NewsNuggets

Jill Harlow – Loveland, Colorado … Working full days in heat and humidity, 29 students and 16 staff from Campion Academy in Loveland, Colorado, transformed the facilities of the King’s Children’s Home* (KCH) in Belmopan, Belize, over the school’s spring break, March 9-16.

Managed Paul Cassanova, a local pastor, KCH is an independent organization associated with the Seventh-day Adventist denomination that houses children whose parents are unable to take care of them for a variety of reasons. The major project for the week was constructing, painting, and installing framed screens on over 80 windows in the facility’s dorm rooms.

The crew tackled other large projects including repainting the church and common areas, rebuilding bleachers, installing a streetlight, digging a drainage trench, and multiple other improvement projects.

Misha Newbold, senior student at Campion, commented, “The hardest part about this trip was working in the hot Belize sun. There were several things that could have set us back, but we found our way around them. I found that the work we did for KCH felt fulfilling because, in the end, we were serving people and showing them Christ through what we did.”

One of the setbacks was the rented bus breaking down on the first day of the trip, and the local mechanic said he would not be able to repair it. Cassanova called a mechanic he knew who specialized in bus repair but who lived in a city over three hours away. The mechanic happened to be traveling and was only three blocks away from where the bus had broken down. He was able to immediately come over and work on the bus and had it repaired by that evening.

In addition, the painting crew faced some challenges with having to repaint due to color issues. Sherlin Vasquez-Hernandez recalled, “We were expecting some struggles because not everything goes as planned and it happened.” First, the crew spent a few hours painting frames before being told they were using the wrong color. Then, when they ran out of paint while painting the church, they discovered the new bucket they had been using was not a match to the first coat.

Vasquez-Hernandez continued, “It was a blessing to just see the others pushing through and not letting it get to us. We just kept painting and helping with what we could. It was ‘unBelizeable.’” Ultimately, they finished more painting projects than the director had planned for them with all the correct colors, and the crew was very productive and able to accomplish much more than expected.

“‘Belize’ it or not, I also was blessed to go on the mission trip,” commented Jack Jordan, senior student. “We were given a long list of tasks that we needed to complete during the week. Just as the sun dipped below the horizon on Friday, we had finished them all. God truly blessed our work during this trip.”

In addition to the work, the group took a day excursion to snorkel and explore the island of Caye Caulker.

“The whole day was just a wonderful experience, start to finish,” Euan O’Keefe, senior student, shared. “It began by feeding tarpon fish, and the things were as big as me and about as hungry too! We dangled sardines in front of them and they leapt so far out of the water to get to us it’s a wonder none of them ended up in the boat with us.”

Sarah Rushold, senior student, furthered, “We saw beautiful coral and swam with nurse sharks and stingrays. The water was ‘unBelizeably’ clear and blue. It was really awesome to see all the creatures that God created.”

The last day of the trip was Saturday, so the Campion students, organized by Campion Seventh-day Adventist Church associate pastor Josh Hestor, led out in a Sabbath vespers and church service for the children.

“It was really fun to put together the worship services, and I was trying to help them remember what Pastor Josh had been preaching about all week,” said Natalie Bryant, freshman student. “It was really a blessing to see their smiles and hear them singing and laughing during the service.”

After the Sabbath church service, the group climbed pyramids at ancient Mayan ruins.

The trip was organized by Campion’s chaplain Lindsey Santana with the help of Bill Hay who had been on mission trips to Belize 13 times. “It was super intimidating coming into this year as chaplain, knowing the school wanted me to plan and organize a mission trip,” shared Santana. “I had never planned an international trip for a group, and when it became clear that 46 individuals wanted to go to Belize, I knew God was going to have to take the reins in order for the trip to become a reality. Prayers were answered when Bill Hay, who has travelled to King’s Children’s Home several times, committed to helping.”

Santana furthered, “Our group of sponsors included individuals who knew their way with power tools but also loved interacting with teenagers. Miracles happened when each student became fully funded right before we left. Time and again I saw the hand of God blessing and guiding in the minutiae of planning this trip and his hand on the actual trip itself. I think the students are returning with full hearts and wonderful memories.”

* King’s Children’s Home is not affiliated with the Rocky Mountain Conference or Seventh-day Adventist Church.

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

Cindy Roldan – Highlands Ranch, Colorado … Thirty-two students and ten adults from Mile High Academy (MHA) in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, recently returned from a life-changing service trip to Camp Waianae in Hawaii. The trip combined hard work, learning, and spiritual growth as the group made a meaningful impact on the local community while experiencing the beauty of God’s creation.

The students and staff got their hands dirty with several significant projects at Camp Waianae. They took on landscape work, built an outdoor auditorium stage, worked on a storage unit, and even soundproofed the cafeteria. The group was fortunate to have the expertise of Arturo Rodríguez, father of MHA middle school language arts teacher Christina Hernández, and Chris Carpenter, brother of MHA principal Andrew Carpenter, who guided the students through the different tasks, helping them discover new skills and gain confidence in their abilities.

Beyond the hands-on labor, students gained a new perspective on service and faith. “Before the trip, I thought of Hawaii as a rich tourist spot, but after the trip, I realized that no matter where you go, there is always someone to help,” said Tristin P., MHA sophomore student. “This trip taught me that no matter where you are, God has a way to work through us.”

After the hard work each day, the group had the chance to relax and take in the stunning beaches of Hawaii. The students expressed gratitude for the opportunity to reflect on God’s handiwork while unwinding by the ocean.

Evenings were marked by heartfelt worship sessions led by different staff members. MHA upper school teacher and chaplain, RD Gallant, challenged the group to listen for and answer God’s call to mission, no matter how small the task. Principal Andrew Carpenter encouraged the students to continue serving others and to look for ways to minister to those in need, both at home and beyond.

A highlight of the trip was working alongside Aunty Blanche at Hui Mahiʻaĭi ʻĀina. Aunty Blanche has dedicated her life to providing housing and support for those in need. The students had the privilege of helping her with her vision of creating a self-sustaining garden. “It was inspiring to see how one person’s dedication can make such a difference,” said junior student Phoenix M. “It was great to work together and make a difference in someone else’s life.”

The trip also provided students with opportunities to share their faith beyond their work. “Mission trips are always such a fun experience and can have a big impact on your life,” shared Alaina H., sophomore student. “Getting to go to Hawaii was an amazing opportunity for me, and getting to make an impact on people’s lives was very rewarding. My favorite part of the trip was when strangers asked us what our mission trip was about and getting to tell them about Jesus!”

The experience left a lasting impression on everyone involved. Through hard work, service, and reflection, the MHA group not only helped others but also grew in faith and fellowship.

—Cindy Roldan is MHA Student Services director. Photos supplied.

Alyssa Truman – Silver Spring, Maryland … The 62^nd General Conference (GC) Session of the Seventh-day Adventist Church takes place in St. Louis, Missouri, United States, from July 3 to July 12, 2025. Recognized as one of the largest business gatherings within a Christian denomination, this global event occurs every five years and brings together leaders, delegates, and members from the church’s 23-million-member community.

This year, 2,804 delegates have been approved to attend, vote on business matters, and elect leaders for the General Conference and its 13 global divisions for the next five years. In addition to the delegates, an estimated 100,000 global attendees are expected to visit St. Louis throughout the 10-day session to observe the proceedings, explore the exhibit hall, and worship with fellow members from around the world.

Returning to St. Louis

This event marks the third time the General Conference Session will be hosted in St. Louis, with the first held in 2005. Since then, the global church has grown significantly, adding over 9 million members, reflecting the rapid expansion of the Adventist movement worldwide.

The 61^st GC Session was originally scheduled for 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana, but was postponed to 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With the change in dates and the ongoing global recovery, the event was relocated to St. Louis and held as a scaled-down, five-day gathering. The upcoming 2025 Session marks a return to the full 10-day format, offering attendees the opportunity to engage in business meetings, inspiring worship services, and an interactive exhibit hall.

“We are thrilled to return to St. Louis,” said Silvia Sicalo, event coordinator for the Adventist Church. “We look forward to bringing the Adventist world family together and sharing the hope and mission of our church with the community.”

Attendee Experience in 2025

As the Adventist Church returns to a full 10-day event format, members and those interested in learning more about the church are encouraged to attend some or all of the event. The official website, GCsession.org, will be updated regularly over the months leading up to the GC Session and provides housing information, daily menus and meal tickets for purchase, a schedule of events, and a list of exhibitors. This information will also be available via the GC Session app, which will be released in the next few months.

The 232,000-square-foot exhibit hall will showcase Adventist initiatives in health, education, and service worldwide. Supporting ministries, as well as individual members, will also highlight how they contribute to the global mission through their booth spaces. The hall will provide a space for learning, inspiration, and networking.

Daily music programs will offer attendees moments of worship and reflection through diverse global performances. Three daily concerts will be held on the main stage 30 minutes before the morning, afternoon, and evening sessions. “These moments of reflection are meant to create a worshipful atmosphere at the start of every session,” said Williams Costa Jr., communication director for the General Conference and GC Session music coordinator.

During the noon hour, the 1,400-seat Ferrara Theater will host one-hour musical presentations, showcasing the diversity of our worldwide church. “Each division will be represented on stage,” Williams noted, “highlighting both our global reach and the power of music to unite our world church family.”

Performers include the Aeolians from Oakwood University, the husband-and-wife duo Matt and Josie Minikus, and Arautos do Rei from Novo Tempo’s Gravadora label in Brazil. More than 200 musicians and groups will share their talents during the GC Session.

A Legacy of Global Gatherings

GC Sessions have a rich history spanning 161 years, beginning in 1863 when the Seventh-day Adventist Church officially organized its first session in Battle Creek, Michigan. What started as a small meeting of 20 delegates has grown into a global event drawing tens of thousands of attendees.

Historically, these meetings focus on defining the church’s doctrines, mission, and organizational structure. In 1980, during the GC Session held in Dallas, Texas, the Seventh-day Adventist Church adopted the 27 Fundamental Beliefs. This marked a significant moment in the church’s history, as it was the first time the global body had formally accepted a statement of beliefs. In 2005, during the session held in St. Louis, the church expanded this to 28 Fundamental Beliefs by adding “Growing in Christ.”

This year, delegates will discuss topics previously decided in Annual Council meetings that will continue to impact the church’s future.

Preparing St. Louis

There are seven Adventist Church congregations, comprising a little over 2,500 members, actively serving the local community in St. Louis. They are preparing to welcome the global delegation with open arms. From May 4 to 9, 2025, a Pathways to Health event will provide free healthcare services to underserved communities in the area. In addition, local Adventists are organizing various outreach programs and service initiatives to ensure the event positively impacts the city.

These efforts align with the broader North American Division “Pentecost 2025” initiative, which encourages church leaders and members to seek the Holy Spirit’s power, mobilize for evangelism, and hold at least 3,000 events division-wide in 2025.

About the Adventist Church

Founded in 1863, the Seventh-day Adventist Church has over 23 million baptized members in more than 210 countries and territories worldwide. The church exists to help people understand the Bible and find freedom, healing, and hope in Jesus.

For more information on the church and the upcoming session, visit http://www.gcsession.org.

—Alyssa Truman is the assistant director of Communication for the General Conference (GC) of Seventh-day Adventists. Republished with permission from Adventist News Network World News March 5, 2025, article. Photos by Gerhard Weiner/Adventist Media Exchange.

Jose Briones – Fairplay, Colorado … In the charming community of Fairplay, Colorado, Betty Wriston has found a unique way to touch hearts and souls, all while baking up delectable treats. A devoted member of the Fairplay Seventh-day Adventist Church, Betty started a tradition years ago that has since grown into a beloved local custom, all thanks to her husband’s brilliant idea.

Every Christmas, Betty whips up an assortment of baked goodies—pumpkin bread, banana bread, fruitcake, and even cookies. With boundless love and warmth, she distributes these mouthwatering delights to her neighbors, paired with religious literature like Ellen G. White’s The Great Controversy, Desire of Ages, or Steps to Christ. The gesture has paved the way for deeper connections and spiritual conversations with her neighbors.

The baked treats have undoubtedly played a significant role in the receptiveness of her neighbors. Who wouldn’t welcome a piece of homemade banana bread? But it isn’t just about the food. Betty’s genuine care and prayers, especially for those facing difficult times, have created a network of support and love within the community. One elderly couple stands as a testament to her dedication—the wife, who had been seriously ill, has seen remarkable improvement and now expresses heartfelt gratitude for Betty’s continuous prayers and kindness.

Betty’s neighbors eagerly anticipate her visits, not just for the goodies, but for the friendly conversations and the caring presence she brings. Her life as a Seventh-day Adventist is observed by those around her, and her unwavering commitment to her faith and community is met with respect and admiration. It turns out, a simple piece of banana bread has the power to open doors and hearts, allowing Betty to share her beliefs and offer guidance in meaningful ways.

Moreover, her acts of kindness haven’t gone unnoticed. One neighbor, a carpenter, took it upon himself to build a roof over Betty’s patio and doghouse, ensuring she no longer has to shovel snow for her beloved dog, Abby. This gesture is an example that kindness is returned with kindness.

Betty’s story is a heartwarming reminder that sometimes the simplest acts can make the biggest difference. For anyone who loves baking, consider following in Betty’s footsteps—your homemade treat might just be the perfect way to connect with your neighbors and spread a little bit of love and light. Watch Betty’s story below.

—Jose Briones is lead pastor at the Fairplay Seventh-day Adventist Church and is the RMC Stewardship Promotion and Content creator. Photo capture from RMC’s “Always Faithful” video series.

Jill Harlow – Loveland, Colorado … Students at Campion Academy in Loveland, Colorado, strengthened their commitments to Jesus with the support of powerful messages by Taurus Montgomery, lead pastor at the Harbor of Hope Seventh-day Adventist Church in Benton Harbor, Michigan, during Campion’s Week of Worship, February 24-March 1.

Montgomery has recently focused on reaching teens for Christ as a motivational speaker. His delivery style was both engaging and Biblically based, resonated with many students.

Montgomery shared his personal testimony of how his life changed going from growing up in a violent culture to becoming a Christian. Campion student Olivia Arizola commented, “My faith became much stronger after hearing how much he had changed and turned to God. Even after all he went through, he still kept pursuing Christ.”

More than half the student body responded to Taurus’ call to commit or recommit their lives to Jesus during the evening programs, February 27-28. Arizola furthered, “I appreciate how the speaker was able to speak to everybody in the school, and seeing people stand up that I’ve never seen do that before, was a great blessing.”

Student Bruno Lopes was encouraged by the messages saying, “Before the Week of Worship, I was having some confusion about my spiritual walk, and it was making me distressed. Over the week, I could feel Jesus talking with me through Pastor Montgomery, especially on the first day when he spoke about being ‘Uncaptured by the Culture’.”

The spiritually focused week ended with Vespers Deluxe. After Montgomery’s final message, students gathered together in the tower to sing praise songs together, concluding the week on a high note.

—Jill Harlow is the Campion Academy communication director. Photos supplied.

Campion Academy News – Loveland, Colorado … Both the Campion Academy boys’ volleyball and the girls’ soccer teams won their first games of the season at home, March 4.

This year marks the first official season for Boys’ volleyball at Campion. Spurred on by interest especially amongst the academy’s Brazilian and Indonesian students, the boys began practicing last year and were able to obtain coaches and have a real season this year. The first game was against Mountain View High School, a large local public high school also in Loveland, with the Campion boys’ team coming out on top 3-2.

Despite frigid temperatures and an even worse wind chill, the Campion girls’ soccer team also came out strong, winning 7 to 0 against a team they lost to last season, Evergreen High School, a public school in Evergreen, Colorado.

Cheer on Campion Athletics by joining them at the next game! You can view the upcoming schedule on the ATHLETICS CALENDAR or watch both home and away games by subscribing to the NFHS NETWORK.

—Campion Academy News. Photos supplied.

Iris Argueta – Silver Spring, Maryland … The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) is grappling with significant disruptions to its global operations due to a recent funding pause imposed by the United States Government on January 20, 2025. This unprecedented action of USAID’s funding for humanitarian programs, including projects run by ADRA and other nonprofit organizations, forced ADRA to halt critical initiatives and put vulnerable communities at risk of losing essential services.

USAID Funding Pause: A Global Challenge

The USAID funds that supported global program implementation were allocated to both U.S.-based ADRA International and directly to ADRA network offices in Africa, the Middle East, and South America.

The funding reduction has affected critical sectors directly, including:

• Food Security Initiatives: programs addressing the root causes of hunger and helping communities become self-sufficient.
• Health Programs: efforts aimed at promoting healthier living for at-risk populations.
• Nutrition Interventions: critical programs combating malnutrition, particularly among children under five.
• WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene): efforts to ensure access to clean water and sanitation, which are vital for survival in many communities.
• Disaster Relief and Emergency Response: immediate aid and support for long-term recovery following natural and man-made disasters.

 Staff Reductions and Operational Adjustments

In response to reduced funding, multiple nonprofit organizations, including ADRA, have initiated staff reductions. The global organization was forced to reduce 18 percent of its staff at ADRA International in the U.S., with additional layoffs occurring at other country offices. These reductions are expected to continue over the next few months as ADRA aligns its operations with current financial constraints, prioritizing resources for the critical programs that remain operational. To assist those affected, ADRA is providing a comprehensive severance package, which includes salary support, healthcare coverage during the transition, and outplacement services such as career coaching, job search support, and counseling.

“ADRA is heartbroken by the difficult decision to reduce staff as a result of the funding challenges we are facing. This decision has impacted many of our dedicated team members, and we are deeply grateful for their years of service and unwavering commitment to our mission. Their contributions have been essential in helping us serve the most vulnerable communities around the world. We honor their work and remain committed to supporting them through this challenging transition. While we navigate these difficult times, our mission to serve those in greatest need remains steadfast. We are exploring new funding sources and building partnerships to continue delivering vital support,” says Korey Dowling, vice president of people and excellence for ADRA International.

Decades of Impact: A Legacy of USAID Support

For over four decades, ADRA has been fortunate to receive substantial support from USAID and other government agencies, enabling the organization to deliver life-saving aid to millions of children, women, families, and communities in need across every continent. This collaboration has been essential in advancing ADRA’s mission to serve humanity with compassion, justice, and love.

As outlined in ADRA’s bylaws, approved by the Executive Committee of the Seventh-day Adventist Church when the agency was established in 1983, the organization has always been committed to forming partnerships with various denominations, philanthropic organizations, development banks, and government agencies that share its mission to meet human need. This strategic approach has enabled ADRA to expand its reach and impact, even in the face of funding uncertainties.

ADRA’s Continued Commitment to Service

Despite these setbacks, ADRA remains resolute in its mission to serve the world’s most vulnerable communities. In collaboration with its board of directors, ADRA is evaluating how best to allocate operating funds to sustain life-saving programs. The organization will continue to rely on individual donations, support from other governments, and funding from grant-making institutions to advance its humanitarian initiatives. With a global network of over 117 offices, ADRA will work diligently to adjust its projects to ensure they remain effective and continue to meet the needs of those they serve.

“ADRA is deeply grateful for the ongoing support from its trusted partners, the Adventist Church, donors, and volunteers. Despite facing funding challenges, we remain committed to continuing our vital programs that support women, children, displaced people, and families in crisis. Though these challenges are significant, the strength of our global community and the resilience of the people we serve give us hope. Together, we will emerge from this moment and continue our mission to create a brighter, more compassionate future for all. We ask for your continued prayers and support as we work to adapt to the current situation while maintaining our mission of improving lives, ensuring that all may live as God intended,” says Sonya Funna Evelyn, vice president of sustainable development for ADRA International.

How to Support ADRA’s Critical Work

The Adventist Development and Relief Agency is the international humanitarian arm of the Seventh-day Adventist Church serving more than 120 countries. Its work empowers communities and changes lives around the globe by providing sustainable community development and disaster relief. ADRA’s purpose is to serve humanity so all may live as God intended. To support ADRA’s mission and ensure continued assistance for the world’s most vulnerable, please visit ADRA.org

—Iris Argueta is the director of External Communications and Public Relations for ADRA International. Republished with permission from the ADRA Newsroom. Photos supplied.