NewsNuggets – Rocky Mountain Conference of Seventh-day Adventists

02 Apr

FIRST DENVER INDONESIAN CHURCH HONORS DOUG AND SUSAN INGLISH IN SPECIAL SERVICE RECOGNITION CEREMONY

Kenneth Mambo – Commerce City, Colorado … The First Denver Indonesian Seventh-day Adventist Church (FDISDAC) in Commerce City, Colorado, was grateful to recognize an important milestone—retirement—for two very special people to the church during a special worship service, March 28. Douglas and Susan Inglish, RMC vice president for Administration and accountant, respectively, joined the church for a service recognition ceremony.

“It was a blessing to spend the Sabbath together,” remarked Kenneth Mambo, FDISDAC church member. “Pastor Doug and Susan have been an inspiration to our church for many years. Their relationship with our congregation dates to the very beginning of our church.”

“Pastor Doug played a vital role in the purchase of our church building, being involved in every step of the process from start to finish. He has also been a strong source of spiritual support, encouraging us to keep Christ at the center of our church family and leadership as we face challenges.”

When asked about his plans for retirement, Doug shared that he looks forward to working on projects at home, revisiting his interest in Russian language and literature, and possibly continuing part-time ministry in churches around the Rocky Mountain Conference.

“We are truly grateful to have Pastor Doug and Susan as part of our community. As our lead pastor, Pastor Widy Gara shared, ‘they are part of our church family and always welcome, especially as they live nearby’,” Mambo continued. “Their lifelong dedication to ministry in various capacities is a testament to their faith, and we pray that God continues to bless them in this new chapter.”

Mambo reflected that the service recognition ceremony reminded attendees “that God places the right people in the right place at the right time. He continues to call individuals and families to be a light to others. Our church will always cherish the relationship we have with the Inglish family as they continue to support God’s work. Congratulations on your retirement, Pastor Doug and Susan Inglish, and thank you for your faithful service.”

—Kenneth Mambo is a member of the First Denver Indonesian Seventh-day Adventist Church. Photos supplied.

02 Apr

BEYOND PROGRAMS: RMC MINISTERIAL MEETINGS EMPHASIZE RELATIONSHIPS, PRAYER, AND CHURCH HEALTH

RMCNews – Brighton, Colorado … Over 40 pastors from across the Rocky Mountain Conference (RMC) converged at the Brighton Seventh-day Adventist Church in Brighton, Colorado, for the annual RMC Ministerial Meetings, March 29-31. The importance of prayer, collaboration, and culture were some of the common themes that were threaded throughout the program.

Each day of the three-day event opened with a praise worship service, opening prayer, and devotional provided by RMC pastors including Leandro Bizama, Eliezer Roque-Cisneros, Heidi Carpenter, Daniel Birai, Godfrey Miranda, Kenneth Martinez, and Jade Teal.

Dave VandeVere, RMC president, was first to present to the pastors. He shared insights from past professional experiences, employed both in and out of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, and connected with the pastors through forward-looking discussion centered on the conference’s vision and mission.

Yami Bazan, president of Union Adventist University (UAU) in Lincoln, Nebraska, was the first of the featured speakers starting with a review of the blessings Union has received over the past year through several struggles. Bazan continued her next three presentations exploring the leadership principles found in Nehemiah 1:1-4. She highlighted that influence from effective leaders is through genuine care, presence, and lived examples rather than information and instruction.

Bazan also explored the spiritual side of leadership, remarking that spiritual transformation, or personal encounters with God that transform the heart, are more crucial than programs and systems. “Until we change our hearts,” she stated, “His work will be limited by our minds.”

Pierre Steenberg, UAU associate pastor and featured speaker, also presented three sessions looking at the health of the church. Steenberg explored why people have left the church and what churches have done to revitalize their culture and thrive. “The vast majority of people that leave, leave because they can’t find meaningful relationships,” he remarked. “Church is not about programs … [people] are the church.”

As part of church health, Steenberg also championed that church health starts with personal health, especially in its leaders: “If you want a healthy church, the pastors need to be healthy.” He also urged churches to “stop seeking silver bullets … go back to basics and do them well,” stating the solution to revitalize a church isn’t “flashy,” it is relational and intentional over time.

Four RMC pastors also presented during the meetings. Phillip Mills, lead pastor for Franktown Seventh-day Adventist Church, spoke on church growth centered on spiritual revival through prayer, equipping members to serve, and building structure and programs that meet the real needs of the community. He emphasized that when members are engaged in prayer and service, the church experiences transformation, community impact, and increased discipling, stating, “God loves His church … to be a healing center for the needs of the community … that covers all of the dimensions … physical, mental, and spiritual.”

Herbert Hernandez, lead pastor of the Chapel Haven and Northglenn Hispanic Seventh-say Adventist Churches, discussed how his church transitioned into a multi-congregational model by prioritizing prayer, patience, and communication, allowing the different cultural groups to coexist in unity. He emphasized that long-term success wasn’t from structure alone, but building relationships and shared vision across congregations: “Relationships go beyond language barriers.”

Highlighting that effective ministry is rooted in authenticity, Dave Ketelsen, lead pastor at Colorado Springs Central Seventh-day Adventist Church, reflected on how intentional prayer, relational outreach, and thoughtful systems for welcoming and caring for people can transform a church’s impact through genuine connection beyond programs and numbers. “It’s not about the numbers,” he commented, “It’s about souls—that lives are changed.”

Ketelsen also started his own outreach at the meetings, expanding beyond mind and soul to the body. An avid runner, he was able to rally a few fellow pastors for a pre-meeting morning jog to arrive focused and energized for the day’s content.

The final pastor presentation was provided by Lisa Cardinal, lead pastor at Newday Adventist Church, where she gave the story of the church’s journey from a small church plant in 2007 to a thriving multigenerational, community-focused congregation, even through a time of crisis and rebuilding. “We wanted to meet real needs and make a difference in our community … and do things that would be tied to a good God and make people curios about Him,” she reflected.

A host of staff from the RMC Denver Office joined the meetings to connect with pastors to better partner in joint missions and ministries, and Sean Lee, the new RMC Ministerial director, attended as his first official duties in the conference.

RMC leadership would also like to acknowledge the efforts in organizing and facilitating the meetings from Hugo Guillen, RMC Ministerial associate director and lead for Multicultural Ministries, and Bonnie Camarillo, Ministerial administrative assistant.

—RMCNews. Photos by Liz Kirkland.

01 Apr

CAMPION MISSION TRIP STUDENTS RECEIVE A DOWNPOUR OF BLESSINGS IN HAWAII

Abigail Brown – Oahu, Hawaii … Twenty-four students from Campion Academy (CA) in Loveland, Colorado, chose to spend their spring break serving others on a mission trip to Oahu, Hawaii, March 12-24. In the midst of a record-breaking rainstorm, they spent six full days working to improve the classrooms and grounds at Hawaiian Mission Academy and other Seventh-day Adventist elementary schools on the island.

When the group first arrived in Hawaii, they were met with unexpected weather conditions. A monsoon swept through the area, bringing heavy rain that made it difficult to explore Honolulu. Many shops were closed, and some areas experienced power outages.

Despite the rough start, the group enjoyed meaningful experiences together. They led a Sabbath worship service and shared a potluck meal at the Japanese Adventist church where they were staying. CA student Austin B. expressed, “The food was really good, and we had lots of noodles, rice, and I tried other foods that I had never had before.” Afterward, students went on a hike, where they saw the ocean and spent time fellowshipping with one another.

Although the rainy weather continued throughout the week, the group pushed through and continued their mission work on the island of Oahu. They served at an elementary school, completing projects such as painting, fixing the playground, assembling desks, and other needed improvements. They also helped lead out in school and church worship services throughout the week.

CA student Izuchi N. commented, “I grew so much spiritually working for others it was such a blessing.”

Originally, the mission trip had been planned for Cuba. However, due to concerns about the situation in the country, the trip was canceled. Fortunately, Michael and Jenny Gann, CA head men’s dean and nurse, respectively, worked to plan a last-minute trip to Oahu and were able to find many projects for the students.

“The mission trip was very exciting this year. God opened a door for us to go to Hawaii, and, when I first heard this, I was happy because I’ve always wanted to go to Hawaii. It was fun to meet all of the different students from each of the schools and to have worship with them,” stated Marc W., CA student.

—Abigail Brown, Campion Academy Student News Team. Photos supplied.

01 Apr

WHAT’S FUN, FAST, AND REQUIRES A HAIR NET?

Lisa Cardinal – Parker, Colorado … The answer is BRING A FRIEND – FEED 10,000 event at Newday Adventist Church in Parker, Colorado, where participants packed meals for 10,000 people in Honduras, March 28. Church members and their friends and neighbors excitedly joined together to divide 1,562 pounds of non-perishable food into bags that would each feed six people.

Multiple assembly lines were set up for the job, each with rice, soy-protein, dehydrated vegetables, a vitamin, seasoning powder, large funnel, plastic bags, scale, heat-sealer, and labels. Once filled, sealed, and labeled, bags were packed into boxes and taped.

With hairnets and plastic gloves in place, over one hundred of the participants ranging in age from 3 to over 60 years chose an assembly-line position. It was teamwork at its finest: fun and fast. The task was completed in less than the projected hour and a half.

Before leaving, all gathered and prayed over the boxes of packaged meals: “God, may these boxes reach their destination safely. May those who receive these meals also receive the love and joy packed into each one.” The boxes now await transport by railroad.

“In a world where uncertainty, chaos, and trauma seem to compound daily, doing good is a way of refusing to let those things have the last word,” remarked Lisa Cardinal, lead pastor at Newday. “The hour and half invested was multiplied in each of our hearts as we, along with our friends and neighbors, were blessed by the simple act of doing good together.”

—Lisa Cardinal is lead pastor at Newday Adventist Church. Photos by Kenneth Martinez and Jim Huenergardt.

01 Apr

MHA CELEBRATES CULTURE, COMMUNITY, AND CONNECTION ON CULTURAL CELEBRATION DAY

Cindy Roldan – Highlands Ranch, Colorado … Mile High Academy (MHA) in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, came alive March 6 with vibrant colors, meaningful traditions, and the rich diversity of its community during Cultural Celebration Day—the culminating event of Focus Week. This special week was led by Kenneth Martinez, associate pastor for Newday Adventist Church, who encouraged students to reflect on identity, faith, and the beauty of coming together as one community.

Students were invited to celebrate and represent their heritage by wearing traditional attire and bringing foods that reflect their culture. The result was a joyful and immersive experience filled with music, laughter, and the delicious aromas of cuisines from around the world.

Families also played an important role in the day’s success. Parents were invited to participate in the festivities by helping prepare and serve food, sharing meals together, and proudly joining their children in the Parade of Nations. The parade was a highlight of the day, as students and families walked together, showcasing the many cultures represented within the MHA community.

Students especially enjoyed the opportunity to express themselves in new and meaningful ways. Fourth graders Ashley and Davina shared that they “loved dressing up,” while Pennie said she enjoyed “eating food that I don’t normally eat.” One parent observed that younger students were particularly adventurous in trying new foods, while upper school students took pride in sharing dishes they had prepared themselves.

Staff members also contributed to the celebration by preparing and sharing food with the community. MHA art teacher Carolynn Irby and her husband and pastor, Brian Irby—who have participated each year—reflected on the impact of the event, sharing, “This is a wonderful opportunity to share with one another!”

Cultural Celebration Day continues to be a meaningful tradition at MHA—one that not only highlights the diversity within the school but also strengthens the bonds of community, understanding, and appreciation for one another.

—Cindy Roland is Mile High Academy director of Student Services. Photos by Jessica Gleason.

26 Mar

ADVENTIST INDONESIAN YOUNG PEOPLE SERVE TOGETHER ON GLOBAL YOUTH DAY

Derwin Suyatno – Denver, Colorado … Adventist Indonesian youth and young adults from across Colorado came together in Denver, Colorado, to participate in Global Youth Day (GYD), a worldwide initiative from the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, March 21. The annual event calls young people to serve their communities, proclaim the everlasting gospel, and prepare hearts for the second coming of Jesus Christ.

Approximately 100 youth and young adults representing seven Indonesian Seventh-day Adventist congregations participated: Colorado Indonesian-American, Rocky Mountain Indonesian-American, Indonesian, First Denver Indonesian, Lifehouse International, Mile High Indonesian, and Maranatha Indonesian-American.

Following a time of inspiration and prayer, participants dispersed into four service projects: a drive-thru pantry, nursing home visits, media evangelism, and a blood drive.

With donations and support from local church members, the drive-thru pantry served individuals and families experiencing food insecurity in the Denver community. Volunteers distributed a variety of groceries through a convenient drive-up format, while also offering prayer and sharing literature with each family.

At one point, a line of 10 vehicles formed as community members waited to receive assistance. Many expressed deep gratitude and inquired about future pantry events. One volunteer engaged in a meaningful conversation with a Muslim visitor who showed interest in the Seventh-day Adventist faith, leaving the volunteer hopeful for a future church visit.

Another group visited MorningStar Memory Care in Denver, where they encouraged residents through personal interaction and thoughtful activities. Residents contributed to a memory board by sharing life advice, enjoyed singing together, and received small gifts. The shared fellowship and connection uplifted both residents and participants alike.

The media evangelism project challenged participants to plan, film, edit, and publish creative short films based on themes from the Early Church in the book of Acts. After receiving training in storytelling, production roles, and planning tools such as storyboards and shot lists, teams of six had two hours to complete their projects.

Some groups portrayed Saul’s transformation into Paul, while others explored modern-day temptations through a biblical lens. Participants expressed enthusiasm for the creative process and were eager to share their work online. The videos are available on the @AIYYASCO Instagram page.

In partnership with Vitalant,* a blood drive helped to support patients in need. For many participants, this was their first time donating blood. Donors contributed approximately 14 units of blood and expressed both excitement and gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to a lifesaving cause.

The day concluded with the opening night of Youth Week of Prayer, where participants gathered for worship, prayer, and a message emphasizing the importance of personal witnessing and a relationship with God. It served as a fitting close to a day centered on service and mission.

“Throughout the day, Adventist Indonesian young people truly lived out their calling to be the hands and feet of Jesus in the Denver community,” remarked Derwin Suyatno, Colorado Indonesian-American Adventist Church Youth and Young Adult Ministry director. “Many shared how meaningful and fulfilling it was to serve together and expressed a desire to continue these collaborative efforts. Leaders pray that this spirit of unity and service will continue to grow as they look ahead to the Adventist Indonesian Youth and Young Adult Ministries Convention (AIYMCON), to be held in Riverside, California, July 8-11 of this year.”

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

—Derwin Suyatno is the Colorado Indonesian-American Adventist Church Youth and Young Adult Ministry director. Photos by Janelle Anggormas, Putra Luturmas, Francis Pinontoan, and Eurelia Zachawerus.

24 Mar

YOUNG ADULTS GATHER IN RECORD NUMBERS AT RMC RETREAT AT GVR

Liz Kirkland with Jade Teal – Ward, Colorado … The Rocky Mountain Conference (RMC) continues to see growth in its Young Adult Ministry through its retreat gatherings—now in their fourth event—that was held at Glacier View Ranch (GVR) in Ward, Colorado, March 20-22. What began with approximately seven participants has steadily expanded, reflecting a growing desire among young adults for connection, spiritual growth, and shared experiences in a retreat setting.

This latest retreat welcomed approximately 16 young adults coming from Grand Junction, Colorado Springs, and several other areas across the conference. The event provided an opportunity for several new participants to engage, fostering new relationships and strengthening the sense of community within RMC.

Central to the retreat was a three-part, discussion-based Bible study rooted in Micah 6:8—He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. Participants explored each theme in depth, creating space for meaningful dialogue and personal reflection.

“The way that we did Bible studies, everyone was able to engage. They were all discussion based so everybody was involved and everybody had something to add to the conversation,” shared Jade Teal, RMC Young Adult Ministries coordinator. “You don’t often get groups where everybody feels like they can talk, and so it was a really cool dynamic.”

In addition to spiritual programming, participants enjoyed a variety of outdoor and fellowship activities made possible by this year’s unusually favorable weather. The group took part in hiking—instead of snowshoeing—and rock climbing, an activity that proved especially memorable. Several attendees experienced rock climbing for the first time, and notably, each participant successfully reached the top of the route. “It was very impressive,” Teal noted.

The retreat also emphasized community-building through shared meals and informal connection. Attendees gathered for fellowship, enjoyed gourmet meals prepared by GVR’s chef Stefan Teal, and spent time together creating new friendships in relaxed settings, including the facility’s aquatic center.

Overall, the retreat highlighted the continued impact of intentional young adult ministry within the Rocky Mountain Conference, combining spiritual depth with relational connection and outdoor adventure.

—Interview conducted with Jade Teal, RMC Young Adult Ministries coordinator, by Liz Kirkland, RMC Communication director. Initial article draft curated by ChatGPT based on the interview; revisions and editing by Liz Kirkland. Photos supplied.

23 Mar

BEYOND THE TEST: MAUC PATHFINDER BIBLE EXPERIENCE BUILDS FAITH AND CONNECTION

Liz Kirkland – Highlands Ranch, Colorado … Twenty-nine Pathfinder Club teams representing the six conferences in the Mid-America Union Conference (MAUC) converged at Mile High Academy in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, March 21, for this year’s union-level Pathfinder Bible Experience (PBE) after months of preparation. Rocky Mountain Conference (RMC) was represented by the Aurora Las Aguilas, Ghanaian Golden Eagles, and Littleton Lights Pathfinder Clubs.

While getting to this next level of testing for the RMC clubs was minimal with it being held in the Denver area, the journey for some clubs came with extra challenges. Christine Armantrout, a director for Iowa-Missouri’s Sedalia Pioneers and coach for the Sedalia/Sunnydale Adventist Academy Pathfinder clubs, shared how a multi-club journey to the PBE became a powerful testimony of unity and faith as young people from different clubs bonded and encouraged one another.

“Our club has a coach bus, and we picked up the other teams along the way,” commented Armentrout. “The bus has screens and we practiced PBE questions on the way. It was remarkable how it didn’t matter what clubs they were in. They got together with small groups and were supporting and encouraging each other. They were like, ‘You’ve got this’!”

The ease of the trip was threatened by a bus breakdown while sight-seeing that, fortunately, turned from a crisis to a moment of prayers answered: “I called up one of our area coordinators and said that we need help. They had a bus that could fit all 27 of our kids. So, then we called a service guy who had a mobile hydraulic guy. He, my husband, and another parent got everything taken apart and back up, and we were back on the road before sundown.”

The Pathfinder Bible Experience, formerly known as the “Bible Bowl,” is the official North American Division (NAD) Pathfinder Bibe study program where teams with six members each study a book of the Bible. The first Pathfinder Bible Bowl began in RMC territory with the first event held in 1988 in Sheridan, Wyoming. Bible Bowl expanded throughout the Rocky Mountain Conference and beyond over the next couple of years before being adopted division-wide in 1993.

This year’s PBE focused on the Book of Isaiah for which each team answered a series of 90 questions. Each team present advanced to this event after receiving first-place marks, or a score of 90% or higher, at both local- and conference-level testing. The teams that scored a first-place ranking at the event will advance to the final division round being held in Hawthorne, Florida, April 17–18.

The United Central Pathfinder Club from the Central States Conference has participated in PBE for several years. When asked about how they prepare each year, club member Bradley commented, “We study hard. You don’t just read the verse, you memorize it. We love how we can learn about the Bible and know what God has done and what all of the Bible characters have done. It gives us a better point of view of what happens in the Bible.”

But PBE goes beyond just a Bible study program. Months of preparation with their local teams create opportunities to meet and connect with peers both locally and in the larger church community. “What I like a lot about PBE is meeting new people and spending time with friends,” remarked Damian from the Mount Rushmore Mountaineers Pathfinder Club of the Dakota Seventh-day Adventist Conference.

New to this year’s union-level event was opening with a full worship service complete with song service provided by a praise team from RMC’s Littleton Seventh-day Adventist Church and drum core provided by the RMC Ghanaian Golden Eagles team. The message was provided by Tyrone Douglas, MUAC Church and Youth and Young Adult Ministries director.

He began his message with the Biblical story of Samuel reminding the youth that the hope for them is that one day they will say, “Speak, Lord, for I am listening.” Douglas urged them to be in the right place, to be available, and to be ready to serve God.

“I really focused on the experience this year,” remarked Douglas. “I want the kids to come and not just do the testing and leave with a trophy, but I really want them to have an encounter experience when they come. And, today, we also want to include a ministry activity with it being Global Youth Day. That’s why we had the worship service the way we did it this year.”

Helping facilitate the event was RMC Club Ministries co-executive coordinators Sue Nelson and Eli Gonzales, RMC Youth associate director Brent Learned, volunteer English language quiz master Vicki Kahler, and volunteer Spanish language quiz master JuanCarlos Montano.

After the testing had completed and lunch was served, provided by RMC’s Las Aguilas Pathfinder Club, the teams gathered back together for a service project decorating food delivery bags for Project Angel Heart,* a local non-profit organization based in Denver, Colorado, that provides nutritious, medically tailored meals for those in the community experiencing severe illness.

Douglas opened the awards ceremony with the opportunity for Pathfinder club members and leaders to give praise to all of those that supported PBE efforts. Many lined up to thank club leaders, parents, and supporters that dedicate so much time and effort to their local teams.

Of the 29 participating teams, 19 scored first-place rankings, listed below including RMC’s Aurora Las Aguilas club, and will be continuing to division-level testing. Three conferences celebrated having all their participating teams continue: Iowa-Missouri, Kansas-Nebraska, and Minnesota Conferences.

Iowa-Missouri Conference

Ankeny Wisdom Warriors
Ankeny Son Seekers Knowledge Seekers
College Park Roaring for Christ
Springfield Thunderbolts Team 1
Sunnydale/Sedalia Team 1
Timberwolves Order of the Seraphim

Minnesota Conference

Heavens Crew
Heavens Crew Lions
Light of the World Glorifiers
Light of the World Warriors of Christs
Ostego Northern Star
Rangers Swords
Southview Sabers Bible Panthers
Southview Sabers Light of the Darkness
Southview Sabers The 6 Seventh-day Adventists
Rangers Valiants

Kansas-Nebraska Conference

Lenexa Panthers
Tribe of Isaiah

Rocky Mountain Conference

Las Aguilas

Douglas hopes to keep expanding the event in the years to come, remarking, “I would love to make it a weekend experience where, when [the Pathfinders] come, they’re refreshed and revived by the Spirit of God. So, we really want to focus on the experience beyond just the testing aspect.”

* Project Angel Heart is not affiliated with the Seventh-day Adventist Church nor the Rocky Mountain Conference.

—Liz Kirkland is the RMC Communication director. Photos by Liz Kirkland, Daniel Sem, Sean Lee, and Venus Douglas.

17 Mar

REFLECTION: DISCOVERING FAITH FOR YOURSELF

By Leandro Bizama

Recently in my Bible class, one of the students sincerely exclaimed that if he had been Thomas, he would have also not believed that Jesus had resurrected after He had appeared to the women who had seen him first and the other 10 disciples.

“How does God expect me to believe if I did not see or touch him?” he asked.

Good point, right?

I said that the answer is in Jesus’ response to Thomas: He did not shun him or excommunicated him from the community of disciples because Thomas refused to believe. No. But Jesus did have an important lesson for him. He understood that the story of redemption is so incredible that humanity would need some kind of evidence. And so, tenderly but clearly, Jesus gave Thomas evidence of the reality of His eternal life and resurrection (see John 20:25-29). Thomas was humbled and believed.

But Jesus went further and said that those who were not there and yet choose to believe the evidence given to them through the years were specially blessed. Did you catch that?

That blessing of Jesus is for you and me. God has given us ample evidence through the testimony of the Bible and His creation. He guides us every day and gives us all the things we need. He allows history to support the claims He had already given long ago. He brings about supernatural circumstances when and how He deems best.

But He never takes away the possibility not to believe. That is why it is important that our children and young people see the evidence for themselves and come to their own conclusion about who Jesus is and whether He can be trusted or not. We should not shy away from their questions and doubts or frown upon them thinking on their own. Instead, we should gently point them to the evidence of God’s existence, His creation, His love, and the incredible story of Redemption.

In the end, we too have a choice to make. Whether we are like Thomas or not, let us not take for granted whatever evidence God gives us that this incredible story of love we know as the Great Controversy is all true. And through that process of discovery, may all our children be able to say, “My Savior and My God!”

—Leandro Bizama is the associate pastor of Worship and Evangelism at the Campion Seventh-day Adventist Church. Photo by Rosie Steggles of Unsplash.

17 Mar

CAMPION ACADEMY BASKETBALL TEAMS REACH STATE PLAYOFFS IN HISTORIC SEASON

Jill Harlow – Loveland, Colorado … This year marked a historic milestone for athletics at Campion Academy (CA) in Loveland, Colorado, as both the boys’ and girls’ basketball teams competed in the Colorado 2A state playoffs for the first time in school history.

The boys’ team advanced to the regional championship after defeating Dayspring Christian Academy in Greeley, Colorado. in the first round before falling to Heritage Christian Academy of Fort Collins, Colorado. The girls’ team also qualified for the tournament but lost in the opening round to Heritage Christian.

While Campion Academy has been a member of the Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA) since 1997 and has frequently qualified for postseason play, the school had historically declined to participate in state tournaments because tournament games were generally scheduled during Sabbath hours.

In the early 2000s, however, CHSAA began making accommodations for schools and students who observe the Sabbath, including Jewish and Seventh-day Adventist participants. These accommodations allow schedules to be adjusted when possible so that teams can compete without conflicting with their religious beliefs.

Even with those accommodations available, Campion had not yet taken part in state tournaments. In 2008, after the boys’ basketball team won four consecutive Northern Front Range League titles, then–athletic director Troy Beans requested permission for the team to advance to the state tournament. At the time, the school board voted against the proposal, choosing instead to prioritize academics and limit the extension of the athletic season.

The conversation resurfaced again in 2025 when the boys’ basketball team once more qualified for state play. That year, the school board approved participation in state tournaments as long as games could be scheduled outside Sabbath hours and did not conflict with major school religious activities. However, the opportunity was ultimately declined due to a scheduling conflict with Campion’s annual spring break mission trip.

The boys’ soccer team became the first Campion team to take advantage of the policy change in the fall season, competing in the state tournament and making school history, even though they only went to the first round.

This winter, the boys’ basketball team built on that milestone. After winning their opening-round game, the Cougars advanced to the regional championship and finished the season with a 14–5 record, ranking 14th out of 58 teams in Colorado’s 2A division.

Campion principal Kaleb Leeper expressed pride in the teams and the example they set.

“I am proud of our athletic teams not only for the level of competition they demonstrate, but especially for the Christian character they show on the court,” Leeper said. “Their example reflects the strong leadership and dedication of our coaches and athletic director.”

Campion Athletic Director Caleb Jahn emphasized how meaningful it was to see the school finally able to participate while still honoring its beliefs.

“I would like to acknowledge CHSAA and their willingness to accommodate our religious beliefs,” Jahn said. “They have been very receptive to our participation and have ensured that we will not encounter scheduling conflicts.”

Jahn also expressed appreciation for the teams Campion faced during the tournament. “Our playoff opponents have been gracious in accommodating our schedule to allow us to observe the Sabbath,” he said. “This achievement is a collective effort, and I am honored to be a part of Campion Academy during a time when our students have the opportunity to showcase their talents to the wider community.”

CA senior student Izuchi Nwankwo also had a standout season. Nwankwo set a new Campion Academy single-season scoring record with 417 points, surpassing the previous record of 360 set by Brit Sigh in 2001. He averaged 21.9 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks per game.

With these first state tournament experiences behind them, Campion Academy looks forward to future opportunities to compete at the state level while continuing to uphold its mission and values.

“Athletics are just one part of the broader Campion Academy experience,” Leeper said. “Programs in drama, music, and campus ministries also challenge students to grow in their abilities, develop responsibility and excellence, and build strong Christian character. With so many opportunities, balancing busy schedules can be a challenge, but our shared goal remains the same—to glorify God in all that we do.”

—Jill Harlow is Campion Academy Communication director. Photos supplied.