Rocky Mountain Conference of Seventh-day Adventists

10 Sep

CAMPION ANNUAL PICNIC LIGHTS UP THE NIGHT

By Tiffany Dien – Loveland, Colorado … In 2020 style, Campion students celebrated the annual Student Association (SA) outside picnic, indoors and at night.

The nearby forest fires, which are filling the air with smoke, inspired SA officers to get creative with their approach to this annual event by planning an evening indoors, filled with competitive games and glow sticks.

“I thought it was really smart that we could do it inside. It was nice not to get eaten up by the bugs,” Sandra Arlt, Campion junior, said. “I think the fact that we did it Saturday night was cool as well because it meant no sunburns. It was a fun time and I made really cool memories.”

The night started out with a social distancing version of tug-of-war; classes chose just five students to participate, while their fellow peers cheered them on. Despite the slick gym floor, seniors quickly took the lead.

Afterwards it was time for a new glow-stick game. The objective was to jump down a glow-stick hula hoop path and battle it out in a game of rock-paper-scissors with other classes. The freshmen class mastered the glow-stick hula hoop game, coming in first. However, their victory was short lived when the seniors took back first place in the annual mini-bike relay race. Finally, the evening of fun came to an end with a game of musical chairs and sing-alongs.

Even with the change of time, venue, and added safety precautions, Campion students made the most of the night.

“I thought it was amazing and so different. I personally think it was better than last year. I truly had so much fun with all my friends and got to talk to people I don’t usually talk to,” Nicole Dominguez, Campion sophomore, said.

—Tiffany Dien is a senior at Campion; photos by Sami Hodges and Bentlee Barry

10 Sep

MOTHER NATURE TESTS ENDURANCE OF MHA STUDENTS DURING SENIOR SURVIVAL

By Karrie Meyers … Highlands Ranch, Colorado – Mile High Academy’s Senior Class of 2021 was tested by Mother Nature when she poured rain during the annual Senior Survival weekend.

A yearly tradition for the Mile High Academy Senior class, Senior Survival weekend was created with the intent that Seniors kick-off their last year of high school with an outdoor retreat, electing class offers and challenging students to overcome obstacles, extend outside comfort zones and bond as a class. This year’s class along with two chaperones departed Mile High Academy on Thursday, August 27, to camp at Mohawk Lakes after hiking the Spruce Creek Trail located near Breckenridge, Colorado.

It was dark by the time students arrived at the campsite, so students quickly pitched their tents, prepared dinner and gathered for an evening worship. Lead by Lisa Venteicher, Upper School teacher, her devotional thought reminded students the weekend was set aside for them to grow as a class and personally while enjoying time together in nature.

Students awoke Friday morning to clear Alpine Lake views with Mount Helen in the background. Everyone prepared their own breakfast, which was followed by another encouraging devotional thought, this time by Brady Tull, athletic director. He focused on encouraging Seniors to enjoy each other and make lasting memories during their final year of high school.

“It was awesome seeing all the students together in nature, trying something they’ve never done before,” said coach Tull.

Once camp was cleaned up, students and staff hiked a mile and a half to the Lower Mohawk Lake. During the hike, it started to rain, but not yet enough to dampen their spirits. They appreciated signs of nature including a moose encounter along the trail on their way back to camp. By the time Seniors arrived back at camp, it was pouring rain. After diving into tents, laughter ensued from intense Uno games and small talk. Finally, the relentless rain and cold forced the decision to return to back to school.

Reflecting on the experience, Seniors were disappointed to end the weekend early, but were thankful for the memories they made. Senior Mcjaden Fievre commented, “The most challenging part about Senior Survival was becoming one with nature. The thing I will remember about the weekend was the moose that was 30 feet away from us.”

Senior Brooke Henry was taken out of her comfort zone by the challenge of backpacking. However, “backpacking with my friends made it more fun. I will always remember sheltering in the tent with the girls while it rained, enjoying time to talk and reconnect after a summer apart,” she said.

–Karrie Myers is Mile High Academy’s communication assistant; photo supplied

09 Sep

COMMENTARY: ADD LOVE TO YOUR PRAYERS

By Jesse Tasche — I saw this meme – when religious people send “thoughts and prayers” instead of doing anything helpful – and it sent me on a whirlwind of thought. As someone with a chronic pain condition that came on suddenly and sent me into a downward spiral of severe depression and struggling social interactions, it is important for me to receive love instead of just “prayers”. Prayers are great, and important, but sometimes those of us who are struggling need to know we are not just being dismissed need to feel heard. If we aren’t, we will quickly descend into ourselves, stop opening up, and eventually, stop talking altogether. “How can I do this?” you ask. “Aren’t we supposed to pray for you?” Let’s delve into the Bible for some help in understanding how to aid people around us.

Luke 9:10-11 gives us a great example of Jesus having a very clear plan for his day, trying to rest and debrief with his friends. But we see that people in need get to him first. He doesn’t look at them and say, “I’m sorry for what you’re going through You’ll be in my prayers.” He stops what He is doing to talk with them and heal them:

“When the apostles returned [from preaching and healing], they reported to Jesus what they had done. Then He took them with Him and they withdrew by themselves to a town called Bethsaida, but the crowds learned about it and followed him. He welcomed them and spoke about the kingdom of God, healing those who needed healing.”

I know we’re not healers like He was as you can’t, heal me by touch, but there is such a thing as emotional healing. Little by little, those of us whose souls are crying, are slowly restored and find happiness through people who reach out to show they care.

We’ve often heard this next passage, but instead of putting it in the context of the economically poor, let’s put it in the context of the poor in spirit or those of us who are emotionally broken instead of those who are struggling financially:

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

“Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’ (Matthew 25:40-43)

Here Jesus is saying if we dismiss those who are hurting instead of taking the time to truly listen to their pain, we literally might not make it to Heaven. For we were given opportunities to show His love, and we simply walked away.

We can see the concepts of emotional hurt and physical hurt when we go to Luke 8, Mark 5, or Matthew 9 (take your pick) where Jesus shows compassion to the woman who’s been impoverished by illness. She’s spent all she had on doctors who couldn’t heal her. Her disease robbed her of her livelihood and ruined her reputation. Out of desperation, she touches Jesus’ cloak, and is healed. Jesus stops what he’s doing and draws attention to her, giving her the opportunity to share her journey and miraculous healing with the crowd. Her literal poverty from doctor bills is paired with an emotional and spiritual poverty from being labeled “unclean”, or in today’s terms, “broken”. And Jesus was there for that as well.

Later, Paul tells us to “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility, value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 2:3-5) A passive promise to pray without expending effort as Jesus did is a form of selfishness. Yes, it is great to say you will pray for someone who is struggling, but if there is no action behind the words, the hurting person is left feeling alone and “preached” at. Action is important.

I say action tentatively because every individual is different, God was brilliant in His design, making each of us unique, meaning we each need different things to feel loved or valued. This is where an honest conversation comes in. It might be hard for your hurting friend to open up but asking for frankness and honesty usually helps them realize you want to. Some may just need your vulnerable, attentive listening ear while the hurting person vents and vents and vents. It may be that you must educate yourself on their hurt so you don’t make ignorant comments and can offer helpful suggestions. Or maybe it is finding out their love language and attempting to serve them when they are hitting their low points. Not abandoning them when they are melancholy or pessimistic, speaks volumes. Those who stick with you in the dark are those who truly love you.

The world looks a whole lot better when we stop dismissing other’s pain in favor of our own comfort and start being there for them in their darkest tunnels.

—Jesse Tasche, a graduate of Union College. She writes from Casper, Wyoming. This commentary was first published on her Facebook page

09 Sep

STUDENTS LEARN BY WALKING

By Haley Enochs – Loveland, Colorado … In an English class assignment, Campion Academy students learned how to lift up and encourage their peers by walking in “each other’s shoes.”

American Literature teacher, Erin Johnson, assigned students the task of diving deeply into the theme from the book “To Kill a Mockingbird” by completing The Atticus Finch Walkathon. In the book, the character Atticus says to better understand a person, you need to “climb inside of his skin and walk around in it” (To Kill a Mockingbird, page 30).

“I feel like this project taught a really valuable lesson that is often ignored, and I wanted to make this quote really sink in with the students,” Johnson said.

Students interviewed each other, learning about unique situations in their lives. Afterwards, they spent thirty minutes walking around campus imagining what it would be like to be the individual. Finally, students wrote encouraging letters to their classmates.

“Overall, I think they enjoyed getting to know other people through the interviews, and in the end, there will be many people who will be encouraged through the letters,” Johnson explained.

A few students thought it was really fun and taught valuable lessons about how they don’t know what other people go through on a day-to-day basis.

“I feel like it went good; I felt energized afterward, and I had some new things to try that my interviewee told me about,” Jared Marcenaro, Campion Academy junior, explained.

“I was thinking about how awesome the person I interviewed was about handling their emotions,” Marcenaro concluded.

–Haley Enochs is a senior at Campion Academy; photos by Erin Johnson

03 Sep

A RELATIONSHIP GONE SOUTH

NN Sept 2020

By Steve Nelson…The relationship started out pleasantly. They were a young couple looking to start their life together and were setting up their new home next to ours. Nothing fancy, but important, nonetheless. They were expecting triplets. Day after day, we ran into them as they were making their house a home. We tried to show support and encouragement as they were preparing for their big day. Finally, after much anticipation, it arrived. It wasn’t long before we were given the opportunity to see the newest additions to the family.

We happened to stop by one day unannounced and it was then we had our first glimpse of these precious little ones. I attached my iPhone to a selfie-stick and slowly raised it to the level of their bed. I took several pictures of them and checked to see how they turned out. All three were lying comfortably side-by-side in their nest. Yes, they are barn swallows and their parents had made their home in our horse’s stall.

It wasn’t long before our friendship began to change. Our once-cordial neighbors began to become quite hostile as the day for their younglings’ first flight approached. Morning, noon, and evening, they were insistent upon keeping us away from the nest. Unfortunately, they chose to build their home in a location that was right next to the horse’s water trough—something that required refilling every day. At first, they screeched. That did not work. Next, they became more aggressive and dive-bombed us. The more we protested, the bolder they got. Nothing we could do would convince them we were not their enemies. They only had one goal. From the moment we stepped outside our door, they acted like kamikaze pilots swooping directly toward us—often flying just inches from our faces.

Then, the final attack came. My wife, Samantha, was on the back porch when, out of the blue, she was assailed. Stepping quickly backward to avert the crazy bird’s attack, she nearly fell off the deck. While not fatal, the potential outcome was serious. It was time for action. About a week went by, and the little ones had learned to fly. That was the day they got their eviction notice. Their home was officially relocated outside the horse’s stall.

While most of us face far more challenging issues, it is often the little things that constantly aggravate and try our patience. How is it for you? Are you facing something that needs changing in your life? Are you afraid or uncertain what that change may bring? Does fear keep you from doing the right thing? God promises to help you. Even if what you’re facing has you paralyzed with worry and fear, He says, “Fear not, for I am with you,” (Isaiah 41:10). During our time with the swallow family, I asked God to give these creatures wisdom to know we would not hurt them. Perhaps He chose to use this situation to give me wisdom instead.

––Steve Nelson is pastor in a Wyoming district including Worland, Cody, Powell and Ten Sheep congregations.

03 Sep

RAIN TOO MUCH TO SURVIVE FOR CAMPION ACADEMY SENIORS

By Sami Hodges – Loveland, Colorado …After two days of “surviving” in the mountains, the weather forced the senior class to return to Campion Academy campus to complete the annual Senior Survival weekend, a time to bond and fellowship as a class.

The seniors arrived at Glacier View Ranch on Thursday, August 27, and set up camp by constructing shelters using only thick plastic, duct tape, and paracord.

Once camp was set up, Nancy Mezaros, Campion Academy chaplain, led worship, which was followed by bonding time.

“Our entire class was able to be completely open with one another,” said Jayce Treat, Campion senior. “Everyone was completely honest and didn’t hold anything back.”

Then seniors enjoyed hot chocolate and cider while singing together around the propane lamps which substituted for a campfire due to the fire-ban.

On Friday, the students made pancakes for breakfast and gathered for worship while overlooking the mountain scenery. Then it was time for the survival activities to begin. The first activity demonstrated the basics of survival. Next was a hands-on orienteering experience. Lastly, the seniors got to participate in the infamous trust fall.

Heavy rain arrived in the afternoon, causing the seniors to abandon GVR and head back to Campion.

Wanting to make the weekend special for the class, the staff created ways to continue Senior Survival on campus. Instead of returning to the dorms, the seniors camped out in Hankins Hall with the guys upstairs in the chapel and the girls in the Student Center below. Meals were served in the Home Economics room instead of the cafeteria, and the seniors did outdoor activities Sabbath afternoon. The class ended the special three-day event that evening with communion.

“I think even though we had to change plans,” Erica Franklin, Campion girl’s dean said, “the seniors still got to experience the key elements of Senior Survival. As a class, they grew closer and got to share both personal and spiritual moments.”

Despite the change in location, seniors were still able to bond and strengthen friendships through the experience.

“I learned you can trust your friends, even though it may not seem like it sometimes. Senior survival showed me people really do care about me,” Jennifer Florez, Campion senior said. “It was one of the best experiences of senior year so far. “

–Sami Hodges is a senior at Campion Academy, photos by Sami Hodges

02 Sep

FRANKTOWN CHURCH RECONNECTS WITH MISSING FAMILY MEMBERS

By Jamey Houghton – Franktown, Colorado… Reconnecting with missing church members is the goal of the women’s ministry group at the Franktown, Colorado congregation.

In the month of January, the Women’s Ministries director developed a plan to hold thirty days of prayer revival, after which the women would make an attempt to reach those who haven’t been seen in a while.

“We have about forty women on our membership list that no longer attend the Franktown Church. I announced the project and its intent for about three weeks before we started it,” Jamey Houghton, pastor of Franktown Church said.

In the month of February, each member of the women’s ministry group chose four names to pray over for thirty days, and then to make a reconnection attempt.

As with any church membership list, there were a lot of phone numbers that were no longer in service, and some on the list had moved out of state.

However, some of those that were contacted have been in correspondence on a regular basis.

One individual stated that she has been considering coming back to church.

Another individual who hadn’t been to the Franktown church in more than 25 years, and thought her membership had been removed, has requested Bible studies to reconnect with Jesus.

Yet, another was thankful that someone had reached out to her. She felt God was speaking to her through the reconnection attempt.

The Women’s Ministries team is continuing to pray for all the missing parishioners, that the Holy Spirit touches their hearts and lets them know that they are loved.

—Jamey Houghton is pastor of Franktown, Colorado church; photo supplied.

02 Sep

TAKING IT TO THE STREETS IN COLORADO SPRINGS

By Mike Maldonado – Colorado Springs, Colorado…Members of the Colorado Springs Central Church are reaching out to the homeless community by providing lunch every Sabbath.

The outreach was formed after Mike Maldonado, Colorado Springs Central pastor, challenged the congregation to be the light of the world and the salt of the earth. Members began to look for ways to impact the community by getting out of the saltshaker (the church) and into the world (the local community).

The congregation formed a new ministry, Jesus Loves You (JLY) Ministry, started by Jones Tu’ufuli, who became aware that many of the homeless in Colorado Springs were not being served by the local homeless shelter or soup kitchen. They are living in makeshift camps in wooded areas, city parks or along the river and were not getting food or clothes on a regular basis.

At first Tu’ufull brought leftover potluck food to the camps, building a relationship of trust with them, including serving meals on Christmas and Easter morning.

It was apparent that more food and more help was needed. This was the beginning of the JLY ministry.

Volunteers joined the effort to help make and deliver meals to the camps and parks in town.

The operation grew so much that a designated space off campus had to be found to store supplies and food.

“The JLY ministry is taking the gospel to the streets and reaching the forgotten homeless with the love of Jesus,” Maldonado said.

With the assistance of Cathy Kissner, RMC Adventist Community Services director, a grant was obtained to buy food and supplies, including shelving and wagons, to haul the food.

Every Sabbath, some twelve volunteers cook, pack and deliver food and water to two different locations, providing 125 sack lunches to the homeless. The sack lunches also include spiritual food in the form of a religious pamphlet. The volunteers pray and show the love of Jesus through their actions to the community.

Army Chaplain Yepsica Moreno, who often serves on the outreach team, encourages soldiers from Fort Carson to join in with the outreach activities.

The goal of the JLY ministry is for the homeless to know they are not forgotten, and that Jesus loves them. Those receiving food are always very appreciative and ask who we are or what church we belong to. In the winter, warm clothes, blankets and hot chocolate are also provided along with the lunches.

The long-term vision is to buy a food truck and have an even greater impact on helping alleviate hunger among this forgotten population group.

“Thank you for caring about us and not forgetting us. God bless you,” one homeless individual stated.

—Mike Maldonado is pastor of the Colorado Springs Central Adventist Church; photo supplied

02 Sep

ADVENTIST SUPPORTING MINISTRY BUYS AM RADIO STATION IN DENVER

RMCNews – Denver, Colorado … In the month of March, Radio 74 Internationale, a supporting Adventist broadcasting ministry in France, purchased 1510 AM KPLS in Littleton, Colorado. A Class B radio station, classified by the FCC, it can be heard in several states and even as far north as Canada during the night.

While no local programing director has yet been named, local programming has been aired in the form of telephone interviews.

Friends of Radio 74 Internationale and Golden, Colorado church members Jim and DeEtta Burr, are volunteering with the station to help involve local churches and ministries.

The mission of the AM broadcasts is to inform individuals of not only the loving message of Jesus, but to introduce listeners to the Seventh-day Adventist Church, according to Ron Myers, the station’s owner.

“It’s our desire that (community members) hear Seventh-day Adventists telling their personal stories–who they are, what they do for a living, their interests, lifestyles and hobbies–demonstrating that they are good, ordinary people, as they share how they came to know Jesus, and their hope in Jesus’ soon return,” Ron Myers explained.

The AM station also broadcasts several hours of Spanish programing each week.

For more information on the broadcasts as well as local programing options, contact Radio 74 Internationale at 855 711 7474, ext. 2 or visit their website.

01 Sep

WYOMING: JEEPING TO THE RUBICON

By Shayne Vincent – Casper, Wyoming … Consider it joy, said Shayne Vincent, pastor of the Casper, Wyoming District. All too often, reports focus only on the usual church life topics. “This time, church life went on a summer excitement on the road. It was worth reporting, he commented.

The Casper Church and their minister formed a club, Wyoming SDA Rock Hounds, and put their sights on going to “The Rubicon,” a world renowned 12 miles of off-roading in Northern California. Joining the trip were enthusiasts from Gillette.

A group of 17 made the long haul to spend three long days of adrenaline-pumping rock crawling. Known to many in the Rocky Mountain Conference, Steve Hamilton, former RMC youth director, who, as many will recall, moved to California just days before the infamous Paradise fire, met them there. A veteran of the trail, Steve has gone there since he was a child. He brought his rock crawler rigs, his family, and some friends to join them on the adventure.

Out of nine rigs brought on the trail, six broke down and were repaired or limped through the trail. “It was great fun for all,” Shayne reported after returning home to Casper. “It [the trip] included beautiful sunshine and mountains, worships and friendships, endless obstacles, and pleasant lakeside retreats.”

During the adventure, Steve shared his testimony of how God worked to change his life on The Rubicon, just feet from where the group was seated. He shared “how God has used my own gifts of off-roading to reach many youth for Jesus. We should use our own interests and hobbies to reach others for Christ.”

Pastor Shayne added, that “it was absolutely terrifying fun! I was constantly wondering if I was going to be thrown or crushed by the jeep! But once I got off the trail and had a good nights’ sleep, I woke up the next morning and thought… that was amazing!”

–Report by Shayne Vincent, lead pastor of Casper, Wyoming District; photos by Shayne Vincent