Rocky Mountain Conference of Seventh-day Adventists

21 Oct

REDEFINING ADVENTISM

The very title, “Redefining Adventism,” is provocative to some, and a “hair-on-fire” threat to others. So, let me define how I see redefining. First it is not degrading, dumping, or abandoning salvific pillars of the faith we hold and teach. It is an attempt to make present truth… well… present, and attractively applicable to contemporary people inside and outside the church.

The very name of the denomination lays out two major components of belief: Sabbath as the seventh day of the week and looking for the return of Jesus in His second advent/coming.

As Adventists, we speak and write often and passionately about “present truth.” At the same time, we tend to look back to the idealized historical “golden days” and pioneers of the church. There is a danger that we can be so focused on the methods and wrappings of the past that we make the core beliefs of the church look quaint, like the straw-brimmed hats and horse drawn buggies of the Pennsylvania Dutch. “Back to the Future” was a stellar title for a movie, but not much of a cogent mantra for a current and future movement. After all, a movement moves. It is not a static monument to the past.

The church has essentially held to core beliefs, and at the same time has been able to make a bridge between the past and the present. Things have changed. The Old Testament sacrificial rituals ceased. The Jerusalem Temple was destroyed. Past practices gave way to present realities and a focus on both the current situations and solutions, with an eye to future changes. Look at the conversion of Cornelius in Acts 10, and the council of Jerusalem in Acts 15. These were seismic shifts in how things were done. These shifts made truth truly present.

We need not, in fact should not, abandon pillar beliefs that are salvation related, but there is value in how we (wrap) present them to others. As an example: when I was a kid, it was fun and acceptable to wrap gifts in the colorful Sunday funny papers. The gift was encased in colorful panels of recognized cultural icons. Sometimes the gift might be wrapped in a recycled brown paper bag (we were “green” and did not know it). Today, if you gave a gift to your fiancé, or a dignitary, using those wrappings, it might evoke a seriously different response. The gift might be the same, but the presentation/wrapping could seriously detract from the gift itself.

What might a redefining of Sabbath look like?

Past truth style: “The Bible says the seventh-day is the Sabbath, and I can proof text it, so you must keep the seventh day as Sabbath!” This can look like my need to set you straight; it is information based.

Present truth style: “God is so loving and kind He designed a special down time every week so we would not burn out. It is a time when we can connect with family, and with Him in worship. He called it ‘Sabbath,’ and it happens every Saturday!” (An appeal to current needs. Relationship based, not just information based). Or “Birthdays are great celebrations! God wants to celebrate the birth of our world – not just once a year – but once a week. The seventh-day Sabbath is a celebration of His goodness and loving power. Come join me as we celebrate His creative work for, in, and through us!”

Same truth. Different presentations.

What might “redefining” the Advent look like?

Past truth style: “EARTH’S FINAL WARNING!”** There is terror and trouble ahead! You better be prepared for the wrathful return of the Almighty. If you are not ready – it is as Jonathan Edwards said – ‘God holds you over the pit of hell, much as one holds a spider…over the fire, abhors you, and is dreadfully provoked…. You hang by a slender thread, with the flames of divine wrath flashing about it, and ready every moment to singe it.’”

Admittedly, that’s compellingly graphic, but not very appealing unless you are a masochist. It’s like Barron Von Trapp, in The Sound of Music, lining up his children for a chilling inspection to spot any defects that causes them to stand ram-rod fearful (but not lovingly) in his presence.

Present truth style: “Jesus said He would return to earth, and when He does, it will be magnificent! It is like when dad went away/deployed, and we all longed for his return. We waited and looked forward to that so we could be together again after a long absence. We looked eagerly for that time, and to a happy reunion where we could be together again, and we could invite our neighbors to rejoice with us!”

Same truth. Different presentation.

I spent a combat tour in Vietnam and did not see our children for a full year. Suppose Ardis had prepared them for my return by saying, “Dad is coming back, so you better have your hair combed – every single one in place – and be sure your shoes are polished, and that your room is without a speck of dust for his inspection. If there are any flaws, he will give you a whipping that will make you sorely sorry!” Would they eagerly anticipate my return, or dread it, and hope that my return would be delayed?

Rephrasing Redefining

Maybe redefining would best be called reframing. Rather than focus on the negatives, focus on the positive aspects of Sabbath and the second coming, as well as other doctrines. Fear can motivate people, but fear wears off quickly. Fear is a poor long-term motivator. Positive anticipation is much more productive and long lasting.

In the Gospel of Luke 15, there are three stories of being lost. The sheep is lost: one out of a hundred. The coin is lost: one out of ten. The son is lost: one out of two. When each is found, there is positive joy and open celebration. The focus of each story is on the “found” portion, not a long lament on the “lost” negative portion.

Look at Daniel 7:22. It talks about the judgment (the very word frightens most people) and says, “…the Ancient of Days came and pronounced judgment in favor of the saints of the Most High, and the time came when they possessed the kingdom.” Like the stories of the lost in Luke, the focus is on the positive reality of judgment. Oh, to be sure, there are beasts and scary things Daniel writes about, but they all lead up to a superbly positive climax for those who love and receive God. That is the Good News we are to proclaim. That is the focus we are called to share.

The whole sweep of the Great Controversy theme through history leads to one conclusion: God wins! And those who have a positive relationship with Him are winners too!

Keeping Sabbath won’t save me. Knowing all the dates, details, prophetic interpretations, and speculations about the time of Jesus’ return won’t save me. Fear, demands, and proof-texts won’t save me. The only thing that will save any of us is an abiding, positive, ongoing relationship with Jesus. Maybe we could focus more on the Son than the signs, on the relationship than the rules.

Perhaps redefining Adventism is more about reframing how we share. How we see and wrap our message. That might really be the essence of present truth: the kind of truth that reflects the incredibly good news of the Gospel–good news as an invitation, rather than band news as a threat. The kind of present truth that motivates us positively Monday morning, and every day.

Dick Stenbakken, Ed.D., retired Army Chaplain (Col.), served as director of Adventist Chaplaincy Services at the General Conference and North American Division. With his wife Ardis, he lives in Loveland, Colorado. Email him at [email protected]

**The title of a currently advertised Adventist evangelistic promotion piece.

21 Oct

DISAPPOINTMENT REVISITED

When asked to imagine the Adventist Church in 2022, my mind mysteriously jumped to 1976.

In 1976, when I was 7, the United States celebrated the bicentennial of the Declaration of Independence. I remember a great celebration, where almost everything was red, white and blue for almost the whole year (including Colorado’s license plates).

As one raised Seventh-day Adventist and who attended Seventh-day Adventist parochial schools, I remember hearing the history of the church’s formation. So, it struck me forcefully that October 22, 2022, marks the 178^th anniversary of the Great Disappointment.[1]

I did a bit more math as well. In 2022, we are celebrating William Miller’s 240^th birthday.[2] We are celebrating Joseph Bates’ 230^th birthday.[3] We are celebrating James White’s 201^st birthday.[4] And we are celebrating Ellen G. White’s 195^th birthday.[5]

In other words, our pioneers (and William Miller) all have attained (or are approaching) their own bicentennials, and the bicentennial of the Great Disappointment itself creeps inexorably towards us. We have been living in the “in-between time” after the Great Disappointment and before the Second Coming for approaching two centuries.

Our pioneers are now much like the heroes listed in Hebrews: “Yet all these, though they were commended for their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better so that they would not, without us, be made perfect.” (Hebrews 11:39-40, NRSV).

This isn’t the first time the church has dealt with this tension.

The early church also experienced it at the time the Gospels originated. In that moment, when most scholars agree that most of the Epistles had already been written, the early church reached a point where it knew that it needed to preserve the story of Jesus. The church saw that those who were eyewitnesses to His ministry, death and resurrection were dying. And He had not yet returned

That moment is why we have the Gospels. They were written to preserve the story of Jesus in the “in-between time.” Today, then, what do I value about Adventism’s similar “in-between time?” This article lists three of the things I value about our Adventist church as we move forward. These are things I continue to value, even if I myself don’t live to see the Second Coming.

Joy in the Sabbath – Treasuring our day of rest and gladness.

I admit that when I was younger, sometimes my attitude toward the Sabbath was a bit like those Israelites described in Amos 8, who couldn’t wait for the Sabbath to end, so that they could get back to their own business.

Then I went to graduate school at a state university. For the first time in my life, I wasn’t in an Adventist parochial school bubble. What a difference.

There, I learned the absolute freedom that the Sabbath brings to us. As I set aside the books on Friday night and spent the rest of the next 24 hours in worship, contemplation of nature, and fellowship with friends and family, I could feel my body and mind regaining a balance. More importantly, I could sense my connection with God being refreshed. Through this, I found myself being able to say that the Sabbath truly is a delight (Isaiah 58:13).

As we go forward in the “in-between time,” I find myself being able to sing with my whole heart (in words from an old hymn):

A day of sweet reflection
Thou art, a day of love,
A day to raise affection
From earth to things above.
New graces ever gaining
From this our day of rest . . .

Living the Christian Life as Holistic – not just a once-a-week Thing

In the words of George Herbert’s hymn:

Sev’n whole days, not one in sev’n,
I will praise Thee;
in my heart, though not in heav’n,
I can raise Thee . . .

Many Christian denominations agree that we should live the Christian life wholistically.

Yet as I see it, the Adventist Church’s role as a pioneer on what we often call the “health message” has been a particularly important and meaningful application of living the Christian life wholistically. It is true that the rest of the world (including science) has discovered the scientific reality behind much of what the Adventist church has been preaching since the late 19^th century on many health issues, such as vegetarianism and the importance of fruits and vegetables to a balanced diet. Yet the Adventist Church continues to preach that this scientific reality is also a matter of living one’s spirituality wholistically.

This emphasis on living a unified wholistic Christian life not only in worship but throughout the week–and most importantly as an aspect of the “health message”–is a part of Adventism I treasure each day as I continue to live in the “in-between time.”

Humility as a Treasure

The Great Disappointment itself was a truly a deep lesson to the Millerites, which helped shaped how the Adventist church developed as a new denomination within the Christian community. The fact that Ellen White was a woman was also an unexpected development of the Spirit. In these two foundational elements of the Adventist tradition, I see God teaching his church humility. Yet this humility at the founding of Adventism is another renewal of lessons long a part of Christianity.

The first and most surprising moment is the very essence of Christianity itself: the crucified and resurrected Redeemer himself. In the words of Paul: “For Jews demand signs and Greeks desire wisdom, but we proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles . . .” 1 Corinthians 1:22-23 (NRSV).

The second moment comes from the story of Peter and Cornelius in Joppa: “While Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who heard the word. The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astounded that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles, for they heard them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter said, ‘Can anyone withhold the water for baptizing these people who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?’” Acts 10: 44-47 (NRSV).

The early church learned humility and surprise by the fact that the Messiah suffered, died, and was resurrected, and because Gentiles received the Holy Spirit like Jews. The Adventist movement learned humility and surprise (among other things) through surviving the Great Disappointment and finding the Holy Spirit poured out on a rather frail young woman.

I don’t think any Adventist can deny being surprised by how long the “in-between time” has lasted. Yet the surprises that God gave both the early church and the early Adventist movement lead me to value these lessons of humility and surprise as we continue forward in the “in-between time.” And I trust that God has more similar wonderful surprises in store for his church.

Shawn P. Nowlan is an attorney currently working for the federal government in Denver. He is a member of the Boulder Adventist Church. Email him at: [email protected]

[1]Conceding that the General Conference itself wasn’t established until 1863, it still remains true that the movement is about 200 years old, all things considered.
[2] Miller was born February 15, 1782.
[3] Bates was born July 8, 1792.
[4] James White was born August 4, 1821.
[5]Ellen White was born November 26, 1827.

21 Oct

Living For the Other World

“Live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed his coming.” 2 Peter 3:11-12 NIV

I am yet to meet an Adventist Christian who doesn’t have an agenda for present-day Christianity. Often, we are ready to offer advice, and plenty of it–the church shouldn’t do this; the leadership should do that.

“When will they start listening to someone like me?” we frequently hear. We even utter it, too. And we have so much to say.

My recent journey into my personal views on what’s important for my own church led me to the observation that the celibacy of thoughts doesn’t go very far. One needs a partnership with deeds! It is precisely this that I learned by looking into the life of the early Christian church.

It’s amazing what a bit of “dusting off” of one’s spiritual journey can bring out. I discovered that without a vision for the future, my present life offers, at best, illusions of happiness. To illustrate, here are two wise comments.

C S Lewis wrote that “if you read history, you will find that the Christians who did most for the present world were just those who thought most of the next. It is since Christians have largely ceased to think of the other world that they have become so ineffective in this one.”

An ancient history academic from the Cracow’s Jagiellonian University, Aleksander Krawczuk, compliments Lewis and says that “in early Christianity, it was different. They were aloof, meek, humble, persecuted, disinclined, suspicious and suspected. After all, they lived in the constant expectation of the return of Christ. The present world, they thought, will cease to exist at any moment. It is utterly ridiculous to even speculate about their views on government or politics. They weren’t interested. They didn’t care. They believed that the world is about to be dead. Important for them was to prepare oneself for Christ’s coming.”

Whew! Have we Christians ever strayed sideways from the days when hope was printed on our forehead and the reason to be on this earth was to tell someone to be ready. After all, it’s the Lord who is coming back.

Maybe, rather than worrying about how the church is behaving, and how policies are applied, we ought to be living like the early church. Individually. With no apprehension. Right now. Ourselves!

Rajmund Dabrowski is RMC communication director and editor of Mountain Views. Email him at [email protected]

20 Oct

DEPARTMENTAL DIRECTORS VOTED IN AT RMC EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

RMCNews – Denver, Colorado … At the outset of the October 11 meeting of the RMC Executive Committee, Mic Thurber, RMC president, welcomed new members to the committee: Ana Alvarez, layperson from Colorado Springs Hispanic; Randy Fueilly, layperson from Durango; and Anton Kapusi, pastor from Pueblo.

Following their individual introductions, and a presentation of present activities and plans to the new Executive Committee, all RMC departmental directors were voted for the current quinquennium. The directors, who are committee invitees, left the deliberations in order for the committee to discuss and vote on them to continue in their current positions. RMC president, Mic Thurber, whose wife Jana was being voted on for her positions as Prayer Ministries Coordinator, Women’s Ministries Director, and Ministerial Spousal Support Director, also left the room. Doug Inglish, RMC vice president for administration, chaired in his absence. All directors were returned to their respective positions, and Thurber resumed the chair.

Darin Gottfried, RMC vice president for finance, presented a current financial statement. “Through August of this year, RMC total tithe is down by 2.01% or (236,957.58). Our base tithe, which excludes windfalls, was down by 5.17% or (609,254.58),” he reported.

The Committee accepted the financial report subject to audit. The audit review was presented in which RMC received a favorable opinion. Also voted was establishing the RMC compensation review committee for the quinquennium.

Gottfried informed the Executive Committee that at their next meeting, he will present a preliminary budget for 2023.

Inglish reported pastoral vacancies in six districts, including Aurora First Church–Lead Pastor; Colorado Springs Central–Lead Pastor; Golden Church–Lead Pastor; Fort Morgan District–Lead Pastor; Littleton Church–Associate Pastor and Lead Pastor; Palisade District–Lead Pastor. The committee was briefed on where each of these churches stand in the process of finding the next pastor.

A motion was passed to close the Holyoke church following a report that the church voted in business session to close.

It was also voted to extend an invitation to fill an Executive Committee opening for a layperson from Wyoming. The name will be released if and when that person accepts the position.

The committee was briefed about bringing Good News TV, an independent ministry not affiliated with RMC, to the Denver area. The presentation was made by Luke Skelton, supported by local church leaders who are helping to make it possible. The ministry has been registered with the Secretary of State office in Colorado as a non-profit, received their Tax Identification Number, and has applied for 501 (c)3 status. According to Skelton, they have been up on free, over-the-air TV on channel 26.5 for several weeks, bringing a select variety of programs from Hope TV, 3ABN, and other ministries. Viewers are already calling in.

With travel plans to attend meetings in Chicago regarding the upcoming Pathfinder Camporee in Gillette, Wyoming, Mic Thurber asked Doug Inglish to chair the remainder of the meeting.

A report was given by Lisa Cardinal from the subcommittee appointed to make recommendations on the protection of employees who may disagree with the action of the constituents to allow for ordination of candidates of either gender. In the preceding committee meeting, which set up the subcommittee, a temporary policy was suggested by RMC president Thurber and approved, which is as follows:

No worker will lose his or her job because of their personal view on women’s ordination.
No pressure will be brought to bear from administration for a worker to change his or her view on women’s ordination.
No worker will be kept from any normal advancement opportunities because of their personal view on women’s ordination.
No potential worker who is otherwise appropriate for a given position when coming into our conference will be denied it by conference administration based on their view on women’s ordination.
Attendance and participation in fellow pastors’ ordinations has always been voluntary in Rocky Mountain Conference. That practice will continue.

A survey of conferences who have moved forward on ordination for either gender indicated that they have had no problems with employees who did not agree, but that if any problem arose, they were confident that there were already policies in place to deal with dissension that became inappropriate. It was the opinion of the subcommittee that RMC also has policies sufficient to address inappropriate dissension, which place the Executive Committee as the final arbiter of any such cases, and that no further policy is necessary. Upon their recommendation, no action was taken.

The status of the Bloomfield NM Hispanic Church, which has considered moving to the Texico Conference, was discussed. Further investigation is needed to know what will be required to complete the process.

The committee discussed the emphasis Risk Management has placed on having clear separation between RMC and independent ministries over which we have no oversight. Donations, seats on the board, and even rental of facilities must be carefully monitored in order to not become entangled so that courts could find us financially liable for the actions of such a ministry. It is possible to engage in a level of cooperation while clearly remaining separate organizations, but it is vital that RMC oversee relations with any such entity. This is not a value judgment on these ministries. Our administration and affected departments (such as Property and Trust) are already reviewing all such relationships and making necessary adjustments.

The committee accepted proposed dates for 2023 meetings which are as follows: February 21, April 11, June 27, August 22, October 17, and December 12.

The next RMC Executive Committee meeting is scheduled for December 12.

–RMCNews

20 Oct

COMMENTARY: REMEMBERING REFORMATION DAY

By Nathaniel Gamble

October 31 marks a very special occasion and it’s not Halloween. I’m talking about Reformation Day, the anniversary of Martin Luther posting his 95 Theses against Indulgences in 1517 and starting (unbeknownst to him at the time) the Protestant Reformation. Reformation Day has been observed intermittently since the late sixteenth century, gaining in popularity and international celebration as the centuries progressed. The 500^th anniversary of Reformation Day was observed throughout the world in 2017, and was the occasion for several Lutheran, Reformed, Anglican, Anabaptist, and a few Roman Catholic commemorations.

Seventh-day Adventists, however, have never really paid much attention to Reformation Day. For various reasons, some of which include jobs, school, family, and church responsibilities, Adventists have mostly been unaware of the importance or significance of Reformation Day. But I believe Reformation Day is an excellent time to demonstrate a winsome witness as a Seventh-day Adventist Christian and invest more deeply in Seventh-day Adventist religious liberty concerns.

For starters, Reformation Day provides us with an opportunity to get to know our neighbors. All of us have friends, family members, and work associates who identity as Catholic, Lutheran, Baptist, Methodist, Episcopalian, and Mennonite, to name a few. Do you know anything about these religious identities? Did you know your Lutheran friend’s religious heritage developed from Luther’s insistence on justification entirely being by Christ’s grace? How about your Baptist neighbor, whose religious tradition goes back to English believers who maintained that those being baptized must be old enough to make a decision for Jesus for themselves? Did you know that both the Methodists and Episcopalians have roots in Anglicanism, which began as King Henry VIII’s own version of Christianity? And did you know that the Mennonites used to be persecuted for their Christian beliefs by Lutheran and Anglican churches, but not by Baptist churches? All of these groups can be traced back in one way or another to the Protestant Reformation, and getting to know these histories will help each of us deepen our relationships with those who call these histories their own.

Perhaps more pressing, however, is the continued need which Reformation Day occasions: to be like Jesus by protecting the freedom of others to practice religion according to their conscience. For all his good, Luther often encouraged princes and other government authorities to forbid the practice of any form of Christianity in their lands except his own. The reformers Huldrych Zwingli and Heinrich Bullinger followed suit in Zurich, as did Martin Bucer in Strasbourg. John Calvin encouraged the same policy in Geneva, even going so far as to encourage the banishment of Jerome Bolsec for denying double predestination and involving himself in the execution of Michael Servetus for denying the Trinity.

Additionally, all these reformers fiercely argued for directing persecution and capital punishment against Anabaptist Christians, and most also argued that Jews and Muslims should be deprived of their religious liberties. Except for Anabaptists, who believed everyone should have the freedom to practice religion according to their conscience, Protestants and Roman Catholics in the sixteenth century felt that religious liberty only applied to their own groups instead of to all groups. For Seventh-day Adventists, the freedom to worship (or not worship) according to your conscience is sacred and must be afforded to everyone–something we learned from the Anabaptists.

So, what should an Adventist do with Reformation Day? My suggestion is to use it as an occasion to better understand God and others. Spend the day reading some histories of the Reformation to better know and understand the world we live in today. I recommend starting with John Bossy’s Christianity in the West, 1400-1700; Diarmaid MacCulloch’s The Reformation: A History; or Brad Gregory’s Salvation at Stake: Martyrdom in Early Modern Europe. Alternatively, you could search for Reformation Day celebrations near you and attend one. Doing this will expose you to the religious experiences of others while providing you with a platform to share Jesus’ love. Of course, there’s always the option of throwing your own Reformation Day celebration. This could be a neighborhood block party, a lunch with a few friends whose Christian denominations you’re interested in learning more about, or just a small family get together to praise God for the ways he has led believers in the past as you look forward to the future he has in store for you.

Finally, consider getting involved in local, national, or global religious liberty efforts. Visit the North American Division Public Affairs and Religious Liberty webpage at www.religiousliberty.info and check out the many resources available to Adventist church members. It identifies several ways to defend and work toward religious liberty for everyone from a Christ-centered perspective. Whatever you do on Reformation Day, do it to the glory of God.

–Nathaniel Gamble is RMC religious liberty director. Photo Win van ‘t Einde on Unspash.

20 Oct

OUTDOOR SCHOOL FOR WESTERN SLOPE

By Rachel Williams and Elizabeth Boden – Grand Junction … Hiking, rock climbing, rappelling, CPR, and water ecology were included in the 2022 outdoor school activities for 5^th – 9^th grade students from Adventist schools in Grand Junction, Delta, and Cortez. The school was held at New Beginnings Ranch, September 25-28. Attending this year were 29 kids and 12 adult volunteers.

One of the first activities was hiking to the top of Lone Cone Mountain. Part of the group stayed at the base of the mountain to study the flora of the forest, while a smaller group climbed to the summit. The Lord was with them during their climb, blessing them with sure footing as rain on the decent made the rocks slick and the ground muddy. All arrived at camp safely, though tired. It was truly a great experience and a blessing to be able to enjoy God’s creation.

The group enjoyed stories and worship by the fire before a good night’s sleep, excitement building as they looked forward to rappelling and rock climbing the following morning. Breakfast came early at outdoor school, with many activities to fit into the schedule. Tuesday morning, the decision was made about who would get to climb first. As kids separated into groups and headed off, many helpers were there to guide the way. Rock climbers and rappelers were in the hands of Dr. DuWayne Carlson, Brian Montag, and David Hanes; those interested in water ecology went with Joel Reyes; and those wanting to learn CPR and first aid gathered with Brandon Hart, RN.

A pond at the New Beginning Ranch was perfect for water ecology, with students examining living organisms under a microscope and being taught about the benefits of water. The CPR class was filled with valuable information on assessing an emergency, the ABCs of CPR, how to avoid getting injured while helping someone else who has sustained injury, how to treat a burn, and how to help a person who is choking.

At the end of the first aid class, Brandon Hart held a Q & A with many students interested in what it’s like to work at a hospital and deal with medical emergencies. “Safety first, when climbing or rappelling,” was explained as a great opportunity for kids to be able to receive instruction and on how to accomplish it. The students were blessed to have quality instructors to facilitate activities like rock-climbing and rappelling.

On the final day, everyone was involved in camp clean-up, and most tasks were completed quickly. Rachel Williams and Elizabeth Boden reported, “We had a few students go above and beyond what was asked of them. What great examples they were. We opened each day with worship by the fire and closed each evening with worship, stories, S’mores, and time with friends.

There are not enough words to express appreciation to Dr. DuWayne and Karen Carlson for their dedication to keeping the Ranch open and providing a wonderful learning opportunity for children to learn about God’s world.”

— Text and photos by Rachel Williams and Elizabeth Boden

20 Oct

CREATION VS. EVOLUTION SERIES AT SHERIDAN CHURCH

Diane Larkins and Darlene Westbrook – Sheridan, Wyoming … The Sheridan Seventh-day Adventist Church invited “Creation Truth” from Noble, Oklahoma to present a series on “Creation vs. Evolution,” September 29-October 1. (With a traveling museum loaded with life-sized dinosaurs and fossils for the community to view, the presentations covering the six-day literal Creation week, the flood in Noah’s day, and the amazing handiwork of God through astronomy were well illustrated.

A large supply of books were available for children and adults on the topics presented.

Some 30 guests attended. Among them was a customer of Better Life Natural Foods, a store operated by the Sheridan church. At the outset, she said she could only come the first night, but she continued to come, attending for all three nights, and bringing three friends with her. Five other customers from the store also attended.

A Christian scientist gentleman wandered in as the displays were being taken down, packed up and moved into the trailer. He had been taught in his science classes that creation took place over long periods of time. The museum and lectures meant a sharing time of biblical truths that added up to the literal six-days of Creation.

A woman and her son attended one night, expressing her wish that she had come each night. During time spent with her, it was obvious her life was tumultuous. It gave opportunity to pray with her for healing of her past hurts and give her hope for the future.

The event continued Sabbath with Matt Miles, director of Creation Truth Foundation, who spoke at the Sheridan Church for the worship hour. During a sermon entitled “Our World View,” he detailed how our Christian worldview should be shaped by Scripture, changing the way we think, act, live and believe. The congregation was blessed and energized.

Would the Sheridan church welcome them back another time? The answer was “Yes, yes, absolutely!”

— Diane Larkins and Darlene Westbrook, evangelism and communication coordinators respectfully. Photos supplied.

Creation Truth is an independent ministry and is not affiliated with the Rocky Mountain Conference of Seventh-day Adventists

20 Oct

RMC COMMUNICATOR RECEIVES LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Mickey, Mallory – Columbia, Maryland … Our very own Rajmund [Ray] Dabrowski, Rocky Mountain Conference Communication Director, received the Society of Adventist Communicators Lifetime Achievement Award last week at the North American Division headquarters in Columbia, MD. It was a fitting honor for a man very dedicated to serving his God and his church.

Born in central Poland, Ray has served the church well for more than 50 years now. Among the many highlights of his ministry two occurred while he was serving at the General Conference in Silver Spring, Maryland. While there, he established Adventist News Network and coordinated a process to establish the church’s global corporate identity (logo).

Brenda Dickerson, Mid-America Union communication director, remarks, “Ray has brought the Adventist Church to higher levels of communication professionalism in every role where he has served during his long and notable career. It is an honor to work with him and learn from the wealth of experience he graciously shares.”

For the last eight years, Ray has served as editor of NewsNuggets and Mountain Views in the Rocky Mountain Conference. As editor, he strives to help people, around the conference and beyond, to connect to each other by sharing life and ministry stories. His greatest passion is to help people connect to Jesus Christ by sharing the story of God’s amazing love.

Ed Barnett, former Rocky Mountain Conference president, believes Ray was “a godsend” to the conference. “We had just lost our communication director on a Wednesday and that Sabbath I went to Boulder to preach. After church, Ray came up and introduced himself to me and let me know he was retired from the General Conference Communication Department and would love to help if needed. We ended up hiring him and are still being blessed by his work today!”

Always full of humor, Ray says, that in his case being a church retiree is fake news.

When reflecting upon the recognition Ray was recently given, current Rocky Mountain Conference President, Mic Thurber, shared that it was “a well deserved recognition for our friend and colleague. His many years of excellent service to our entire church and, in his later years here in RMC, have made a lasting mark. We are blessed to continue to benefit from his depth of experience and professionalism. Thanks for investing in us, Ray, and we wish you every blessing as you continue to help us all communicate God’s love and grace.”

This Friday, just like every other Friday, many across our conference and beyond, will receive the Rocky Mountain Conference NewsNuggets. There will be a number of stories contained in it, but the story behind all the stories is the story of an editor who loves God very much and wants to make an eternal difference in the hearts of each reader.

Thanks Ray, for letting God use you. We are all better because of your work.

– Mickey Mallory is RMC ministerial director. Photo by Hugh Davis.

12 Oct

WOMEN’S MINISTRY RETREAT 2022 MET AT GLACIER VIEW RANCH

Julia Hansen – Ward, Colorado … Glacier View Ranch was blessed to host the RMC Women’s Ministries group on its campus, September 23-25. Jana Thurber, RMC Women’s Ministries Director, coordinated the weekend’s program on, which brought over 100 women and teen girls from throughout the Conference. “When God Enters Your Story…You Become God’s Wonder Woman!” was a retreat theme, based on Ephesians 6:10-18 we can become “strong in the Lord and in his mighty power” when we wear his armor.

The main speaker, Sharon Leach, delved into the wisdom of Jesus’ grandmothers. She began Friday night with “The Shady Lady of Jericho” – how God used Rahab for his purposes. The Sabbath morning program started with “The Showdown at the Not-So-OK Corral” – recounting Abigail’s wisdom and grace. And the evening continued with the theme, “A Fresh Start” – looking at Mrs. Noah and her family’s story. The retreat ended Sunday morning with testimonies from both Sharon and Benjie Leach on the evidence of God’s leading in their lives.

Jana Thurber shared that, “Sharon used creativity and humor to drive home new spiritual perspectives from the Bible stories of women in Jesus’ lineage. We were all blessed by our speaker’s insights on how God masterfully used Jesus’ grandmothers to further his purposes.”

A heavenly worship and praise atmosphere was created by the incredible Praise Team put together by Suzie Sendros. The praise team included Melissa Clouzet, professional vocalist, Melanie Goetz on piano and vocals. Vickie Kahler and Tamara Mallory also were vocalists, and Heidi Sorensen played violin. We were blessed by the spiritual atmosphere created by their music. And were consistently brought to the throne room through their leading in songs of praise and adoration to our Most Holy God.

Dick Stenbakken, the Saturday evening presenter, displayed his collection of authentic pieces of the Roman warrior’s armor. He demonstrated the different pieces a warrior wore, and how they were used as protection. He explained how each piece tied into the “Armor of God” spiritual application.

The Elk Room hosted four separate areas for journaling, reflecting, praying, and snacking. It was creatively set up and decorated. The arrangement of the place and its activities involved the members of the RMC Women’s Ministries Team members. Gratitude goes to Alicia Knutsen, Amber Fellers, Ardis Stenbakken, Carol Spahr, Elizabeth Arroyo, Jackie Hayes, Jerilyn Pester, Jill Anderson, Judy Kelly, Marlene Poole, Marta Wells, Mary Perez-Gonzalez, Mona Fellers, Raelyn Wortman, Stefanie Deapen, and Valerie Johnson.

The break-out presenters, special workshop speakers, and teen leaders covered pertinent subject’s women could choose from. These topics of interest included Stefanie Deapen’s, “Lets ‘Meat”, Jill Anderson’s, “Totally Titus Two Women”, and Alicia Patterson’s presentation on “Fearless Females Finding Courage in A Fearful World.” Mary Phillips, a health coach, spoke on “Seeing Yourself as God Sees You!” How a healthy mind creates a healthy body. Jessyka Dooley and Vanessa Alarcon engaged participating teens with a time of learning about the Armor of God by using Sour Patch Kids candy and other candy, and then ‘internalizing’ their lessons.

Additionally, professional counselors Marta Wells, Sandy Eickmann, JoAnne Jones, and Lynnette Cunningham, were available to attendees for private counseling appointments.

The weekend was packed with activities, interspersed with rest and private time, and an

opportunity to walk around the lake and stop at designated places to journal about each piece in the Armor of God. The camp directors commented that, “The Prayer Walk was such a blessing and wished the seven stations could stay up to bless the next camp attendees.”

The Saturday evening main session provided time to experience a miracle! One attendee had not intended on coming but, from the nudging of a friend, decided to come. She shares her testimony in the “Miracle on the Mountain,” which follows this report.

Many women participated in a Service Project which involved the making of Gift Bags for women and children in women’s shelters around our conference. Gratitude goes to all the attendees who donated items for this project. As the gift bags were creatively put together, individual prayers ascended to God that he would provide just the right recipients to receive the “customized bag” being delivered to them.

Karen Dooley, together with the regular GVR staff, as well as other volunteers, made sure the women had delicious food to eat, including those who had special dietary needs.

Nancy Buxton, Mid-American Union Women’s Ministry Director, gave her support, friendship, and prayers to the RMC team.

Among the volunteers was a group of Campion Academy students who arrived at check-in, dressed in white shirts and black pants, to assist the women with bringing in their luggage. This made many participants feel special.

“God truly blessed our Spirit–led fellowship together in the mountains,” commented Jana. “God was present in the awesome prayer room. His presence was felt while fellowshipping with Him on the prayer walk around the lake. And in the many conversations and interactive workshops and presentations we knew He was there with us. We hope more of our RMC women will be able to join us for next year’s retreat, September 22-24, 2023. We are beginning our planning soon and you won’t want to miss out on a great weekend together at next year’s refreshing mountain retreat at Glacier View Ranch!”

–Julia Hansen is GVR director of Guest Services. Photos by Mic Thurber.

TESTIMONY: “Miracle on the Mountain” by Tristan Bergondo, RN – Cheyenne, Wyoming.

Sharing Women’s Retreat weekend up at Glacier View Ranch proved to be powerful in ways I could not have imagined! The story of how our Heavenly Father wrapped these beautiful sisters and me in a profound blanket of love, grace, and provision, was something I was privileged to be a part of! In my own personal spiritual journey, I have pleaded with Him to show me, in tangible ways, His true and unconditional love and grace.

Growing up as a fourth generation Adventist, I have questioned the personal reality of God and His love that is claimed to be unconditional. The following story fills my heart with the personal conviction that He does care about me, He cherishes me and each one of His creations, simply because we are His children. Only He knows the desires of our hearts and can provide the reality of His power in current day to day stories that we may experience when our eyes are opened! This story is one I will cherish forever.

As a little girl, I dreaded the weekends my mom left with her friends to spend a much needed get-a-way at Glacier View Ranch, nestled in the beautiful Colorado mountains. Only as I have become a mom, do I realize how much she needed these weekends to refresh in the beauty of music and in listening to heartfelt testimonies. I have not been to one of these weekends in years but was excited to attend with my beautiful sisters and “mother-in-law” that I affectionately call my “mother-in-love.” I lost my mom at the tender age of 24, one month before I was married to my Platte Valley Academy high school sweetheart and best friend. My heart was overwhelmed with emotion as I walked the same halls and sat in the same sanctuary as my mom did 30+ years ago.

While listening to one of the evening testimonies, laughter erupted among the women during a story shared by the speaker. As the laughter died down, I noticed a dry, barking, wheezing cough of a woman struggling to catch her breath. I watched as she made her way to the back of the auditorium and went through the doors. A sister next to me, a fellow RN, looked at me and as nurses, we both stepped out to check on our fellow sister.

There was a flurry of activity when we arrived. She was sitting in a chair, already surrounded by sisters who also wanted to help.

It was a miracle unfolding as medical devices and even much needed asthma medication began appearing, brought to our newfound team by the fellow sisters attending the weekend: a pulse oximeter, an oxygen tank, a nebulizer machine, an inhaler, and other vital medication … multiple nurses as well as an anesthesiologist who began to coordinate efforts, in a life and death story we had not anticipated!

One minute we were relaxing, listening to a humorous testimony and the next, we were all filled with the adrenaline that comes from realizing the seriousness of a fellow sister struggling to breathe at the elevation of 8800 feet.

Emergency medical staff were called and arrived with an ambulance to take our new friend down the mountain. Later, we were told that had she not been given the care prior to the ambulance arrival, it is likely she would have not survived, not to mention what would have happened had she been alone in her room when she suffered her asthma attack.

Our Heavenly Father is so BIG! The ways He works to show us His faithful love soothes the ache in my soul to know Him better, as the Faithful Father I crave. The Father that will NOT leave, that WILL show up and loves me no matter my attitude or appearance. I look forward to the embrace of His strong arms wrapped around me, but until then, I will hold tight to the profound ways He shows me His true and unconditional love, just for being his girl.

12 Oct

VISIT TO UKRAINE IN SUPPORT OF CLINICA ANGELIA

Greg Hodgson – Denver, Colorado … I was feeling a bit anxious as we waited in the rain at the Poland/Ukraine border for our partners to come across. The leaders of the Seventh-day Adventist clinic in Kiev had agreed to meet Roger Cabbage, founder of GA 2020, a non-profit which supplies water filters to developing countries, and I at the border and then travel with us to Lviv, Ukraine for further meetings.

With no commercial flights available into Ukraine, the next option was to fly into Poland, drive to the border crossing, leave our vehicle in an empty field turned into parking lot, and walk across the border into Ukrainian territory. It was a relief when we saw the smiling faces of Olena Vladovska, COO of the clinic, and her husband Vlad, as they made it through the border controls.

Global Health Initiatives (GHI), the international mission department at Centura Health, had taken steps in 2019 to create a new partnership with Clinica Angelia in Kiev, the capital of Ukraine. While established only a few years ago in 2016, this facility was growing, and we were anxious to establish international partnerships with supporters outside the country. A GHI clinical trip had been planned for the spring of 2020, but COVID brought a halt to that effort. Then Russia invaded Ukraine on February 22, 2022.

Communications with Dr Yury Bondarenko, CEO of Clinica Angelia, were sporadic during those first few months of the war, but we were able to glean enough information to know that the staff were safe, and most had relocated to facilities near the border with Romania.

Their first concern was to provide food and supplies to the people still living in Kiev, as well as to facilitate the transfer of refugees to the border. Once these efforts were established, Yury and team started, at the end of March, to focus on providing health care to various communities, especially those cities and towns which were liberated from the Russian occupiers. Donations to GHI and to our partners at AdventHealth enabled the Clinic to purchase and rehab two vehicles which now house mobile medical and dental services.

On October 4, 2022, Clinica Angelia received an award from the Ukrainian Parliament in recognition of their dedicated service to the Ukrainian nation which, according to Yury, made them happy and inspired to do more. [Rusian Stefanchuk, Chairman of the Ukrainian Parliament is pictured with Yury Bondarenko]

It was an incredible blessing to be able to meet with Yury, Olena, and Vlad. Our meetings highlighted the opportunities available to provide additional medical aid through the mobile clinics, and the need for additional mobile facilities and equipment. The staff at Clinica Angelia have all made huge sacrifices since the war began yet have resisted the urge to flee the country. They instead, decided to stay and help in any way they can. They are heroes and deserve our continued prayers and support.

–Greg Hodgson, Director, Global Health Initiatives. Photos supplied

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