Rocky Mountain Conference of Seventh-day Adventists

27 Aug

Adventist Community Services and Arvada Adventist Churches Prepare for Hurricane Laura Aftermath Assistance

RMCNews – Denver, Colorado … What has been forecast and talked about for the last week materialized Thursday, August 27 around 1 a.m. in Louisiana as Hurricane Laura came ashore with 150 mph winds, the strongest to make landfall in the state since 1856.

With this as the backdrop, Adventist Community Services (ACS) for the Southwest Union Conference has been in preparation mode, beginning seven days ago to work with ACS conference directors in the areas that appeared to be within the path hurricane Laura.

Arkansas-Louisiana ACS director Lavida Whitson and Southwest Conference ACS director Durandale Ford started to mobilize their teams for operations.

Whitson began discussions with state officials about managing a warehouse for all the donations that were already starting to arrive. Similarly, Ford began communicating with local team members and currently have the Smyrna Seventh-day Adventist Church in partnership with the American Red Cross, ready to house evacuees for shelter.

Arvada Adventist Church, International Adventist Company, and Indonesian Adventist church are also preparing a hurricane response trip to Texas and Louisiana.

Arvada church has been preparing and storing disaster response items and has a team of volunteers help with the recovery efforts. They will offer medical help, food, water, toiletries, hygiene items etc.

Jasmina Adamovic, Arvada church food bank director, is coordinating with the “2Serve,” a disaster response ministry from the Southern Union, and with the local Adventist churches, and Kim Dallum, Arvada church medical ministry director will be joining to coordinate medical services.

As of Wednesday afternoon, a generous donor has arranged for twelve pallets of dry foods, to be delivered to any location in the affected area.

If you have questions, or want to help, contact pastor Gordon at 303-888-6207 or email him at [email protected]

–RMCNews with North American Division Communication Department; photo by iStock

27 Aug

ASSISTANCE FROM COLORADO ADVENTIST HOSPITALS AIDS RECOVERY FROM COVID-19 IN PERU’S AMAZON JUNGLE

By Greg Hodgson – Denver, Colorado … Adventist hospitals in Colorado provided aid, including a shipment of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) sent from Denver via Miami, to the Clinica Adventista Ana Stahl in Iquitos, Peru, the largest city in the world with no road access. Also, $72,000 was given in donations to the hospital in the Amazon Jungle.

As reported in NewsNuggets on May 26 this Adventist mission hospital in Iquitos has, in recent months, endured significant suffering due to COVID-19. Their records show that about 75 percent of the staff were infected. Sadly, two doctors and one nurse died from the virus.

The hospital was closed for a month because of to the pandemic and a severe shortage of hospital staff as a result of the illness. Slowly, services have returned and today, the hospital is busier than ever, thanks to a dedicated local staff as well as support from the Adventist hospitals in Colorado.

Many signs of God’s compassion and care were demonstrated during this difficult time. One of the imaging technicians, Alex Maytahuari, severely ill with COVID-19, spent a month in the ICU. His wife was also ill, but recovered quickly. Staff at the hospital, however, feared that Alex would not survive. Many prayers were offered on his behalf, and, thanks to God, Alex eventually regained his health and was discharged at the end of May. After further recuperation at home, Alex returned to work and is once again serving patients and extending the healing ministry of Christ to the people of Iquitos.

The pandemic has hit Peru hard, with one of the highest percentages of COVID-19 infections in the world. The city of Iquitos is now in recovery, but other parts of the country are experiencing huge challenges. A sister mission hospital in the south of the country, Clinica Americana, is currently suffering from the virus and some staff have recently died.

Millions of people around the world have suffered from COVID-19, including the reported largest number of victims in the United States. As Christians, we sympathize with those who suffer and those who have lost friends and family. But we also rejoice with those who have been healed.

—Greg Hodgson is director of Global Health Initiatives at Centura Health

27 Aug

International students overcome obstacles while returning to campus

By Bentlee Barry – Loveland, Colorado … Campion Academy’s international enrollees have faced a variety of challenges with returning to campus, mainly due to COVID-19 travel restrictions.

Students from Brazil were able to return home during the month of March, but are now faced with closed borders and are having difficulties returning to Campion.

Students from China were not able to return home at all due to the travel restrictions that began in February.

Giovanna Balgamon, international student from Brazil, has started the school year online.

“Starting school online was discouraging. I think all of us hoped that things would be back to normal by now,” Balgamon said.

Eager to return to Campion, the Brazilian students have had to get creative in finding a way to travel to the United States.

Carol Silva, senior, along with Duda De Oliviera, junior, were able to get to Campion Academy in early August. They had to take a flight from Brazil to Mexico, and quarantine for 15 days. Then they were able to fly to Colorado.

“Although it was tedious and frankly very tiring, I am beyond grateful to be able to spend this year growing with God and being around all my friends. I am appreciative to all the staff and the students for following the rules to keep our campus safe,” Silva said.

Seven more students, from Brazil, are currently going through the same process in an attempt to attend Campion.

They arrived in Mexico on August 24th, and plan to be at Campion by the 9th of September.

Gregory Lang and his brother Jarrod, Chinese students, started at Campion last year.

“I first heard about COVID-19 in February when the outbreak began in China. My family was then already prepared for us to stay here and sent over 400 masks immediately. In March, the outbreak hit the U.S., my brother and I immediately began donating and handing out masks to Campions staff,” Jarrod Lang said.

During the summer the brothers stayed with Campion’s alumni president Codi Jahn and her family for the summer.

“They are very good people and have strong relationships with God. I was never sad or depressed during this time. My brother and I both love the U.S. and are very grateful to be here. We were able to get more in touch with God, and learn about his grace. Codi and Caleb Jahn took very good care of us and my family is extremely thankful,” Jarrod said.

Even through, new international students were not able to enroll due to visa restrictions, Campion Academy has 17 international students enrolled for the academic year.

–Bentlee Barry is a senior at Campion Academy; photos by Jill Harlow

27 Aug

Intramural sports give students an outlet during COVID-19

By Jayce Treat – Loveland, Colorado …While varsity sports have been suspended throughout Colorado due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Campion Academy got creative to find a way for students to enjoy sports.

Students formed several intramural teams to allow for friendly competition.

Individuals have a chance to choose from different sports including flag football, volleyball, and disc golf.

“It’s more accessible than regular sports, so everyone has an opportunity to have fun,” explained Randolph Ottschofski, Campion athletic director. “We also get to play some cool sports that we don’t normally get to.”

COVID-19 has caused several events to be cancelled, so intramural sports are a welcome addition.

“I think it’s a great way to replace what would’ve been our soccer season,” explained Andy Obregon, Campion, senior. “Although some of us don’t usually play the sports that the intramurals offer, it’s still a great way to keep ourselves busy.”

With the new social distancing regulations, it has been harder for students to spend time together.

“Probably the thing that has stuck out to me the most about intramurals so far is how it’s bringing people together and creating stronger bonds, especially with the newer students this year.” said Collin Velbis, Campion, junior. “The intramurals give students more opportunities to socialize and bond with one another.”

A lot of students don’t have much free time, but they enjoy playing sports to relax.

“It’s a nice breather to distract from all of our hard classes,” Isaac Avila, Campion, junior said.

Groups may form their own teams that will compete against each other for a championship.

Ottschofski plans to add more intramural sports later on.

—Jayce Treat is a senior at Campion; photos by Jill Harlow

26 Aug

Amid Increased Racial Tensions, NAD Issues Statement Calling Members to Serve as Conduits of Peace

Columbia, Maryland … Racial tensions in the United States have been raised even further after the recent shooting of 29-year old Jacob Blake, a black man, by police officers in Wisconsin. This event, like countless others, has amplified the voices of Black Americans and others as they cry out seeking justice for the acts of violence perpetrated against their community.

The Seventh-day Adventist Church in North America hears their voices and calls upon our churches and members to serve as conduits of peace and hope to our Black brothers and sisters. We recognize their pain and the injustice they face, and strive to serve as their voices when they are silenced by those seeking to quiet them. Let us call for changes in the way the Black community is treated by those put in positions of trust and protection.

When acts of racism and violence hurt the Black community, all of us are impacted. As God’s children we can and must do better in the way we equitably treat each other. Jesus Christ proclaimed, “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand” (Matt. 12:25, NKJV).

–North American Division Department of Communication; photo by pixabay

26 Aug

“ROOTED IN CHRIST” MILE HIGH ACADEMY GOAL FOR THE YEAR

By Karrie Meyers – Highlands Ranch, Colorado … “Rooted in Christ, We Will Not Be Shaken,” is the spiritual theme for Mile High Academy this academic year.

Chosen by the student association, the theme was inspired by Psalm 16:8, “I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for He is right beside me.”

“I love that the student association picked this theme. It’s been a year of uncertainty that has shaken many of us. When we stop and remember that we are rooted in Christ and not our circumstances, we can live from the strength, grace and love of our unchangeable and unshakable God,” Rebecca Berg, MHA chaplain and upper school teacher said.

Brooke Henry, senior and MHA student association president added, “I’m excited about this theme because it ties so well to the challenges, we’ve all had to face this year. Focusing on the fact that we won’t be shaken if we are rooted in Christ is really reassuring during this time of uncertainty.”

In the first chapel service of the year held outside on the soccer field, the theme was revealed. The graphic on canvas, painted by the student association, featured a large tree with roots. Students were invited to dip their hands in different paint colors and use their hand prints as the leaves of the tree.

The large canvas picture was stretched and hung across the wall of the upper school to serve as a reminder for students to remain connected with Christ.

Along with the message of the theme, the song “We Will Not Be Shaken” by Building 429 will be used at weekly chapels, morning meetings and events throughout the year to highlight the overall spiritual message.

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

26 Aug

DON LOPES JR , ORDAINED TO MINISTRY IN NORTHEASTERN COLORADO

By Jon Roberts – Sterling, Colorado … Some fifty individuals gathered on August 22, to support Don Lopes, Jr. as he was ordained to the gospel ministry.

The ordination service received a different look, with all the precautions in place due to the pandemic, however, the message and recognition of God’s calling on Lopes ministry was evident.

Lopes recalled how he was called to the gospel work, “I was baptized in the eighth grade and my pastor, Steve Huey asked me to be involved, right away, in preaching, and deacon work. For the next four years (1993-1997) I would attend Upper Columbia Academy (UCA). Throughout my years at UCA, I planned to be a pastor. When I came home for home leave, pastor Dan Knapp would remind me that God has a great plan for my life.”

“After graduating from UCA, Lopes enrolled at Southern Adventist University. “After spending a summer abroad, I decided to continue my theology degree in the Philippines at Mountain View College, where I graduated in 2003,” Lopes added.

After pastoring in Washington and Idaho, Lopes continued his studies at Andrews University. In May of 2017 Lopes was invited to join the Rocky Mountain Conference as associate pastor of the Fort Morgan, Sterling district.

Lopes father, Don Lopes, Sr. shared with the ordination service participants in person and online “that his son, when he was growing up had a beautiful smile. “If you know Pastor Don, you will know that smile is still evident today.”

Wayne Morrison, pastor of the Brighton church, shared that he believes that smile comes from a close walk with Jesus.

A lifetime mentor of Lopes, Dr. Colin Dunbar, was honored to give the ordination address via livestream.

Lopes commented that he will remember three points from Dunbar’s address, “the call of God must be seen in how I represent Him, the call of God must be seen as I proclaim a peculiar message and the call of God is seen in my growth as a Christian.”

“It is my goal to continue to grow in these three areas,” Lopes said.

Ed Barnett, RMC president, was among the Conference leadership participants and offered the prayer of dedication while colleagues extended their hands to bless Lopes and his family as they continue the ministry of Jesus.

–Jon Roberts is communication/media assistant for the Rocky Mountain Conference; photo by Jed Dart

26 Aug

HAPPY FACES WELCOME RE-OPENING OF BRIGHTON ADVENTIST ACADEMY

By Jodie Aakko – Brighton, Colorado … Brighton Adventist Academy (BAA) is back in school, real school, but with a five-page safe reopening COVID-19 protocol.

As plans were laid to reopen in-person education in North-Central Colorado, a common question was asked again and again. Will this list of regulations compromise what a Seventh-day Adventist Christian school has to offer, the real-life experience of the love of Jesus?

No one knew. Only God knew, and only time would reveal the answer.

As BAA opened to 51 students, eager to see their friends, classmates, and teachers, the question remained.

A few days in, the answer began to take shape, but wasn’t yet distinct.

The answer came during the first chapel of the academic year when staff witnessed students praising Jesus, talking with Jesus, and seeking Jesus as a best friend.

It was evident Jesus was saying, “See, I took care of you. This is my school; these are my children. We are together again. Go teach.”

The moment was priceless, with students joining together–preschool through grade nine– hanging out to worship Jesus corporately. It looked a bit different than usual, with students in the grass courtyard instead of inside a building, relaxing on beach blankets or mats or here and there, a chair. Their happy faces were partly covered by masks, and classmates were separated by six feet; cohorts, by twenty-five feet, yet despite this nod to pandemic regulations, they were happily praising God.

The assembly began with an enthusiastic and invigorating song service led by Tammy Kelley, ukulele and piano teacher, with her daughter Raelynn Kelley. The accompanying flashing laser light show ended with a new school theme song titled, “All About Jesus Love for Me,” an original composition Kelly wrote to fit the chapel theme for the school year, “All about Jesus.”

Traveling evangelists Lee and Marjie Venden were there to share a favorite parable, “The Elevator and the Ferrari.” The message, “It is best to listen to Jesus and let Him be the driver on the journey of life,” will help educators and pupils traverse the unknown world ahead.

–Jodie Aakko is principal of Brighton Adventist Academy; photos courtesy of BAA Facebook page.

26 Aug

LIGHTHOUSE SCHOOL CREATED NEW LAYOUT FOR CURRENT LEARNING PROGRAM

NN Aug 2020

By Pennie Wredberg – Fort Morgan, Colorado …How do you open a school that has been online for the last five months? That was the question facing the school board in Fort Morgan, Colorado.

Lighthouse Seventh-day Adventist Christian School transitioned to online learning in the month of March, right before spring break. The Fort Morgan church and the school remained empty, creating a time capsule for the next few months. “Dust gathered on desks, the copy machine remained off, and the doorbell never rang to let in happy students,” commented Pennie Wredberg, the head teacher.

When the school board received word, that in person classes would resume in the month of August, a plan was implemented to open the doors, while keeping students safe. It involved some changes to the layout of the building and procedures that would have to be followed.

To allow for social distancing, the lower grade classroom moved to the church’s fellowship hall. Volunteers gathered to help transform the place where church social events happened to a functioning classroom. The walls were given a fresh coat of paint and window screens were installed to allow for cross ventilation. Sneeze guards were designed and created to go around the desks, so that the students had a safe place to learn.

In the kindergarten classroom desks were turned into rocket ships, with plexiglass as the windows for space viewing.

After hours of planning and redesigning the classrooms, Lighthouse was ready to welcome back students from the long spring break knowing that this year was going to be different from other years, with students in grade level cohorts, temperature checks before entering the building, and not being able to eat lunch or play soccer all together.

“Instead of bemoaning about the differences, educators are focusing on joy and how God has been taking care of everyone,” Wredberg added.

—Pennie Wredberg is head teacher at Lighthouse Seventh-day Adventist Christian School; photos supplied

25 Aug

BUILDING A HEALTHY AND SANITIZED CHURCH

By Anton Kapusi – Pueblo, Colorado … Pueblo First Adventist Church purchases equipment to ensure visitors are kept safe while attending worship services.

With the pandemic, safety and sanitization of the church is important to building healthy churches.

Pueblo First was eager to begin meeting in person to continue outreach to the community. When the safety committee began to meet, it became evident that new procedures had to be initiated to ensure members were returning to a safe, germ-free area.

Bob Guagliardo, safety leader for Pueblo First, knew he had to think outside the box about how to quickly and efficiently clean the campus. After researching the best equipment to sanitize a large area quickly, Guagliardo decided to bring the idea of purchasing an electrostatic sprayer to the safety committee. This machine provides a mild electrical charge (harmless to humans) which is added to the sanitizer mist that eliminates any microorganisms.

“We were aware that finding volunteers for (to clean the building) an extended period of time would be challenging. We decided to purchase a sprayer that sanitizing the church in a fraction of the time (it would normally take to clean the church), with far less labor and more efficiency,” Anton Kapusi, pastor of Pueblo First church said. “Today it takes only one person about 45 minutes to use our new electrostatic sprayer to sanitize and disinfect the sanctuary, classrooms, office spaces, bathrooms, and the fellowship hall (around 10 thousand square feet).”

“When we open the doors for worship, and throughout the week we can say that we worship, sing, pray, and enjoy the presence of each other in the safest environment we can provide,” Kapusi concluded.

–Anton Kapusi is pastor of the Pueblo First Adventist Church; photo supplied