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Abigail Brown – Moab, Utah … The Sophomore class from Campion Academy (CA) in Loveland, Colorado, went on the annual biology trip to Moab, Utah, May 7-11. Led by Erica Franklin, CA science teacher, they explored the ruins of Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado, Arches National Park in Utah, and other wonders in the area.

The first stop was Mesa Verde National Park where they were able to take a tour of the ancient balcony house and explore other ruins in the park.

For the remainder of the trip, they camped at “Hittle Bottom Campground” where they bonded over lively discussions around the campfire and huddled up in tents. Heidi Vasquez-Hernadez, CA student, expressed, “It was fun getting to know each other better outside of the classroom setting, while sharing experiences at Moab.”

Every evening, Erik Stenbakken, one of the adult sponsors on the trip, gave inspirational talks about how to finish the race strongly in our spiritual lives. Student Aome Angeles stated, “His talks gave me a different perspective on life and made it feel more purposeful.”

On May 8, the students rafted down the Colorado River where they had water fights and swam in the river. After rafting, the students worked on a class project measuring the water from the river and identified plants on hikes.

On one of the hikes, the group encountered a waterfall and got to go under it. Student Merlina Resendiz shared, “After a hot day it was nice to take a break and play in the waterfall. It was relaxing and peaceful and it felt like a nice reset.”

The students all hiked to the Delicate Arch in Utah on the last day and then split up into different groups to explore various trails of the national park. Elin Sorensen, student, related, “It was fun hiking with my classmates and getting to talk to them while being outside in nature.”

After a trip of exploration and bonding, the group made it back to Campion Academy on May 11.

—Abigail Brown, Campion Academy Student News Team. Photos supplied.

Alexandra Cordoba – Greeley, Colorado … The Spanish class students at Campion Academy (CA) in Loveland, Colorado, put their skills into action this past week by presenting cultural projects to the student body and leading the worship service at Greeley Hispanic Seventh-day Adventist Church in Greeley, Colorado.

Students in the Spanish I class gave presentations in the chapel where they had the option to either film a cooking video, learn and perform a song in Spanish, or recreate a piece of art from a Spanish artist. Two student groups opted for live performances: Marc and Izuchi sang “Adiós Amor,” and Garry, Jillian, and Phoebe performed “Piel Canela” on stage.

After the presentations, students sampled a wide variety of traditional dishes featured in the cooking videos, including tostadas, flan, pupusas, churros, horchata, and homemade paletas (Mexican ice cream bars). “I was very impressed by the food this year,” said senior CA student Janey Padilla Reyes. “I felt like it was very authentic.”

On May 10, the Spanish II class students, along with a few native Spanish speakers, traveled to the Greeley Hispanic Church for a SWAT trip where they led the entire church service in Spanish. The program included praise music, a children’s story, special music, prayer, scripture reading, and a sermon delivered by senior student Damaris Lopez Morquecho.

Senior student Toby Quillin, who participated in multiple parts of the service, reflected on the experience, “Going on the Spanish SWAT trip was quite enjoyable, even though it took a lot of planning and practice. I was a part of the praise team as well as the special music and sang ‘Eres Mi Protector’ (‘My Hiding Place’). I also gave a prayer. I looked over the script many times so I wouldn’t mess up the pronunciation. It was very fun to put my knowledge of the language to the test.”

—Alexandra Cordoba, Campion Academy Student News Editor. Photos supplied.

Gabriel Costa – Loveland, Colorado … After returning from break, students at Campion Academy (CA) in Loveland, Colorado, had special moments of spiritual connection, learning and reflection during the Week of Worship, April 29-May 2. Each day featured inspiring, relevant messages and creative presentations prepared by the students themselves.

The program began on Tuesday with the freshmen class with an engaging presentation, including a song performed by student Natalie, a well-crafted skit, and a moving testimony from Chris Davis, who shared uplifting messages.

On Wednesday, it was the turn of the sophomores, who gave meaningful teachings through a skit, music performed by student Elin, and the heartfelt testimony of Abigail.

On Thursday, the juniors took to the stage with a creative and well-structured presentation, including an original song composed by student Evie, skits, testimonies, and messages that invited us to introspect and apply them to our lives.

Pamela, CA junior student said, “Week of Worship was quite fun. Juniors did ‘Rooted in Community,’ and I got to be a part of the skit. I enjoyed seeing students who have been shy take part in different ways during our day. It was fun watching everybody, especially the skits, and seeing different point of views”.

Finally, the senior students closed the week on Friday with an impactful presentation and a humorous skit. Music sung by the senior female students of Koinonia.

Damaris Lopez shared her personal experiences, and the class left us with profound reflections on faith and our relationship with God.

Toby, a senior student, said, “The seniors were in charge of presenting on the theme ‘Rooted in Mission.’ It was fun to act in the modern remake of the story Jonah as well as telling an object lesson about honeyguides and honey badgers. The special music that was sung also portrayed our theme of mission really well. This is our last Week of Worship since we are seniors, and I think we did a good job”.

The Week of Worship was a memorable moment that united participants in spirituality, inspiration, and reflection, reinforcing the importance of living alongside God.

—Gabriel Costa, Campion Academy Student News Team. Photos Supplied.

Dorie Panganiban – Farmington, New Mexico … It was Spring of 2019 when the last Native Camp Meeting at the La Vida Mission (LVM) Seventh-day Adventist Church in Farmington, New Mexico, was held. Ed Barnett, then president of the Rocky Mountain Conference (RMC), was the featured guest speaker.

Then the COVID pandemic hit and shut down everything in March of 2020, which led to the cancelation of the planned Native Camp Meeting. “When the dark clouds of the COVID pandemic cleared up in 2023,” commented Dorie Panganiban, 2025 Native Camp Meeting coordinator, “we decided to host one, but, again, it did not materialize. Many of our native brothers and sisters were asking, ‘when are you gonna have camp meeting in La Vida, we miss the camp meeting there’.”

After six years of no Native Camp Meetings, one was finally held April 25-27, with the theme “Jesus is Coming, I Will Go Reach My World,” in conjunction with the World Church emphasis on preparing for Jesus Second Coming and going out to prepare others for His soon return.

“We were very blessed to have Dr. Rick Remmers, assistant to the president of the North American Division (NAD) and in-charge of NAD Native Ministries, as our God providential and God-given speaker to spiritually grace the event,” reflected Dorie. “His uplifting, elevating messages and presentations, and his pleasant and joyful presence and ministry have truly been a blessing to our souls. We surely praise God for sending him to us.”

“We are also grateful to our La Vida Mission board members who came, headed by our LVM Board president, Dr. Robert Gardner, and his lovely wife Kimone and sister Kimberly, for equally gracing the event. And we surely thank God for our native and non-native members around the Navajo Reservation and beyond, who came and joined us. We had delegations from Monument Valley, Kayenta, Chinle, Kinlichee, Window Rock, Gallup, Crownpoint, Farmington, Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, and community members around the Mission such as Lake Valley, Becenti, Whiterock, and Bisti,” she continued.

The Sabbath church services catered to all age groups, from one year old to the oldest member, through parallel programs for children, teens, youth, and adults. During Sabbath School in the adult division, three presenters shared how to go and reach people in the world for Jesus.

Steve Pester, Dine Adventist Radio* network manager, presented how to share through the airwaves; Oliver Fulton, elder of Chinle Seventh-day Adventist Church in Chinle, Arizona, shared how to reach and minister to alcohol and substance-challenged and addicted individuals. Rose Gomez, from Kinlichee-Window Rock, Arizona, spoke about reaching people for Jesus at flea markets, other native gatherings, and everywhere else.

Dorie noted, “Pastor Remmers spiritually fed the adults during the Hour of Worship, with Elder Whitehorse translating in Navajo, while Mrs. Kimone Gardner provided nourishment from the Word of God to our children and teens.”

The afternoon of April 26 was highlighted by the baptism of seven individuals. Four of these individuals were La Vida Mission* students made ready by VJ & Beth Panganiban, La Vida Mission Outreach co-directors, their dorm parents, and three community members prepared by the church outreach team.

The baptism service was followed by testimonies and sharing time among the adult participants in the sanctuary, hiking for the junior and teen campers, and craft activities for our younger kids. “Remmers gave his last presentation during the Sabbath sundown worship from the story of Samuel, giving us courage as ‘we go,’ to just listen to God and speak the message He want us to deliver and share with others and He will bless our efforts,” remarked Dorie.

But the Camp Meeting was not over yet. Saturday evening was for games, fun, and relaxing time with young people’s laughter filling the gym. The Camp Meeting concluded Sunday morning after breakfast in a combined devotional—closing for the Camp Meeting and opening for the La Vida Spring Board Meeting—with Gardner as the speaker, inspiring participants to keep dreams and hope alive in anticipation of Jesus’ Second coming.

The group separated after the devotional with the LVM board members going to the meeting and all the other Camp Meeting participants going to the La Vida Community Services Free Flea Market and a lunch of Navajo Tacos before heading home.

Dorie closed with, “Is your heart singing ‘How can I say thanks’ with me now? Indeed, how can I say thanks to our God for making another Native Camp Meeting possible after six years? Oh, how my heart praises Him for how He has made everything and every part of the program beautiful and a blessing to everyone. Amen, Praise the Lord!”

* Dine Adventist Radio and La Vida Mission are supporting ministries of the Seventh-day Adventist Church but are not affiliated with the Rocky Mountain Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.

—Dorie Panganiban is the La Vida Mission Seventh-day Adventist Church head elder and 2025 Native Camp Meeting coordinator. Photos supplied.

Jose Briones – Denver, Colorado … Nearly 14 years ago, Merari Morales faced a terrifying moment that could have ended in tragedy. Instead, it became a powerful testimony of faith, forgiveness, and radical generosity.

Morales had just dropped off her kindergarten-aged son at school in California when she stepped into a crosswalk, only to be struck by a speeding car. The impact threw her beneath the vehicle, leaving her trapped under its wheels. But in that harrowing moment, she recalls, “I felt the presence of God.” As she lay under the car, her first instinct was not fear for herself but a prayer for her children’s safety.

In what can only be described as a miracle, Morales emerged from the accident with no major injuries, just minor scrapes. The young driver, overwhelmed with shock, believed he had killed her. As the authorities arrived, they handcuffed him, preparing to arrest him. Bystanders urged Morales to press charges or seek financial compensation, but she refused. “Nothing happened to me,” she insisted, advocating for his release.

Her act of forgiveness left the driver stunned. Instead of holding resentment, she and her husband took the opportunity to introduce him to their faith, inviting him to their church. With tears in his eyes, he told Morales, “No one has ever treated me with such kindness.” He covered all medical expenses and pledged his support should she ever need help in the future.

Doctors were equally shocked. Her scans showed no fractures, no internal injuries, no lasting damage. Morales walked away from the accident unscathed, believing that God’s mercy had protected her.

Reflecting on that day, Morales shares a simple but profound lesson: “If we love God, we have to learn to forgive. If Jesus forgives us, we have to forgive others.” For her, the accident was not about survival. It was an opportunity to live out her faith in a way that left an everlasting impact on another person’s life.

More than a decade later, Morales remains healthy and grateful, holding onto the belief that forgiveness is a gift we give not only to others but to ourselves. Through her story, she reminds us that true generosity is found in offering grace when the world expects retribution. In every moment, even life’s most unexpected ones, as an opportunity to reflect the love of God. Watch Merari’s story below.

—Jose Briones is the RMC Stewardship Promotion and Content creator. Photo capture from RMC’s “Always Faithful” video series.

Logan Earles – Littleton, Colorado … For the second consecutive year, the Littleton Seventh-day Adventist Church in Littleton, Colorado, has sent care packages to young adults from their congregation. Sixteen medium flat-rate boxes were sent to various colleges across the country, and even a letter was sent as far away as Switzerland.

Each box was filled with a variety of snacks, easy-prep meals, candies, and other goodies. One recipient was so delighted that she quickly wrote back to the church, saying, “I love everything in it!” Thanks to the generous donations from church members, each box was filled to the brim.

Food wasn’t the only thing these far-off loved ones received. Each box also contained numerous handwritten notes. For two weeks leading up to the mailing, church members worked diligently to write words of encouragement, prayers, Bible verses, or—in some cases—draw fun pictures to fill the boxes with as much love as possible. Each box included 10 to 15 letters from the church family.

Littleton Church has found these boxes to be deeply appreciated. Littleton Church associate pastor Logan Earles, who helps organize the project, shared, “My favorite part of these boxes isn’t sending them—it’s getting the responses. Responses like ‘You can’t imagine how much this means to me’ and ‘I sent you this email with a tear or two shedding down my face, I’m so grateful and joyful for you all’ reflect the emotional impact of these small gestures.”

This ministry has helped the church stay connected with a group of people who can easily feel distant or forgotten. The church plans to continue sending these boxes and has even begun discussing the possibility of expanding the ministry as God leads.

Earles remarked, “Through something as simple as a box of treats and handwritten notes, the Littleton Church is sending more than goodies—it’s sending love, faith, and the powerful message that no one is ever too far away to feel loved.”

—Logan Earles is the associate pastor at the Littleton Seventh-day Adventist Church. Photos supplied.

Ardis Stenbakken – Loveland, Colorado … Addison Gann, a junior student at Campion Academy (CA) in Loveland, Colorado, has taken her title as CA Student Outreach coordinator very seriously, sponsoring several different projects during the schoolyear.

In late winter, Gann contacted Harvest Pack,* an organization out of Saint Paul, Minnesota, that supplies non-perishable food and all the equipment needed for it to be re-packaged into individual portions. Volunteer groups raise the money to pay for the raw material and provide the people to do the packaging.

Gann went to work raising $6,000.00 to fund the project through friends, church supporters, and others, and she organized the event with the hope of filling 20 thousand meals for those in need. Addison called the project “Feed His Sheep.”

On Saturday afternoon, May 3, around 110 Campion Academy and HMS Richards Adventist School students and church members, young and old, gathered in the HMS Richards gym to be the “Hands and Hearts of Jesus.” Everything was well organized and ready for them, and they set to work.

In about an hour, they filled 21,120 breakfast packs, each containing preparation instructions and specific amounts of oatmeal, cinnamon, and sugar. The meals were delivered to the Food Bank of the Rockies,* which will distribute them to smaller food banks near Loveland, directly supporting the local community.

Gann says, “Each time a box of 40 meals was completed, a bell rang, followed by cheers of encouragement. Laughter and friendly competition filled the room with teams creating their own chants and celebrating each milestone together.”

“The name of the event is drawn from Jesus’ words to Peter in John 21:17: Jesus said, ‘Feed my sheep’,” she continued. “This simple command reminds us that our love for Christ is shown in how we care for others—especially those who are hungry, struggling, or alone. Now there are 21,110 chances for someone to feel the caring love of Jesus.”

* Please note that Harvest Pack and Food Bank of the Rockies are not affiliated with the Rocky Mountain Conference of Seventh-day Adventists or the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

—Ardis Stenbakken is the Campion Seventh-day Adventist Church communication director. Photos supplied.

Brent Learned – Loveland, Colorado … Over 400 Adventurers, staff, parents, and helpers converged May 4 at the Campion Academy campus in Loveland, Colorado, for the annual Rocky Mountain Conference (RMC) Adventurer Fun Day. This year’s theme for the event was “Believe the Promise” highlighting the Bible story of God leading Moses and Israel in freedom from slavery and oppression back in Egypt to Himself.

The weather was sunny and warm, perfect for a day of outdoor activities, and the day started off with a long parade of excited and giddy adventurers, staff, parents, and siblings marching around the grounds ending in the gymnasium for the opening program. In the gymnasium, adventurers recited the pledge and law—in English or Spanish—and sang the Adventurer song together.

Following the opening program, the Adventurers rotated by club through different stations where they learned about the Bible characters Moses, Jochebed, Noah, John the Disciple, and Jesus’ parents Mary and Joseph. The Adventurers then spent some time at the Bible verse and promise table where each had the opportunity to recite all the Bible verses and promises they had diligently memorized throughout the year.

Jacob, one of the first-place winners of the Adventurer memory verses, said, “Well, at first, I didn’t want to because it was difficult for me, but my mom made me repeat it every day. There were days when I didn’t want to, but my mom told me I could do it. When we went to Adventurer Fun Day, I repeated it again and I was nervous. But in the end, I felt happy when I heard that I came in first place, and it was all because of Jesus!”

At lunchtime, participants could choose from several club fundraiser food booths selling unique food from around the world and enjoy the day with friends at fun activities such as bouncy houses, an obstacle course, and other outdoor activities.

Another highlight of the day was the “Bug Beauty Contest and Race.” Each child made a “bug” at their home club meetings and brought them to Adventurer Fun Day to be judged for the “Best Looking Bug.” Each bug had wheels and races were held throughout the day, ending in the finals at the closing ceremonies. There were lots of fun prizes displayed on stage that the first, second, and third place winners of the various races and beauty contests could choose from.

The day ended with the clubs who earned at least 1,000 points for their yearly reports receiving a special Bible trophy highlighting the exodus story made by hand by Adventurer co-coordinator Lacinda Hopkins. Fort Morgan Adventurer club director Waleska Valdez commented, “Our first Adventurer Fun Day, and what a blessing it was!”

“This was our very first time attending the event with the Rocky Mountain Conference (RMC), and I just have to say, what an amazing experience for both me and my kids! From the very beginning to the end, we felt the love, care, and intentional planning that went into every part of the day,” Valdez continued. “The activities were fun, engaging, and Christ-centered. The kids had fun in a space where they could truly feel safe and loved.”

Valdez closed with, “Also, I want to give a special shoutout to the staff and volunteers. You were all so attentive, patient, and kind with the children. You weren’t just supervising activities, you were ministering to their hearts. We can’t wait for next year! Let’s keep this beautiful team in our prayers as they continue to pour into our children and lead them to Christ: Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these (Matthew 19:14). Thank you to everyone who made this day possible. May God bless you all abundantly!”

Dark clouds began to roll in as clubs began to take down, disassemble, and load up their food booths. It was not until every club had taken down everything and all the participants had left that it began to rain while the remaining Adventurer, Pathfinder, and teen leaders were finishing loading, cleaning, and wrapping up the event. “It was evident that God held off the rain long enough to have the perfect Adventurer Fun Day,” reflected Brent Learned, RMC Club Ministries director.

Hopkins remarked, “I was very blessed and absolutely loved seeing all the Adventurers and the clubs from all around the Conference! Each of you are special to us and especially to Jesus! Thank you to all the parents, staff, club directors, clubs, Campion Academy, teens, Adventurer ministry counterpart Cinthya Gonzalez, those that just pitched in and helped in so many ways, and the RMC team for making Adventurer Fun Day possible this year.”

—Brent Learned is the RMC Youth assistant director and Mills Spring Ranch manager. Photos supplied.

Marsha Bartulec – Apopka, Florida … The Middle School Engineagles Robotics team at Vista Ridge Academy (VRA) in Erie, Colorado, recently returned from an unforgettable experience where they competed in the Adventist Robotics First Lego League (FLL) National Championship in Apopka, Florida, May 4.

Facing off against 26 teams from other Adventist schools across the country, the VRA team demonstrated innovation, teamwork, and perseverance, earning the prestigious Champion Finalist Award and being named the alternate team for the FLL World Championship in Florida this June.

Only the top two teams from the national competition advance to the World Championship. VRA’s team placed just behind the top two, making them the official alternate in the event a qualifying team cannot attend.

The competition challenged teams to design, build, and program autonomous Lego robots to complete specific missions, as well as develop and present a real-world innovation project. Judges evaluated students on robot design, project quality, and teamwork—areas in which VRA’s team excelled.

“This team has worked so hard—not just on the robot and programming, but on how they communicate, problem-solve, and grow together,” said robotics coach Spencer Gildersleeve. “Being named Champion Finalist and World Alternate is a huge honor and a testament to their dedication and creativity.”

VRA principal Marsha Bartulec added, “We are so proud of our students for how they represented Vista Ridge Academy. Their success at the national level highlights not only their technical skills, but also their ability to work as a team, think critically, and reflect our school’s values.”

For the students, the journey was both exciting and inspiring. “It was inspiring to see how hard our team worked to get here today,” said Charlotte Gemperline, VRA student and member of the robotics team. “We should all be very proud how far we got this season.”

Bartulec remarked, “Congratulations to our incredible Robotics team for this outstanding accomplishment! We’ll be cheering them on as alternates for the First Lego League World Championship—and celebrating all they’ve achieved.”

—Marsha Bartulec is principal at Vista Ridge Academy. Photos supplied.