Rocky Mountain Conference of Seventh-day Adventists

11 May

ADVENTURER FUN DAY RETURNS AFTER A TWO-YEAR ABSENCE

RMCNews with Brent Learned – Loveland, Colorado … Campion Academy was full of laughter, fellowship, and the sounds of 130 children, 6-9 years old, as Adventurer clubs from around Rocky Mountain Conference gathered May 1 for the annual Adventurer Fun Day.

A program for kids ages 6-9, Adventurers get together weekly or biweekly to develop friendships, learn about Jesus, and build skills similar to those learned in Pathfinders but age-appropriate for younger kids.

Everyone was excited to gather again and expressed their happiness. “This was the first Fun Day event after COVID, and it was awesome seeing the smiling faces of the Adventurers again,” said Serena Laubscher, RMC Adventurer coordinator.

Fun Day started with Adventurers lining up by club outside the gymnasium for a parade. They marched club by club, proudly displaying their own unique banner for all to see into the gym. Following the parade, clubs stood together and sang the Adventurer song, followed by a nature-themed worship given by Adventurer coordinator David Graham.

Then it was time to celebrate by presenting trophies and awards to the clubs who had worked diligently to earn at least 1,000 points for their participation in various ministry and outreach events throughout the year and who had demonstrated exceptional club attendance.

After celebrating their achievements, it was time for the kids to enjoy lunch by visiting the food booths set up by four clubs, selling delicious foods ranging from tamales to cotton candy. The booths were a great opportunity for clubs to raise money to support their future activities and ministry.

Following lunch, Adventurers rotated through activity stations where they could make art and craft projects at several indoor stations or run relay races, kick a soccer ball, and play other active games.

As the Adventurers departed Campion Academy, the kids talked with old friends and new acquaintances about how much fun they had learning, eating, and playing together at Fun Day.

Reflecting on the event, Brent Learned, RMC assistant youth director, said, “Serena Laubscher and David Graham, along with several other Adventurer and Pathfinder leaders, did such a great job organizing and running a wonderful Fun Day event so kids could have fun growing in Christ together.”

— RMCNews with Brent Learned; photos supplied

11 May

AHU DENVER HOLDS FIRST GRADUATION CEREMONY

By Katie Shaw – Littleton, Colorado … Thirty-one students graduated from AdventHealth University (AHU) Denver on May 3. The ceremony, held at Littleton Adventist Church, was the first in-person commencement for the Denver campus.

All graduates were healthcare-focused and their areas of focus included sonography, nursing, and radiography.

“The AHU Denver faculty and staff were so excited to be able to celebrate with our students at this graduation event,” said Katie Shaw, AHU Denver Chief Operations Officer. “The majority of our graduates began their programs at the beginning of COVID and were remote for the better part of two years, so to celebrate in person was extra special.”

Barbara Nelson, EdD, RN, retired vice chair of Nursing for AHU Denver, delivered the keynote address titled “The Reason for the Hope We Have.” She affirmed the graduates for their choice to serve their community amid a pandemic. She reminded them that they will have the unique opportunity to be Christ’s hands to their patients as they enter hospitals and clinics to serve.

Chaplain Dany Hernandez, Director of Mission Integration at Porter Adventist Hospital, offered the invocation for graduation. Chaplain Hernandez has been an adjunct professor with AHU for more than ten years, teaching many of the graduating students a course called Philosophy of Healthcare.

AHU President and CEO Edwin Hernandez, Ph.D., based in Florida, attended and performed the graduation ceremony and official degree conferral. Dr. Hernandez charged the graduates to “live lives of devotion to God and concern for your fellow human beings; to be true witnesses in the world to the One who has made and redeemed you.”

AHU Denver graduates achieve above-average pass rates on national licensure exams, and nearly all gain employment within the Centura Health system upon graduation.

For more information on AdventHealth University Denver and its academic programs, please visit www.ahu.edu/denver.

–Katie Shaw, AHU Denver Chief Operations Officer; photos supplied

10 May

Noise-Induced Hearing Loss in Children

By AdventHealth … In our modern world of earbuds, headphones, surround sound and electronic versions of everything, life can get pretty noisy. We don’t always think about how these sounds affect our hearing in the long run, especially for the littlest ears.

Noise-induced hearing loss can occur if your little ones are exposed to loud noises for long periods. While that may sound scary, the good news is that it’s preventable. We’re here with all you need to know about this specific kind of hearing loss in kids and how to protect the most sensitive ears.

What Is Noise-Induced Hearing Loss?

Noise-induced hearing loss is sensory deafness caused by long-term exposure to a noisy environment. Auditory fatigue can happen temporarily, such as at a rock concert, and hearing can gradually recover after leaving the loud environment. However, staying in a noisy environment for a prolonged period can permanently impair hearing, which is especially concerning for children.

What Causes Noise-Induced Hearing Loss?

Societal changes mean that people are more likely to be exposed to noise on a regular, ongoing basis. While damage to the inner ears can happen from sudden, extremely loud noises like an explosion, it’s the cumulative effect of exposure to excessive noise that we might now consider “white noise,” (such as a lawnmower outside) that can gradually damage hearing.

Most children and teens use earbuds and headphones to listen to music and participate in online school activities. Now, more than being exposed to outside noise, our kids are streaming loud sounds directly into their ears. They may not show the signs immediately, but without taking precautions, their hearing and quality of life could be affected later in life.

Symptoms of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss

Difficulty hearing is the main symptom of noise-induced hearing loss. Your child may have symptoms like:

Buzzing or ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
Normal conversation may sound muffled or unclear
Trouble hearing soft or faint sounds

How to Prevent Noise-Induced Hearing Loss

The best thing you can do is to protect your children from loud noises. That may seem like a daunting task since noises like these are all around us:

Appliances such as hair dryers, food processors or blenders
Concerts, sporting events and movie theaters
Equipment such as leaf blowers and lawnmowers
Music from smartphones with the volume turned up too high
Power tools
Televisions turned up too loud
Traffic or subway noise

Think about keeping the volume low on the TV, radio and other listening devices, teaching your children to keep their volume at a reasonable level when listening to their headphones or earbuds, and limiting how often they use them.

Also, we typically think of earphones as noise-inducing, but noise-canceling earphones or earbuds are great to protect children’s ears if you’re at a noisy event or there is something loud going on outside. They’re also great for children who are extra sensitive to loud noises when visiting lively places like theme parks or festivals.

When to See a Doctor

If you notice hearing loss symptoms in your child, it’s best to visit their health care provider. Your child’s doctor will ask questions about their hearing and do an examination with close attention to the ears. Your child may be referred for hearing testing.

At AdventHealth, our world-class pediatric providers specialize in childhood diabetes, allergies, cancer, neurology and more. We’re here for every milestone and growing pain, supporting your child’s healthy growth through evidence-based, whole-person medical treatments for kids at every age and stage.

Learn more about our pediatric care for healthier, happier kids.

–AdventHealth; photo supplied

This article was originally published on AdventHealth’s website

09 May

REFLECTING ON PAT CHAPMAN’S 25 YEARS OF SERVICE

By Jon Roberts – Denver, Colorado … Many changes have happened in the last 25 years; but one thing that hasn’t changed for RMC education is Pat Chapman, administrative assistant for education.

At the end of April, Chapman announced she was retiring at the end of the school year in order to spend more time with her family. She has seen many changes in RMC, working under three education directors and four RMC presidents and seeing technological advances that weren’t even being thought of when she began her work in RMC.

For Chapman, the current technology has been the biggest change. “When I started here,” Chapman explains, “probably two or three times a week, I would send out a hundred envelopes of information. Now I do it with one click of the computer.”

Her greatest joy and what she will miss the most is the opportunity to work with the teachers. “They have allowed me not to just work for them, but they’ve just involved me in their families and their work.”

For the teachers, Chapman is more than just an administrative assistant. She is a voice of encouragement and hope. “We teachers could not do half of what we do if it weren’t for Pat’s endless support. Pat ‘gets us’ and provides such outstanding support to us that we are left super-charged to press forward with a fresh amount of enthusiasm. Thank you, Pat, for being used by the Holy Spirit to educate His children for eternity. We will miss you dearly,” said Jodie Aakko, headteacher at Brighton Adventist Academy.

Jami Dove, second through fourth-grade teacher at Intermountain Adventist Academy, echoed Aakko’s sentiments. “I remember back to my first teaching job straight out of college. Pat was the first person to greet me when I entered the conference office to complete the new hire paperwork. Her smile put me at ease. She showed me how to use the laminator in the workroom, and she gave me a welcome package of goodies. Upon returning to teach in RMC some 15 years later, it felt like coming home to be welcomed once again by Pat’s warm smile.”

Chapman is well known for going the extra mile to assist teachers and letting them know they are appreciated.

Reflecting on Chapman’s ministry, Ed Barnett, former RMC president, commented, “Nothing made Pat happier than to spoil and love the teachers all over this conference. She would go out of her way to find nice things to do for the teachers, especially when they would have their retreat just before the school year began each year.”

According to Diane Harris, RMC education director, “Pat has been more than just administrative office support; she has been a friend, confidant, and cheerleader for the teachers in RMC. Her love for Jesus and her heart for ministry is evident in every conversation, and she will be missed.”

Lonnie Hetterle, former RMC education director, reflected on the impact Chapman has had on his life and the lives of so many teachers. “When I first met Pat Chapman nearly 30 years ago, I had no idea of the impact she would have on not only my life. but the lives of countless teachers, administrators, parents, students, and so many others. There are many adjectives that come to mind that I associate with Pat, but probably the one that stands out is ‘caring.’”

He added, “Over the years that I have worked with Pat, I have been impressed with her endless desire to be of service and to make a positive difference in the lives of those she comes into contact with. She has displayed in her life the ‘hands and feet of Jesus.’ Through her many talents, she has touched many families and individuals, given them hope and encouragement, and pointed them to Jesus.”

Chapman’s other passion is cooking and eagerness to host countless office and executive committee lunches and retirement parties.

Don Reeder, Campion Academy principal recalls meeting Chapman for the first time by partaking in a meal she had made. “My first connection with Pat was when I asked ‘Who prepared this fantastic meal.’ She was so good at feeding others. Then I got to know who she was and how she cared so deeply for the teachers and staff of RMC. She worked tirelessly to make sure programs were well planned and executed. I was struck by the flair she would always bring to any occasion. Things like, nice packaging, thoughtful snacks, and colorful decorations. I am proud to have served with Pat in RMC. I will miss her.”

Hetterle commented, “The Rocky Mountain Conference will never be quite the same without ‘ketchup loaf, chicken salad sandwiches, and that wonderful soup that inspires people to fellowship and helps them to feel that they are in a safe place. As Pat retires, we all wish her the very best and want to give her the biggest thank-you ever for her years of life-impacting service and total dedication.

Dove said one of her memories was Chapman randomly showing up on the Western Slope to serve hot lunch to the entire school. “She just has a way of making people feel comfortable.”

Barnett said, “I have worked in six conferences, and I don’t recall a conference that put more TLC into their teachers than the Rocky Mountain Conference. Pat, you will be sorely missed! But I want to congratulate you on your retirement and [hope you] have fun with your kids and grandchildren.”

Chapman wants to be remembered as a servant leader. “There is a quote by Maya Angelou,” she explains that reads, “‘People will not remember what you said or what you did, but they’ll remember how you made them feel.’ And I hope that when people remember me, they remember me for taking care of them, for being interested in them. I feel like I’m a servant leader, and I want people to know that I cared for them.”

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

05 May

FUN RUN PAYS OFF FOR IAA

By Sandi Adcox – Grand Junction, Colorado … The numbers are in, and they exceeded expectations from last month’s Elevate Kids fun run in Grand Junction. Intermountain Adventist Academy (IAA) and Kids Aid split the $14,000 raised by the event.

IAA plans to use its share of the profits to help expand the school and to offer ninth and tenth grades in the 2022 – 2023 school year.

Elevate Kids, a non-profit organization created by IAA board chairman, Doug McCaw II, and his wife, Melinda, aims to “help kids one step at a time.” Their first fundraiser was a documentary, “Chasing the Sky,” capturing the McCaw’s 490-mile, 18-day run on the Colorado Trail in July 2020.

The second fundraiser (the Fun Run on April 10) was a huge success, with 255 registrants participating in a timed run with options for a 2.5K, a 5K, or a 10K race, and supported by many local sponsors and volunteers.

Elevate Kids’ next fundraising event is scheduled for July 2022, when the McCaw’s will again run the Colorado Trail, setting out to break the fastest-known time in approximately seven days. Another documentary, “Chasing the Sky Again,” will be created, with proceeds going to IAA and Kids Aid.

With the success of the Fun Run, organizers are already planning the 2023 Fun Run for April 16, 2023

— Sandi Adcox is a Grand Junction Adventist Church member and Elevate Kids Run team member; photos supplied

05 May

CHALLENGES, HOPES, AND THE FUTURE OF RMC EDUCATION – PART 2

We continue with our three-part series on RMC education. In this section, we will look at how inflation and the nationwide shortage of teachers are affecting RMC education. We will also discover how anyone who wishes to enroll their child in an RMC school, can do so regardless of finances. Looking ahead to next week, we will be asking Diane Harris, RMC education director, and Paul Negrete, associate director of education, how RMC’s two academies are faring and about the future of Campion and Mile High Academy.

NN: We know that the economy these days is hard to adjust to, with inflation and the cost of living increases. The cost of Adventist education is continuing to rise every year. Is the Rocky Mountain Conference ensuring Adventist education remains affordable so that any child can attend regardless of finances?

Diane Harris: The beauty of our system is that every one of our school treasurers and principals never want any family to miss attending our schools because of finances. There is the strongest commitment to ensuring that those students are able to come to our school.

Our structure is that our income primarily comes from tuition, either from churches or from parents. There’s a lot of fundraising at our schools to meet the needs of those families who need the extra support.

NN: If there is a family who wishes to send their child to Campion Academy, but they know the finances won’t allow them to send their child, what would be your advice to that family?

Diane Harris: My advice to the family is, do not hesitate to reach out to Campion. There are resources available for any family. Campion works very hard to make sure that finances do not hinder enrollment.

Paul Negrete: This goes for all of our schools. Go take a tour, look at the school and speak to the administration.

They have a variety of ways to help your student get into school. I haven’t heard of any stories at all where a student goes to Campion or any of our schools and, for financial reasons, doesn’t get in.

Diane Harris: Absolutely. Dean Helm at Campion has a passion for working with these families to make sure that they’re able to send their children.

NN: Our school enrollment is increasing, and that brings unique challenges in hiring teachers for the increased number of students. As of the end of April, RMC has 17 open positions for the next school year. Are you worried?

Diane Harris: At the end of the day, these are God’s schools, and I believe that He has someone for each of these positions. Some of the openings are transitions from teachers within our conference to another school within the conference.

I’m excited about the possibilities. We’re conversing with some strong candidates right now, and this week and next, we’ve got interviews. It’s definitely a time that I’ve never seen before with the number of resumes coming in versus the number of openings that we have.

NN: Other than praying for the fulfillment of these openings, what are some steps RMC members can do concerning these openings? Can they reach out to teachers they know?

Diane Harris: I think that if they know of someone who is a strong teacher, someone that they are connected to, they could encourage them to explore the option of working in the Rocky Mountain Conference. That’s the best way to recruit.

NN: How about teachers who have recently retired but want to help for a few years. Would you welcome them to apply?

Diane Harris: Absolutely, yes!

NN: What happens if these positions don’t get filled?

Diane Harris: Glenwood Springs, for example, would like to reopen, and yet they feel like they would rather stay closed than bring in the wrong candidate. They are trusting in God’s timing. And if now’s not the time to reopen, they will wait until the right candidate comes.

NN: Are there any schools that are in danger of closing because of the teacher shortage?

Paul Negrete: I don’t know that we immediately have any schools in danger of closing. We’ve gone through different scenarios, and maybe at first it looked like that might be an option, but thankfully, I don’t think we’re there yet.

There have been some last-minute people who have come through. The last-minute people are, again, God’s direction, but I think we’re going to be fairly shored up.

We may have to tighten the belt here and there. We may have to combine some classes in some schools and make some adjustments. I don’t think, at least right now, unless something drastically changes, that we’re going to have to close a school.

Diane Harris: Everyone in schools, including our teachers, cares deeply about the families and the students because of their love for Jesus and it’s transmitted into their teaching. I think that’s why we’re growing. And that’s why we’re not without challenges, but I’m really proud of our schools.

–RMCNews; photo supplied

05 May

MILE HIGH ACADEMY ROBOTICS TEAM SCORES BIG IN FLORIDA

RMCNews with Rebecca Berg – Highlands Ranch, Colorado … RoboStangs, the robotics team from Mile High Academy, won second place at the First Tech Challenge (FTC) Adventist Robotic league competition at Forest Lake Academy in Florida.

Robotics is a year-long elective class where students work together to build a robot to compete in this competition. The task given the robot this year was to move blocks and other objects to a three-tiered tower. The teams could also earn points by spinning a horizontal wheel that could be loaded with rubber duckies, and each rubber ducky they successfully got into the arena earned them points.

Reflecting on the event, MHA junior Seth said, “It was a really fun experience driving the robot, meeting other robotics teams, and talking to them about their designs. Our team did so much better than I could have imagined, and I am proud of the work we did.”

MHA went up against eleven other teams from all over the United States–from California to North Dakota. In the qualification round, MHA came in fourth, and from there, starting with first place, each team chose another team to form an alliance. MHA formed an alliance with the Senjus team from Raleigh, North Carolina, and worked together to place second in the overall competition.

The Robotics tournament was not the only exciting experience students had in Florida. They also spent time at the AdventHealth Celebration, where doctors showed them new robotic technology that is revolutionizing the health industry. A favorite was the Davinci Robot, which allows doctors to do precise surgeries using robotic tools controlled outside the operation room. Students were able to try out the technology by playing a game of Operation using the robot. The Mustangs from Oregon won first place in this competition.

During the Lockheed Martin tour, students learned about the Orion capsule, among other space technology. That was followed by an afternoon at the Space Kennedy Center. Of course, there was a trip to the beach, where students played volleyball, played in the waves, and witnessed the Falcon Nine launch.

Remarking on the Orion capsule, Seth said, “Besides the competition, I really enjoyed seeing the Orion capsule up close and visiting the Kennedy Space Center. I am looking forward to the competition again next year.”

Sponsor of the trip, Rebecca Berg, high school teacher and chaplain said. “As a sponsor of this trip, I am unbelievably proud of the hard work and perseverance these students showed. Their fun spirits and positive attitudes made this trip enjoyable and memorable. As competitors, they were the epitome of our CHERISH core values, helping and cheering for the other teams. I look forward to next year, seeing them take on the next robotic challenge and the different challenges it will bring. Congratulations on your second-place win RoboStangs!”

–RMCNews with Rebecca Berg, MHA high school teacher and chaplain; photos supplied

05 May

CAMPION DRAMA TEAM PERFORMS FOR BRIGHTON CHURCH

By Brie Bell – Brighton, Colorado … Campion Academy’s drama team was welcomed by Brighton Adventist church as they shared their talents during the April 30 worship service.

The students shared skits, songs, poems, and testimonies providing a unique worship experience for the members.

Reflecting on the special Sabbath service, Campion student Lexi shared, “I really enjoyed performing with the Campion drama team. Everyone’s testimonies were really good, and I felt very blessed. I’m so glad I got to sing with Christine, and I’m very happy that the Brighton church welcomed us to do their church service.”

Seth, a sophomore at Campion, shared a testimony about health issues while he was a baby and how God worked a miracle to heal him. “I was very nervous going up front, but I’m glad I was able to go up and share how I have seen God’s work in my own life,” he said.

The service had an impact on the students performing but also on the Brighton members. “Seeing the drama group take charge, organize, and perform the church service assured me that God is truly working through Campion Academy to impact the students’ lives and those they come in contact with,” reflected Rex Bell, Brighton church elder.

To end the special weekend, the students, enjoyed watching a performance of Singin’ in the Rain at the Candlelight Theater on Sunday.

“I really enjoyed the production of Singin’ in the Rain. The food they served was delicious! The production was impressive with the actors, set designs, and a neat water feature. The whole trip was a fun experience,” commented Kayleigh, Campion junior.

–Brie Bell, guest writes for Campion Academy; photos supplied

05 May

REFLECTION: THE LORD STIRRED CYRUS

By Lester Bentley … “Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, so that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and also put it in writing saying, Thus says Cyrus king of Persia: All the kingdoms of the earth the LORD God of heaven has given me. And He has commanded me to build Him a house at Jerusalem which is in Judah.” (Ezra 1:1, 2)

“The LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus.” The Lord can stir the hearts of kings. “The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: He turns it whithersoever He will.” (Proverbs 21:1)

We may not have access to the king or the ruler of the land, but we may pray as Daniel did, and God can touch the heart and spirit of the king on his throne.

According to the historian Josephus, Daniel had read the prophecies of Isaiah and Jeremiah to King Cyrus. He pointed out that God had named him a hundred years before he was born. It must have stirred the young king to hear his name read out in the ancient scrolls of the prophets, Isaiah and Jeremiah.

But we may ask, “What caused Daniel to instruct the king? What allowed Daniel to speak with Cyrus?”

Yes, indeed, Daniel was a high official in the Persian government. His close encounters with the king may have allowed him to talk with the king about different situations. The king was undoubtedly impressed with Daniel and the wisdom Daniel possessed from his years in the Babylonian court.

But instead, it was the result of Daniel remaining faithful during one of the most challenging and trying times of his life that opened the door.

In Daniel 1, Daniel spearheads a movement by himself and his three friends to remain faithful to God. Late in his life, Satan directs certain officials in the Persian court to become jealous of Daniel. They trick Darius into passing laws making it illegal for Daniel to worship his God.

Daniel follows through on the commitment made in Daniel 1 by remaining faithful, as we see in Daniel 6. As a result, the situation looks hopeless as Daniel is reported to Darius, the king. The law states that those failing to comply must be thrown to the lions.

As a result, Daniel spends the night talking with lions. The following day, having received protection from God and fulfilling the requirements of the law, Daniel is rescued from the lions. Who could have accounted for his surviving a night with the lions?

What an impact Daniel had through his experience with the lions. Note this passage from the book Prophets and Kings by Ellen G. White.

“The deliverance of Daniel from the den of lions had been used of God to create a favorable impression upon the mind of Cyrus the Great . . . . And now, just at the time God had said He would cause His temple at Jerusalem to be rebuilt, He moved upon Cyrus as His agent to discern the prophecies concerning himself, with which Daniel was so familiar, and to grant the Jewish people their liberty.” (p. 557)

“Thus says the LORD to his anointed, Cyrus, whose right hand I have hold of.” “He shall build my city, and he shall let go my captives, not for price nor reward, says the LORD of hosts.” (Isaiah 45:1, 13)

“That the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled.” Daniel had learned by studying the prophecies of Jeremiah and Isaiah that the time allotted for the exile was to end after seventy years. He believed God’s word and began to pray earnestly to fulfill the prophecy (see Daniel 9). When Daniel began to pray, God began to work. Is God’s “doing” dependent upon our “asking?” Yes.

Often God’s work allows us to be placed in uncomfortable circumstances. A figurative “lion’s den.” These experiences may come from “loss of personal wealth or financial health. It may come as the loss of our health, family, and friends.” Or people that we dearly love suffer the same losses of money, health, or family. These three, money, health, and family, are Satan’s favorite ways to test the people of God.

As with Daniel, people are watching, looking to see how you respond as a Christian. Your response can mean the difference between another seeking Christ or rejecting Christ.

—Lester Bentley is the pastor of Gillette, Wyoming church district; photo by UnSplash

04 May

SEVEN BAPTIZED AT MOUNTAIN VIEW CHURCH

RMCNews with Tim Jones – Longmont, Colorado … The Mountain View Adventist Church recently concluded a three-week outreach series with seven individuals publicly declaring their commitment to Jesus through baptism on April 23.

The series, sponsored by the Hispanic group at the church, featured Daniel Miranda from Columbia.

The gatherings included several community members, some of whom learned about the meetings by traversing by the church. Tim Jones, Mountain View Adventist Church pastor, recalls such a visitor.

“We had a gentleman walk by the church a week before the meetings started and he came inside where we were having a prayer meeting. This gentleman said that he felt impressed to stop and come in. He was a practicing Baptist, but had recently had difficulty reconciling the Sabbath with what he had been taught.”

Jones added, “This gentleman came to the meetings, every one of them, and decided to accept the love of God that is demonstrated in His word and become a part of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. It was a privilege to baptize him.”

The church is studying with five additional individuals who attended the series in preparation for a future baptism.

The Mountain View members plan to hold several community outreach gatherings and another series of Bible meetings in the fall.

“We are praying for God’s grace to be extended and accepted by the people in our community,” Jones said.

–RMCNews with Tim Jones, pastor of Mountain Views Adventist Church district; photos supplied