes.

Erin Johnson, literature and geography teacher, comments, “I think the challenge is trying to be creative with the restraints. I’m typically a teacher that puts students in groups, so I have to be creative in getting students to work together without being physically close.”

With all the added precautions and bumps in the road, has in-person education been worth the risk? “Definitely,” said Johnson. “The kids value our spiritual programming and having in-person help from a teacher. Just being able to see each other’s eyes face to face is valuable. It’s hard to have that ‘ah-ha’ moment, or connection, through a screen.”

Donavan Reeder, principal, commented, “I am so proud of our staff, students and families. It has been difficult to navigate all of the restrictions, but I am amazed at the creativity of our teachers in delivering education with these challenges. Students and families have been understanding and cooperative. Our Spiritual Life team has been faced with challenges for spiritual programming, but the efforts are worth it. We can see God’s Spirit moving on our campus as we seek to Know Him and Show Him.”

While Campion can celebrate this milestone, the administration recognizes that the fight is not over. Students were able to return home for a much anticipated break last week, but with that, the risk of COVID exposure was increased at the start of the second quarter.

Gann explained, “It is easy to let our guard down because we’ve been safe so far, but diligence in wearing our masks, washing our hands, keeping our distance, all of those difficult things, is extremely important right now.”

As students have returned from the break, Campion plans to continue the second quarter as they did the first: with diligence.

—Jill Harlow, Campion Academy communication director; photo supplied

08 Oct

THE ABBEY OUTREACH MEETINGS ATTRACT COMMUNITY MEMBERS in CAñON CITY

By John Davidson – Cañon City, Colorado … After months of delays, evangelism outreach meetings in Cañon City Church attracted some 30 attendees, mostly from the community. The Discovering Revelation series began October 2.

The gatherings originally scheduled to begin on March 13 were abruptly halted after the venue scheduled to host cancelled all events without notice on March 12 due the growing pandemic sweeping America.

As COVID continued to ravish the nation, the meetings continued to be rescheduled, while the pastor and outreach team, maintained contact with 62 individuals who had pre-registered.

“Several of the registrants were concerned that I might do this program and they would not be informed,” John Davidson, Cañon City pastor said.

“I promised them we would keep in contact on a regular basis via email or by phone. Almost everyone who returned an email to me and those that I talked to on the phone had similar thoughts: something in this world is not right.”

Throughout the summer, the program team had discussions about when they might be able to start or if they would be able to start. The events coordinator from The Abbey events complex, an iconic venue which formerly was a Benedictine monastery, the host location, notified us that they were accepting reservations.

Church members began contacting individuals who had pre-registered and notifying them of the rescheduled date. Many people were very excited, yet some said they wouldn’t attend because of the pandemic.

“I believe it’s a miracle that The Abbey was able to open and another miracle that so many people are willing to go into a gathering where they don’t know each other. I believe the Holy Spirit is working on hearts to bring those individuals into a closer and more committed relationship with Jesus,” Davidson commented.

—John Davidson is pastor of Cañon City Church; photo by Rajmund Dabrowski

08 Oct

GRAND JUNCTION STUDENTS LEARN HOW TO BE FULLY ALIVE IN JESUS

By Kiefer Dooley – Grand Junction, Colorado … Intermountain Adventist Academy (IAA) students learned how to become “Fully Alive” in Jesus during the week of worship, September 20 – 25, hosted by the RMC youth department.

Each morning, students met to learn what the Bible has to say about living life Fully Alive. Telling stories from his life, Kiefer Dooley, RMC youth director, was able to connect with the students while also coordinating messages that supported the biblical foundation message and bottom line from either the life of Zacchaeus or Esther.

Jessyka Dooley, RMC assistant youth director, led out in activities to demonstrate lessons from the morning talks.

Tuesday’s activity was especially fun for the participants and especially un-fun for Kiefer. Having learned that God values each one of his children as whole and holy despite living in a sinful world, students were called to recognize that they can value themselves the same way. Individuals took turns spraying whipped cream off of Kiefer’s face. It was all giggles, laughs, and a few extra jets of water here and there, but the kids left understanding that God does not alter the value he places on us because we might have marks of sin on our lives; rather, he sees us and values us as being washed clean.

“The group recognized that a life with Jesus not only changes how we view and value ourselves, but how we care for and live Fully Alive with our friends, neighbors, churches, communities, and ultimately, the world around us,” Kiefer Dooley commented about the experience.

The week resulted in six decisions to commit to a relationship with Jesus and begin a course of study that will lead to baptism.

Responding to the assemblies, Joel Reyes, IAA principal said, “I believe [what made the difference in] having Kiefer and Jessica was the fact that they are young and passionately in love with the Lord. They spoke from their hearts and the kids could tell they were genuine. They weren’t just saying things, but felt what they were saying and kids listened. They presented the gospel in ways kids could “feel” and experience.”

Kiefer Dooley reported that “more than the messages, fun and funky activities, pizza and crafts, we’re leaving having built relationships with kids that show them that living with Jesus means living Fully Alive.”

–Kiefer Dooley is RMC youth director; photo by Joel Reyes

07 Oct

Bible study group meets in hair salon

By Ruben Balaguer – Grand Junction, Colorado … Several community members are gathering in a hair salon to study about Jesus and the salvation he offers.

For the past year and a half, these meetings have been held at Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Grand Junction and have been led by Ruben Balaguer, pastor of the Grand Junction Hispanic district. As a result of the pandemic, the group needed to find a new location to continue assembling to learn about the beliefs of the Adventist faith community.

One of the students, a hair salon owner, offered her place of business as a central meeting point every Thursday evening.

“(We) have already studied about the mortality of the soul, hell, some prophecies and the first and second commandments. Soon we will be studying about the Sabbath; therefore, I ask for your prayers,” Balaguer said

The class, which has grown to seventeen individuals, expressed their appreciation for a location where they can meet and study the Bible together.

–Ruben Balaguer is district pastor of Grand Junction Hispanic; photo supplied

07 Oct

EIGHTH-GRADERS SCRAMBLE TO THE TOP AT MHA

By Logen Meyers — Highlands Ranch, Colorado … It was a hot day on the soccer field for the recent Mile High Academy (MHA) middle school Junk Scramble on October 6. The screams of 46 students, plus administration and judges, were the only things heard in the sea of green, black, and red shirts showing class spirit.

Junk Scramble is an annual event comprised of middle school students bringing random household items, placing them in a pile by their class, ready to present them when such an item is called out. Due to the pandemic changes this year, the Junk Scramble was hosted on the soccer field instead of in the gym.

The students gathered with their “junk” while Michael Armstrong, MHA’s VP of Academics, called out random items. If the student or class had the called-out item, they would race to a flag placed in the middle of the field. A judge behind each flag verified whose flag was pulled first and if the item matched what was called.

Points were awarded depending on the corresponding round number. Round One offered ten points per item where Round Four awarded fifty points per item. Other ways of earning points involved classes forming the number of their graduating year, an air raid during which every student had to drop to the ground, and a point-to-heaven, when all class members would stand and point to the sky. Classes had to be always ready as these commands would be given unexpectedly.

The sixth-grade class was the green team, who was ahead in points for the first time at the start of Junk Scramble. However, after the next few items were called, they quickly dropped behind and were in a scramble for the rest of the event. In the end, they came in third place.

“My first experience being in the Junk Scramble was fun. Some of my favorite activities were who could make the class number out of people the fastest and the badminton contests. I had a good time cheering with my class,” Rachel Philpott, sixth-grader, said.

The red team, the seventh-grade class, won the hula-hoop challenge and one of the two planking challenges. While continuously looking for loopholes in the rules, they ended up in second place.

“It was cool that middle school got to do the Junk Scramble this year, and we had a fun time working as a class,” said seventh-grader Wyatt Jerles.

The black-clothed, eighth-grade class, might have been the smallest class, but they were the fiercest and the fastest of the competitors. This team lead most of the event, including the badminton challenge, which guaranteed them the victory.

“Junk Scramble has always been one of my favorite parts of middle school and winning this year made it that much better. I have a small class, and we are all really close, and I am grateful to them and the other classes for their sportsmanship and a fun time” said eight-grader Jack Fesler.

–Logen Meyers is in the seventh grade at Mile High Academy; photos supplied.

07 Oct

UNION COLLEGE STUDENTS TEST POSITIVE FOR COVID-19

By Jon Roberts – Lincoln, Nebraska … Union College COVID precautions immediately went into effect after a number of students tested positive for COVID-19.

The COVID precautions implemented after Covid tests for some students came back positive include quarantining students who have been in “close contact” to those who contracted the virus and isolation for those who tested positive.

The College acknowledged the cases on campus with a Facebook post on Tuesday, stating, “Though Lincoln’s numbers keep rising, Union’s COVID-19 cases have remained consistently low compared to other colleges and universities (currently, four students are in isolation and nine in quarantine). We are praising God for seeing us through so far, and praising our students for making good choices. Please continue wearing your masks, distancing responsibly and getting your daily health screenings.”

According to the Union College website, twelve students have tested positive for COVID-19 since classes resumed in August.

No other information is provided on the condition of those who are currently in isolation and recovering from the virus.

Those students who test positive “are moved to an isolation room where they have their own bathroom. Village students and employees [who test positive for the virus] must stay off campus. For residence hall students, meals are delivered three times daily and laundry service will be provided,” Union’s COVID-19 website states.

Union College continues to provide free testing for all students, faculty, and staff to ensure students are kept safe.

–Jon Roberts is RMC communication/media assistant; photo by Rajmund Dabrowski