29 Sep

CAMPION STUDENTS STEP UP TO SERVE

Gerrad Vat – Loveland, Colorado … Students at Campion Academy in Loveland, Colorado, took a day from school to serve the community around Loveland, September 12. Students split into different job groups, picking up trash at parks and highways as well as quilting and sorting donations at Habitat for Humanity* and Serve 6.8.*

Finn Stenbakken, junior student, sorted clothes at Habitat for Humanity. “It really felt good to help them and really to help out servicing the community,” he shared.

Another group went to Highway 60 to pick up trash as part of the Adopt-a-Highway* program. Edward dos Santos, sophomore student, said, “It was my first time doing community service at Campion, and I had a very nice experience. We moved around a lot cleaning the highways, and I had a good group of friends which made it even more enjoyable.”

After serving in the community, the students continued working on campus: pulling weeds, making dorm improvements, and completing other outdoor projects.

Chris Davis, sophomore student, helped with sidewalk repair in front of the Administration Building. “I was one of the bigger guys in my group and worked with a 600-pound slab of concrete for the sidewalk, and it made me want to work for maintenance because it was super fun,” Davis recalled.

As part of Campion’s commitment to teaching the value of service, the campus holds service days several times each year. Students earn additional service credit hours volunteering on the weekends at churches and other organizations.

* These organizations are not affiliated with the Rocky Mountain Conference nor the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

—Gerrad Vat, Campion Academy Student News Team. Photos supplied.

25 Sep

ROCKY MOUNTAIN CONFERENCE CELEBRATES 100 YEARS OF HISPANIC MINISTRY

Vanessa Alarcón with RMCNews – Loveland, Colorado … The North American Division (NAD), in conjunction with the Rocky Mountain Conference (RMC), celebrated 100 years of Hispanic ministry in Colorado, September 13. More than 1,500 people gathered at Campion Academy in Loveland, Colorado, for a day filled with worship, fellowship, and gratitude for how God has led through the years.

The day began with welcoming remarks from David VandeVere, RMC president, and Hubert Morel, executive secretary of the Mid-America Union Conference (MAUC). Both leaders expressed joy at celebrating the ways God has guided Hispanic Ministries through the decades. “We are also here to celebrate what He will do in the future,” VandeVere reminded attendees.

Roberto Correa, MAUC Multilingual director, and Hugo Guillén, RMC Ministerial associate director and lead for Multicultural Ministries, served as hosts for the event. “To celebrate 100 years does not mean to stop, but to renew our mission. The best way to honor the pioneers is to continue preaching, serving, and loving our community until the Second Coming of Jesus,” remarked Correa.

Leaders from across the Division were present, including the NAD Hispanic Advisory Committee, which had held its annual meetings earlier in the week in Fort Collins, Colorado. “We were invited by the Mid-America Union in last year’s Hispanic Advisory Committee Meeting, where we meet annually with our nine unions. They informed us of the hundredth-year anniversary here in Denver, and anyone that could come would be great.”

He continued, “All the union vice presidents looked at me and said, ‘Why don’t we all go so that we can join them that weekend?’ So last year, it was voted to come here to Denver to celebrate the 100 years of the Hispanic work in this territory,” recalled Minervino Labrador, NAD vice president for Multilingual Ministries. Hispanic coordinators from every territory took the stage, greeting attendees and sharing words of encouragement from their regions.

Labrador shared the history of Hispanic ministry in Colorado. He reminded the audience that the beginnings were humble, but the growth has been clearly led by God. He acknowledged Marcial Serna, the first Hispanic Seventh-day Adventist pastor in North America and noted the challenges early pioneers faced when most of the Hispanic community was Catholic. “We must continue to grow His kingdom,” Labrador said. “You and I are here today thanks to Hispanic Ministries.”

The event featured a variety of evangelistic resources for members. Esperanza TV led worship and introduced its new mobile app for streaming faith-based content. Elvis Diaz, director of Sales and Marketing for El Centinela and Spanish-language books, encouraged members to continue spreading the gospel through literature evangelism. And Campion Academy’s select choir, Koinonia, also provided praise music at different times in the program.

The speaker, international evangelist and pastor, Alejandro Bullón, delivered a powerful message on how God equips His people to do amazing things for His kingdom.

The celebration also included recognition of pioneers within local congregations who faithfully carried the mission forward, as well as a showcase of Hispanic churches across the state. “Today’s event is a wonderful celebration of the pioneers and those that accepted the everlasting gospel and became members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church years ago,” stated Labrador. “And it was great to see actual pioneers of the work sitting here with us and receive special recognition. Every bit in our territory adds up to massive blessings in the North American Division. Everything matters. Everyone matters.”

Tomas DeGyves, director of Multilingual Ministries for the Central States Conference, joined Guillén in acknowledging these leaders and congregations, a moment that highlighted the unity between both conferences in ministering to Colorado’s Hispanic community. Guillén reflected, “I was blessed to see the churches come together … emphasizing that, even though we are two different conferences, we’re all preaching the gospel and getting to know Jesus more.” Looking ahead, Guillén shared his hope of seeing a congregation established in Wyoming.

The event concluded with 13 baptisms being officiated by RMC pastors Santo Valdez, Daniel Escalante, Daniele Fantoni, Leonardo Jimenez, and Guillén, followed by a concert by Felipe Garibo, internationally renowned music evangelist.

“What an honor to be a part of this anniversary. God has helped us for 100 years, and Hispanic ministries has grown,” remarked Guillén. “God will continue to do His good work, and we will continue to grow in the future. The fact that we’ve hit the 100-year mark is because we’ve grown and our growth shows in baptisms. Thirteen individuals from different churches were baptized. The Lord is with us.”

When asked what his hope for the future of Multilingual Ministries, and, in this context, Hispanic Ministries, Labrador remarked, “[It] is for our [migrant communities] to continue to share the gospel through their small group Bible studies, to work together to build up the Kingdom of God, and continue their growth, which has been exceptional in our division.”

—Vanessa Alarcón is head elder of the Boulder Adventist Church. Photos by Jose Briones and Liz Kirkland.

25 Sep

CHRIST-CENTERED LIVING BOOTH AT EARLY SETTLERS DAY

RMCNews – La Junta, Colorado … Members from Arkansas Valley Seventh-day Adventist Church and First Christian Church of La Junta, Colorado, joined the community for the annual Early Settlers Day, September 6. Twelve volunteers spent the day sharing Christ through their booth, “Christ Centered Living.”

The team began their day at 5:30 a.m., setting up in the park and returning to the church by 5:30 p.m. The booth centered around four questions: Who is Jesus? Who am I? Who am I to Jesus? Who is Jesus to me? These simple themes opened doors for conversations, prayers, and connections with community members.

Festival guests asked where the congregations worship, and booth volunteers shared information on attending Vacation Bible School to those with children. “People know us—they come by to talk and pray,” one volunteer reflected.

Throughout the day, the team distributed 16 cases of specially labeled water bottles, 600 T-shirts, and used 100 pounds of ice. More than 60 people signed up to win a set of Ellen G. White’s Conflict of the Ages books, while many Bibles and Spirit-filled resources were also given away. Several visitors returned to share how much they enjoy the book sets they had received in previous years. To date, the booth has placed 300 of these sets in the community.

For Ted Williams, lead pastor of Trinidad, Alamosa, and Monte Vista Seventh-day Adventist Churches in southern Colorado, the highlight of the day was seeing God at work. “God is busy, and He showed up again today for church in the park,” he remarked. The experience left the team grateful for the opportunity to witness, serve, and build connections through a community tradition.

—Event details provided by Ted Williams is the lead pastor of Trinidad, Alamosa, and Monte Vista Seventh-day Adventist Churches in Colorado. Photos supplied.

Pastor Ted Williams with Albert Tofoya.
24 Sep

MISSION CRITICAL: WOMEN LEADERS GATHER TO REIGNITE MISSION AT PASSIONATE LEADER SUMMIT

Liz Kirkland – Denver, Colorado … More than 200 women from around the North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists (NAD) converged upon Denver, Colorado, to recalibrate and renew in purpose and mission at the NAD’s Passionate Leader Summit, September 4-6, 2025. This second run of the event is part of a four-course leadership plan developed by the department under the leadership of NAD Women’s Ministries director DeeAnn Bragaw. It is dedicated to women’s ministries leaders and volunteers who support women throughout the division.

“My hope for Passionate Leader was that women would come find a place of connection, a place of inspiration, and a place where they would be equipped; that when they left here, they would go back home feeling empowered in what they were truly called and chosen and equipped by Jesus to do, which is to serve the women in their local communities,” remarked Bragaw.

Emily Brousson, former head of the leadership program at Andrews University, opened the general sessions and threaded her messages of community and communication through the biblical story of Moses: “The actions of women saved and shaped young Moses, creating a safe space that enabled him to grow and fulfill his destiny.” She explored the elements of communication in detail and challenged attendees to reflect on what may have been lost in what was left unspoken or how outcomes might have shifted with clearer expression.

Michele Joseph, communication strategist and founder of Michele Joseph Creative Solutions, continued the critical topic of communication. Through several activities, she had attendees explore their purpose and mission, identify who they were serving, and evaluate how they were communicating their purpose to those they serve. Joseph imparted the importance of purpose, saying, “Purpose is your engine” to help create direction, focus, and build trust through consistency.

Gina Creek, chief people officer for the Mid-America Region of AdventHealth, began her session advising that a leader’s most important role is to define and develop future leaders, creating a platform for others to lead. She gave several scriptural examples of people pouring into others, urging, “This isn’t the work of just those who are qualified. This is the work of everyone who is Jesus’ follower.” Creek closed by providing insights on identifying and nurturing future leaders.

Through the story of Deborah—the biblical judge and prophet—Heather Quintana, editor of Vibrant Life magazine, illustrated the call to make disciples. She pointed out that Deborah not only followed God; she also led others to Him. Quintana stressed the importance of knowing one’s identity in Christ, as Deborah did, and shared practical leadership lessons: treat people with love rather than as problems to solve, offer genuine support, don’t fear rejection, and always leave room for the Holy Spirit’s guidance.

The focus of Saturday’s programming was healing, beginning with a multi-generational panel. The summit organizers were intentional about not only raising awareness of the uniqueness and styles of each generation, but also sharing what that means in the lens of Women’s Ministries and working together in local churches and the greater church structure.

Panel member Vanessa Alarcón, therapy program manager of Community Reach Center in Westminster, Colorado, and adjunct professor at Andrews University, noted, “The more we talked [during the panel], the more we realized that, throughout the generations, we’re all women and we all want to serve God. Sometimes there are aspects of humanity that put limits and barriers [between us], but God breaks all those barriers, and we just have to be mission-focused. So, let’s just break the barriers and work together.”

The remainder of the day’s program was focused on trauma-informed ministry, led by Beverly Sedlacek, co-founder and clinical director of Into HIS Rest Ministries, who received verbal affirmations throughout her presentation. Sedlacek defined trauma and the subsequent expressions of trauma, reminding attendees of the importance of working through their own challenges first to be more effective in helping others.

Sedlacek reflected on what it means to be a compassionate caregiver and the importance of understanding the needs and wants of a person in pain. She counseled participants not to give advice but to listen to how others want to be supported and to offer presence, attentiveness, connection, comfort, and hope. “When we try to give them cognitive solutions to heart problems, we miss them altogether,” she cautioned.

“Trauma-informed care is what we do,” shared chaplain Freddie Maye Jenkins of the South Central Conference. “The ministry of presence is what a chaplain does. [This session] was just a confirmation that I am fulfilling my purpose. This is the second Passionate Leader that I’ve attended, and it was just awesome.”

Supporting the event were a number of women-run and women-focused organizations, including enditnow®, a global initiative of the Seventh-day Adventist Church to raise awareness and end violence; Woven Dignity, empowering refugee women with hope through sustainable work; AdventHealthAdventist HealthCareAdventist Women Leaders (AWL); and several more.

The concept of the “Friendship Bench” was also introduced and well-attended, as it was a physical seating place where anyone can meet and share with a trained, compassionate listener.

Integral to the running and success of the event were the tireless efforts of Heather Moor, project manager for the NAD’s Adventist Learning Community, and Marlene Poole, a member of the Rocky Mountain Conference women’s ministries team, who served in countless ways as on-site manager for Passionate Leader and the AWL event that followed. Moor presented a ministry budgeting seminar—adapting materials developed by Poole—and invited Mid-America Union Women’s Ministries director Donna Brown to present on grants.

Moor stepped in to create and present the multigenerational seminar and then acted as moderator for the multigenerational panel. In addition, Moor managed production and logistics to ensure media needs were met. “Without her expertise, leadership, and both up-front and behind-the-scenes work, Passionate Leader could not have happened,” praised Bragaw. “Heather made everyone around her look good because of her incredible way of stepping out of the spotlight to let it shine on others. She truly embodies what a Passionate Leader is!”

Closing the summit, Bragaw brought to attention the stories of the women in the Bible and how crucial they were for the ministries of both Jesus and Moses. She then had every woman stand and declare that they are “Mission Critical” to God’s greater purpose. Bragaw highlighted the ways the enemy, the devil, wants to take leaders’ focus off what is truly important. She also demonstrated vulnerability—a true trait of leadership—with the heartfelt story of the passing of her son at the end of the last summit in 2024.

While the 2025 Passionate Leader Summit was designed for women in ministry, the takeaways from the event were applicable to women in all professions and seasons of life. Old connections were uplifted and new connections made, and the interactive moments and open times provided a forum for women across the division to discuss personal and professional challenges, providing a safe and welcoming space for all during their faith journey.

“I realize how much I can grow, and it was eye-opening to think that the Lord picked me,” commented Margie Hood, Women’s Ministries leader of Barstow Seventh-day Adventist Church in California. “The journey has not been easy, and I am going to do the best I can with the leadership that has been bestowed. I loved [the summit], and I will definitely return, Lord willing.”

—Liz Kirkland is the Rocky Mountain Conference communication director. Republished with permission from NAD News September 17, 2025, article. Photos by Pieter Damsteegt and Liz Kirkland.

Attendees stand during a session at the 2025 NAD Passionate Leader Summit, affirming their calling to lead and disciple other women. Photo: Pieter Damsteegt | NAD
At the Passionate Leader Summit, a multi-generational panel of women raised awareness of the unique characteristics of each generation and how they can work together in the church. Photo: Pieter Damsteegt | NAD
Freddie May Jenkins of the South Central Conference, a chaplain, felt empowered at the end of the NAD’s 2025 Passionate Leader Summit. Photo: Liz Kirkland | RMC
Sarah Gouda-Maka, Women’s Ministries coordinator for the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Canada, shares a laugh will a fellow attendee at the NAD’s Passionate Leader Summit. Photo: Pieter Damsteegt | NAD
24 Sep

GOD’S GRACE: A WONDERFUL GIFT AT THE WESTERN SLOPE WOMEN’S RETREAT

Mona Fellers – Montrose, Colorado … The Western Slope Women’s Retreat, held September 12-14, was an amazing experience as almost 80 women gathered to bask in studies under the retreat theme “Grace is a Gift from God.” The setting was the beautiful Mountaintop Retreat above Montrose, Colorado.

There were beautifully decorated boxes throughout the retreat. To “fill” them, the participants were asked to put a note on the outside of the boxes stating what grace meant to them. In total, 81 notes of God’s grace covered the boxes.

Eilene Field and Thelma Hufman, deaconesses of the Montrose Seventh-day Adventist Church, led out the program on Friday afternoon with an informative and delicious cooking demonstration providing samples for almost 40 women.

The featured speaker was Jeannie Ryan, a nurse practitioner and missionary. Her relatable messages on grace, intermingled with heartfelt stories, were valuable to all those attending.

Alisha Knutsen, member of the Golden Seventh-day Adventist Church, spoke on how the gift of God’s grace makes us perfect through the righteousness of Christ. Linda Johnson, member of the Gand Junction Seventh-day Adventist Church, remarked, “As a storm broke around the mountain retreat, Alisha spoke from her heart about God’s sustaining grace, love, and power. Her message encouraged us to be able to walk through the storms of life and be victorious in Jesus.”

Mona Fellers, Sabbath School secretary for the Torrington Seventh-day Adventist Church in Wyoming, spoke on the grace displayed at Simon’s feast and the alabaster box.

Music swelled on the mountain with the praise team leading with songs celebrating the theme of God’s grace. Women from LaVida Mission* also sang praise songs in English, Navaho, and Spanish, and the girls from Castle Valley Academy in Grand County, Utah, sung acapella in beautiful harmony.

A powerful concert was held Saturday afternoon with familiar Gospel songs and the song, “Edelweiss” by Kenny and Jenifer Easton and Kenny’s mother, Dr. Kresten Mauk. Saturday night was full of talk and laughter, a beautiful sign craft, and chair messages.

Food was prepared ahead by the Western Slope Women’s Retreat team headed up by Judy Kelly, Montrose Church’s Women’s Ministry leader, and Jerilyn Pester, also from the Montrose Church. Several men were kind enough to volunteer to prepare and serve the food and clean up after each meal so the participants could enjoy the retreat.

The attendees also participated in a service project to help LaVida Mission by donating three vacuum cleaners and a variety of cleaning supplies.

Tracy Archuleta, a participant from Salt Lake City, Utah, commented, “I am so thankful to attend the Mountain Top Retreat at Montrose. I have attended twice and am always blessed! I have since invited two other women and one of them invited another woman. They were very blessed as well, and one of them found connections from the past which was another blessing for her.”

She continued, “Judy Kelly is always so helpful in getting registered, and Linda Johnson always makes me feel loved and seen—two very kind ladies. It’s such a joy to come and see them each year and get to know more women of God, which always fills my cup.”

“I enjoyed the cooking demonstrations as well, which were very healthy and delicious. We were given the recipes for them, and I will be making them soon. I also loved the special music and speakers. They were great messages and heavenly voices. Montrose is a special place for me as my parents are from the area and it’s not too far to drive from Salt Lake City,” Archuleta concluded.

The event organizers hope to see everyone next year in the second week in September to take part in a blessed, refreshing experience with God.

* La Vida Mission is a supporting ministry of the Seventh-day Adventist Church but is not affiliated with the Rocky Mountain Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.

—Mona Fellers is the Sabbath School secretary for the Torrington Seventh-day Adventist Church. Photos by Eileen Field, Jerilyn Pester, and Mary Miles.

23 Sep

FAITH STRENGTHENED, MISSION RENEWED IN CHEYENNE

Paulette Yaple – Cheyenne, Wyoming … The Cheyenne Seventh-day Adventist Church in Cheyenne, Wyoming, welcomed back Scott Ritsema, Belt of Truth Ministries* founder, for three presentations, September 13. Ritsema presented messages on various topics during the Sabbath School, worship service, and in the afternoon. On his last visit in late spring of 2021, Ritsema shared presentations from his series “Media on the Brain.”

During Sabbath School, Ritsema shared a captivating and timely message from his “Raising the Remnant” series. Tell Suckut, Cheyenne Church elder, reflected on the message stating, “Scott Ritsema provided valuable instruction on raising children according to God’s plan, showing how modern research has validated the counsel of inspiration. The timeless principles he shared equips parents with the tools to give their children the best opportunity to grow into Christian maturity and choose Christ for themselves.”

Lana Anderson, Cheyenne Church communication director, commented about the presentation during the worship service. She commented, “Scott Ritsema added to a very blessed Sabbath day! The session I found most interesting was ‘The Pilgrims in Providence and Prophecy.’ Ritsema tied the fascinating history of the Puritans and Pilgrims coming to America to prophecy. Particularly interesting was the fact that the first baby born in America to the Pilgrims was Peregrine White, ancestor to James White. God was already at work to raise up His remnant church!”

After an enjoyed fellowship lunch, Ritsema had a final session titled “I Will Not be Moved: the Coming Crisis 2025-2030.” Kevin McDaniel, lead pastor of the Cheyenne district, remarked, “Scott held a faith affirming presentation on end time events and encouraged everyone that the time is now to go forth and give the light of God to our community.”

“Many in attendance recognized the valuable topics shared by Scott and how very blessed we were to have him speak on these subjects,” reflected Paullette Yaple, Chyenne Church communication secretary. “We pray he is able to share again as he and his family are very loved in Cheyenne.”

* Belt of Truth Ministries is a supporting ministry of the Seventh-day Adventist Church but is not affiliated with the Rocky Mountain Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.

—Paulette Yaple is the communication secretary at the Cheyenne Seventh-day Adventist Church. Photo supplied.

23 Sep

CAMPION STUDENTS UPLIFTED BY WEEK OF WORSHIP

Aome Jacob Angeles – Loveland, Colorado … Speaker Andrew Barrett, a registered nurse who now dedicates his time to preaching and teaching the Bible, brought spiritual renewal to Campion Academy students in Loveland, Colorado, during the first Week of Worship of the school year, September 8-12.

This Week of Worship was different because the meetings took place during the morning before any of the classes had started. Luca Lu, a senior student, shared his opinion on the adjustment: “For me, I usually do my devotions in the morning, so it was really great to receive the Word when we had worship in the morning. Not only because I have a clearer mind in the morning, but also because it helped me to set a good vibe for the rest of the day.”

Barrett showed his passion for nursing and preaching. He spoke about the weight of God’s love and God’s yearning for man. He often referred to the Bible and the writings of Ellen G. White, and he also shared his own personal experiences.

Charlie Reeves, a senior student, shared his takeaway from the message, saying “He wasn’t telling us about all the things we’re doing wrong as teenagers, but he was talking about how strong the love of Jesus is. And, if you truly realize how much He loves you, it’d be hard not to love Him back.”

Barrett concluded the Week of Worship with a vespers service. Towards the end of the meeting all the students gathered on the stage, put their arms over each other’s shoulders, and sang “I Surrender All.”

Remembering the week, Barrett remarked, “There was never a moment where I wasn’t connected with the students.”

—Aome Jacob Angeles, Campion Academy Student News Team. Photos by Bruno Lopes.

Watch A Video Recap of the Event Below

Video by Isaac Perez Valles.

18 Sep

ADVENTIST SCHOOLS STRENGTHEN COMMUNITY THROUGH RMC’S THIRD ANNUAL OUTDOOR SCHOOL

RMCNews – Ward, Colorado … For the third year, students from Adventist schools in the Rocky Mountain Conference (RMC) gathered for RMC’s Outdoor School, a joint initiative between the Youth and Education departments, for an experience that blends nature, fellowship, and faith.

Sixty-one students representing Mile High Academy (MHA), Brighton Adventist Academy, Lighthouse Seventh-day Christian School, Springs Adventist Academy, and Greeley’s Adventist Christian School (ACS) came together at Glacier View Ranch (GVR) in Ward, Colorado, for the much-anticipated event, September 10–12.

“I think it’s a great opportunity for the kids to get out in nature and learn some skills that they might not learn otherwise. Being able to bring them out here, connecting with other students from around the conference, and the spiritual atmosphere is always great, too. It’s just an all-around good experience for them,” commented Will Reed, ACS principal and fifth through eighth grade teacher.

Typically, eighth-grade students camp at GVR’s Pathfinder Village while fifth through seventh graders stay in the camps cabins. This year, however, everyone experienced tent camping. “Our hope is to return to the traditional setup next year,” shared Diane Harris, RMC Education director and Superintendent. “But this year’s all-camping format turned out to be a great experience.”

A highlight of this year’s Outdoor School was the involvement of three students from Union Adventist University’s (UAU) International Rescue and Relief program. They led hands-on sessions, teaching wilderness first aid and assisting Jade Teal, RMC Youth assistant director, with rappelling.

One UAU student, Sally Marie Trana, attended a similar program in her youth in Minnesota, and was overjoyed to be invited to volunteer: “I loved it when I was a camper.” She continued remarking on how excited the children have been to participate saying, “They’ve been so enthusiastic … yesterday was wilderness first aid, and they were like, ‘oh my goodness, I’m so excited.’ So, they are having a lot of fun.”

Other activities included water filtration, orienteering, shelter building, and more. Camilla, an eighth-grade student from Lighthouse remarked enjoying carving soap and the rope activities and seventh-grade student Gideon enjoyed capture the flag.

Beyond outdoor skills, the heart of the event was the chance to bring schools together. Teachers and students alike expressed excitement about reconnecting from previous years and deepening relationships. Harris explained, “it’s a great opportunity to bring all our schools together, to bring our teachers together, and to focus on spirituality and Adventist education.”

The lack of cell phone coverage also added value. Without screens, students immersed themselves in conversation, games, and community. “The kids are engaged with each other here in a way they don’t get back in the city,” Harris shared.

As the worships closed each evening, the students left not only with new outdoor skills but with a stronger sense of belonging—to each other, to their schools, and to God.

Heidi Carpenter, associate pastor of LifeSource Adventist Fellowship, assisted at RMC Outdoor School and commented, “I appreciate that the kids can come together from different schools and learn things in a different setting than the classroom. They get to learn how to deal with challenges and how to face them together.”

“And there’s always the worship times where we focus on how to handle our challenges with God,” Carpenter continued. “There’s a lot of focus on positive thinking, and that we can’t overcome difficulties on our own, it’s something that comes through our relationship with God.”

—RMCNews. Photos by Liz Kirkland.

18 Sep

CAMPION STUDENT LEADERS GAIN KNOWLEDGE AT UAU CONFERENCE

Pam Lah – Lincoln, Nebraska … A selected group of nine student leaders from Campion Academy (CA) in Loveland, Colorado, went to Union Adventist University (UAU) in Lincoln, Nebraska, to strengthen their leadership skills at a three-day conference along with student officers from different Adventist academies, September 4-7.

Over the three days, the student leaders worked with other students in groups, and had sessions with UAU leaders, getting to hear about emotional intelligence, leading like Moses, and more.

“This was my first time sponsoring this trip and I was impressed by the practical and valuable lessons that the students learned about leadership. I’m excited to see how the Campion student leaders use what they experienced to better lead our community,” expressed Erin Johnson, CA’s English and Drama teacher and sponsor.

During their free time, students got to intermingle with UAU alumni and students from other schools, socializing together and enjoying each other’s company.

Marc Winokan, a senior student and resident advisor, shared, “Not only did we learn how to be better Christ-like leaders, but we also had lots of fun hanging out with the other academies and alumni. It was so fun, it felt like I was on a mission trip.”

—Pam Lah, Campion Academy Student News Team. Photos supplied.

17 Sep

NEWDAY CHURCH NXTGEN STUDENT ON A MISSION

Newday NewsFlash – Parker, Colorado … Traveling outside the U.S. to another country broadens horizons, increases cultural awareness, and provides opportunity for personal growth. When international travel is a mission trip with opportunity to live out your beliefs in tangible ways, the experience is transformative.

For these reasons and more, Newday Adventist Church in Parker, Colorado, provides scholarships for students to experience a mission trip. When they return, the students share their stories in hope of inspiring others to serve.

This summer, Noah, son of Aaron and Becca Dickerson, went on a mission trip with his grandparents and an organization called, Quiet Hour. Here’s Noah’s story:

Noah, where did you go and what was the purpose of this trip?

I was excited to go to Ulaanbaatar, the capital city of Mongolia! It’s a regular, big city with tall buildings and lots of traffic. The purpose of our trip was to tell people about Jesus and put on health clinics to provide basic medical support.

What was your role on the trip?

I learned to take blood pressure and tested people for reading glasses. I also helped my grandpa preach. We visited local church members in their homes to get acquainted and pray with them.

What are some of your favorite memories?

I helped preach a sermon where we showed part of the Jesus Movie on the topic of heaven. The church where we met was called, Light on a Hill. It was actually on top of a hill and the surroundings were beautiful. At the end of our week of preaching, there were 20 baptisms.

Did you do anything fun?

Yes! We saw the Chinggis Khaan statue, which was really cool. It’s an enormous statue on top of a building. We saw a famous landmark called Turtle Rock. I also rode a camel. It was creepy and hairy.

Noah, what advice would you give someone who hasn’t gone on a mission trip?

Definitely go. It’s fun and a really good experience. You can help change a lot of lives!

Newday will be going on a mission trip to Peru this next summer. Watch for details and consider going!

—Republished with permission from the September 10, 2025, edition of Newday’s NewsFlash. Photos supplied.