NewsNuggets

By Dorie Panganiban

Like the disciples of Jesus who felt tired and weary—not only from their everyday journey with Jesus but from the various challenges of ministry that it had brought to them—lately it seemed every disciple of Jesus at La Vida Mission* (LVM) has been feeling that way as well.

We faced many challenging, and at times perplexing, duties beyond the normal preparation work that needed to be done for the opening of a new school year. With our currently small number of staff members and being so thinly spread out to accomplish the tasks—in addition to the exhausting heat of July—it looked like some of our spirits were dampened, if not totally crushed.

But thanks be to God as Jesus noticed His disciples were weary and needing to rest. I believe He also noticed His modern disciples at the Mission feeling the same and needing a much-needed rest that only He can give. How encouraging and uplifting to know that our Lord and Savior sees us and notices when we need help, refreshed, and rest. And how even more beautiful it is to hear His invitation to every tired, weary, and heavily burdened missionary to come to Him for that much-needed rest.

Honestly, yes, it has been very taxing and exhausting for everyone lately. But things started to change one week when we were reminded of Jesus’s refreshing and loving invitation to cast all our cares upon Him and to put our trust in Him. He alone can make all things right. He alone can lead and guide and bless all our endeavors and efforts to fulfill our mission. He alone is the reason why we are here. Thank God indeed! Thank Him for His intervention and help.

The week ended with a beautiful “Prayer Drive” and Agape Feast. Normally, we do a “Prayer Walk” around the whole LVM campus to pray for every building, place of work, and area of ministry. Because it was so hot, we decided to turn it into a prayer drive instead, which turned out to be even more beautiful.

Packing ourselves in the LVM 12-passenger van, we drove around campus singing Navajo Hymns and stopping at every building and area that we wanted to pray for. Each staff member was asked ahead of time to choose a place to pray for, so, when we stopped for prayer, we didn’t have to ask who wanted to pray.

We started from the Mission Administrative Building and traveled to the parking lot with our vehicles. Then we went to the school, cafeteria, playground, gym, and clinic; boys’ and girls’ dorm, the ark (maintenance building), food cellar, and water tank; staff housing, guest house, barn, green house, water well, and the community hydrant. We then went to the community service center and ended at the La Vida Mission Seventh-day Adventist Church.

After the Prayer Drive, everyone went to the church fellowship room where Steve Nelson, the new Farmington District pastor, delivered a beautiful and inspiring message to all and led us in the Communion Service and the Agape Feast. It was a solemn moment of reflection, surrender, and re-dedication to God, and a recommitment of our lives for another year of ministry with our students and community family.

What better way indeed to start the new school year but to answer our Lord’s invitation to come to Him in love, in faith, and in joy in His service. Please continue to keep your missionary friends at La Vida Mission in your prayers. This, we greatly need.

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

—Dorie Panganiban is the La Vida Mission Seventh-day Adventist Church head elder and 2025 Native Camp Meeting coordinator. Photos supplied.

Pam Lah – Loveland, Colorado … The staff members and students at Campion Academy in Loveland, Colorado, dedicated themselves and the new school year to God during the first Sabbath service of the year, August 16.

On August 15, they assembled for a “vesper deluxe,” which is when the students gather to sing and worship in the tower after the regular vespers service. A new senior student, Kelly Borne, stated, “As my first time at vespers deluxe, I felt the presence of God. I loved singing in the tower with everyone. It will probably be my favorite memory this year.”

A new junior student from Japan, Mao Tsumagari, commented, “It was exciting to dress up and seeing everyone dressed up too. I enjoyed singing songs with the other students.”

During the Sabbath service at the Campion Seventh-day Adventist Church, August 16, new staff members and the Koinonia choir were introduced and shared the school year’s theme song, “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus.” Campion church members, HMS Richards Adventist School family members, and Campion Academy students then joined together for a potluck meal on the Campion campus.

“The food was amazing, and being able to talk to members of the church was fun,” Sergio Enriques, a senior student, summarized.

—Pam Lah, Campion Academy Student News Team. Photos supplied.

UAU News – Lincoln, Nebraska … This summer, three theology majors traveled halfway around the world and a few thousand years into the past. Payton Arnett, Albany Santeliz Diaz and Marcus McConaghy joined Dr. Trisha Broy, assistant professor of religion, on an archeological dig in Jordan.

Broy has participated in digs in Jordan, Sicily and Tennessee for more than 25 years, and earned her doctorate in ancient Near Eastern studies and biblical archaeology from Andrews University, which sponsors this excavation in Jordan. This was the first time she had been able to bring students from Union Adventist University with her.

“I thoroughly enjoyed having Union students participating this season,” Broy said. “It was so joyful and energizing to witness their enthusiasm and excitement as they experienced this part of the world for the first time. Not only were they exploring the ancient biblical world, they were encountering a rich present-day culture that was almost entirely new to them.”

“Several times on our trip, a student told me they had learned about a concept in my class, but now they’ve seen it play out in a real-life situation and understand it much better,” Broy continued. “For example, some social values in the biblical world, such as collectivism, are very foreign to our individualistic culture, but very alive today in Jordan, where family honor and patriarchal responsibility are active social concepts.”

Santeliz Diaz expressed her appreciation for the cross-cultural out-of-the-classroom experience. “Despite language and cultural barriers, God’s created people are everywhere you go; there is always some connection to be found between me and any given person in the world,” she said. “God is with us everywhere. I saw God on this trip through the welcoming attitude and love of the people of Jordan, and the people we dug with, as well as in the beauty of seeing and working with ancient places and artifacts from the time of the Bible.”

According to Arnett, the experience gave him a more complete picture of Bible stories. “I have become much more knowledgeable about archaeology and the geography of the Bible,” he said. “As I read the Bible now, I can picture views of locations and the distances between them in a powerful way. As a future pastor, my sermons will be all the deeper after this trip!”

High on a hill overlooking the Jordan Valley, the dig site afforded beautiful views of both the Dead Sea and Jericho on the far side of the valley. Khirbet Safra, as the location is now known, was inhabited from the 13th century BCE to the mid-ninth century BCE, which correlates to the period of the books of Judges, Ruth and First and Second Samuel in the biblical timeline. Khirbet Safra means “yellow ruins” in Arabic, and no one knows the name of the fortified iron age settlement that once stood on the hilltop. During this time period, Moabites, Ammonites, and Amorites all lived in the area.

Working alongside students and faculty from Andrews University, the Union contingent was divided between two fields in the ancient settlement. McConaghy worked in Field A under the direction of Dr. Constance Gane, an associate research professor of biblical archaeology at Andrews, where they unearthed the earliest period floor of a building attached to the western wall as well as opening a door that had been blocked by falling debris after the building was abandoned. Arnett and Santeliz Diaz worked under Broy’s direction in Field C, focusing on the excavation of a house on the southeast side of the town. Their discoveries included an ashpit and curious set of four paired circular structures they are still working to interpret.

In addition to uncovering ancient architecture, in both fields the Union students found interesting items of everyday life, such as cooking pots, storage jars, a shell necklace, a bronze cloak pin (the point is still sharp), grain processing equipment such as stone pounders, grinders, mortars and pestles, and objects for fabric creation like spindle whorls, spindle rests, a shuttlecock and a bronze needle.

“There is an incomparable thrill that comes from unearthing something that a real person made and used more than 3000 years ago,” Broy explained “We were uncovering the floor of a house that was abandoned thousands of years ago and seeing the remnants of average lives. On a tour of Biblical sites, you just walk around and look, but during an excavation, you do a deep dive into one focused point in history.”

Spending mornings at the dig left afternoons open for tours of local sites of historic interest including the Jordan River, Petra, Jerash, Gadara and seeing the Sea of Galilee, Machaerus, “Noah’s Tomb” in Kerak, and the mosaics of Madaba. For Broy, the high point of the tourist aspect of their trip was seeing her students swim in the Dead Sea. “No matter how much you tell people what to expect when they go, all first-timers are astounded by the experience,” she said.

For McConaghy, the best part of the trip was getting to know the master’s students from Andrews. One was moving from a career in nursing to ministry, and another was a former civil engineer. “I really enjoyed talking with the grad students who had taken very different career paths, but God had led to ministry,” he said. “They could have been making much more money, but were finding fulfillment through the Holy Spirit instead.”

For Arnett and Santaliz Diaz, who have been dating for a couple of years, the moment that stands out the most happened atop Mt. Nebo where Moses once stood. “Overlooking the Promised Land from Mt. Nebo, it was a perfect moment,” Arnett said. On one knee, he proposed to Santaliz Diaz. She said “yes.”

The entire group was glad they had said yes to this opportunity to touch and experience history. “Theology students pick apart ancient civilizations layer by layer in books, but it’s cool to do it in real life,” McConaghy said.

“This opportunity was even better than I could have imagined,” said Arnett. “Not only to go, but to be a part of digging in the dirt every day was amazing.”

“Participating in biblical archaeology educates the Christian about the biblical context in an experiential way, beyond what can be learned from a distance,” Broy said. “It causes one to directly encounter the environment and culture of the period, which naturally leads to deeper personal connections with Scripture. It draws you back to the Bible and helps you to notice and understand things that you passed over before.”

—Union Adventist University News. Republished with permission from the Union Adventist University News website, July 29, 2025, article.  Photo supplied.

AdventHealth – Denver, Colorado … This summer, AdventHealth Rocky Mountain Region welcomed a group of bright, passionate interns from across the globe—each bringing unique perspectives, talents, and a shared desire to serve. From hospital finance to patient experience, and from surgical observation to spiritual connection, these interns embraced every opportunity to learn and grow in meaningful ways.

Professional growth rooted in purpose

For Collin Emde from Florida, the internship was a gateway into the professional world of health care. “I’ve learned a lot about working in a professional environment,” he shared. A standout moment came during the Whole-Care Experience at AdventHealth Littleton, where he sat with four nurses who had transferred from a competing organization. “Each of them said, sincerely, ‘I can feel a difference here.’ That moment showed me how deeply AdventHealth’s mission impacts both patients and team members.” His advice to future interns? “Shadow as much as you can. Every team member has a story, and listening gives you insight you won’t find anywhere else.”

Ethan Jahn from California found inspiration in leadership. “I really appreciated hearing Brett Spenst’s perspective,” he said. “He shared that every experience is good experience—it’s up to me to define how I move forward.” Ethan also praised his preceptor, Jonathan Just, for his thoughtful guidance during his assignment at AdventHealth Parker, where he gained valuable familiarity with hospital systems through finance work.

Ryann Koobs from Colorado reflected on the importance of relationships and time management. “My favorite part of the internship has been building relationships and community with my fellow interns and others I’ve worked closely with,” she said. “The most challenging part has been learning how to prioritize and allocate the necessary time and attention to finish certain tasks when I’ve been assigned multiple projects.” The experience has helped shape her career goals: “It’s given me a deeper insight into health care and helped me pursue a potential career in the industry.”

Faith in action

At a special interview hosted by NewDay Adventist Church, several interns reflected on what it means to live out their faith in the workplace.

For Fiorella Cecotto from Argentina, humility and openness were key. “As an intern, you recognize you don’t know everything,” she said. “I’ve been willing to learn and let others teach me.” She recalled a moment at AdventHealth Porter when a colleague helped her improve an Excel project. “I decided to let her teach me—and it made all the difference.”

Josue Mendez from Oregon, who served in mission integration, described faith as presence and compassion. “Living out my faith has been showing Jesus’s ministry through healing—going into rooms without an agenda and just listening.” He shared a touching story of helping a patient visit the healing garden, simply because they expressed a desire to go outside. “Even in mundane tasks, I try to keep the attitude of serving.”

Jessica Hartford from Colorado emphasized the power of connection. “One day I asked the security guard at Willow what his name was. He said no one had ever done that.” For Jessica, making others feel seen and heard is central to her faith. Her biggest challenge? “Time. No matter your role, it can be hard to make space for meaningful connections.”

Josh Essink from Idaho summed up his experience with one word: curiosity. “I’ve never experienced the medical workplace before,” he said. “In my first week, I asked about acronyms and terms I didn’t understand. My preceptor patiently explained everything.” Josh acknowledged the challenge of connecting with people who may not share his beliefs but emphasized the importance of effort and empathy.

A summer of impact

These interns didn’t just gain professional skills, they deepened their understanding of service, compassion, and community. Whether through finance, patient care, or simple acts of kindness, they embodied AdventHealth’s mission and values in every moment.

As the summer comes to a close, their stories remind us that growth happens not just in what we do, but in how we do it—with heart, humility, and purpose.

—AdventHealth News. Republished with permission from the AdventHealth News & Stories website, August 18, 2025, article. Photo supplied.

RMCNews – Denver, Colorado … The fourth Rocky Mountain Conference (RMC) Executive Committee meeting of 2025 was held on August 19. This is the first session led by the new RMC president, David VandeVere, opening with his devotional focused on how Jesus yearns to be asked for His wisdom and that He will give it generously for all who ask.

The first order of the session was to bring in two new members to the committee. Kaleb Leeper, new principal at Campion Academy in Loveland, Colorado, was welcomed as a new ex officio employee representing the academy. Edrey Santos, district pastor for Northeastern Wyoming, was voted in to fill the Wyoming employee open position.

Following the acceptance of new committee members, VandeVere took a brief moment to explore aspects of serving on the Executive Committee and to remind each member that part of their personal commitment is to exercise their Spiritual gifts, within the local church context, and to spend time “in the Word and prayer.”

While only a little over two weeks into the position, VandeVere had a full president’s report including a debrief on the recent RMC camp meetings and town halls and time with Conference teachers, office staff, and the Administrative Committee (AdCom). He discussed his priorities for the remainder of the year including active listening as he meets with staff and church members and hiring a ministerial director.

VandeVere also briefly mentioned that he will begin the evaluation of processes and the roles and responsibilities of the staff members at the Conference office. He will also be working with the Executive Committee, office team, pastors, and teachers to refine unifying language and vision.

“Paul stated in 1 Corinthians that the body of the Church is made up of many parts and each part is essential. As He returned to heaven, Jesus gave the commission to ‘go and make disciples.’ So, as a ‘body,’ the Conference must move forward unitedly, energetically carrying out Christ’s command, with each valuable ‘body part’ contributing to the whole,” VandeVere remarked.

Mission Focus Reports:

VandeVere asked three conference departments to report to the RMC Executive Committee: youth, education, and ministerial. Brandon Westgate, RMC Youth director, reported on the recent RMC Summer Camp program. During the course of the camp program, nearly 40 baptisms were administered with half of a dozen of those being the summer camp staff members.

Westgate also unfolded a story of a 13-year-old camper that proclaimed he was atheist at the beginning of his camp session. His engagement grew over the experience, and he proclaimed that he believed that “God is real” by end of his session.

Diane Harris, RMC Education director, spoke on the importance of Adventist education in the region through the illustration of a young student athlete from Campion Academy currently attending Union Adventist University in Lincoln, Nebraska, for a degree in Education. The student credited her Adventist teachers with empowering and shaping her leadership growth. Harris also informed the executive committee that the financial support from the Conference not only goes to employment expenses but also to training and resources for the teachers.

Hugo Guillén, RMC Ministerial associate director and Multicultural Ministry coordinator, is looking to support more collaborative efforts between pastors and churches with others in the Conference, highlighting the making disciples and “being open to let Him lead.”

Vice President for Administration Report:

Doug Inglish, RMC vice president for Administration, discussed pastoral coverage in the Conference. Charles Hong started August 1 as lead pastor for the Korean District and Denver West Seventh-day Adventist Church. Anthony Handel will start September 1 as lead pastor for the Casper District in central Wyoming. Only a few churches remain in search of a pastor.

New Items:

The vote passed to shorten the official name of the Newday Christian Seventh-day Adventist Church to Newday Adventist Church, the name most recognized in the community, with prayerful consideration to the benefits of this change to their ministries.

Cara Greenfield, Campion Academy vice principal of Finance, and Mindy Philpott, Mile High Academy business manager, were voted into the RMC Finance Committee as permanent invitees with reporting responsibilities but no voting privileges so that they are aware of what is going on in the greater community. Also, it was passed to add a third person to the RMC Finance Committee that is not geographically bound as there have been difficulties finding a representative to serve the position from Wyoming.

Throughout the meeting, the message was carried that those in the Rocky Mountain Conference are one team and one church—called not to represent just themselves—and are to lead by example, showing through their walk with God how true stewardship shapes not only finances but faith.

—RMCNews

Karrie Meyers – Highlands Ranch, Colorado … Mile High Academy (MHA) in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, welcomed 279 students back to campus August 14, launching a new school year filled with learning, faith, and community. The day was marked by joy, reconnections, and traditions that set a hopeful and uplifting tone for the year ahead.

The morning kicked off with the first all-school chapel of the year, opening with this year’s theme song, “Start a Fire.” Worship was led by RD Gallant, MHA Upper School teacher and chaplain, who shared a meaningful illustration of how a candle represents God’s light in our lives, encouraging students to shine that light in their classrooms and beyond.

The chapel was followed by MHA’s annual Prayer Walk. Parents, students, and staff joined together, walking the campus and pausing at key locations to pray, asking God to bless the school year, guide each classroom, and be present in every corner of campus.

Afterward, the middle school students headed to Bear Lake for outdoor activities and fellowship, while the upper school students remained on campus for icebreaker games. Lower school students spent the day building connections in their classrooms through hands-on activities and time with their teachers.

“I’m excited to be back hanging out with my friends,” shared Judd, a sixth-grade student. “I’m looking forward to math class as it’s my favorite subject.”

The Senior Class of 2026, the largest continuous class in recent MHA history, began their “last first day” with both excitement and reflection, knowing this year will be filled with milestones leading up to graduation.

Families also expressed gratitude for MHA’s strong sense of community. One parent remarked, “We love it here. We’ve been telling everyone about it. We wouldn’t want to go anywhere else.”

Andrew Carpenter, MHA principal, reflected on the start of the year: “The first day of school is always filled with so much energy. It’s a blessing to watch our students return ready to learn, connect, and grow in their faith. This year’s enrollment reflects the strength of our school community and the dedication of our families, teachers, and staff.”

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

RMCNews – Montrose, Colorado … The 2025 Rocky Mountain Conference (RMC) Western Slope Camp Meeting marked its tenth year of being a physical, mental, and spiritual retreat in western Colorado, August 6-10. The retreat was held again at the Mountaintop Retreat just south of Montrose, Colorado, providing a scenic view of the Uncompahgre Valley and a visual representation of this year’s camp theme “And We beheld His Glory.”

The tenth anniversary was marked with powerful messages and peaceful fellowship bringing attendees from as far as Texas, Montana, and Alabama, and was under new coordination leadership from Eliezer Roque-Cisneros, lead pastor of the Riffle District along the western I-70 corridor in Colorado.

Featured speakers Gary and Lee Venden, currently ministering for and in association with the “All About Jesus” seminars of the Arizona Conference, presented their unique duo blend of biblical reflection and personal experiences from the Gospel of John with a deep introspection on such characters as Nicodemus, Mary Magdalene, and more.

With each having around 40 years of experience in ministry, one core message from their program was to focus on a personal relationship with God: “The Jewish leaders focused on Rome and Prophecy, not on Jesus. They knew the rules but didn’t know the Ruler; they knew the doctrine but didn’t know the Doctor. Christianity is about who you know, not what you do.”

One of the most impactful moments in their program was Lee sharing his journey from empty religion to an authentic spiritual conversion of being a true believer in Jesus, commenting, “I was tired of playing church. I wanted the real deal.” He contrasted “going through the motions” of church life with experiencing a true transformation of the heart which he had termed “the click.”

Lee emphasized that conversion is not about rules or rituals but about looking to Jesus Himself along with personal reflection, study of scripture, prayer, and the influence of others who have encountered Christ. “We work on our relationship with Him, and God works on our transformation.”

Ron Price, author the PLAY NICE in Your Sandbox series, co-founder of the Institute for Biblical Peacemakers,* and elder at the Piñon Hills Seventh-day Adventist Church in Farmington, New Mexico, led afternoon sessions on his trademark seminar series “Relationship CPR: Conflict Prevention and Resolution.” He explored sources of conflict and provided practical steps to resolve and prevent conflict.

This year’s Western Slope Camp Meeting was blessed with several musical guests. Marilynn Venden, wife and ministry partner of Gary Venden, added her vocal evangelism to the worship programs. A special concert was held Saturday night hosting the comedic banter and music stylings of the male gospel music quartet, King’s Heralds, including one member, Don Scroggs, that has been with the group for 43 years.

During activity times, camp meeting attendees were free to enjoy leisure time completing puzzles, exploring the surrounding campgrounds and adjoining national forest, or joining the very popular guided painting classes led by Roque-Cisneros. His wife, Emily, encouraged him to take an art elective while a student at Union Adventist University in Lincoln, Nebraska, leading to a life-long pursuit of the fine arts.

Bob and Sharrel Fullmer, elder and treasurer at the Aztec Seventh-day Adventist Church in New Mexico, respectively, are regular attendees of the Western Slope Camp Meeting. When asked why they come back year after year, Bob remarked, “We love the outdoors and the people we meet.”

Sharrel commented, “It’s fantastic. Our favorite part of this year was the Venden speakers. But the drive up is gorgeous, we’re up in the mountains, and we’re away from the city. It’s nice. The air is so fresh, and the food is fabulous!”

In attendance at this year’s event was RMC’s vice president for Administration Doug Inglish, vice president for Finance Darin Gottfried, and special remarks were given from RMC’s new president, David VandeVere.

The camp meeting leadership team extends heartfelt gratitude to the incredible local leaders and volunteers whose dedication made this year’s gathering possible. From Alan Scott, Ron and Linda Johnson, April Wright, Judy Kelly, and Steve and Jerilynn Pester, to the hardworking camp cooks and the many faithful elders across the region, their tireless service, warm hospitality, and behind-the-scenes efforts created a meaningful and memorable camp meeting experience for all.

* Please note that the Institute for Biblical Peacemakers is not affiliated with the Rocky Mountain Conference of Seventh-day Adventists or the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

—RMCNews. Photos by Liz Kirkland and Ron Johnson.

Angela Baerg – Collegedale, Tennessee … Diego Luna, member of the Denver South Seventh-day Adventist Church, had never attended an Adventist school before college. When his mother urged him to apply to an Adventist university, though, he was shocked when every door along the way opened, making it possible for him to attend Southern Adventist University in Collegedale, Tennessee.

Now in his junior year as an accounting major, Luna appreciates the community of faith he’s found on campus. “It’s the perfect place for me,” he says. “It offers a safe haven for students who are following Christ. I’m overjoyed to be here.”

One of Luna’s favorite aspects of campus life at an Adventist university is the deep sense of spiritual fellowship he discovered through a small faith community. Initially hesitant to join, he accepted a friend’s invitation to attend a group focused on the Book of Isaiah and the theme of salvation—complete with a hot meal together each week. Luna soon found himself looking forward to their Tuesday meetings.

“This is fellowship,” Luna remarked. “I think this is probably what it felt like in the early church. We shared spiritual fulfillment, learning, and laughter. It felt so right, as if it were divinely ordained. I’ve started carrying my Bible around more, opening it and reading it more often. It inspires and breathes life into you.”

When looking to find summer employment, Luna’s mother suggested applying for a position with the Rocky Mountain Conference (RMC) Summer Camp program at Glacier View Ranch in Ward, Colorado. Unsure of his direction, Luna joined his parents in prayer over the phone to seek guidance. Less than 20 seconds after hanging up, an email arrived accepting him to work at the camp.

The experience proved to be a meaningful one as Luna was inspired by both the leaders and the children that he met at RMC’s Summer Camp. He was especially impacted during a special session for children who have lost family members. The camp offered healing through a combination of therapy and immersion into nature. The week started out challenging as one child acted out in anger. However, as the week progressed, the group bonded through their time in nature, shared prayers, and personal stories. By the end of the week, every child in Luna’s group had requested baptism.

“I really wanted to be there for those children, and I was very grateful that God used me in that way,” Luna says. “I was so happy that I could help provide a safe haven for their faith just like the one I found for mine at Southern.”

—Angela Baerg is a Southern Adventist University alumna and a freelance writer for Southern Adventist University’s Columns Magazine. Photo supplied.

Campion News – Loveland, Colorado … Students and staff of Campion Academy in Loveland, Colorado, brought their energy and enthusiasm to the annual handshake event as they ushered in the new school year on August 10.

Hyping up the crowd and dressed as superheroes, the Campion Student Association (SA) officers led the event by introducing the theme for the school year: “Look Up.” After singing some classic camp songs, Spiritual vice president Shane Hart shared a worship thought on what it means to look to Jesus through whatever challenges one faces in life.

The event was moved inside due to thunderstorms, but the rain didn’t dampen the spirits of the staff and students. Julia Paez, returning sophomore student, commented, “I enjoyed how SA introduced themselves and the worship we had together. Seeing all the new students got me excited for the school year.”

Classmates connected over friendly competitions before finally getting in line to greet each member of the Campion family. With many new faces, the staff and students took their time to introduce themselves to each other in the traditional handshake line.

A new freshman student, Donna Ortiz, recalled her experience greeting each person: “It made me a little bit excited, but I was also kind of scared to meet all the people that I would start to see every day. But I looked around, and I saw a bunch of nice faces and thought, ‘I’d like to become friends with them,’ and I did!”

For senior students, the handshake event marks the beginning of their last year of high school. Marc Winokan, a four-year senior student, mentioned that seeing all the new freshmen and other students made him reflect. “I was once in their position, and now I’m the one that’s gonna be there for them and lead them, which is pretty cool,” he stated.

Campion Academy is starting the school year with 118 students, with a predicted decrease in enrollment after graduating a class of 50 students. However, community interest continues to grow, and Campion expects to continue to gain more students throughout the school year.

Campion has maintained its positive reputation internationally, and this year welcomes 28 international students from Brazil, China, Japan, Mexico, and Germany.

Additionally, the number of community or village students has increased to 43, a number that is likely the largest percentage of village students in Campion’s history.

—Camion News Team. Photos supplied.

Jose Briones – Northglenn, Colorado … Charles Vaughn never imagined that his wife’s nightly excitement over Bible studies would lead to a life-changing spiritual awakening of his own. But her joy was contagious.

“She wouldn’t let me sleep; she’d be excited sharing what she learned,” Vaughn recalled. Though not a reader himself, he began listening to the Word alongside her. That simple act marked the beginning of a profound transformation in their lives.

Vaughn’s wife discovered Chapel Haven Seventh-day Adventist Church in Northglenn, Colorado, about three years ago and began attending its weekly Bible studies. Two years later, the couple started attending services regularly, drawn by her enthusiasm and the welcoming spirit of the church community.

For more than four decades, Vaughn struggled with a smoking habit that began when he was just 10 years old. Inspired by his wife’s devotion and moved by a growing sense of conviction, he turned to prayer for help. “I asked the Lord … to help me with the cravings and take the cigarettes away. And it was like overnight, it really was,” he said. Today, Vaughn has been free from cravings for more than a year.

His journey has not been without hardship. Vaughn spoke openly about spiritual attacks and periods of darkness following his baptism, which took place seven months ago. Despite those challenges, he found strength in the support of his church family. Fellowship, prayer, and shared testimonies became essential sources of encouragement, helping him stay grounded and resilient.

Vaughn’s story is a testament to the power of faith and the role of community in personal transformation. It shows how spiritual growth often begins not with dramatic gestures, but with quiet moments of listening, loving, and leaning on others.

His experience offers hope to anyone facing long-standing struggles. It affirms that change is possible, even after decades, and that healing often begins in the presence of others who believe.

—Jose Briones is the RMC Stewardship Promotion and Content creator. Photo capture from RMC’s “Always Faithful” video series.