NewsNuggets Page 2

Brent Learned – Loveland, Colorado … Over 400 Adventurers, staff, parents, and helpers converged May 4 at the Campion Academy campus in Loveland, Colorado, for the annual Rocky Mountain Conference (RMC) Adventurer Fun Day. This year’s theme for the event was “Believe the Promise” highlighting the Bible story of God leading Moses and Israel in freedom from slavery and oppression back in Egypt to Himself.

The weather was sunny and warm, perfect for a day of outdoor activities, and the day started off with a long parade of excited and giddy adventurers, staff, parents, and siblings marching around the grounds ending in the gymnasium for the opening program. In the gymnasium, adventurers recited the pledge and law—in English or Spanish—and sang the Adventurer song together.

Following the opening program, the Adventurers rotated by club through different stations where they learned about the Bible characters Moses, Jochebed, Noah, John the Disciple, and Jesus’ parents Mary and Joseph. The Adventurers then spent some time at the Bible verse and promise table where each had the opportunity to recite all the Bible verses and promises they had diligently memorized throughout the year.

Jacob, one of the first-place winners of the Adventurer memory verses, said, “Well, at first, I didn’t want to because it was difficult for me, but my mom made me repeat it every day. There were days when I didn’t want to, but my mom told me I could do it. When we went to Adventurer Fun Day, I repeated it again and I was nervous. But in the end, I felt happy when I heard that I came in first place, and it was all because of Jesus!”

At lunchtime, participants could choose from several club fundraiser food booths selling unique food from around the world and enjoy the day with friends at fun activities such as bouncy houses, an obstacle course, and other outdoor activities.

Another highlight of the day was the “Bug Beauty Contest and Race.” Each child made a “bug” at their home club meetings and brought them to Adventurer Fun Day to be judged for the “Best Looking Bug.” Each bug had wheels and races were held throughout the day, ending in the finals at the closing ceremonies. There were lots of fun prizes displayed on stage that the first, second, and third place winners of the various races and beauty contests could choose from.

The day ended with the clubs who earned at least 1,000 points for their yearly reports receiving a special Bible trophy highlighting the exodus story made by hand by Adventurer co-coordinator Lacinda Hopkins. Fort Morgan Adventurer club director Waleska Valdez commented, “Our first Adventurer Fun Day, and what a blessing it was!”

“This was our very first time attending the event with the Rocky Mountain Conference (RMC), and I just have to say, what an amazing experience for both me and my kids! From the very beginning to the end, we felt the love, care, and intentional planning that went into every part of the day,” Valdez continued. “The activities were fun, engaging, and Christ-centered. The kids had fun in a space where they could truly feel safe and loved.”

Valdez closed with, “Also, I want to give a special shoutout to the staff and volunteers. You were all so attentive, patient, and kind with the children. You weren’t just supervising activities, you were ministering to their hearts. We can’t wait for next year! Let’s keep this beautiful team in our prayers as they continue to pour into our children and lead them to Christ: Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these (Matthew 19:14). Thank you to everyone who made this day possible. May God bless you all abundantly!”

Dark clouds began to roll in as clubs began to take down, disassemble, and load up their food booths. It was not until every club had taken down everything and all the participants had left that it began to rain while the remaining Adventurer, Pathfinder, and teen leaders were finishing loading, cleaning, and wrapping up the event. “It was evident that God held off the rain long enough to have the perfect Adventurer Fun Day,” reflected Brent Learned, RMC Club Ministries director.

Hopkins remarked, “I was very blessed and absolutely loved seeing all the Adventurers and the clubs from all around the Conference! Each of you are special to us and especially to Jesus! Thank you to all the parents, staff, club directors, clubs, Campion Academy, teens, Adventurer ministry counterpart Cinthya Gonzalez, those that just pitched in and helped in so many ways, and the RMC team for making Adventurer Fun Day possible this year.”

—Brent Learned is the RMC Youth assistant director and Mills Spring Ranch manager. Photos supplied.

Marsha Bartulec – Apopka, Florida … The Middle School Engineagles Robotics team at Vista Ridge Academy (VRA) in Erie, Colorado, recently returned from an unforgettable experience where they competed in the Adventist Robotics First Lego League (FLL) National Championship in Apopka, Florida, May 4.

Facing off against 26 teams from other Adventist schools across the country, the VRA team demonstrated innovation, teamwork, and perseverance, earning the prestigious Champion Finalist Award and being named the alternate team for the FLL World Championship in Florida this June.

Only the top two teams from the national competition advance to the World Championship. VRA’s team placed just behind the top two, making them the official alternate in the event a qualifying team cannot attend.

The competition challenged teams to design, build, and program autonomous Lego robots to complete specific missions, as well as develop and present a real-world innovation project. Judges evaluated students on robot design, project quality, and teamwork—areas in which VRA’s team excelled.

“This team has worked so hard—not just on the robot and programming, but on how they communicate, problem-solve, and grow together,” said robotics coach Spencer Gildersleeve. “Being named Champion Finalist and World Alternate is a huge honor and a testament to their dedication and creativity.”

VRA principal Marsha Bartulec added, “We are so proud of our students for how they represented Vista Ridge Academy. Their success at the national level highlights not only their technical skills, but also their ability to work as a team, think critically, and reflect our school’s values.”

For the students, the journey was both exciting and inspiring. “It was inspiring to see how hard our team worked to get here today,” said Charlotte Gemperline, VRA student and member of the robotics team. “We should all be very proud how far we got this season.”

Bartulec remarked, “Congratulations to our incredible Robotics team for this outstanding accomplishment! We’ll be cheering them on as alternates for the First Lego League World Championship—and celebrating all they’ve achieved.”

—Marsha Bartulec is principal at Vista Ridge Academy. Photos supplied.

Dorie Panganiban – Farmington, New Mexico … The month of April has been a busy month at La Vida Mission* (LVM). It started with a full weekend of events, April 12-13, hosted by Mike and Cathy Kissner, retired Rocky Mountain Conference (RMC) pastor and RMC Adventist Community Services coordinator, respectively.

The Kissners are used to coming to La Vida Mission every year with a truck load of donations for LVM that they gathered from the different churches in the Conference. They have been doing this hard “labor of love” for La Vida Mission for more than 30 years now.

But, April 12, Mike Kissner came to officiate the ordination of church elders, deacons, and deaconesses at the Sabbath service and providing a sermon at La Vida Mission Seventh-day Adventist Church in the morning and at the Crownpoint Seventh-day Adventist Fellowship in Crownpoint, New Mexico, in the evening.

Cathy Kissner conducted the CPR/AED and Disaster Response and Donation Operations training seminar for mission staff, local church officers, and some community members the following day, April 13. A total of 18 participants finished the classes.

Dorie Panganiban, LVM office manager, reflected on the training: “Everybody in attendance was grateful for the knowledge received from the training and feel more confident as they get involved in the community services of the church and in being a disaster responder.”

* 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.

—Dorie Panganiban is the La Vida Mission office manager. Photos supplied.

Brendan Howe – Highlands Ranch, Colorado … The Upper School choir and chamber orchestra at Mile High Academy (MHA) in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, set off to South Dakota on a music tour, April 23-26. They performed—to great applause—at several churches and schools throughout the trip, while also doing some sightseeing.

Throughout the four days of the trip, the students were able to bond and make cherished memories. One of the most valued memories shared by the students was the bus ride to their hotel on the first day after they visited the Devil’s Tower National Monument in Devil’s Tower, Wyoming. They erupted into song on the bus for a bonding experience shared by everyone there.

“On the bus ride, we were all singing and just having fun … It was a good vibe,” said Gavin, MHA freshman student, when asked what his favorite memory was from the trip and why.

“I really like our spontaneous singing in the bus. It was a lot of bonding with everyone there. It was fun and just a vibe in general,” responded Emalee, MHA junior student.

“My favorite memory was coming onto the bus after our picnic at Devil’s Tower Monument … I think it was Daven or Brody who said, ‘Let’s all sing Gospel songs!’ and they all started singing different songs,” recalled Debbie Miranda, MHA Music director. “It got us singing for a good hour, and it was so much fun. I could really see the joy that was in their hearts. It was truly a blessing.”

MHA student Brendan remarked, “On the topic of music, people were truly blessed by our music program. Some people gave us a standing ovation, and others even cried. This shows that perhaps we left a mark on our audience that would inspire them to share the blessings of music wherever they go. It doesn’t even have to be a big performance.”

He continued, “Not only shown by the bus ride, but when the students arrived at the lobby of the hotel, they would have worship. People would look and even tell us how good we sounded and how touched they were by our music.”

The group was able to see some iconic tourist destinations. Devil’s Tower National Monument was the most liked destination amongst the students for its beautiful and unique nature, though some people thought the place was a little eerie due to the Native American folklore told of the location.

The group visited Mount Rushmore National monument in Keystone, South Dakota, three times, as it was too foggy to see the first two times, and Crazy Horse Memorial in Crazy Horse, South Dakota. The students enjoyed seeing the history of Native American past while also being able to see history in the making as the monument is still under construction. They also visited the National Presidential Wax Museum, also in Keystone, which was Miranda’s personal favorite.

At The Mammoth Site in Hot Springs, South Dakota, students were able to “… learn the history and science of fossilization and was just interesting to see,” commented Lily, MHA sophomore student. At the Rush Mountain Adventure Park in Keystone, the students took a tour of large caves, soared through the clouds on the park’s zipline, defended the world from bandits and aliens on a 7D Darkride, and raced down the mountain on a mountain coaster.

Overall, the students had a lot of fun and made many memories. The music they performed would also have a lasting impact on their audience. The students can’t wait for the next trip.

—Brendan Howe is a student at Mile High Academy.  Photos supplied by Emalee Zachawerus.

Carey Jordan – Loveland, Colorado … HMS Richards Adventist School in Loveland, Colorado, is honored to be one of over 3,000 locations participating in Pentecost 2025—a global evangelistic initiative set forth by the North American Division (NAD) designed to share the message of Jesus in local communities around the world.

And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony
to all nations, and then the end will come.
(Matthew 24:14, NIV).

“We’ve already embraced this call, beginning intentional outreach to our neighbors—the 120 homes surrounding HMS Richards—back in December 2024,” recalled Carey Jordan, HMS Richards principal. “Since then, our students have made four visits to these homes, with two more planned in May.”

Each visit includes a small gift bag, and a personal note signed, “Your HMS neighbors.” If residents aren’t home, a bag is left at their door.

“We’ve carefully mapped the neighborhood, keeping track of house numbers, names, and small details to help us reconnect in meaningful ways,” continued Jordan. “We also invited them to Journey to the Cross, and, on several occasions, students have had the privilege of praying with neighbors and hearing pieces of their stories.”

These visits have quickly become a highlight for the students. They recognize familiar houses, remember names, and look forward to reconnecting. Some have even volunteered to continue visiting during the summer. In the fall, staff and students hope to offer help with yard projects—an effort that may require their church community’s support to accomplish.

“But this isn’t just a campaign—it’s a way to live out the love of Jesus,” remarked Jordan. “In August, we’ll begin personally inviting our neighbors to our student-led evangelistic series and encouraging them to support our students in this exciting endeavor. Our seventh and eighth grade students will preach, host, provide music, and organize every part of the series. Preparation has already begun. Students are actively researching and will soon start writing their sermons.”

To support the series, HMS Richards fifth and sixth grade students are also creating a series of follow-up podcasts. These will continue to share truth and encouragement with attendees and the same homes they’ve been building relationships with the hope that these connections become ongoing habits of love and care far beyond this year.

“At HMS Richards, we believe our students aren’t just future leaders, they’re leaders right now. Pentecost 2025 gives them a powerful opportunity to serve, lead, and share Jesus with their community in meaningful and lasting ways,” reflected Jordan.

“Please join us in prayer—for our students, their preparation, and the neighbors we’ve come to know a bit better. Pray that God will soften hearts and that through our kindness and consistency, our community might see a clearer picture of Jesus.”

To learn more or get involved, please contact Carey Jordan at [email protected] or at (970) 667-2427.

—Carey Jordan is principal at HMS Richards Adventist School. Photos supplied.

Brent Learned – Battle Creek, Michigan … The Rocky Mountain Conference’s (RMC) Aurora Las Aguilas and Loveland Cougars Pathfinder Club teams joined over 190 other teams from across the United States, Canada, and Australia in Battle Creek, Michigan, to participate in the North American Division-level (NAD) Pathfinder Bible Experience (PBE), April 25-26. Both RMC Pathfinder teams scored first place rankings at the event.

The Pathfinder teams each consisted of six or less team members and answered 90 Bible questions over this year’s Bible books of Romans and 1 Corinthians. Each pathfinder studied their Bible diligently for months in preparation for their team’s testing and successfully worked together to progress through the area, conference, and union-level testing in the months of February and March as a prerequisite to receiving an invitation to participate in PBE at the NAD level.

“PBE has made me study the Bible books that I never thought too much about before,” commented Cayli Rodriguez, Loveland Cougars team member. “I understand a lot more things now than I did previously.”

Emma De La Cruz, Aurora Las Aguilas team member, remarked, “PBE has impacted my relationship with Scripture by helping me learn more about the Word of God. It has helped me learn more about what I need to know, and I can tell others so they too can have a relationship with God.”

“Being in PBE has given me the opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of Scripture by reading, listening, and memorizing Scripture. All of these study methods allow the Bible to speak new things, and I realize how great God is,” reflected Carissa Rodriguez from the Loveland Cougars team.

“It was incredible to see the tremendous support from thousands of club leaders, parents, and siblings for each pathfinder team,” commented Brent Learned, RMC Club Ministries director. “Aurora, for example, had over 30 present and in person at the event supporting their church youth who diligently worked to study and meticulously memorize both Romans and 1 Corinthians.”

Katherine Juarez, Aurora Las Aguilas team member, remarked, “Over the past several months, PBE has become less of a memory game and much more of a relationship. When I was in a particular low point earlier this year, I remembered 1 Corinthians 2:9 (NKJV)—But as it is written: ‘Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him’—and that verse really helped lift me up out of that low point.”

Learned concluded, “In the RMC Youth Department, which includes the Pathfinder Club Ministry, our vision is ‘to live the greatest story’ which envisions the Adventurers, Pathfinders, youth, and young adults living Holy Spirit-filled and Holy Spirit-led lives by faith through Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection. Romans 6:13-14 (ESV) says it well: Present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness. For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace.”

—Brent Learned is the RMC Youth assistant director and Mills Spring Ranch manager. Photos supplied.

RMCNews – Broomfield, Colorado – AdventHealth Avista hosted its annual Wellness Luncheon, April 30, with record attendance of around 300 participants in Broomfield, Colorado. The event aims at supporting community wellness by connecting those in the local health and wellness industry, civic officials, and other organizations along with fundraising efforts for health initiatives at AdventHealth Avista hospital in Louisville, Colorado.

The opening blessing was delivered by Johnnathan R. Ward, AdventHealth Avista Mission Integration director, and others part of the Avista leadership team, including Mark Smith, AdventHealth Avista president and CEO, gave opening statements. A table was even sponsored for the faculty of Vista Ridge Academy to attend the event.

The featured speaker was Luke Soderling who participated in a 60-day Discovery Channel survival challenge just three years after being treated for stage three thyroid cancer. The lessons shared that he learned through survival are relatable to some people’s faith journey, and he attributed some of his success in completing the challenge to a small Bible given to him by his wife that he took on the challenge.

Proceeds from a fundraising event at the luncheon will go to an innovative medical system used in women’s health, and AdventHealth Avista would be the first hospital in the region to offer this procedure.

—RMCNews. Photos supplied.

Jose R. Alarcón – Aurora, Colorado … The Aurora First Seventh-day Adventist Church in Aurora, Colorado, went to it again providing a praying shelter for the community. On April 26, they celebrated their second consecutive drive-thru prayer event of the year.

As in other past events, many cars full of people with needs came in to be served. This time, however, even people walking down the street came in to be prayed for.

“In God’s love, the church is reaching out to bless the community. Timothy stated, First of all, then, I urge that requests, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made on behalf of all people (1 Timothy 2:1 NAS). The many who came indeed needed heavenly help. One person came searching for peace of mind, while others came due to the recent loss of family,” commented Jose Alarcón, lead pastor at Aurora First Church. “It is surprising to see the reaction of those who enter our parking lot and the response of passersby who honk, acknowledging the youth holding the cardboard signs and our event.”

The biggest surprise of the event came, however, on April 19. After two and a half years of witnessing what we have done with this event, the neighboring church, Village East Baptist Church, conducted their own drive-thru prayer the week before. Aurora First Church members were astonished to see the neighboring church imitate what we have been doing.

“Aurora First members reacted with a huge AMEN knowing that the community has been impacted more than we thought,” Alarcón reflected. “Like the Samaritan woman who was able to witness, so have the Aurora First [members]. John stated, Now from that city many of the Samaritans believed in Him because of the word of the woman who testified, ‘He told me all the things that I have done.’ (John 4:39 NAS).”

“Our primary responsibility as Christian Seventh-day Adventists is to share what Jesus has done and is doing on our behalf,” he continued. “The fact that a non-Adventist church could replicate what we are doing at Aurora gives me hope that other Adventist churches here in the Rocky Mountain Conference (RMC) would also replicate.”

Aurora First Church’s treasurer and elder Daniel Camacho noted, “The Holy Spirit is awakening the hearts and minds of church members to fulfill the commission of Jesus (Matt 28:18-20). This ministry is a favorite of the church members because it has significantly impacted the community, while not adding significant pressure on any member. This ministry is a great training ground for church members to gain experience and confidence in working with the Holy Spirit and fellow members to reach the community in various ways.”

“Therefore,” Alarcón urges, “I appeal to other RMC churches to get on board with community-oriented events such as this. If other non-Adventist churches imitate what we are doing, other Seventh-day Adventist churches can also replicate the good things that impact the community. We are already looking forward to our next event on May 31. If you are interested and available, join us for this event to see firsthand how easy and rewarding it is to reach the community in such a way.”

—Jose R. Alarcón is the lead pastor at the Aurora First Seventh-day Adventist Church. Photos supplied by Jose R. Alarcón.