NewsNuggets

Jose Briones – Grand Junction, Colorado … The Grand Junction Seventh‑day Adventist Church hosted an abuse awareness seminar featuring speaker Miki Sturges, an advocate known for empowering survivors and educating communities about the realities of abuse and Grand Junction church member, November 8. Drawing from her own personal experience, Sturges shared testimony and practical insight on the importance of recognizing and supporting victims of abuse.

The event drew local residents eager to engage in a difficult but necessary conversation. Attendee Sturges reflected, “These kinds of conversations are needed, and when we have them, our community becomes stronger.”

Organizers from the Family Ministries department emphasized that the gathering was not only about raising awareness but also about building bridges. “This is a step to reach out to the community,” noted Sylvia Barton, Grand Junction Church Family Ministry coordinator.

Nathaniel Gamble, lead pastor for the Grand Junction Church, added a pastoral perspective, explaining the role of mandated reporters in protecting vulnerable individuals. He reminded attendees that faith communities carry both a moral and legal responsibility to act when abuse is suspected. Gamble also offered a theological reflection, noting that “God understands abuse because He Himself experienced it in the person of Jesus Christ.” His words underscored the seminar’s message that faith can be a source of solidarity and healing for those who suffer.

The seminar further emphasized that abuse is not limited to one form. Presenters highlighted the different kinds of abuse—emotional, physical, spiritual, and financial—helping attendees recognize the many ways harm can manifest.

Through personal stories, practical resources, and theological grounding, the event drew attention to the role of churches in confronting abuse and fostering resilience. For many in attendance, it marked a meaningful step toward healing and collective strength in Grand Junction. CLICK HERE to watch the seminar.

—Jose Briones is the RMC Stewardship Promotion and Content creator. Photos supplied.

Pamela Lah – Loveland, Colorado … The girls’ dorm lobby at Campion Academy (CA) in Loveland, Colorado, is getting a much-needed makeover this fall thanks to the generosity of several donors whose gifts made the project possible. Renovations began in early September after a major donation launched the effort to replace the flooring and create a more welcoming environment for students.

In addition to the monetary donations, Joel Hernandez, member of the Denver (Pecos) Hispanic Seventh-day Adventist Church, and Paul Negrete, Associate Superintendent of the Rocky Mountain Conference, were instrumental in getting the project started, volunteering their time and expertise to install the flooring.

“We are really grateful for supporters of Campion who want to see it impact students for the kingdom,” emphasized CA principal Kaleb Leeper.

Following the initial donation, more funds were contributed specifically to improve the front desk, allowing the project to expand even further.

Renovations are still underway, but the team hopes to have the flooring completed by or before Parents’ Weekend on November 21. Students are already excited about the progress. “It’s looking beautiful,” said sophomore student Hannah.

—Pamela Lah, Campion Academy Student News Team. Photo supplied.

Cindy Roldan – Highlands Ranch, Colorado … Mile High Academy (MHA) in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, held its annual all-school Service Day, November 5, a tradition where students put their faith into action through acts of service.

While MHA’s Service Day typically includes every grade serving on the same day, this year’s event was limited to preschool through eighth grade due to the larger number of Upper School students and limited transportation. High school students will instead participate in several upcoming service events designed to provide more meaningful and focused opportunities to serve.

Preschool and kindergarten students created colorful cards for residents at a memory care center, which grades three through five later visited to sing and spend time doing activities with the residents. The group visited the nearby Brookdale Memory Care Center in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, where they were surprised with popcorn and treats at the end of their visit. Fourth grader Joshua shared that he was happy to have spent time with the residents and to have brightened their day. The center has since invited the students to return for another visit.

On campus, grades three through five also raked leaves and filled more than 20 bags, cleaned under the field bleachers, and cleaned the gym bleachers.

Grades one through two made heartfelt thank-you cards for local police officers and firefighters to express appreciation for their service.

Middle school students served off campus at two local churches. One group traveled to Pecos Seventh-day Adventist Church in Denver, Colorado, where they sanded and prepped an area for a new wheelchair-access ramp and prepared the baptistry for painting. Seventh grader Kaylanie said it was “the best Service Day experience.”

The second group went to Denver South Hispanic Church to assist with its community food bank. Middle Schoolers also prepared sack lunches and assembled hygiene kits for people experiencing homelessness. Several eighth graders expressed how tired and yet happy they were to have participated in this event. The school plans to return to the food bank later this month to help serve breakfast to the community for Thanksgiving.

Even with adjusted plans, students across all grades embraced the spirit of Service Day, working together to share kindness and make a positive difference in the community.

—Cindy Roldan is Mile High Academy’s director of Student Services. Photos supplied.

OUTLOOK Magazine Feature Stories – Lincoln, Nebraska … Regional conferences within the Seventh-day Adventist Church were born out of both numerical growth and pain. In April 1944, the General Conference leadership voted to create regional conferences—church administrative units led by Black leaders—so that Black Adventists could organize, minister, and evangelize more effectively. Within a year, three conferences were operating, and within two years, seven—including the Central States Conference [which covers the states in the MidAmerica Union territory]—had been established.

A Landmark Vote in 1944

On April 10, 1944, at the General Conference Spring Meeting in Chicago, world church leaders voted to support allow the creation of “colored conferences” (the language of the time) in any union where Black membership was large enough and resources were sufficient.

The official action stated that these conferences would be led by Black officers and committees, but they would have the same standing as every other local conference. At the time, there were more than 17,000 Black Adventists in 233 churches across North America—a strong foundation for this new model.

“That a different plan of organization for our colored membership would bring further great advance in soul-winning endeavor.” — General Conference Spring Meeting, 1944

What Prompted Change

The vote was the result of years of frustration. Black Adventists had explosive growth grown in numbers and influence, but leadership opportunities were limited. The denomination had created advisory departments for “Negro” (1909) and later “Colored” (1942) work, but they lacked real authority.

Black senior citizens were not allowed to stay in conference facilities that their tithe dollars helped to build. They were not allowed to enter the front door of conference headquarters, and they were not allowed to eat with their anglo counterparts.

The crisis came to a head in 1943, when Lucy Byard, a Black Adventist, was denied treatment at Washington Sanitarium because of her race. On her journey, she was moved to another hospital where she died. Her tragic story highlighted the injustice Black members faced—even in their own denomination.

Her death inspired pastors and lay members to form the Committee for the Advancement of the Worldwide Work Among Colored Seventh-day Adventists. This group presented the General Conference with what they believed was the clearest solution: full integration of Black Adventists into the existing conference system.

But, as historian Calvin Rock records in From Protest to Progress, the GC Executive Committee rejected full integration. Instead, they chose to establish separate Black-administered conferences, believing this would allow for “great advance” in mission while avoiding the hard confrontation of racial prejudice within the existing structures.

That decision was a compromise. It gave Black leaders real authority, but only through creating parallel structures. For many, this underscored the painful reality that equality was still denied, even within the church.

The First Regional Conferences

Change came quickly. On September 26, 1944, the Lake Union Conference voted to create the Lake Region Conference, which officially began operations on January 1, 1945. That same day, the Northeastern Conference and the Allegheny Conference also launched.

By the end of 1946, a total of seven regional conferences had been organized across North America. Among them was the Central States Conference, created to serve members across a wide swath of the Midwest. Today, Central States covers nine states and continues to carry the legacy of strong evangelism and community presence.

Lake Region Conference was the first to function, beginning January 1, 1945. Central States followed soon after, building a unique witness in the Midwest.

Not Separate, But Equal in Structure

Regional conferences were never intended to be a “split” from the church. Instead, they became fully recognized parts of the same system—reporting to their unions, the North American Division, and ultimately the General Conference.

They have the same responsibilities as other conferences: hiring pastors, funding schools, planting churches, and supporting mission. The difference is that Black leaders were now in charge of making those decisions for their members.

“Regional conferences sustain the same relation to their union conferences as do the white conferences.” — GC Spring Meeting Minutes, 1944

The Bigger Picture

Regional conferences were created during an era of legal segregation in the United States. Schools, hospitals, and even churches were often divided by race. The church, like society, reflected that reality.

At the same time, the new structure empowered Black leaders to grow vibrant institutions. Regional conferences started schools, led evangelistic movements, and built strong congregations. They trained and launched leaders who later served across the denomination—some in the highest offices of the church.

By 1954, the General Conference renamed its “Colored Department” the Regional Department, confirming the permanence of this system.

Lasting Impact of Central States

For nearly 80 years, the Central States Conference has played a key role in the life of the church. Its territory stretches across nine Midwestern states, giving it a unique identity as a regional conference with both rural and urban congregations.

Central States has been known for dynamic evangelism, innovative community service, and the development of strong leaders. It carries forward the vision of those early members in the 1940s who wanted a structure where Black Adventists could flourish in leadership and mission.

“Regional conferences were born out of pain, but they have produced powerful ministry that continues to bless the church today.”

To learn more about Regional Conference Ministry, visit adventistregionalministries.org/about-us

—OUTLOOK Magazine Feature Stories guest contributor. Republished with permission from OUTLOOK Magazine Feature Story October 29, 2025, article. Photos supplied.

AdventHealth – Castle Rock, Colorado … AdventHealth Castle Rock is expanding its commitment to whole-person care in Douglas County with the groundbreaking of the new AdventHealth ER and Urgent Care Crystal Valley. The 23,622-square-foot facility will serve as a vital extension of AdventHealth Castle Rock, designed to meet the area’s increasing demand for accessible emergency and primary care services.

Construction officially began the week of September 29, marking the start of a project that will bring expanded access to high-quality, compassionate care for residents in the growing Castle Rock community. Located at the corner of Crystal Valley Parkway and Plum Creek Boulevard in Castle Rock, the facility is expected to be completed in fall 2026 and will provide more than 30 new jobs for the community

The first floor will house both urgent care and emergency department services, providing immediate care for patients experiencing a wide range of medical needs. The second floor will feature primary care offices as well as shelled space to accommodate future expansion and additional services as the community grows.

“This groundbreaking represents more than just the start of construction, it’s a continuation of our mission to provide whole-person care close to home,” said Michelle Fuentes, CEO of AdventHealth Castle Rock. “As Castle Rock continues to grow, AdventHealth is proud to meet our community where they are and ensure families have convenient access to the care they need, mind, body, and spirit.”

Once complete, the AdventHealth Crystal Valley Emergency Room will offer residents an expanded network of care options, complementing existing AdventHealth facilities throughout the region.

The project reflects AdventHealth’s ongoing investment in innovative health care solutions and its deep commitment to the well-being of every community it serves.

“Castle Rock is a special place,” Michelle added. “We’re honored to grow alongside this community and continue providing exceptional care to every patient who walks through our doors.”

—AdventHealth News. Republished with permission from the AdventHealth News & Stories website, October 9, 2025, article. Photo supplied.

Waleska Agramonte – Yuma, Colorado … The Yuma Seventh-day Adventist Church in Yuma, Colorado, celebrated a beautiful youth program, October 18. Members of the Pathfinder and Adventurer clubs were praised for the four songs sang, for the children’s story shared, and for the way they represented their clubs with so much joy and reverence.

A moment of special note was when Maria, a Pathfinder Club member, played a beautiful song on her violin. “Her music touched our hearts and reminded us how God uses every gift for His glory,” remarked Waleska Agramonte, the Yuma Church’s Club Ministries director.

The church welcomed Rocky Mountain Conference vice president for Administration, Doug Inglish, as their guest speaker. Agramonte commented, “His message was uplifting, inspiring, and a wonderful blessing to our church family.”

After the special service, the attendees enjoyed a delicious potluck together, a lovely time of fellowship, smiles, and community. And the day did not stop there. In the afternoon, church members went out for outreach in the local community, sharing encouragement, prayer, and the love of Jesus.

“Days like these remind us why we serve—to worship together, to grow together, and to spread the love of Christ beyond the church walls,” reflected Agramonte. “We are so proud of our young people. God is doing something beautiful through them!”

—Waleska Agramonte is the Club Ministries director for the Yuma Seventh-day Adventist Church. Photos supplied.

Jose Briones – Denver, Colorado … The Denver South Hispanic Seventh-day Adventist Church recently concluded a powerful week of evangelism, October 4-11, under the theme “Don’t Be Deceived.” Each evening, members and guests gathered to explore biblical truths and unmask spiritual deceptions, guided by Scripture and the Holy Spirit.

The week culminated in a joyful baptismal celebration, where two couples publicly committed their lives to Christ. The baptisms marked not only a personal milestone for the individuals involved but also a spiritual victory for the entire church community.

“This week reminded us that the gospel still transforms lives,” said Julio Díaz, the church’s interim pastor, who led the series. “When the church comes together in prayer, service, and love, God moves in powerful ways. These baptisms are just the beginning.”

The success of the event was the result of a united church effort. Every ministry played a vital role: Pathfinders welcomed visitors, deaconesses prepared evening refreshments, youth led worship in song, and deacons ensured the logistics ran smoothly. The church’s mission director collected contact information from guests while the entire congregation supported the series through prayer and faithful attendance.

Each night, a different biblical truth was presented, offering clarity and hope in a world full of confusion. The messages resonated deeply with attendees, many of whom returned night after night to learn more.

The week left the church energized and inspired to continue its mission of sharing the gospel and serving the community. As Díaz emphasized, “We are not just celebrating decisions—we are witnessing the fruit of a church that believes in the power of the Word and the presence of the Holy Spirit.”

—Jose Briones is the RMC Stewardship Promotion and Content creator. Photos supplied.

Steve Pester – Farmington, New Mexico … Dine’ Adventist Radio* (DAR) brought a joyful, hope-filled Sabbath worship service to Piñon Hills Seventh-day Adventist Church in Farmington, New Mexico, November 1.

The program blended powerful testimonies, inspiring beginnings, and music that celebrated the Gospel in multiple languages and musical styles. The vision at Piñon Hills to build KBFH 105.7 FM, “Keepin’ Bound for Heaven,” was honored throughout the day as a tangible step toward expanded outreach across the Navajo Nation.

Robinson Jones, Navajo Christian soloist, shared with the congregation two stirring songs and a testimony about Jesus’ work in his life and the faith lessons passed down from his grandmother. His music and story set a warm, personal tone for worship.

The remarkable origins of Dine’ Adventist Radio—how a phone call to the wrong person in the right place sparked the movement—was shared by Allen Steele. He also offered congratulations to Piñon Hills for their vision and commitment to building KBFH 105.7 FM and focusing on outreach.

Tamara Peshlakai, clinical social worker and therapist, recounted her search for truth, a season of giving up, and then receiving an unexpected invitation to a Bible Prophecy series at a Seventh-day Adventist church. Her gentle warning—“be careful what you ask for from the Lord, you may get it”—struck a chord with many listeners.

A raw, honest testimony of growing up on the Navajo Reservation, losing his mother at 17, and falling into anger and addiction was given by Nathan Manuelito. It wasn’t until a mentor named John pointed him to Jesus that his life began to turn around. Nathan celebrated the joy of having God living with him today.

Kietel Jones honored his grandfather, Navajo Code Talker George B. Willie, as the inspiration behind his decision to study radio in college. Kietel now serves as an editor and program host for Dine’ Adventist Radio, carrying forward a legacy of service through the airwaves.

Staff members from La Vida Mission* delivered a beautiful multilingual musical performance, singing verses in English, Navajo, Spanish, and Filipino, reflecting the diverse communities in the congregation. DAR Volunteers also performed a heartfelt rendition of “This World Is Not My Home,” reminding listeners of the eternal perspective at the heart of the Gospel.

The worship service concluded with Eric Bahnmiller, DAR pastor, who joked about his disappointment at having to speak because it marked the close of such a wonderful service. The event closed with a special DAR version of “Go Tell It on the Mountain” found below, adapted for the reservation and the radio mission.

A heartfelt thanks to Piñon Hills Church for hosting DAR on the Road and for their bold commitment to establishing KBFH 105.7 FM. Events like this remind us that radio is more than technology, it is a ministry that carries healing, testimony, and hope across distances, working hand in hand with the local congregation to follow up with those who are seeking.

* Dine Adventist Radio and La Vida Mission are supporting ministries of the Seventh-day Adventist Church but are not affiliated with the Rocky Mountain Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.

—Steve Pester is the Dine Adventist Radio network manager. Photos supplied.

Chorus 1
Go tell it on the mountain,
Over the hills and everywhere,
Go tell it on the mountain
That Jesus Christ is born.

Verse 1
The airwaves tell the story
Of better life for all,
And spread the joyful message
Of Jesus’ loving call.

Chorus 2
Go tell it on the mesa,
Over the hills and everywhere,
Go tell it on the mesa
That Jesus died for you.

Verse 2
From towers on the hilltops,
God’s Word will now be heard,
Proclaiming hope and mercy
Through every spoken word.

Chorus 3
Go tell the reservation,
Over the hills and everywhere,
Go tell the reservation
That Christ is coming soon.

Verse 3
Through valleys, homes, and hogans,
The message will be clear,
That Jesus walks beside us,
His love is always near.

Chorus 4
Go spread the Gospel Message,
Over the hills and everywhere
Go spread the Gospel Message
That Jesus Christ is Lord.

Carey Jordan – Loveland, Colorado … For the students at HMS Richards Adventist School in Loveland, Colorado, the past year has been about reading, math, science, and social studies. But it has also been about connection, purpose, and preparing to share their faith.

After months of reaching out to neighbors, building friendships, and serving their community, HMS is ready to open its doors for a weeklong event titled “God Is.” From November 9–15, at 7:00 PM each evening, the HMS Gym at will be filled with music, student-led messages, and doors open wide in welcome. The 45-minute nightly programs are designed to bring people together, offering encouragement, inspiration, and a message of hope through the eyes and voices of HMS students.

For over a year, the HMS seventh- and eighth-grade classes have been researching, writing, and preparing sermons rooted in Bible truths they believe need to be shared. These aren’t typical classroom assignments, their messages are born from personal study, prayer, and conviction. Each sermon has been written and will be delivered by the students themselves, reflecting their growing understanding of who God is and what His promises mean for the world today.

“Our students have poured their hearts into this,” said Carey Jordan, principal of HMS Richards Adventist School. “They’ve spent months praying, studying, and asking how they can best represent Jesus to their community. It’s inspiring to watch them grow in faith and courage.”

The entire weeklong event will be student-led from start to finish, with grades five through eight managing every part of the program—from sound and stage management to pew hosts, greeters, sermon introductions, music, and praise time. “We wanted this to be more than a presentation—it’s hands-on ministry,” Jordan explained. “Every student has a role and a purpose in sharing God’s love.”

The HMS commitment to sharing faith extends beyond the event itself. The fifth- and sixth-grade students have prepared a follow-up Bible study podcast series, written, presented, and recorded by the students. The first episodes will launch in December 2025, with QR codes distributed to HMS neighbors so they can listen from home and explore more of the topics introduced during the “God Is” series.

The “God Is” meetings are the culmination of a year-long effort to connect with Campion residents, who live around HMS, on a personal level. “Before we could share our message, we wanted to truly know our community,” Jordan said. “Our students have learned that ministry begins with friendship, and that faith grows best when it’s shared through kindness and conversation.” Guests attending the meetings can expect a warm, neighborly atmosphere with music, and student messages of truth and hope. Each evening will also feature free giveaways, including books, gift cards, and small gifts.

Evening Topics:

• Sunday – Salvation: God Is Our Salvation
• Monday – Great Controversy: God Will Win the War
• Tuesday – Sanctuary: God with Us Forever
• Wednesday – Sabbath: God’s Amazing Day
• Thursday – Death and Resurrection: God Has Conquered Death
• Friday – Second Coming: God Will Come Back Again
• Saturday – Great Commission and Service: God, the Spirit in Us.

“God Is” is part of the North American Division’s Pentecost 2025 initiative, a continent-wide movement encouraging schools and churches to share the good news of Jesus and pray for a renewed outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Even if you can’t attend in person, HMS Richards Adventist School invites you to pray for this effort—that the Holy Spirit will move in Loveland and soften hearts to receive Jesus.

“This project isn’t about performance,” Jordan emphasized. “It’s about inviting the Spirit to work through our students and through this community. We want every person to feel that God is real, God is near, and God still changes lives.”

Follow HMS Richards Adventist School on Facebook and Instagram at HMS Richards Elementary School for updates, photos, and podcast announcements. Hear about the students’ journey in their own words in the video below.

—Carey Jordan is principal of HMS Richards Adventist School. Photo capture from video courtesy of HMS Richards Adventist School.

Alexia Chavez – Ward, Colorado … Around 185 women from across the Rocky Mountain Conference (RMC) gathered at Glacier View Ranch in Ward, Colorado, for the annual RMC Hispanic Women’s Retreat, October 24–26. The theme for the weekend was “Get Closer to Him,” and keynote speakers Cesia Alvarado and Cindy Baez led participants through inspiring messages centered on deepening their relationship with God.

Ruby Guillen, the unofficial RMC Hispanic Women’s Ministries volunteer director and lead of the event, shared her personal connections with the weekend’s speakers. She first met Alvarado while attending college in Montemorelos, Mexico, and their paths crossed again later in life as pastors’ wives. Ruby met Baez through her sister-in-law, and the two became instant friends.

Throughout the weekend, the sermons reminded attendees to stay close to God despite rejection, criticism, or the opinions of others. These challenges can often distance people from their faith and lead to feelings of worthlessness; however, the speakers emphasized the importance of remaining grounded in God’s love and continually seeking His guidance.

Cecilia Chavez, a young adult from the Montrose Hispanic Seventh-day Adventist, reflected on her experience:

“This weekend reminded me how much I need the Lord in every part of my life. I came home with a desire to draw closer to Him and make changes that keep His presence near. I learned that He calls me by name and loves me deeply, no matter what I’m going through.”

Meanwhile, the teen-aged participants held their own meetings with Baez, focusing on discovering their identity and purpose in God. Grace Guillen, a youth from the Denver South Hispanic Seventh-day Adventist Church, shared her biggest takeaway:

“My biggest takeaway is that it doesn’t matter what the world labels you. The only thing that matters is what God says about who you are. And even though we might feel like we are not enough for the world, we are enough for God. If we allow Him to work in and through us, we can do amazing things.”

To conclude the weekend, the women gathered for a tea party–themed celebration, featuring a lively fashion show where participants showcased their beautiful outfits and enjoyed warm fellowship.

Reflecting on the weekend, Ruby Guillen emphasized the importance of such gatherings, remarking, “The importance of having women’s retreats is to address the specific spiritual challenges that women face, spend time together in fellowship, disconnect from everyday life, and most importantly, draw closer to God.”

—Alexia Chavez is treasurer for the Montrose Hispanic Seventh-day Church. Photos supplied.