RMCNews – Page 2 – Rocky Mountain Conference of Seventh-day Adventists

09 Mar

MILE HIGH ACADEMY STUDENT ATTEMPTS TO CLIMB AMERICA’S TALLEST MOUNTAIN

RMCNews with MHANews – Highlands Ranch, Colorado … Mile High Academy’s fifth-grader Bailey, recently returned to Colorado after spending two weeks in Argentina attempting to be the youngest female to summit Mount Aconcagua, which stands at over 22,000 feet, making it the tallest mountain outside of Asia.

When the family began planning their adventure, Bailey’s parents reached out to MHA, stating that Bailey wanted to turn her hike into a fundraiser for the music department.

“Bailey truly and passionately loves music, and it was hard during COVID to not have an official music teacher,” said Trisha, Bailey’s mother. “She is thankful to have one [now] and the Christmas concert was amazing. Bailey felt the donation would really make an impact on the music department, which is a class she looks forward to each week.”

It took the family three days of hiking to reach base camp, followed by intense eight-to-ten-hour days of hiking toward the summit. The family recalls memories of the trip, including hiking to a lake and going into a glacier tunnel.

“Hiking these high-altitude mountains is incredibly challenging, but the best part is we get to tackle them as a family,” said Trisha. “We train daily and spend our weekends hiking, so it’s a lot of hard work, but it’s all worth it when the hike comes. We feel that life is all about experiences, and we definitely had a lot of experiences on the hike.”

Unfortunately, the family wasn’t able to make it to the summit. During a rush down the mountain due to extremely bad weather, Miles, the father, fell and severely sprained his knee. He needed emergency evacuation, experienced knee inflammation, and had to undergo physical therapy. In total, Bailey walked up 18,200 feet before being evacuated.

In total, more than $3000 was raised, which will help MHA refurbish instruments within the music department and purchase new items that will continue to grow the MHA music program.

“Bailey’s smile and energy are such an inspiration at MHA,” said Andrew Carpenter, MHA principal. “We were cheering her and her family on their adventure and have enjoyed her stories now that she is back home with us again. We are also grateful for God’s healing hand and that Miles didn’t sustain a worse injury. A huge thank you to all the donors for their generosity and the kind donations to our music department. And a special thank you to Bailey and her parents for their kindness in turning their experience into a fundraising opportunity for our school. The donations received will help our music department grow through proper refurbishment and the purchase of several new items. Thank you, Bailey!”

When asked if they plan to hike Mt. Aconcagua again, Trisha said, “Yes, we are in talks to try it again in the next year or so. We learned a lot. Bailey knows that you don’t always succeed at everything your first time, but you need to learn from it, try again, and never give up!”

–RMCNews with MHANews; photos supplied

This article was adapted from an article in Mile High Academy’s newsletter.

02 Mar

RMC EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE VOTES 2022 OPERATING BUDGET

RMCNews – Denver, Colorado … “2021 was an amazing year for giving,” Darin Gottfried, vice president of finance, said during his presentation at the first RMC Executive Committee in 2022.

The committee, convening February 22, welcomed five new members who filled vacated seats. The new members included: David Sakul, First Indonesian Adventist Church member; Arnie Sybrant, Casper Adventist Church member; Andrew Carpenter, Mile High Academy principal; Vanessa Alarcon, Boulder Adventist Church member; and Kari Lange, H.M.S. Richards Elementary School teacher.

Mic Thurber, RMC president, began with the president’s report sharing that he was “impressed with the whole family feeling” in the RMC Indonesian congregations as they celebrated the life of Timothy Dien. He also informed the members that counseling has been made available for the Campion Academy family.

In the RMC secretary’s presentation, Doug Inglish, vice president of administration, discussed the upcoming spring town halls and the process for electing delegates by individual churches for the second quinquennial constituency meeting of The Rocky Mountain Conference. A proposal for a loan to repair the roof at the Sterling, Colorado church was approved.

In the financial section of the meeting, Gottfried shared that the “Rocky Mountain Conference ended the year with a total tithe of $19,670,897, an increase of 13.16% from 2020.”

He added, “The Rocky Mountain Conference Advance offerings had a positive year with $275,997 given in 2021 compared to $184,617 in 2020.” This additional giving will assist the six areas for which the advance offering is designated: evangelism, Campion and Mile High academies, the church and school building fund, summer camp programming, camp facilities, and La Vida Mission. Gottfried expressed gratitude for members also supporting their local church, in which giving was up by 14.22%.

A revised budget for 2022 was also presented and approved. The budget presented showed a deficit of approximately $275,000 but is balanced in the tithe function. This planned loss is due to previously allocated funds for projects and programs that will be spent down in 2022.

Because of the operating gain in 2021, the Conference’s working capital increased from 3.7 months in 2020 to 4.8 months in 2021. The North American Division is recommending six months of working capital.

While the Conference has not yet reached the goal of six months working capital, it was voted by the committee that the gain from 2021 be allocated as follows:

75% be placed into allocated reserves.
10% allocated for employee development.
5% allocated for Mile High Academy.
5% allocated for Campion Academy.
5% allocated for the Campion Development Program.

Gottfried ended his presentation by stating, “I am very grateful for the financial blessings we received last year and am praying that these funds can help spread the love of Jesus and grow His Kingdom.”

The committee also reviewed and approved the recommendations of the Bylaws Committee to forward to the Constituency Session.

— RMCNews; photo by Rajmund Dabrowski

24 Feb

SOUTHWEST HISPANIC DISTRICT LAUNCHES RADIO OUTREACH PROGRAM

RMCNews – Broomfield, New Mexico … The Southwest Colorado Hispanic district is reaching the masses with the good news a relationship with Jesus offers by producing a weekly, online radio series.

The series airs Sunday mornings at 7:30 a.m. on alfaomega7radio.com and features Wilmer Martínez, district lead pastor.

Martínez explains that his passion for reaching the community with a message of hope in Jesus comes from John 21:6 where, “He said, ‘Throw your net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.’ When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish.”

“Jesus encouraged his disciples to throw the net, [and it is] precisely the term ‘net’ that motivates me to continue broadcasting the weekly program on social networks,” said Martínez.

The series, titled “In time and out of time,” was developed with the desire to share the good news of salvation at all times. The audience, according to Martínez, continues to grow and, with the series online, the program is being heard beyond the local area.

He recalls how a listener was physically healed after a special prayer was offered on the program.

“A recent testimony occurred when a lady from the community was facing serious health problems when she first heard the program. On that occasion, she tuned in to the program, where the guest speaker was Dr. Astrid de Armas, and when she concluded her presentation with an emphasis on physical health, she offered to pray for sick people. And miraculously, the person was healed that same day. Praise the Lord!”

“In Time and Out of Time” airs Sunday mornings at 7:30 a.m. Mountain Time and can be heard at alfaomega7radio.com.

–RMCNews; photo supplied

14 Feb

CAMPION AND MILE HIGH SPLIT GAMES AT ANNUAL BALL ARENA MATCHUP

RMCNews – Denver, Colorado … Campion and Mile High academies faced each other February 8 on the same court where the Denver Nuggets play their annual game at Ball Arena in Denver.

The much-anticipated event returned after a forced two-year break during the pandemic. Ball Arena had a strict Covid protocol for entering the arena, requiring proof of vaccination or a negative test.

Reflecting on the event, Love, a Campion senior, said, “Even though fellow classmates and many families couldn’t attend to cheer on the Campion Cougars, there was a tremendous amount of spirit among the players competing on such an empowering court.”

Love added, “The [Campion] girls varsity basketball team entered the arena with a determined mindset to win their last game. The girls won the game with a score of 37-22, which brought up their morale after a long season of setbacks.”

The Mile High Academy varsity boys’ team led by game MVP Wil, scored 17 points, fought hard against the Campion boys, and won 38-24.

“Our Mustangs came into the Ball Arena with so much excitement and anticipation built up over the last two years,” said Michael Camacho, MHA’s athletic director. “The teams played hard throughout the games and were able to be mentally strong and competitive against their friends at CA.”

After the games, the teams enjoyed a meal together and returned to the arena to watch the Denver Nuggets take on the New York Knicks.

Camacho was grateful for the experience and, most importantly, the bonds formed between Campion and Mile High Academy.

“We are very grateful for this experience and for all of [the] fans who came out to support. We were able to get one win but, most importantly, still hold [on to] our friendship and sportsmanship with Campion Academy above all else.”

–RMCNews; photos courtesy of Campion and Mile High Academy

This article was adapted from an article in Campion Academy’s newsletter and a Facebook post by Mile High Academy.

09 Feb

LA VIDA MISSION SCHOOL RESUMES IN-PERSON EDUCATION

RMCNews – Farmington, New Mexico … La Vida Mission School reopened for in-person learning after a difficult few years dealing with COVID restrictions, which restricted in-person learning and other gatherings on the reservation.

The school submitted a reopening plan to the Department of Dine Education in August 2021, which was approved. The plan called for the first semester to be a mixture of hybrid learning with the second semester fully reopened, including the dormitories.

Dorie Panganiban, La Vida Mission office manager, recalls the preparations needed. “We did the first week of January 2022 as hybrid to get everything ready for the full in-person reentry. Dorms were cleaned and disinfected, and food, health, and safety supplies were provided to each of the four dorm houses–because this would be the first time our dorms would [be] open after their doors closed in March 2020 when the pandemic struck.”

On January 9, the laughter and smiles of the school children filled the campus once again.

“The children’s smiles and happiness as they walked from the school to their dorms and from their dorms to the school were a beautiful sight to behold. Many of them had expressed their longing to stay in the dorms once again,” said Panganiban.

Students were eager to resume the daily activities missed over the last few years, including morning flag-raising ceremonies and an exercise time after the flag-raising ceremony.

As the first week commenced, Panganiban explained how the joy of in-person learning came to a screeching stop. “Our joy was cut short when on Wednesday, a student and staff member tested positive for COVID-19, exposing almost everyone in the classrooms and the dorms, affecting our full reentry status.”

The school had no choice but to switch to remote learning while a reevaluation of in-person learning took place.

“After many prayers and careful consideration, we reevaluated our strategies to make sure that everyone was safe and that the spread of the virus was mitigated. People who needed to isolate and quarantine, did so,” said Panganiban.

After modifying and tightening some COVID protocols, the school and dorms reopened on January 30.

Panganiban asks RMC members to keep the mission school in prayer as they push forward with in-person education. “As we continue to open our school and dorm houses and pursue our educational programs and goals while keeping the safety of everyone as a priority, we ask you to please include our students and us in your daily prayers.”

–RMCNews; photo supplied

This article was adapted from the La Vida Mission newsletter.

08 Feb

STUDENTS BUILD BONDS AT BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT

RMCNews – Highlands Ranch, Colorado … Mile High Academy varsity basketball teams joined with other academies the last week of January for the annual basketball tournament at Pacific Union College.

The 2022 Pioneers Invitational featured ten academy basketball teams. Students enjoyed tours of the school, inspiring worship services, and friendly competition.

“PUC was a great opportunity to branch out and get closer to Adventist schools we have never heard of. The campus was very beautiful, and it was very cool to hear the experience of students who are attending at this moment. It was a high-energy atmosphere that we were excited to be a part of,” said Wil, MHA student.

Reflecting on the PUC experience, Tessa, MHA student, said, “I really like the spiritual vibe that PUC offers through vespers, Sabbath School, and church service. I had an amazing experience touring the campus, which allowed us to see all the departments and what we wanted to do in the future.”

The tournament also allowed camaraderie to be built between the academies, enabling the teams to bond and get to know others from different walks of life.

“There were more opportunities to build bonds with other schools such as Hawaiian Mission Academy, Newbury Park Adventist Academy, Pine Hills Academy, and PUC Prep. This tournament felt like a friendship tournament that was allowing us to make friends and not just compete,” commented Buzz, MHA student.

–RMCNews; photos courtesy of Mile High Academy Facebook page.

This article was adapted from a post on Mile High Academy Facebook page.

25 Jan

COWBOYS AND COWGIRLS AND EVERYTHING COUNTRY AT TRUE LIFE’S WESTERN SABBATH

RMCNews with Bob Reynolds – Denver, Colorado … Cowboys and cowgirls were welcomed at True Life Community Adventist Church on January 8 as the church celebrated its annual Western Sabbath.

The event, one that many members anticipate, coincides with the Western Stock Show, which takes place every year in Denver. The day is a chance to dress in appropriate outerwear that cowboys and cowgirls wore in the day. Members brought out their best country-western boots, shirts, blouses, skirts, jeans, and ties to liven up the ambiance and add color to the event.

Bob Reynolds, pastor of True Life Church, explains how Denver is connected to its Western heritage. “We try to emphasize the fact that Denver, and Colorado in general, was founded with the discovery of gold and silver. Denver has a rich history of country-western men, women, and incidents since its founding in 1858.”

One highlight that sets the Sabbath apart is that Reynolds and the TLC music coordinator, Jane Campbell, have included gospel music that fits the country-western theme for the event.

Reynolds presented a message about Denver and its colorful history. Reflecting on the history, he said, “Did you know, for instance, that downtown Denver was destroyed by fire in 1863, or that a grasshopper infestation occurred in 1875? Or that Denver was named after James Denver, the governor of the Kansas Territory, who had already resigned as governor? Denver could have been named after the succeeding governor, whose name was Samuel Medary. Our city could well have been called “Medary, Colorado!”

Reynolds adds that Denver also became a hub for many miners who traveled further into the mountains. Denver is also known for some colorful characters like Molly Brown, Dr. Justina Ford, and Mary Elitch.

Reynolds explains that the day was special, saying “We always enjoy talking about the wild west and the part Denver played in some of those Wild West Days.”

–RMCNews with Bob Reynolds, pastor at True Life Community Adventist Church; photos supplied

20 Jan

AVISTA ADVENTIST HOSPITAL REOPENS AFTER MARSHALL FIRE

RMCNews – Louisville, Colorado … Just three short weeks after the Marshall fire came within four feet of Avista Adventist Hospital’s oxygen tanks and covered everything inside with a thick layer of soot and ashes, the hospital reopened to serve the communities of Louisville and Superior.

Teams of professional cleaners scrubbed the hospital as maintenance workers replaced HVAC systems and air filters throughout the building. Areas were cleaned and sanitized multiple times before clearance was given that the hospital was ready to resume its mission of “extending the healing ministry of Christ by caring for those who are ill and by nurturing the health of the people in our communities.”

When Avista Adventist Hospital reopened on January 18, Colorado Governor Polis toured the site and thanked the associates for the bravery and hard work in reopening so quickly.

In an interview with radio station KOA, broadcasting live from Avista Adventist Hospital, Polis said, “It is great to see them bouncing back and reopening only three weeks after the fire when they evacuated the entire facility in just two hours. It is actually quite remarkable.”

As the hospital reopened, associates and local pastors gathered in the lobby to pray a prayer of thanksgiving and dedication as they resumed their life-saving work.

Geoff Patterson, senior pastor at Boulder Adventist Church, explained why it was vital to be at the dedication to show support to the community. “The workers are so heroic in what they did on the day of the fire bringing everyone out of here safely, and their commitment shows that this is more than a job to them. Secondly, there is a history with the Boulder church and this institution that originally was part of what was behind the church. The health ministry built [the foundation of] what the Boulder church is to this day.”

The short service, held in the main lobby, began with chaplain Johnnathan Ward thanking the associates for their hard work to make reopening a possibility and thanked the local area pastors for being present for the associates as they navigated this disaster together.

The short ceremony also featured hospital CEO Isaac Sendros reading a poem from an associate who lost everything in the fire. In his letter to associates on January 17, Sendros said that the new city manager of Louisville had one word when he asked him what Avista could do for the city. The city manager said, “Reopen! Avista is a pillar of hope in this community, and the fact that you are reopening as quickly as you are is sending a clear message to this community that the recovery and healing process is one step closer.”

Reflecting on having the associates back in the building, Sendros said, “It is so good to see everyone home. We’ve missed them! A lot of people have been here working, but we are excited to have them back and our patients back.”

–RMCNews; photos courtesy of Avista Adventist Hospital and Jon Roberts

19 Jan

MHA REMEMBERS CLASSMATE WITH A DAY OF SERVICE

RMCNews – Broomfield, Colorado … Mile High Academy high school students spent January 14 giving back to the community, helping those impacted by the Marshall Fire by assisting in setting up the Adventist Community Service distribution center in Broomfield, Colorado.

Students worked side-by-side with the Adventist Disaster Response team unloading trucks, moving donations for sorting, breaking down hundreds of cardboard boxes, and helping stock shelves.

“It is absolutely amazing what the young people from MHA accomplished for me,” said Cathy Kissner, RMC Adventist Community Services director. “Days of work was done within a few short hours. I can’t thank them enough for what they have done for me.”

Chehalis, MHA senior reflected on the day, “It was nice to be doing something to help those in need,” she said. “We did a lot for them in a short amount of time and enjoyed helping where we could.”

The service day was also a chance for the students and staff to remember Mya Pena who tragically lost her life two years ago due to domestic violence.

“Some of my favorite memories of Mya were on our community service days,” said Jenni Eno, high school teacher. “Whether we were visiting residents at Porter Place or handing out burritos to the homeless downtown, Mya’s empathic heart was always evident. She would walk right up to perfect strangers, take their hands, and listen to their stories. She lived the same way in our school halls. She was always the first to reach out to a schoolmate who was having a hard day. She was truly an inspiration, and it meant so much to see that spirit live on through our current students as we remembered Mya on the anniversary of her passing.”

–RMCNews; photos supplied

This article was adapted from Mile High Academy’s newsletter

31 Dec

DEVASTATION WIDESPREAD IN SUPERIOR AND LOUISVILLE

RMCNews – Denver, Colorado … Sunrise brought to light the full extent of the damage throughout Superior and Louisville, Colorado after firefighters fought to contain the blaze in Boulder County. It also confirmed the fears of some families that their house was gone, while others tried to get information any way possible on their property.

As of December 31, Boulder Adventist Church and Twin Peaks Adventist Church have accounted for all their members. Unfortunately, a Boulder church family lost their home in the fire. Others discovered their house, against all odds, survived.

“Survival was literally a matter of minutes and inches. The winds were so fierce and the smoke so thick that one wrong turn could have been deadly. I don’t use the word often, but it will truly be miraculous if the final tally shows no fatalities,” commented Mark Johnson, Boulder Adventist Church member.

At a December 31 morning press conference, Governor Polis said Avista Adventist Hospital would be out of commission for days or weeks.

Avista Adventist Hospital CEO Isaac Sendros told ABC’s Good Morning America, “I’ve never experienced anything like this. Every neighborhood around us was in flames.”

Later in the afternoon, Sendros sent an email to hospital employees and partners explaining the situation. “There is ash and soot in many parts of the building. Our re-opening will require continued assessment and extensive collaboration with public authorities and utilities in the coming days and weeks to ensure safety for you and our patients.” He went on to explain that the fire came within four feet of the large oxygen tanks the hospital uses.

Boulder County Sheriff said at the press conference that the fire had grown to 6000 acres and estimated that around 1000 homes were either damaged or destroyed.

Emergency shelters remain open for families needing a place to stay. The Campion Academy gym also remains available; however, as of December 31, the shelter remained empty.

Pastors and ministry leaders from the community assembled at Flatirons Community Church in Lafayette on December 31 afternoon to encourage, pray, and discuss what their churches can do to help the community recover.

Area churches are partnering with Avista Adventist Hospital to collect goods to help employees who have been displaced by the fire.

Boulder County Sheriff at the press conference encouraged all wishing to volunteer to visit https://www.coloradoresponds.org/ to discover ways to help. If you wish to donate to Adventist Community Services disaster response, please use the AdventistGiving app and mark the online tithe envelope ACSDR.

–RMCNews; photos by Diane Johnson and Avista Adventist Hospital

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