NewsNuggets

Union Adventist University News – Lincoln, Nebraska … The dorms are buzzing with activity. General education classes are full. Saturday night events are drawing bigger crowds than they have for years. These are all signs of a great freshman class.

With 128 first-year students, Union’s freshmen class is the largest since 2020 with the most new students (204 including transfers) since 2019. The total number of freshmen (all students who have completed fewer than 24 credits) is 22% higher than last year, and the number of first-time freshmen is 28% higher.

“This new class of students is an answer to prayer,” said Ryan Teller, vice president for Enrollment Management. “The enrollment team starts each day by praying for the students that God is sending to Union, and He has exceeded our expectations.”

Here are a few facts about the Union Adventist University class of 2029:

• They represent 11 countries.
• The top five home states are all in the Mid-America Union: Nebraska, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri and Minnesota (in that order).
• 59% are female and 41% are male.
• 75% attended an Adventist academy, and 5% were homeschooled.
• Approximately one-third (32.5%) are first-generation college students.

The campus is celebrating as the number of full-time students has increased, with the full-time equivalent (FTE) growing to 646 compared to 635 last year. “We stepped out in faith and based this year’s budget on gaining 10 FTE,” said Dr. Yami Bazan, Union’s president. “Praise the Lord, we made it!” Overall headcount this academic year is 748, a decline from 799 last year. However, the difference is due to fewer part-time students and a shift in continuing education credits for professionals to the summer semester.

In addition to FTE growth, another key indicator is the residence halls. Occupancy is up this year from 298 to 334, a 12% increase over last year and a 31% increase compared to two years ago. There was so much demand for rooms that the Residential Life team opened up a floor of Culver Hall that has not been occupied in recent years.

“With more full-time students, more freshmen and full residence halls, we are celebrating these 748 opportunities God has blessed us with,” said Bazan. “You can feel the Union spirit alive on campus. I am so grateful to everyone who has prayed for and worked toward the upward momentum we are experiencing at Union.”

Comments from New Students

“I got good scholarships from Union. My parents went here. I like the faculty and staff, and I like the size of the school … I did high school online at home, and I’m still having a hard time remembering where my classrooms are. Smaller is good.”
— Jaden Blood, a psychology major from Leoma, Tennessee

“I heard about Union from my aunt. Her son had gone to school here and didn’t stay. I thought, I’m very different from my cousin, I’ll probably like it. I do like the small campus. Everything is close together and easy to get to. There’s a real family feel here.”
— Janae Hsu, an Elementary Education major from New Market, Virginia

“I chose Union Adventist University first of all because it is Adventist. The teachers aren’t going to make it difficult for me to pass for being Adventist. I believe that what Union has to offer gives me a way to grow spiritually, educationally and in every area of my life. The professors are very welcoming. It’s a good environment where you actually want to learn about the subject.”
— Kenny Rodriguez, a chemistry major from Panama

“My mom went here. My sister is here. A lot of my friends go here. It’s the closest Adventist college to home. I don’t know what I want to major in yet, but I can at least do my generals with my friends.”
— Madi Hoffer from Shakopee, Minnesota

“I chose Union for the International Rescue and Relief Program. It’s something I couldn’t find anywhere else, and it’s something I’m passionate about. IRR classes are amazing.”
— Jeneane Cochran, an IRR major from Parker, Colorado

“I had been praying about choosing a college for a long time. I finally just felt called that this is the place for me. It kind of ended up being a last-minute decision, just a couple weeks before I was graduating.”
— Coby Bramham, a biokinesiology major from Inola, Oklahoma

—Union Adventist University News. Republished with permission from OUTLOOK Magazine News October 13, 2025, article. Photos supplied.

Jennifer Bizama – Loveland, Colorado … The Junior Bible classes at Campion Academy (CA) in Loveland, Colorado, completed their annual field trip down to the on-campus elementary school at HMS Richards Adventist School to present the Bible studies they had been working on in Bible class, October 15. Each Bible study included a main point about a specific Bible truth with a story and an activity at the end to reinforce learning.

The elementary students at HMS Richards enjoyed interacting with the high school students and completing such activities as playing with playdough, hide-and-seek, building with cups, reading the Bible, and acting out the story.

Sometimes the study went according to plan such as CA student Luke’s experience. He said, “It was fun, and they were working. They learned the whole memory verse!  And I think they understood the message.”

The CA students also learned that teaching can sometimes require some changes in lesson plans. Grace, CA student, commented that “it was good to learn to improvise on the spot and how to be flexible.”

But overall, the high school students enjoyed their time at HMS Richards. “I had fun!” enthused CA student Tita. “The kids interacted with the game. They were happy to read their Bibles, and they loved the Japanese candy that Aito brought.”

CA student Israel capped off the experience by saying, “I enjoyed hanging out with the kids. It was very fun.”

—Jennifer Bizama is Campion Academy’s Junior Bible Teacher. Photos supplied.

Ray Beasock – Denver, Colorado … When AdventHealth University Denver opened its relocated and expanded 16,000 square-foot site, in September in Greenwood Village, Colorado, it came with a slew of state-of-the-art equipment.

So, what happened to the equipment that was no longer needed in its previous location? It was donated, of course.

AdventHealth University Denver gifted items, such as televisions, carts, and projector screens, to seven Adventist schools across Colorado and Wyoming.

“We are grateful for the support we receive from our community and want to share that love,” said Katie Shaw, chief operating officer for AdventHealth University Denver. “Relocating gave us the opportunity to donate furniture and equipment we no longer needed, allowing us to extend goodwill to local organizations and institutions. It’s incredibly rewarding seeing these items being put to meaningful use again.”

According to Tyler Rettler, the information technology director for the Rocky Mountain Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, the donations were handed out six schools in Colorado including Vista Ridge Academy in Erie, HMS Richards Adventist School in Loveland, Campion Academy in Loveland, Mile High Academy in Highlands Ranch, Fort Collins Christian School in Fort Collins, Lighthouse Seventh-day Adventist Christian School in Fort Morgan, and Mountain Road Christian Academy in Casper, Wyoming.

About AdventHealth University Denver

AdventHealth University Denver is celebrating its sixteenth anniversary and offers degrees in nursing, sonography and radiography. The new site includes state-of-the-art simulation equipment, high-fidelity mannikins, an energized lab and expanded student and classroom space. In addition, the new site is situated in the same building as the AdventHealth Rocky Mountain Region headquarters, 6061 S. Willow Drive in Greenwood Village, Colorado, providing opportunities for synergy between the two organizations.

—Ray Beasock writes for AdventHealth University. Photo courtesy of Vista Ridge Academy.

Mathias Gallaher – Erie, Colorado … “Can we learn in the sand again today?” That’s the first question I hear every morning. And the answer for two weeks is yes!

This year, our kindergarten classroom at Vista Ridge Academy in Erie, Colorado, had transformed into something extraordinary: a classroom-sized sandbox where all our learning happens through hands-on, sensory-rich exploration. What began as a creative idea to help students engage their senses has become one of the most joyful and faith-filled learning environments I’ve ever experienced.

Each morning began with a prayer and a short worship thought—often beach or ocean- themed—reminding us that “God made everything, from the sand beneath our feet to the stars above our heads.” Then, the learning begins.

On the day pictured here, we explored the letter D for dolphins, dig, and discover. Students used shovels and buckets to build sandcastles and trace the letter D in the sand on top. Then they begin adding more castles and letters to form words such as dad, dot, and had. After blending words together, the pre-K students visited our classroom, and we began digging for dinosaurs.

As we worked, we practiced our letter sounds: “D says /d/, like dinosaurs digging deep!” The sandbox became a joyful place of learning and laughter as children connected their phonics practice to real-world textures and play.

When we gathered at the end of class, one kindergarten student summed it up perfectly: “I love working in the sand because it feels like we get to play all day, and learning is fun!”

Each day, I watch my students grow more confident—not only in reading and writing but also in gratitude. Our sandbox isn’t just about phonics. We’ve used it for Bible stories, math concepts, social studies, and even science units about the ocean. Every subject becomes an adventure when students can dig, build, and discover with their own hands.

Kindergarten parent, Alba Santos, was thrilled for her daughter to have this experience saying, “I was so happy my child could experience something different in the classroom. She was excited to come to school every day and loved learning interesting facts about ocean animals.”

Through this experience, I’ve seen students grow in cooperation, curiosity, and gratitude. They aren’t just learning about God’s creation, they’re learning within it.

As Beach Week came to a joyful close, the kindergarten students gathered for a celebration of learning and praise. The classroom shimmered like a seaside festival, with students singing cheerful songs about the continents and oceans, proudly sharing what they had discovered about God’s world. Laughter and music filled the air as each child stepped forward, dressed as a colorful sea creature—from lobster to jellyfish—and confidently shared fun facts they had memorized.

The culmination party was more than a performance; it was a reflection of two weeks spent learning through wonder, creativity, and faith. With sandy hands and shining eyes, students celebrated not just what they learned, but the God who made it all.

—Mathias Gallaher is the kindergarten teacher at Vista Ridge Academy. Photos supplied.

Gerrad Vat – Loveland, Colorado … Campion Academy (CA) in Loveland, Colorado, opened its doors to forty-five students in grades seven through eleven for the annual Academy Days open house weekend, October 17-19. Students came from across Colorado and Kansas to experience campus life, stay in the dorms, and connect with current Campion students.

The weekend kicked off Friday morning in the CA gym, where students played icebreaker games and enjoyed performances by the jazz band and Koinonia Choir. CA chaplain Lindsey Santana shared a short worship talk to set the tone for the weekend.

Campion student ambassadors then led small group tours of the administration building and other parts of campus, helping visitors get a glimpse of daily life at Campion Academy. In the afternoon, guests participated in scholarship tryouts, including sports and music auditions.

“I really enjoyed it,” said Judah Nelson, an eighth-grade student from HMS Richards Adventist School in Loveland, Colorado. “I got to hang out with my friends, make new ones, and take a tour of the ad building with the ambassadors.”

That evening, students gathered in the chapel for a vespers service where they sang praise songs and watched a drama performance before hearing an inspiring message from CA student Evie Lange. The students took the piano and other instruments outside following the program, for an afterglow by the fire pit.

Saturday morning began with Sabbath School led by Santana, followed by the main church service featuring a musical performance by Koinonia. After the service, guests enjoyed lunch in the cafeteria and joined a campus-wide scavenger hunt solving Bible verse clues. They enjoyed fall colors and sunny weather on a walk near Boyd Lake State Park.

The weekend concluded with a closing ceremony where awards from the scholarship tryouts were announced, and gift bags were presented by Campion staff members. Caleb Leeper, the new CA principal, wrapped up the event with a final devotional message.

“It was really fun,” shared Alex Greenfield, a seventh-grade student from HMS Richards. “I especially enjoyed the soccer tryouts and going to the lake. I’ll probably be coming to Campion too!”

—Gerrad Vat, Campion Academy Student News Team. Photos supplied.

Hugh Davis – Lincoln, Nebraska … After thoughtful discussions with local conference education superintendents and presidents, the Mid-America Union Conference (MAUC) administration brought forward the name of Carisa Carr to the Union Executive Committee yesterday, which voted to appoint her as the new director of education. Her selection follows the passing of longtime director LouAnn Howard on September 26, 2025.

Howard devoted more than 47 years of her life to Adventist education, faithfully serving as a teacher, superintendent, mentor and leader. Her legacy of dedication and compassion left a deep impact on students, educators and colleagues throughout the Mid-America Union and beyond. In the wake of her passing, union leadership and local education leaders prayerfully sought a successor who would continue her commitment to strengthening Adventist education across Mid-America.

Carr, who currently serves as the associate director for education for the Mid-America Union Conference, was affirmed by both education and administrative leaders as the right person to guide the department forward. Her selection reflects a shared confidence in her experience, educational expertise, and passion for nurturing young minds in Adventist classrooms.

“I am deeply honored and excited to serve as director of education,” said Carr. “Adventist education has shaped my life and is my purpose, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to walk alongside our dedicated leaders and teachers in this next chapter. Together, we will continue Growing in Christ through a journey of learning and excellence—building schools where faith, joy and curiosity guide every step of learning. I look forward to supporting and empowering our leaders and educators as we nurture students who think deeply, lead with compassion, and serve with purpose.”

Carr first joined the Mid-America Union education team as associate director of education on January 1, 2024, filling the position previously held by Gerard Ban, who retired at the end of 2023. Her leadership during that period helped strengthen collaboration between local conference education offices and union-level initiatives, setting the stage for her expanded role as director.

“The Mid-America Union is blessed to have someone of Carisa Carr’s experience and giftedness,” said Gary Thurber, president of the Mid-America Union Conference. “She has a wonderful heart for our young people and has given her life in service for them. Her leadership will bless our schools and our students throughout our territory.”

EXPERTISE AND EXPERIENCE

A Certified Academic Language Therapist and Literacy Intervention Specialist, Carr is known for her commitment to ensuring that educators are equipped with skills to effectively teach reading and foster strong academic foundations in children. She graduated from Union College (now Union Adventist University) with a degree in psychology and earned a Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education from East Tennessee State University. Her professional teaching certificate from the North American Division includes multiple endorsements, underscoring her broad expertise in education.

Carr brings a wealth of classroom and administrative experience. Over her career, she has taught or served as an educational leader in several conferences including the Georgia-Cumberland, Rocky Mountain, Washington, and North Pacific Union conferences.

Her leadership within Adventist education extends beyond the classroom. Carr has served on numerous committees, boards and advisories, and has led multiple presentations and workshops empowering educators to bridge research-based practices with classroom realities.

Carr describes herself as a lifelong learner who believes in “the transformational opportunities of the Adventist classroom to meet Jesus every day.” Her enthusiasm for education and her faith-driven perspective align closely with the Mid-America Union’s mission to provide Christ-centered, high-quality education across its schools.

FAITH AND FAMILY

In addition to her professional accomplishments, Carr is deeply rooted in her faith and family. She and her husband, Craig, have two adult children. In her spare time, Carr enjoys spending time with her family, music, reading, and baking—activities that reflect the balance and warmth she brings to both her personal and professional life.

With her appointment, Carr becomes one of the key leaders shaping the future of Adventist education across the Mid-America Union territory. Her experience, vision, and commitment to students and educators continue the legacy of those who came before her—ensuring that the union’s schools remain vibrant places of faith and learning for generations to come.

—Hugh Davis is the Mid-America Union Conference Communication director. Republished with permission from OUTLOOK Adventist News October 24, 2025, article. Photos supplied.

By Mark Weir

For many months, we at Denver South Seventh-day Adventist Church have been preparing, planning, and praying for our Islam and Christianity in the Bible Prophecy Series. People came, including many from our sister Adventist churches. We had several of our own members who have not been very active in church life for a while attend.

But the best part was the thoughtful, polite, yet purposeful interactions as people considered the implications of what was being shared. In a nutshell, this was a call to recommit to following Jesus—not a church, but our Savior.

One of the most memorable statements went something like this: “Christians through the years have been guilty of killing Muslims, Jews, and fellow Christians who disagreed with those in power. Muslims through the years have been guilty of killing Christians, Jews, and fellow Muslims who disagreed with those in power.”

“Both sides have been guilty of horrible atrocities, and where are God’s true people in all of this? Caught between warring sides more interested in power and control than being like Jesus.”

The harsh reality is that we are all living world that is fracturing, and to simply say, “Well, one day I will take more seriously my commitment to Jesus,” has one major flaw—we don’t have anything beyond today guaranteed.

Now please understand, I am not trying to be an alarmist, but I am a realist. Every day is a gift from God, and every day is one day closer to the return of Jesus. With that being said, I am thankful for every day of life that is given to me, and I want to live each day in anticipation of meeting my Savior when He returns in the clouds—and I want others to be looking forward to meeting Him as well.

The reason we share seminars like this with our community is to help those people to whom the Holy Spirit is speaking to. We want to remind people of what the Bible says, but even more, help them find hope in Jesus. Because when we trust in Jesus, all the mess that is going on around us is less concerning as we know that Jesus will both sustain and, ultimately, deliver.

—Mark Weir is the pastor for the Denver South Seventh-day Adventist Church. Photo by Liz Kirkland.

Jose Briones – Denver, Colorado … The Denver Central Hispanic Seventh-day Adventist Church witnessed a powerful week of spiritual revival, October 4-10, culminating in the baptism of eight individuals who publicly committed their lives to Jesus. The evangelistic campaign opened with a single baptism on Sabbath and concluded with seven more by the following Friday, each one representing a story of transformation and months of intentional discipleship.

Guest speaker Juan Blanco Suero, a pastor with the Southeastern Association of the Dominican Union of Seventh-day Adventists, led the weeklong series with clarity, conviction, and compassion. His messages resonated deeply with attendees, many of whom had been studying the Bible and participating in small groups since the spring.

“This wasn’t just a week of baptisms—it was a week of breakthroughs,” said Leonardo Jiménez, pastor of the Greeley Hispanic District, who organized the campaign. “Every soul that stepped into the water reminded us that the gospel still transforms lives, one heart at a time.”

Among the most moving moments was the baptism of a father and daughter, part of a family Jiménez had been ministering to personally. Their decision to be baptized together underscored the campaign’s theme: that evangelism is not only public proclamation, but also deeply relational. “Every visit, every study, every prayer shared in their home was part of the process God used to reach their hearts,” Jiménez reflected.

The campaign is part of the broader Pentecost 2025 initiative, a mission-focused program from the North American Division. More than a numerical goal, Pentecost 2025 is a call to intentional living, disciple-making, and community transformation through the power of the Holy Spirit.

As the church looks ahead, the momentum from this week continues to inspire. “Every baptism is a victory,” said Jiménez. “Every family reached is a blessing. And every step forward is part of greater work. We move forward with gratitude for what God has done—and with faith in what He will continue to do.”

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

ACSNews – Columbia, Maryland … Adventist Community Services (ACS) exists to serve. Service is love in action, it’s our calling and it’s how we live in community, by loving one another in practical ways.

Colette Newer, ACS associate director at the North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists, challenges us with this reflection “Who is the least of these? The least is the person you do not value. This can be different for me than it is for you. Who do you value the least? That is the one Jesus waits for you to honor, to serve, to love.”

ACS shares, connects, ministers, and disciples through service. Here are 1,2,3 simple ways to begin today

1. Bible Verse

Connect with God:

I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing (John 15:5).

Before we can serve, we stay connected to the Source. God fills us, so we can overflow in love for others.

2. Ways to show love

1. Listen to someone’s story: Listening to somebody else’s experience shows we care about them and helps us understand different perspectives. It makes us better friends and more effective in ministry.
2. Stay Present: We may not solve the pain, but simply sitting through their painful experiences provides strength and comfort. Stay present as God remains present with us through our pain.

3. Ideas to serve your neighbor

As you meet your neighbors and hear their stories, you will find ways to serve them. Here are a few ideas:

1. Food Blessing: Donate food to a local food pantry or volunteer to help sort.
2. Yard Kindness: Organize a youth group to rake leaves or other yard work for someone with mobility issues.
3. Errand Help: Pick up groceries or do other errands for someone who can’t easily get out.

—ACSNews. Adapted from the October 14, 2025, ACS Newsletter. Photos supplied.

Sylvia I. Gonzalez – Colorado Springs, Colorado … Del 26 al 28 de septiembre, la Iglesia Adventista Hispana de Colorado Springs abrió sus puertas a la comunidad para llevar a cabo una significativa Feria de Salud bajo el lema “Restaurando el Templo de Dios: Nuestro Cuerpo.”

Durante tres días, el evento promovió el bienestar físico, mental y espiritual, recordando a los asistentes que cuidar la salud también es un acto de adoración y fidelidad a Dios.

Fe en acción a través de la salud

La feria ofreció un ambiente familiar y acogedor donde los visitantes pudieron recibir servicios preventivos gratuitos y aprender hábitos saludables basados en principios bíblicos. Entre las actividades destacadas se incluyeron:

• Chequeos básicos de presión arterial, glucosa, peso y estatura
• Orientación nutricional y degustación de alimentos saludables
• Masajes relajantes y quiroprácticos
• Demostración práctica de los “8 Remedios Naturales”: aire puro, descanso, ejercicio, luz solar, agua, nutrición, temperancia y esperanza en Dios
• Distribución de ropa y calzado para toda la familia, organizada por el Departamento de Dorcas

También se entregaron materiales informativos para ayudar a los participantes a continuar aplicando los principios de salud en sus hogares.

Colaboración y servicio comunitario

A la feria asistieron más de 20 personas, entre miembros de iglesia y vecinos de la comunidad. El evento contó con la valiosa colaboración de doctoras y licenciadas en el área de la salud, quienes ofrecieron su tiempo y conocimientos de manera voluntaria.

Su presencia aportó credibilidad, cercanía y profesionalismo, reflejando el compromiso de la iglesia de servir no solo en el ámbito espiritual, sino también en el físico y emocional.

Un impacto significativo

Aunque fue una actividad de pequeña escala, la Feria de Salud dejó una huella profunda en los asistentes. Muchos expresaron su gratitud por haber recibido orientación útil y servicios preventivos en un ambiente cálido, espiritual y familiar.

El evento reforzó el mensaje de que cuidar el cuerpo es también un acto de fe y obediencia a Dios, en armonía con los principios de salud promovidos por la Iglesia Adventista del Séptimo Día.

Restaurando esperanza, paso a paso

La feria “Restaurando el Templo de Dios: Nuestro Cuerpo” mostró lo que se puede lograr cuando la fe y la comunidad trabajan unidas por una misma causa. Con recursos limitados, pero con gran dedicación, la iglesia, los profesionales de la salud y los voluntarios unieron esfuerzos para marcar una diferencia real.

El evento fue un recordatorio inspirador de que la verdadera restauración ocurre cuando el cuerpo, la mente y el espíritu se cuidan en armonía, tal como Dios lo diseñó.

—Sylvia I. González es la directora de Comunicación de la Iglesia Adventista del Séptimo Día Hispana de Colorado Springs. Fotos por Sylvia I. González