16 Jun

GLACIER VIEW RANCH TRANSFORMED WITH MARANATHA MISSION TEAM

RMCNews – Ward Colorado … Thirty-two volunteers participated in a service mission trip at Glacier View Ranch (GVR) in Ward, Colorado, sponsored by Maranatha Volunteers International (MVI), May 20-June 4. Each participant was provided with free lodging, meals, project materials, and morning and evening worship services in exchange for their efforts.

The team successfully completed a range of significant projects, most notably adding ADA-compliant access and making extensive interior upgrades to GVR’s medical office. This improvement will enable the camp to serve all its guests’ medical needs more effectively and safely. Additionally, crews cleared debris and cleaned up the area surrounding the stables, improving both functionality and appearance.

There were a number of painting tasks during the project including the girls’ bathhouse and the horse stables. Also, a number of small gazebos were constructed in a few locations throughout the camp to provide gathering and worship areas for anyone visiting GVR.

But the generosity of the volunteers extended well beyond their scheduled projects. Some volunteered to purchase much-needed equipment for GVR with their personal money, including seven vacuum cleaners and additional bags. There was even one volunteer offering to assist with the purchase of a generator that would power the entire camp’s facilities during interruptions of power service.

Looking forward, MVI plans to sponsor another service trip in 2026, with the aim of enlisting 60 service-oriented volunteers to further contribute to the ongoing transformation of Glacier View Ranch.

“The volunteers from Maranatha went above and beyond! Not only did they construct some much-needed improvements to our facilities, but they did it with a positive attitude and left behind an indelible impression at our camp,” commented Brandon Westgate, Rocky Mountain Conference Youth director. “We are incredibly grateful and well blessed with their support.”

—RMCNews. Photos courtesy of Maranatha Volunteers International and by Liz Kirkland.

Photo courtesy of Maranatha Volunteers International.
Photo courtesy of Maranatha Volunteers International.
Photo courtesy of Maranatha Volunteers International.
16 Jun

MISSION WORK REVIVED: NEWDAY PASTOR JOINS LIFE-CHANGING SERVICE TRIP TO PERU

Liz Kirkland – Denver, Colorado … A recent mission trip to Peru saw the revival of a longstanding church tradition at Newday Adventist Church in Parker, Colorado, as Kenneth Martinez, Newday associate pastor, and a dedicated team of volunteers partnered with AdventHealth’s Global Health Initiatives (GHI) to bring critical medical and community support to underserved Amazonian regions. The multi-team effort resulted in a remarkable impact across health, sanitation, and spiritual connection.

The mission, lasting a little more than a week of intensive service, was organized through GHI, an AdventHealth initiative that facilitates several international service trips annually to various locations throughout the world. Three specialized teams—medical, water sanitation, and mobile clinics—served hundreds of residents in remote towns outside of Iquitos, Peru.

The medical team served at the Ana Stahl Adventist Clinic in Iquitos that is known to be one of the best medical providers in the region. Due to financial and other resource limitations, however, the clinic will sometimes have to postpone treating patients until one of the mission groups is available. During this particular mission visit, the medical team completed around 18 surgeries at the clinic.

Meanwhile, the water sanitation team delivered and installed approximately 80–100 water filters, a vital solution in villages lacking clean water, sewage systems, and consistent electricity. These locally maintainable filters were life-changing for communities without many resources that were drawing unsafe water.

The mobile clinic team included doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and Martinez assisted as one of a handful of interpreters being fluent in Spanish and English to assist in their efforts. In the five days the mobile clinics operated, 571 individuals were treated, averaging over 100 patients per day. Many cases were basic yet crucial—malnutrition, stomach issues from unclean water, and chronic conditions like hypertension and diabetes. One particularly urgent case involved a man facing blindness from tree resin exposure; the team personally transported him by boat to the Ana Stahl Clinic, ultimately saving his sight.

Beyond physical aid, the trip stirred spiritual renewal and outreach. “The value of serving is definitely part of the Gospel, to alleviate pain, extending the healing mission of Christ,” remarked Martinez.

He noted several spiritual conversations emerged naturally during the trip with other volunteers outside of the Adventist denomination or organized faith. “I was praying that I could be able to also help in a spiritual manner. As a pastor, this was a great evangelistic and ministry opportunity. There were three volunteers in particular with a spiritual interest. One of them said, ‘I would like to go to your church,’ and I hope that this person comes with their family. For me, it was very fulfilling and meaningful to be able to provide some spiritual guidance and counseling and be able to help them in their spiritual journey to connect with Jesus.”

Martinez expressed deep appreciation for the opportunity: “Global Health Initiatives provides this framework for people to serve.” Looking ahead, he hopes to mobilize more church members, broadening the impact of the mission of hope, health, and healing, commenting, “I wish more pastors and members would serve because it’s a very intimate experience; you get to know people at a more personal level. It is the perfect environment to bring up spiritual conversations.”

—Interview conducted by Liz Kirkland, Rocky Mountain Conference Communication director. Initial article draft curated by ChatGPT based on the interview; revisions and editing by Liz Kirkland. Photos courtesy of Kenneth Martinez.

16 Jun

ADVENTHEALTH AURORA HIGHLANDS CONSTRUCTION GOES VERTICAL

AdventHealth – Aurora, Colorado … AdventHealth Aurora Highlands has reached an important milestone. Construction on the freestanding emergency room has officially gone vertical.

Work has shifted focus from foundations to the structural frame.

This $81 million, 88,290-square-foot building is being constructed right off E-470, just south of The Aurora Highlands Parkway exit.

The first floor will be home to the emergency room and an outpatient imaging center while the second floor will be designed as clinic space. The third floor will be shelled for future clinic space.

One unique aspect of AdventHealth Aurora Highlands is that it will be served by geothermal energy, helping reduce carbon emissions and energy consumption.

Crews have been busy digging individual wells and are in the process of connecting each of them to a larger network that will bring heat and cool air to the building.

AdventHealth Aurora Highlands is already being recognized for its innovative design. In April, the project received the 2025 Colorado Association of Healthcare Engineers and Directors Silver Award.

The award recognizes projects grounded in purpose and delivered with excellence by the project team, which includes AdventHealth, WSP, Mortenson, HKS and Kimley-Horn.

By August, the steel frame of the building should be complete. Construction is on track for AdventHealth Aurora Highlands ER to welcome its first patient in September 2026. When it opens, it will be considered a department of AdventHealth Parker.

The long-term goal is for AdventHealth Aurora Highlands to expand into a Level III trauma hospital as the neighborhood continues to grow.

This expansion is part of AdventHealth’s commitment to caring for the communities that it belongs to. The organization looks forward to “Extending the Healing Ministry of Christ” to the northeast Denver metro area.

—AdventHealth. Republished with permission from the AdventHealth News & Stories website, June 11, 2025, article. Photos supplied.

16 Jun

LA VIDA PATHFINDERS CELEBRATE FAITHFULNESS AT INVESTITURE CEREMONY

Beth Fugoso-Panganiban – Farmington, New Mexico … The La Vida Mission (LVM) Warriors Pathfinders Club celebrated its Investiture Ceremony with guest speaker and master guide Dorie R. Panganiban, La Vida Mission office manager, May 14. The ceremony’s theme was “Pathfinders on Purpose,” and the programing highlighted the life of Daniel.

The life of Daniel recorded in the Old Testament gives evidence of God’s faithfulness, and Master Guide Dorie emphasized the importance and purpose of Pathfinder Law and Pledge in connection with being faithful to God. She also emphasized Daniel 1:8 where he vowed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the King’s food and wine, which calls on the temperance of youth in the midst of the abundance and temptation.

“Pathfinders are called to be light bearers in our dark world, sharing the message of hope and preparing for the coming of Jesus,” remarked Beth Fugoso-Panganiban, LVM Warriors Pathfinder Club director. “Through service, leadership, and spiritual growth, we can make a difference in our communities and the world.”

She continued, “I am truly grateful and blessed all throughout the first year of leading the Pathfinders with the help and support of the Pathfinder staff and the Pathfinders themselves. With God, nothing is impossible. It was another unforgettable experience here in La Vida. The Pathfinders love their class and are always excited to participate. And, most importantly, they learned more about God and His wonderful creation through honors and on how to be a blessing to others.”

—Beth Fugoso-Panganiban is the La Vida Mission Warriors Pathfinder Club director. Photos supplied.

11 Jun

EQUIPPED TO SERVE: GVR STAFF PREPARE FOR A PURPOSE-DRIVEN SUMMER

RMCNews – Ward, Colorado … Nearly 50 young adults have gathered at Glacier View Ranch (GVR) in Ward, Colorado, for intensive training, June 8-14, to prepare for the first 2025 Rocky Mountain Conference (RMC) youth summer camp session starting June 15.

The GVR summer camp staff members come from across the country to fill vital roles for the camp functions ranging from 25 that will stay in the cabins with the campers to village leaders to kitchen, maintenance, and media staff. The training sessions are being led by RMC Youth assistant director Jade Teal, RMC Youth director Brandon Westgate, and RMC Camp Ministries director Jonathan Carlson.

“I am really looking forward to seeing how God is going to work for both staff and campers,” remarked Noah Warner, who has had two years as a camp staff member at GVR and will serve as the co-director of the Boys’ Village this year. “I love seeing the transition in staff’s attitudes and lifestyles as summer goes on and the transition in campers’ lives in just a week.”

Much of the training deals with safety at camp for every scenario including wildlife encounters, fires, unauthorized individuals, and many more. Invited to the training were three members of the Boulder County Sheriff’s Department and a member of the Colorado Office of School Safety to talk about safety and child sexual abuse prevention, respectively.

There is also a significant portion of the training dedicated to facility operations and communication during the camp sessions to ensure a safe and easy camp experience for all participants and staff members.

But safety and logistics were not the only topics covered in the training. It even covered appropriate relationship practices for both campers and staff members and allowed time for emotional and spiritual care of the staff members. One of the first nights of the training session included each staff member writing a personal letter to themselves that will be mailed back to them at the end of the year by the RMC Youth Department leadership.

“We appreciate you guys for what you’re doing and the ministry you’re doing,” remarked Carlson while addressing the camp staff members at one of the training sessions. “It makes a big impact what you guys do.”

While unsubstantiated, there is a strong correlation between being an employee of the Seventh-day Adventist Church at some level and having worked at an Adventist summer camp. To promote employment opportunities in the Church to young adults, Westgate invited RMC office staff members to come and speak at the training about their respective roles. Doug Inglish, RMC vice president for Administration, will speak on the various roles he has had working for the Church along with Liz Kirkland, RMC Communication director, who spoke on one of the more creative fields available within the Church.

The week of training will close June 14 with the camp staff members assisting with Sabbath worship services at Campion, Boulder, and Eden Valley Seventh-day Adventist Churches. They will be contributing to the services through special musical performances, providing testimony, or providing the children’s story during that portion of the service.

“It’s a pretty special experience. God keeps teaching me new lessons each and every year,” reflected Warner. “And it’s really cool when you get to figure out why He has brought you here, because I really do believe that everyone has been brought here by Him for a very specific purpose.”

—RMCNews. Photo by Liz Kirkland.

11 Jun

SUMMER OFF TO RUNNING START AT GVR

RMCNews – Ward, Colorado … The 2025 Rocky Mountain Conference (RMC) youth summer camp season kicked off with a 5k race and a free community fun day at Glacier View Ranch (GVR) in Ward, Colorado, June 8.

“We are here to let [our community] see what we have to offer here at camp, raise money for campers who can’t afford to come to camp, and just have a good time,” remarked Jonathan Carlson, RMC Camp Ministries director, just before the race began.

The starting and finishing line for the 5k race was near GVR’s iconic Lake Minnie and gave participants a moving tour of the lake, stables, and surrounding forest areas of the camp. Three aid stations were set up along the course to make sure that the participants were well hydrated at the high elevations of the camp and to give encouragement. Race participants spanned three generations and included entire families.

From the proceeds of the registration fees, almost $500 was raised to help subsidize GVR’s Campership Fund that provides financial support for summer camp session fees to children whose families are experiencing financial hardship.

After the race had completed, the free community fun day commenced. Many of the participants headed straight for the camp’s stables to take a short ride on one of GVR’s resident horses, taking several turns to ride.

Back in the main part of camp, another popular activity was to take out a kayak, canoe, or paddle boat on Lake Minnie. Younger participants had the chance to traverse the lake in their own watercraft guided by one of the summer camp staff. While the lake normally offers exceptional views of the surrounding mountain-scape, the relatively clear skies of the morning gave way to a thick midday fog that settled in the valley.

“It was kind of spooky in a fun way being in the middle of the lake with all of the fog,” remarked Didrik, a young attendee of the event. “You couldn’t see much past the shore at some points, so it was just a weird feeling.”

There was also a gaga ball pit and ArrowSoft archery battlefield to entertain and give attendees a feel for what some of the recreational activities at camp would be like as well as meet camp staff.

There were several families that attended who have children who are registered for a summer camp session who wanted to give their children a chance to get familiar with camp and connect with camp staff for questions. Three of the families had never been up to GVR prior to this event, and there was even one family that registered their child for a summer camp session that day after the experience. “Just think of the impact of that,” reflected Carlson. “He may give his life to God [at camp], and that may forever alter his life. That is just extremely special and powerful.”

“These interactions we have are super impactful,” Carlson continued. “It was one of those events where you never know who’s going to show up, and that’s what it is all about—just having community come and see what we’re about.”

—RMCNews. Photos by Liz Kirkland.

10 Jun

LA VIDA MISSION CELEBRATES THE CLASS OF 2025

Glet France – Farmington, New Mexico – La Vida Mission* (LVM) school joyfully gathered to celebrate the growth, resilience, and achievements of the Class of 2025 at its Recognition and Eighth-Grade Promotion program held at La Vida Mission Seventh-day Adventist Church in Farmington, New Mexico, May 22.

At the start of the program, Cielo Domino, LVM principal and head teacher, warmly welcomed all attendees with a heartfelt message. The students also presented a variety of performances—including singing, interpretative songs, and instrumental music—each delivered with creativity and genuine sincerity.

This was immediately followed by the presentation of certificates and awards to students in grades three through eight, recognizing their hard work and achievements throughout the school year. Dorie Panganiban, LVM Board Member, Tamara Peshlakai, program guest speaker, Kimberly Ellis, La Vida Mission director, and Steve Nelson, Rocky Mountain Conference district pastor, greeted the students as they received their respective awards on stage. Parents and guardians were also present to accompany their children at this celebration.

Following the first part of the program, the candidates for promotion marched down the aisle as they embarked on their completion rites. Students D’artagnan Smith and Drevin Yazzie completed their elementary years and were promoted to high school. Both students delivered speeches from their hearts, warmly reminiscing about the wonderful memories they had made during their time at La Vida.

Peshlakai reminded everyone that each person plays an important role in shaping and nurturing a student’s life. Families, teachers, and friends all work together to guide and support students as they grow academically, emotionally, and spiritually, helping to mold them into responsible and compassionate individuals.

She emphasized that every opportunity given should be carefully nurtured and used to inspire others to draw closer to God. As a meaningful close, Nelson offered a dedicatory prayer for the eighth-grade students, seeking blessings and guidance for their journey ahead. Upon the completion of the program, everyone enjoyed a delicious lunch thoughtfully prepared by the hardworking LVM cafeteria team.

“We wholeheartedly praise the Almighty God for leading our students, parents, teachers, and staff throughout this school year,” remarked Glet France, LVM middle school and music teacher. “We are looking forward to the next school year, embracing both its opportunities and challenges with trust and unwavering faith, confident that God will guide us every step of the way.”

* La Vida Mission is a supporting ministry of the Seventh-day Adventist Church but is not affiliated with the Rocky Mountain Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.

—Glet France is the middle school and music teacher at La Vida Mission. Photos supplied.

10 Jun

WELCOMING THE NELSONS TO THE FOUR CORNERS

Ron Price – Farmington, New Mexico … The social committee at the Piñon Hills Seventh-day Adventist Church in Farmington, New Mexico, planned a welcome-and-get-acquainted ice cream social to welcome their new district pastor and his wife, Steve and Samantha Nelson, May 25. Members were asked to bring “finger foods,” and the social committee provided the ice cream and toppings. They also took time to enhance the fellowship hall with festive décor. All four churches in the district were invited to attend.

“It happens far too often. A pastor couple comes to a new church and community, and they are left on their own to figure out the best stores, service providers, attractions, etc.,” remarked Ron Price, Piñon Hills Church elder. “In the secular world, a company called Welcome Wagon solicits coupons and advertisements from local businesses to give out to people who move into the community. At the Piñon Hills Church, we decided we should provide the same service (ministry) to our new pastor couple Steve and Samantha Nelson.”

Gift cards to various local restaurants and specialty stores were provided. “No offense to the more well-known national chains,” continued Price, “but we wanted to introduce them to their new area. We also included pretend gift cards to local disreputable establishments just to add to the [brevity of the] festivities.”

Members brought business cards from their favorite mechanics, hairdressers, medical providers, etc. They also wrote out personalized gift certificates for dinner at their home or an offer to take them to the nearby Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado or other attractions in the area.  Also included in their gift basket were magazines from the local Convention & Visitors Bureau showing hiking trails and other benefits the community has to offer.

To help the Nelson’s get to know their new church family, and for the church members to know each other a bit better, they played two games called “Mix and Match” and “This or That.” “Though it is a cliché, it is safe to say, ‘a good time was had by all,’” bantered Price.

“Our move to New Mexico has been filled with many challenges and uncertainties, and it seems like the churches here really understood this,” reflected Steve Nelson. “The celebration given to welcome us to our new pastoral district went far beyond the expected, and we are amazed and humbled at the compassion and kindness we have received. Our hearts are filled with love and appreciation to God and our wonderful new church family.”

Samantha Nelson added, “We were so surprised at the outpouring of love, kindness, generosity, and hospitality we have received. The welcome party was a lot of fun with a great sense of humor among the congregations that were represented. We feel very blessed, loved, and appreciated already!”

—Ron Price is an elder at the Piñon Hills Seventh-day Adventist Church in Farmington, New Mexico. Photos supplied.

10 Jun

LIVING LOVE: ACS IN ROCKY MOUNTAIN CONFERENCE

Becky St. Clair – Lincoln, Nebraska … If you ask Cathy Kissner, department director for Rocky Mountain Conference Adventist Community Services (ACS), for an elevator pitch for ACS, she has it ready: Members of the Seventh-day Adventist church showing the love of the Father to those who are in need.

Indeed, ACS centers in Kissner’s territory are thriving, providing clothing, food and household items such as blankets and dishes, and offering Bibles and Bible studies. Run almost entirely by volunteers, Rocky Mountain Conference ACS centers do what they can to be available for their communities several times per month.

“The Grand Valley center is considering opening two Sundays a month to serve what we call the working poor,” Kissner says. “We want to make sure as many people as possible are able to get to our facility, even those who work during the week.”

Though these ACS centers have been operating for years, much of what they are accomplishing today is a direct result of Seed grants from the North American Division (NAD). This grant, funded through freewill offerings specifically for community service across the NAD, provides up to $10K for capital improvements at community service centers by purchasing “items which will be used repeatedly to serve multiple clients” (communityservices.org).

When this grant became available several years ago, Kissner began applying, procuring funds for several of the centers in her territory, with three additional centers currently working on the application. “If your facility is not inviting, it makes a difference in the experience for those who come in,” Kissner says. Their center in Grand Junction, Colorado, desperately needed new flooring to replace the 30-year-old carpet,” she shares. “With the Seed grant, they were able to lay an entirely new laminate floor and paint the walls. It’s a place you’re happy to invite people into.”

After the elementary school in Alamosa, Colorado, closed, the church wanted to turn it into a community service center, but it needed a bit of work to serve that purpose. Kissner asked church leaders if $10K would help. “The looks on their faces were priceless,” she says with a grin. “Now that they will be applying for the seed grant, they have the joy of deciding how they will spend that money to best serve the community. What a wonderful ‘problem’ to have!”

Acting like a Christian

With funding to cover bigger projects, ACS centers are able to focus more on the services they provide. The center in Pueblo, Colorado, is providing services unique to traditional ACS centers. Rather than food and clothing, the Pueblo center offers outreach education: tutoring, mentoring, diabetes reversal classes, and grief recovery seminars. They also have a group called the Feeding Angels which distributes food once per week to those experiencing houselessness in their community. Their work has garnered attention from government officials and the public school system.

“When the Marshall Fire ravaged Boulder County, ACS ran a fire recovery center,” Kissner says. “The head of FEMA walked through our facility and then commented, ‘Oh, you’re Adventists? We didn’t know you cared about us.’ That was painful.”

Kissner adds that getting to know one’s community and providing for its needs helps dispel the belief that Adventists don’t care. “Because of what Pueblo is doing through their center, the local school system is saying, ‘Wow! What’s going on? Our kids are reading better!’ They see test scores going up and they want to know why and how, and that leads them to us.”

Book of Isaiah chapter 58 says, Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—when you see the naked, to clothe them… (v. 6-7, NIV).

“Christ wants us to loose the bonds of those who are held captive,” Kissner states. “The woman in domestic violence, the child who cannot read, the individual trapped in addiction, those in poverty. If we don’t do everything we can to help release those in our communities from their bondage, we aren’t doing what Christ called us to do.”

It doesn’t have to be an Adventist program, either, Kissner adds. Every local Department of Human Services has a list of service agencies working in the community, and, Kissner says, none of them have enough volunteers.

“Find out what the needs are in your community and fill them,” Kissner says. “Volunteering shows people they are valued enough that you will give your time and energy to support them, and that speaks volumes. If we don’t reach into our communities and allow them to get to know us, they will never trust us enough to ask about our Jesus. It’s not about religion, it’s about living Christ’s love. Just act like a Christian. It’s really that simple.”

—Becky St. Clair is a freelance writer for OUTLOOK magazine. Republished with permission from OUTLOOK Adventist News June 9, 2025, article. Photo supplied.

10 Jun

MHA EIGHTH GRADE CELEBRATES WITH GLENWOOD SPRINGS ADVENTURE

Karrie Meyers – Highlands Ranch, Colorado … From e-bikes to waterfalls, whitewater rafting to hot springs, the eighth-grade class at Mile High Academy (MHA) in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, took to the outdoors for an unforgettable class trip to Glenwood Springs, Colorado, May 12–14. The three-day adventure was filled with laughter, bonding, and reflection as students marked the end of their middle school journey.

The 20 students were joined by eighth-grade sponsor and middle school teacher Kris Phillips, upper school teacher and chaplain RD Gallant, and parent volunteers Mindy Philpott and Karrie Meyers, both of whom also serve as staff members for MHA.

After meeting in downtown Glenwood Springs on Monday, the class kicked off their trip with an almost 16-mile e-bike ride along the scenic Colorado River. From there, they checked into the Glenwood Canyon Resort and laced up their hiking shoes for a moderate hike through trails filled with waterfalls and blooming wildflowers. That evening, students returned to the resort to relax, unpack, and enjoy a spaghetti dinner prepared by Gallant.

Tuesday brought thrills and chills as the class geared up for a whitewater rafting adventure. Despite the cold water, students embraced the fun with water fights, laughter, and awe over the majestic canyon scenery. Later that afternoon, they relaxed in the iconic Glenwood Hot Springs pool, followed by dinner at a local pizzeria. The evening concluded around the fire with worship led by student class president Angel M. and, of course, s’mores.

On Wednesday morning, students packed up and made their way to Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park for a final day of fun. While the weather initially cooperated, high winds and approaching storms caused a shortened visit due to limited gondola access and closed rides. The class pivoted and headed back toward Mile High Academy, encountering a surprise snowstorm in the mountains along the way.

Though a bit chilly and tired, students returned with hearts full and memories made. The trip served as a meaningful finale for the eighth-grade class—a chance to laugh, reflect, and enjoy one last adventure together before the next chapter of their journey.

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

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