NewsNuggets

RMCNews with Sandra Montano – Denver, Colorado … The Rocky Mountain Conference’s (RMC) Aurora Las Aguilas Pathfinder Club has a relatively long history of participation in the North American Division-level (NAD) Pathfinder Bible Experience (PBE) with this being the sixth year in a row at the event.

To be eligible to participate in division-level testing that was held in Hawthorne, Florida, April 17-18, Pathfinder Club teams have to score a first-place ranking in the local, conference, and union-level testing events. The Las Aguilas Pathfinder Club joined the event virtually from the Wellness Support Center at the RMC Office in Denver, Colorado, with the over 260 other teams participating and being tested on the biblical book of Isaiah.

Joining the event virtually meant a very early morning for the team members, their families, and club leadership. The morning programming for the event started at 8:00 a.m. eastern daylight time, so the team had to be logged in, registered, and streaming by 6:00 a.m. Denver time.

There to support and facilitate the testing was Julie Lim, RMC Club Ministries North Metro area coordinator, who entered the team’s responses into the testing system, Sandra Montano, RMC Club Ministries training coordinator, Club Ministries volunteer Juan Carlos Montano, and the Las Aguilas Pathfinder Club’s director, Ines Salazar.

“We give thanks to God for the experience we shared during these months of study, work, and fellowship,” praised Salazar. “As a Club—and as parents—we look forward to seeing the eternal results in our Pathfinders that will reward their steadfastness and dedication to the Word of God. We pray, dear Pathfinders, that our Good God grants growth to the seed that has been sown in your hearts.”

The Las Aguilas Pathfinder Club team closed the event with a very respectable second-place ranking, showing up well prepared to test and in full uniform. Even though they were not able to attend in person, other adults present remarked that the team members still had a wonderful experience and were excited for the day’s activities.

“I want to tell Las Aguilas well done!” remarked Sandra Montano. “They are smart and dedicated Pathfinders, and I have seen all of them grow too fast spiritually and in height. I’m so proud of them for participating four times under the direction of the previous director Martinez and for the past 2 years with Ines Salazar. Keep up the good spirit and the participation. It was a privilege for Julie Lim, my husband Juan Carlos, and myself to have been there to help support the PBE.”

—Sandra Montano is an RMC Club Ministries training coordinator. Photos supplied.

RMCNews – Denver, Colorado … The Colorado Indonesian American Seventh-day Adventist Church (CIASDA) in Denver, Colorado, celebrated a milestone on April 18 with a special 25^th Anniversary day-long event.  Hundreds were in attendance of all ages hosting guests from across the globe.

While the celebration was held for the anniversary of a single church, it was honored by many in the local and international Seventh-day Adventist Indonesian community, with all of the glory going to God and His works to make this day possible. The messages throughout the day were centered around the Bible verse from Romans 11:36 (NKJV):

For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever.

The event began with an Indonesian language worship service, followed by a Sabbath School lesson led by Praban Lim, CIASDA pastor. In his lesson, Lim warned of the dangers of pride and urged listeners to submit themselves to Jesus: “When you humble yourself, you can ask for Jesus. When you submit yourself, you see God. When you only see yourself, you never see Jesus.”

A final extended worship service was offered in English. Each service featured remarks, Bible memory verses, prayers, and special music from community leaders and members of the congregation. The special music ranged from a CIASDA youth team to a choir of over 50 people.

The featured sermon speakers included Roger Omallao Caderma, president of the Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD) and SSD executive secretary Samuel Yotam Bindosano. The SSD is headquartered in Silang, Cavite, Philippines and represents 14 countries in southern Asia from Pakistan in the northwest to Indonesia in the southeast.

“This church has been sustained by God for 25 years. It’s all about what God has done in our lives,” Caderma expressed. “We have one heart, we have one vision, and we have one direction. In our journey, brothers and sisters, we can’t afford to go with the selected individuals only. Our children must be with us. And all of us are waiting for the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ.”

Doug Inglish, Rocky Mountain Conference (RMC) vice president of Administration, also provided special remarks and a prayer for continued blessings on the church’s mission. “It was wonderful to celebrate 25 years of service to the mission of the church with this congregation. Everyone was able to reflect on how God has led them, and I was privileged to join the local Indonesian pastors after the service as they talked about their plans to bring the message to the growing Indonesian community in Denver,” he reflected.

Following the cutting of a celebratory cake and Tumpeng, a traditional Indonesian rice dish symbolizing gratitude, prosperity, and harmony with God, was a fellowship meal with many cultural dishes.

The remainder of the event was centered around video testimonies and special music from the other four RMC Indonesian churches emceed by their lead pastors including Purasa Marpaung with the Rocky Mountain Indonesian American Church, Widy Gara with the First Denver Indonesian Church, Jani Pungus with the Indonesian Church, and Stanley Luntungan with the Mile High Indonesian Church.

Three Indonesian congregations in the Denver metro area with membership in the Central States Conference—Lifehouse International Church, Indonesian Unity Church, and Maranatha Indonesian-American Church—joined in the celebration with their sister church.

Also present for the event were representatives from several RMC ministries including Hugo Guillen from Ministerial, Paul Negrete from Education, Marlene Poole from Women’s Ministries, Rick Mautz from Wellness Support, Haremy Cordova from Planned Giving and Trust Services, and Reuben Kahler and Natalie Negrete from RMC’s young adult ministry Vine + Branches.

—RMCNews. Photos by Liz Kirkland and Susan Inglish.

Bruno Lopes – Loveland, Colorado … Campion Academy (CA) in Loveland, Colorado, hosted approximately 150 middle school students from nine Rocky Mountain Conference (RMC) schools for the RMC Music Festival, April 9-11, themed “Committed to Him.”

​The middle school students stayed on the Campion Academy campus for three days, transforming the environment with their smiles and musical talents. Daniel Biaggi, pastor for Witness and Worship at the Pioneer Memorial Church in Berrien Springs, Michigan, was the guest clinician for choral while Naomi Fernandez, CA Music director, conducted the band.

The RMC Education assistant director Sandy Hodgson coordinated the event. “The collaboration between schools helps to unify education in the Rocky Mountain Conference,” Hodgson expressed.

“Preparation starts long before students arrive. They are learning the music, participating in the t-shirt design contest, and reviewing the CHERISH Music Festival contract. Taking what they have learned on their own campus and putting it together with other students is a testament that working together can create a product that truly gives our best to God,” Hodgson concluded.

The program included a 125-student choir that performed during the Saturday morning worship service and 25 band students who played during the Saturday afternoon concert. The band was supported by several intermediate Campion Academy band students, as many middle school scholars were just learning to play their instruments.

The theme for this year, “Committed to Him”, was selected by the guest choral clinician, Biaggi. Hodgson mentioned, “When we give our best to God and commit our ways to Him, we can find purpose in life.”

The event reflects the message of Jesus in Matthew 19:14: Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.

—Bruno Lopes, Campion Academy Student News Team. Photos supplied.

By Lisa Cardinal

“Longing” is an intense desire to do something or have something. Food. Touch. Love. Meaning. Purpose. Conversation. Sleep. Health. Peace. We’re born longing. We grow up longing. We live with longing.

We can be driven by, exhausted by, and motivated by longing. Longing is part of being alive. It’s part of being human. When longing is satisfied, people describe it as quiet joy, relief, even peace. It’s what happens after working through a misunderstanding with a co-worker, enjoying a good meal and conversation with a friend, or a day off to create margin.

As life-giving as satisfied longings are, they are temporary. Not only that, there are longings that might never be satisfied in this life. While longing is part of being alive, so also is learning to live with (a) longings that might never be satisfied, and (b) the reality that satisfied longings are only temporary.

The good news is this can be learned.

The Apostle Paul learned and he wrote it down in chapter 4 of Philippians. He said, “I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation (verse 12).” Here’s the secret, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (verses 6-7, NIV).” The words, “with thanksgiving” are key to Paul’s secret.

I’ve tried Paul’s secret.

For years—nearly every morning—I list at least three things I’m thankful for, and small things count. If you want to learn Paul’s secret, give this a try for no less than one week. Thanksgiving (or gratitude) is the secret to being content. Gratitude, even for small things, is the way we live in a world where satisfied longings are temporary, and some longings will never be met. You will experience the peace of God, which transcends all understanding and this peace will guard your heart and mind.

—Lisa Cardinal is lead pastor at Newday Adventist Church. Photo by BOOM Photography of Pexels.

Abigail Brown – Loveland, Colorado … The story of Jesus was brought to life for over 1,600 visitors at the annual Journey to the Cross held on the Campion campus in Loveland, Colorado, April 4. Over 200 volunteers from Campion Seventh-day Adventist Church, HMS Richards Adventist School, and Campion Academy (CA) all worked together to put on the annual interactive performance with five showings, including one in Spanish.

This year’s drama was from the perspective of three women in the Bible: Mary, mother of Jesus, Mary Magdalene and Martha, sisters of Lazurus, and was written by Campion Academy’s drama teacher Erin Johnson.

The audience started the program in the church showing Jesus growing up with his mother and ending with a scene of the resurrection of Lazarus. Johnson shared, “My favorite part of the performance was seeing two resurrections this year and getting to witness the performance from behind the scenes.”

The group then progressed to the Campion Academy gym where the audience watched Jesus’ last moments and resurrection.

After the performance in the gym the audience was led to a mini Jerusalem market set up in the HMS Richard’s gym. Participants could enjoy a variety of snacks from the era. CA student Austin B. expressed, “My favorite part was enjoying the food from the market made by the community; it tasted so good.”

The performance was very impactful and inspiring for the audience and cast alike. Daniel O., CA student, stated, “This year’s performance helped me to understand what Jesus did for us and what it really means. It helped me put things into perspective.”

—Abigail Brown, Campion Academy Student Editor. Photos supplied and by Liz Kirkland.

Marsha Bartulec – Erie, Colorado … Fifth and sixth grade students from Brighton Adventist Academy, HMS Richards Adventist School, Mile High Academy, and Vista Ridge Academy (VRA) recently had the opportunity to participate in an exciting, hands-on learning experience at Young AmeriTowne.* This unique program allows students to step into the roles of business owners, employees, and civic leaders, giving them a glimpse into how an economy functions in real life.

Throughout the day, students worked in teams to manage businesses, handle finances, write checks, and make important decisions that impacted their success. From running the bank and snack shop to managing businesses, each student played a vital role in keeping their “town” operating smoothly.

“I love seeing the energy from the students throughout our AmeriTowne unit,” said Taryn Clark, VRA lead middle school and fifth grade teacher. “From their professionalism in their job interviews beforehand, to their enthusiasm in doing their jobs on the day they run town, they are so engaged. It is my favorite field trip we do.”

Students left the experience feeling both challenged and inspired.

“I liked working as a graphic designer because it was creative and artistic,” said a VRA sixth-grade student. “We sold disappearing ink and decorated bags to give to customers. I would definitely recommend this experience to other students!”

Another VRA sixth-grade student shared, “I liked my job in Parcel Services as the accountant because I like math. It was a fun experience getting to know what adult life is like.”

In addition to building financial literacy, AmeriTowne helped students develop communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. These are tools that will benefit them well beyond the classroom.

Experiences like this reflect the commitment of our schools to provide practical, engaging learning opportunities that prepare students for life. The day at AmeriTowne was not only educational, but also a memorable highlight for all who attended.

* Young AmeriTowne is not affiliated with the Seventh-day Adventist Church nor the Rocky Mountain Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.

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

Cindy Roldan – Highlands Ranch, Colorado … Students, staff, and community members from Mile High Academy (MHA) in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, traveled to Cayo, Belize, for a mission trip centered on service, teamwork, and cultural connection, March 10–18.

While in Belize, the group split into teams to meet various community needs. One team worked diligently at La Loma Hospital, contributing to an ongoing construction project that will support improved healthcare services for the region. During their time on the construction site, hospital workers also poured into the students spiritually, sharing biblical truths and encouraging them to set their sights on heavenly things.

Another group brought creativity and encouragement to the Eden Seventh-day Adventist School by painting a vibrant mural, leaving a lasting visual impact for students and staff. A third group of students, trained by Christina Hernández, MHA middle school teacher, administered reading assessments to support local education efforts.

Beyond their service work, students had the opportunity to experience the beauty and culture of Belize, visiting local sights, exploring historic ruins, and enjoying time swimming together. These moments helped deepen friendships and create lasting memories.

The commitment and attitude of the group did not go unnoticed. At the conclusion of the trip, a hospital staff member shared, “You have shown me that young people can be about more than just their phones. You worked hard and without complaints!”

Senior students Asa and Rogan played a key role in setting the tone for the trip, leading by example through long hours of service and a willingness to give their best. Reflecting on the experience, senior Adrian shared, “This is my last mission trip, and I want to help them finish this project.”

The trip not only made a meaningful impact in the Cayo community but also left a lasting impression on the hearts of those who served, embodying MHA’s mission of faith, service, and leadership.

—Cindy Roland is Mile High Academy director of Student Services. Photos supplied.

Karrie Meyers – Highlands Ranch, Colorado … Mile High Academy (MHA) in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, recently brought over 130 parents, staff, and community members together at Topgolf Centennial for a Sunday brunch auction, March 29, that raised more than $75,000.

The event, which was focused on community and fun while raising dollars for the annual fund, was a light-hearted morning of laughter, food, and being together as a community. Between rounds of golf, attendees bid on silent auction items ranging from donations by local businesses and community members to creative baskets put together by MHA classrooms. New for this year included a longest drive competition, where kids and women could use the club of choice and men had to use toddler clubs, resulting in plenty of laughs and surprisingly competitive swings.

Emcee and MHA coach Michael Camacho kept the energy high during the live auction, leading a game of “Heads and Tails” and navigating the bids for two of the most sought-after items: the coveted VIP campus parking spots.

While the day was full of laughter, the purpose was clear. Currently, more than 40% of MHA students rely on some form of financial aid. The funds raised at the auction go directly toward ensuring these students can continue their Christian education at the school.

“When we talk about financial aid, we’re really talking about our families,” said Mindy Philpott, MHA Business Manager. “Seeing the community show up at the auction was huge. The $75,000 raised ensures that 40% of our students can still call MHA home.”

This auction success was made possible by the generosity of the MHA community and local sponsors: AdventHealth, Gates Concrete Forming Systems,* Out of Breath Sports,* Rocky Mountain Conference, and Sage Solutions.*

The $75,000 raised will go toward the $300,000 goal for the 2025-26 school year, keeping the doors open for every student in the MHA family. And MHA is already making plans for next year’s auction, which will be held Sunday, April 4, 2027.

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

—Karrie Meyers is the Mile High Academy marketing and development coordinator. Photos supplied.

Luca Lu – Frisco, Colorado … Instead of being in a classroom, 23 students in the Ski Club at Campion Academy (CA) in Loveland, Colorado, headed for the mountains, to enjoy the slopes on skis and snowboards, March 28-30.

On March 28, the ski group joined the Leadville Seventh-day Adventist Church, where all the students led out in the service. After songs by the praise team, CA student Max B. delivered the sermon to the congregation.

This time, instead of staying in the church basement, a family generously offered for the group to stay in their vacation home. Finn S., a junior student, commented that his favorite part of the trip was “staying in the big house with friends and getting to ski instead of going to school.”

Sunday and Monday were ski days. The students grouped up according to ability, and they all challenged each other to improve their skills and try harder runs. Even though it was slushy due to the weather, by God’s grace, nobody got injured.

One of the biggest highlights of the trip was watching the progress of the newer skiers and snowboarders. “I was really proud of the students who started out as first-timers in Ski Club this year; by the end of this trip, they were able to go down many different runs on the mountain,” shared Jill Harlow, CA ski club sponsor, teacher, and Communication director.

Ariana M., a sophomore student, shared her favorite part was “skiing with Azusa and Mao and learning how to snowboard more with Donna.”

Beyond the time spent on the snow, the trip provided a great chance to bond and make memories away from campus. For many, the downtime was just as much of a highlight as carving up the mountain. “The best part was definitely skiing with friends and playing pool,” shared student Ben N., a junior.

Theo W., a senior student, summed up the mountain conditions and the group’s progress: “The ski trip was a wonderful experience. We had a great time together and got to go skiing. It was fun skiing in the Rocky Mountains with friends. There were a few ‘warm’ days on the slopes, but it was still enjoyable. We also had some beginners in our group who improved steadily as the trip went on. Personally, I thoroughly enjoyed my time in the mountains.”

From leading the church service to conquering Copper Mountain Ski Resort, overall, it was a great and joyful weekend filled with great memories with friends.

—Luca Lu, Campion Academy Student News Team. Photos supplied.

Campion Connections News – Students and members of Campion Academy (CA) and Campion Seventh-day Adventist Church in Loveland, Colorado, hosted their second tandem meal packing event, March 7. Planning started a few months before the event and was made possible by the work of several people from both the school and church.

A potluck took place following the church worship service, which led into the meal-packing event. The event took place in Campion Academy’s gymnasium this year, unlike last year where the event took place in HMS Richards Adventist School’s gym. However, there was an exciting reason for this change in location.

This year, the goal for the number of meals packed was pushed to approximately 32,000 meals, which is over 10,000 more meals than last year. The event lasted around two hours, as the saying “many hands make light work” was clearly put into practice, with many fLarrom the community coming together to serve. There were eight tables being used with ten or more people at them manning a different station. Some poured oats into bags, others added cinnamon, others sealed the bags, and the line ended with the bags being counted and packed into boxes.

Throughout the afternoon, music was playing in the background and the sound of talking and laughter filled the air. Every so often, the sound of a cow bell would ring out at different tables signaling to the others that their table had packed yet another box. There were kids helping out at tables, high school students mixed in with church members, and ages ranging from the young elementary students all the way up to the older members of Campion Church.

Addison Gann, the CA student who spearheaded this event, mentioned that her favorite part was, “getting to see everything come together in the end. There were a lot of pieces that had to come together for this activity to work and after months of planning, it was just awesome to see them fit together and for the community to come together and serve the Lord!”

This activity required help from many people in order for it to happen, ranging from finances to finding a pallet jack that could be used to transport the equipment around. Gann commented, “It really was a miracle that this all came together. God’s hand was definitely at work.” In the end, the meals were sent to the Larimer County Food Bank* to be distributed to those in need throughout the community.

* Larimer County Food Bank is not affiliated with the Seventh-day Adventist Church nor the Rocky Mountain Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.

—Campion Connections News. Reposted from April 2026 Campion Connections Monthly Newsletter. Photos supplied.