NewsNuggets – Page 45 – Rocky Mountain Conference of Seventh-day Adventists

03 Aug

IT WAS A SUMMER CAMP, UNLIKE ANYTHING ELSE

Brandon Westgate – Ward, Colorado … As the summer camp season has officially ended for the Rocky Mountain Conference, it might be well to consider what the summer has wrought from a few different perspectives.

SPIRITUALLY: The spiritual atmosphere at camp was incredible. The summer camp staff was upbeat and positive and presented Jesus in a way that was attractive. The pastors who gave their time and efforts to minister to our campers were witty and helpful and truly showcased a God who is accessible and present. Our desire is to make it easy for kids to know God and I really felt like we were successful at doing that. To demonstrate that point, dozens of campers made a decision to accept Jesus as their personal Savior. About 60 of them also expressed an interest in being baptized and several of those baptisms took place in Lake Minnie at the Ranch.

The reverberations from being engaged in intentional ministry impacted our summer camp staff as well as we were witness to 20 of our summer camp staff members being either baptized or re-baptized in Lake Minnie. The transparent and heartfelt testimonies that were offered by these young adults were inspirational, honest, and real. The Spirit of God was moving in our midst, and it was a genuinely sanctified moment in time that I will forever cherish.

SOCIALLY: It seemed as though our campers were especially social with each other. They were engaged and involved and invested in what we were doing. The staff were willing to work harder to create opportunities for social engagement and the campers did not disappoint. They leaned into those times of community building with their peers. New friendships were forged, old friendships were rekindled, and a greater sense of community was witnessed by all through games and activities. This aspect of camp cannot be measured by any sort of metric. It has to be experienced to be known.

SECRETLY: So much of what happens at camp is unseen or witnessed by just a few. A camper who is homesick gets some encouragement from a counselor and their world suddenly seems safer. A frustrated and clumsy camper trying to keep up with the group discovers a staff member who is deliberately staying with them and now they don’t feel left behind or abandoned; instead, they feel included. A staff member who is having a personal crisis receives a personal note of encouragement at just the right time and somehow their crisis doesn’t seem so overwhelming. It’s the little things that happen at camp that tend to make the biggest difference.

Those quiet talks, gentle words of reassurance, high fives, and simple smiles that communicate, “Hey, I see you. You are special and God loves you,” are the things that make summer camp unlike anywhere else.

–Brandon Westgate is RMC youth director. Photos by Camp Communication Team

03 Aug

LA VIDA HEALTH OUTREACH AIMS TO REACH YOUNG NAVAJOS

VJ and Beth Panganiban – Farmington, New Mexico – Health issues present an acute challenge within the Navajo community. After a break of three years during the pandemic, the La Vida Mission team resumed the program at the local Chapter House conducting a health and nutrition outreach as part of the annual Summer Youth Work Program.

Nearly 20 young people participated in the program which annually takes place in the months of June and July. The 2022 outreach concluded on July 28.

Members of the La Vida Mission Outreach team lead by was led by VJ and Beth Panganiban, c—directors of the outreach, and supported by Serly and Charles Londah and Dorie Panganiban. “They helped us to make the program a success,” commented VJ Panganiban.

The team introduced the Healthy Lifestyle concept to the participants and presented examples of healthy eating and living. A portion of the program was a practical demonstration of healthy cooking. Divided into two groups, the participants engaged in hands-on cooking following the recipes provided.

The young people also engaged in High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) exercises encouraging them to maintain physical fitness and health.

The organizers appeal for a continuing support of La Vida Mission’s health evangelism outreach to young generation of Navajo families.

– VJ & Beth Panganiban are co-directors of La Vida Mission outreach. Photos supplied.

02 Aug

GOD’S NURTURE ENCHANTS PARTICIPANTS OF COLORADO COWBOY CAMP MEETING

Ron Johnson and Tiffany Marsh – Uncompahgre National Forest, Colorado … The sun lit up the mountains surrounding Silver Jack Reservoir, site of Colorado Cowboy Camp Meeting where 85 worshipers gathered on Sabbath morning in the big tent for the 22nd annual camp meeting, July 13-17, 2022.

In a wilderness environment surrounded by 12 and 13K peaks, the area is a favorite of those who desire a scenic mountain experience of worship, fellowship, and the outdoor recreation of camping, hiking, biking, boating, horse riding, or relaxation.

This year, inspirational messages were presented by Nathan James, pastor of the Moab, Vernal, and Castle Valley Academy, Utah churches and retired Western Colorado pastor, Mike Kissner.

Nathan James told the story of Sir Ernest Shackleton, leader of the incredible 1914 voyage of the ship, “Endurance” which was crushed by the ice, and how those waiting for rescue were told every day, “Pack up your things boys, the boss may come today,” They were ready when Shackleton returned months later. So, we need to be ready every day for Christ’s return. The presenter spoke on how spending a thoughtful hour each day on the life of Christ, especially the last scenes, pertains to us now in the last days. As Jesus said to His disciples, “One of you will betray me,” we should ask, as did His disciples, “Is it I? Will I betray Him?”

Mike Kissner inspired the group to consider how God designed us for relationships, for success, and for Heaven. He gave a vivid picture of what heaven will be like and, though on this earth we struggle to achieve the level for which we are designed, in heaven we will experience the beauty of wholeness in the perfection of re-creation.

Don and Donna Mohl, Folk Mountain Gospel group, from Tennessee. led the music with enthusiastic accompaniment by the James Family, the Marsh Family, and other friends.

Tiffany Marsh commented, “Cowboy Camp Meeting is always a wonderful experience! Being able to spend time with my family in nature, visit and make music with friends, meet new people, most of all learn more of my Heavenly Father and the lessons He has for me to learn

After helping to pound stakes last year to set up the tent, Karl Schwinn had a better idea. He brought a mechanical stake driver that lessened the time, and certainly the back-breaking work of getting the circle of stakes into the hard-packed ground.

Camp organizers are planning next year’s Colorado Cowboy Camp Meeting for July 12 to 16, 2023. You are invited!

–Ron Johnson and Tiffany Marsh. Photos by Ron Johnson

Group of people outside a camper trailer

02 Aug

SEVENTY-EIGHT PATHFINDERS AND ADVENTURERS CELEBRATE INVESTITURE AT CAMPION CHURCH

Vicky Kahler – Loveland, Colorado … An investiture of 78 Pathfinders and Adventurers closed out the group’s year of activities and accomplishments on Sabbath afternoon, May 14.

Showcasing the accomplishments of each individual child, the service began with uniformed members marching into the sanctuary led by the Color Guard. Following their entry, they sang club songs, recited the Pathfinder pledge and law, and gave an opening prayer.

Pathfinder director, Alex Rodriguez, delivered a short, meaningful message before the recognition portion of the program. Honors for Pathfinders and awards for Adventurers were presented, as well as class pins.

Other accolades included recognizing the Pathfinder Bible Experience team, Little Lamb of the Year, Eager Beaver of the Year, and Adventurer Boy and Girl of the year. “Congratulations to our amazing clubs, and a hearty “thank you” to our staff,” commented Vicky Kahler, Adventurers director

–Vicky Kahler. Photos supplied

02 Aug

HEROES INSPIRE VBS HISPANIC KIDS IN GREELEY, COLORADO

Ruben Balaguer – Greeley, Colorado … Did you know there were kids in the Bible who made a big difference? The kids who attended Vacation Bible School at Greeley Hispanic Church sure do. From June 27 to July 2, some thirty children attended the Heroes Vacation Bible School.

Of those in attendance, eight were visitors from the community. The participating kids learned about Miriam, Samuel, Rhoda, and other Bible characters who showed the characteristics of true heroes: bravery, devotion, boldness, generosity and caring for others.

The VBS program included various activity stations such as story time, games, snacks, crafts, and a prayer station. It was a fun, interactive way for children to learn about the Bible and to inspire them to be heroes in their own communities.

“The Greeley Hispanic church had a dedicated team of volunteers led by Gloria Robledo,” commented Patty Rivera, Hispanic Children’s Ministries coordinator.

“I feel proud that in the Rocky Mountain Conference, we have so many churches committed to creating these activities for the children in our communities. The Greeley Hispanic church is a great example of this commitment and, as a result, the children had fun while learning more about the love of Jesus,” she added.

–Ruben Balaguer. Photos suppled.

26 Jul

2022 CAMP MEETING: A SPIRITUAL HIGH POINT FOR WYOMING

By Rajmund Dabrowski – Casper, Wyoming … Walking through the campus of Mills Spring Ranch at the end of the 2022 “Bold for Christ” camp meeting, July 12-16, two members reflected on the annual gathering of church members from Wyoming. “This was the best camp meeting we’ve attended,” they said. Likely, the 200 participants, including youth, would agree.

When asked about his own reflection on the 2022 event on Casper Mountain, Steve Nelson, pastor of the Worland district in Wyoming remarked: “This year’s camp meeting was a spiritual high point for Wyoming. God’s presence was truly felt through the music, speakers, and fellowship together! We are so grateful for our members and churches here in this awesome state!”

Conversations after each presentation expressed appreciation for the presenters. The organizers invited Mic Thurber, RMC president, and Dr. Joseph Kidder, professor of pastoral theology and discipleship at the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan as well as seminar presenters Ron Price, conflict resolution expert and author from Farmington, New Mexico and Dr. Timothy J. Arnott from RMC Lifestyle Center in Denver, Colorado.

Commenting on the Casper Mountain convocation, Mic Thurber said, “Both Jana and I especially loved Wyoming camp meeting this year! We’ve visited in the past and always loved the people who came, the incredible setting, and the family atmosphere we experienced there. We found all those same things to be true this year when we attended for the first time as leaders in Rocky Mountain.

“Our main speaker, Dr. S. Joseph Kidder, was absolutely right when he said that this camp meeting is one of the hidden gems in the church. We can’t wait until next year!”

Dr. Kidder is a storyteller. His illustrations and honest assessment of church life invited

the audience to reflect on their own spirituality and quality of worship. “We have lost our enthusiasm to worship God,” he pointed out.

“Silence is not an indication that you are worshiping God,” he added.

Jeff Pike, pastor of the Western Wyoming district, is 24 years old, but has attended 15 Wyoming camp meetings, he says. “Things have come together at this camp meeting very well. The most impressive is the youth program with the stories I have been hearing about how they have been impacted spiritually and how they have been drawn in and connected with Scripture.”

He was impressed by Dr. Kidder’s personal testimony on Sabbath where he gave a modern-day demonstration of the power of God. It was a “really powerful reminder for us [as] we read the Bible stories, but sometimes they can be so distant that we may get the idea of God not acting in the same way today, so it’s very much encouraging to hear how God is still very much alive today, actively seeking to save people even in incredibly difficult situations,” Jeff explained.

Ron Price’s presentations brought in practical tools, tips, and techniques for conflict resolution and, as expected, the participating audience was engaged and responsive. Citing years of professional engagement, he said, “One of my favorite expressions is that conflict is inevitable. When you are dealing with other human beings, you are going to have conflict from time to time, but damaged relationships, poor morale, low productivity–those are all optional. All of us experience conflict. Most of us dread conflict. But few of us have been trained in how to prevent it, when possible, and resolve it when necessary.”

“So, that’s what God has given me as my purpose in life. I was a mediator for 30 years. I’ve studied dispute resolution and conflict management. And I love to share that with people. What an honor to be invited to speak at the Wyoming camp meeting and share, not my own wisdom, but knowledge and wisdom that I’ve picked up from training that I’ve experienced,” he continued.

“Conflict and church do not go together. Christians are fallible human beings and anytime [they] interact with each other, there is going to be conflict from time to time. But if we manage it well, conflict can be a positive procedure or process–growth and relationship enhancing–not a destructive process,” he added.

The camp meeting time was special for Shayne and Gabriela Vincent. On Sabbath afternoon, Shayne Vincent, pastor of the Casper and Wheatland churches, was ordained to the gospel ministry. “For us,” remarked Gabriela, “it was also a family reunion with Shayne’s mother, Susan, and my parents, Pastor Eugen and Livia Baciu, who came from Romania, that made our day truly special.

Apart from the inspiring messages and meeting friends from different Wyoming churches, camp participants commented on how they enjoyed the meals—prepared by Don and Chris Hill. But it was the frequent prayer time and inspirational music that made the Wyoming convocation unforgettable.

In the words of Kurt Jensen from Wind River Fellowship Church, “My wife Ginni and I have been extremely busy this summer. We were really tired and [when we] had a reprieve from our labors that fell during camp meeting time, we didn’t want to go to camp meeting, but just wanted to stay home and collapse. However, we chose to go to camp meeting anyway. The blessing we got from going far outweighed any blessings we would have gotten from staying away. It would be like comparing a Yugo to a Rolls Royce. I am so glad we chose the Rolls.”

–Rajmund Dabrowski, text and photos.

26 Jul

ORDINATION OF SHAYNE MASON VINCENT

Rajmund Dabrowski – Casper, Wyoming … Shayne Mason Vincent, in his words, “started this journey with God in 1994… From homeless drug addict, high school dropout to therapist and [now] ordained minister, a testament to the power of God’s grace.”

“The ordination service was an event like no other,” concluded Gabriela, Shayne’ wife. “It was a beautiful sunny day, surrounded by my wonderful parents who came from Romania to support us, Shayne’s mother, Susan, who came from Minnesota, and with many of our close friends, as well as our Casper and Wheatland church families,” she continued.

The service, included in the program of the Sabbath at Wyoming camp meeting, July 16, became a celebration of gospel ministry, as well as inspirational presentations about Shayne’s eventful life and the meaning of ordination.

The candidate for ordination was introduced by Pastor Bert Eldredge, a Lutheran minister and friend from Casper. “Shayne has fully known the Holy Spirit since he was 5-years old. Believe it or not, at about age 9, he wanted to be a Lutheran pastor. This was due to having a very kind-hearted pastor in his life at that time,” he said.

Shayne’s Interest in Christian ministry continued and “at 10 years old, he was attending a Baptist church and his life was going through changes. In his teens and 20’s drugs and alcohol had taken its toll on his life, and he dropped out of school and became homeless.

“God’s grace grabbed Shayne again through David Wilkerson’s Ministry. [But] the real change came when Shayne attended a Daniel and Revelation seminar. He gave his life fully to Christ,” Eldredge said.

Shayne’s returned to school and received a bachelor’s degree in theology and biblical counseling. He also graduated with a master’s degree in social work. He worked in hospice and was director of bereavement services, and he also spent four years as director of outpatient services in a drug treatment center.

But his real dream was to see himself as a pastor. This came with an invitation to serve as minister in 2018 in the Rocky Mountain Conference. Today, Shayne has 14 years in counseling and 14 years in ministry.

“I have been blessed to know Shayne since he has arrived in Casper. He has been a solid mentor in my life. He has changed since he came to Casper, but even more so, he has changed the lives of the people he has met here,” Eldredge continued.

He ended his introduction of Shayne Mason Vincent with these words: “Brother, I am honored that you allowed me to give a brief history of you, but I cannot wait to see where God is taking you next.”

Following a Ministry Affirmation by Doug Inglish, RMC VP for administration, an ordination address was given by Pastor Eugen Baciu from Romania, the father of Gabriela. “It was incredibly emotional for me to translate my father’s ordination address,” she said.

Pastor Eugen Baciu, a retired pastor from Romania commented, “I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity I had to witness my son in law’s ordination. And I am very thankful for the RMC’s invitation to present the ordination address”.

“God chooses his servants and He’s also the One who appoints them with talents and gifts for the work they have been called to do. Shayne’s ordination has given me the opportunity to rededicate myself and to realize the impact my ministry and my work has even as a retired pastor,” he said.

The service continued with the Ordination Prayer by Mic Thurber, RMC president, and Ministry Charge was given by Craig Carr, ministerial director of Mid-America Union Conference.

Following a ministry welcome, by Mickey Mallory, RMC ministerial director, Shayne shared how the Lord has turned his life around. He referred to many miracles in his life, referencing 1 Samuel 2:8 – The Lord raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the trash heap. He seats them with nobleman and gives them a throne of honor.

Shane listed how Jesus “has healed my many childhood issues and relationships. He has healed my mother, now baptized member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. He picked me up and found me. Thank you, Jesus!”

Shayne’s incredible experiences with God over the years, including his struggle in overcoming Covid several months ago, has been a testimony to the amazing work that the Spirit has done and continues doing in Shayne’s life and ministry.

–Rajmund Dabrowski; photos by CeCe Gage and Rajmund Dabrowski

Man speaking at a podium and a pastor and his wife sitting to the side

26 Jul

PUEBLO OUTREACH AND EDUCATION CENTER FOSTERS JOINT MINISTRY PROGRAM

Kathy Guagliardo – Pueblo, Colorado … By establishing the Outreach and Education Center in partnership with the Daystar Christian School, the Pueblo-First Seventh-day Adventist Church bears a testimony to model a service exemplified in a Jesus’ method of ministry of reaching out to those around him (White, E.G., Ministry of Healing p. 143).

Studying the local demographics and closely working with the pastor, outreach coordinator is showcasing determination to follow their example. The research found that Pueblo is one of the poorest cities in Colorado, with about a 22% poverty level, many single-parent households, numerous homeless individuals, and a high level of drug abuse.

“The needs here are many. The ministry leaders agreed that outreach involved all ministries working collectively to reach our community. As the idea of ministries collaboration was conceived, we formed a team of dedicated volunteers who developed a mission and vision statement, by-laws, and a board of directors to move forward. We set our goals to be professional and efficient in our efforts for Pueblo,” said Kathy Guagliardo, Pueblo-First outreach coordinator.

By partnering with the Daystar Christian School to use the building for The Outreach and Education Center the organizers hope to lessen the prejudices toward church-created programs. “We have begun to present programs such as NEWSTART, Grief Recovery, Diabetes Undone, and Exercise/Stretching classes. The center recently held a Vacation Bible School for the first time in several years, with excellent attendance and previously unseen interest by the community, Kathy explained.

Also, the Adventist Community Services (ACS) found its new home at the center. Their Angels of Kindness “mobile unit” is reaching Pueblo’s homeless as its base. Furthermore, ACS extended the hand of collaboration with the local Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) and the Ham Radio group was provided space to organize meetings at the center.

With professional help, the Outreach and Education Center plans to offer tutoring classes from the 2022 fall in mathematics, science, and reading (grades 1-8) to help kids in our community succeed. In addition, they are planning Vegetarian Cooking and Drug Recovery in conjunction with Parenting and Bible study classes.

The church leaders work to extend its influence throughout Pueblo. Their aim is that the community would know that, like Jesus, they are a caring, compassionate, and active people living to reflect Christ’s love and His life. Their mission reflects what a prophet Zachariah stated in the words spoken by God to Zerubbabel: “Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit.” (Zachariah 4:6)

–Kathy Guagliardo is Pueblo-First Outreach coordinator; photos supplied

Picture of School Building (Daystar Christian School)

26 Jul

FORMER NAD PRESIDENT DANIEL R. JACKSON PASSES TO HIS REST

Kimberly Luste Maran – Columbia, Maryland … On Sabbath morning, July 23, 2022, Daniel R. Jackson, former president of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in North America, passed to his rest after several months of battling cancer. He was 73.

Jackson, who served the Adventist Church for 49 years, retired in July 2020 after serving as NAD president for a decade. As president, Jackson made many contributions to the church in North America during his 10 years of service at the division, including the building up of the NAD Ministerial Association; the creation of a missional strategic plan; and the addition of the Guam-Micronesia Mission, Oakwood University, Pacific Press Publishing Association, AdventSource, and Christian Record Services for the Blind.

In addition to the division moving to its own headquarters in Columbia, Maryland, in 2017, record tithe came in annually during Jackson’s tenure; almost 1,000 churches were planted; more than 300,000 people were baptized; and the legacy Adventist media ministries (Breath of Life, Faith For Today, It Is Written and Escrito Está, Jesus 101, La Voz de la Esperanza, Lifetalk Radio, and the Voice of Prophecy) found their own homes and identities. During this time the number of women working as pastors and chaplains doubled; the Adventist Learning Community, a robust digital ministry resource, was created; both the Young Adult Life initiative and Big Data + Social Media department came to fruition; and the division started the magazine Adventist Journey.

Jackson was elected on June 28, 2010, by delegates of the world church at the General Conference Session in Atlanta, Georgia, and reelected to this position on July 6, 2015, at the 60th General Conference Session held in San Antonio, Texas. The General Conference Session is the highest governing body in the Adventist Church.

Jackson, a native Canadian and, with the exception of five years of service in the Southern Asia Division, lived and ministered in the North American Division. He was a graduate of Canadian Union College (now Burman University) and Andrews University, from which he holds an M.A. in Religion in Systematic Theology. Jackson is one of the authors of the book Becoming a Mission-Driven Church.

He was known for his love of music, keen sense of humor, and mission-mindedness — all hallmarks of his ministry throughout the years.

During his career, Jackson served the church as a pastor, teacher, and administrator. But Jackson, who frequently started a talk or sermon reminding his audience that he was “a broken man in need of the Savior,” often said that foremost, he was a fellow traveler on the same path as every Christian headed toward the kingdom.

“Elder Dan Jackson was not only a fellow colleague in ministry, he was also a true friend and brother who demonstrated his faith in real and practical ways. Having served with him for 10 years I can say with authority that he was the genuine article. It is no overstatement to say a giant among us has fallen,” said G. Alexander Bryant, current NAD president and successor to Jackson.

Bryant continued, “He stood firmly on his convictions with courage and humility. He would often lend his voice to speak up for the marginalized and the disenfranchised among us. He embodied the concept of servant leadership; and he empowered others around him and assisted them in striving for their God-given potential. This church has been tremendously blessed by his ministry and is the better off because Elder Jackson walked among us.”

“Elder Jackson was such a godly man and a wonderful leader,” said Kyoshn Ahn, NAD executive secretary. “His kindness and courage inspired many members. His love for the church was infinite and unlimited. He simply lived out the gospel he preached so passionately. God has immensely blessed the church and the NAD with his leadership and service.”

Current NAD treasurer/CFO Randy Robinson said, “Elder Jackson had a passion for Jesus, for the Seventh-day Adventist Church, and for the members of the North American Division. You could not be around him for any length of time without recognizing each of those three passions. During his tenure, he led the church in North America forward as he depended on the grace of Jesus. He will be deeply missed!”

“When Dan was elected NAD president in 2010, I felt that he was the man of the hour and what we needed in leadership,” shared Thomas G. Evans, former treasurer/CFO who worked with Jackson for more than eight years at the division. “He lived his love for Christ and promoted it to those around him. He reminded all of us that we are broken and need the Lord. One of the highlights of his tenure was the move of the NAD office from the GC in Silver Spring to Columbia, which continues to prove to be a blessing to the division.

Evans added, “Dan was also a family man. He loved Donna and his kids and extended family. He will be missed by all who knew him.”

A Visionary Leader, A Humble Spirit

During a tribute at Jackson’s 2020 retirement, Bryant shared how shortly after the 2010 election, Jackson discovered a note in his desk that was written by Bob Dale, a former executive secretary of the division, that outlined a 70-year-plan for the division. The plan included moving the division’s headquarters from the General Conference building into its own building.

“He started on a journey that seemed to be an improbable journey. In fact, many people even [in the NAD] did not believe it was possible,” said Bryant. “And here we’re now celebrating our third year-end meeting in this building. It speaks to Dan’s leadership, courage, and it was not without bruises and pain. … But he moved forward anyway.”

Jackson never imagined he’d become the president of the Adventist Church in North America. In a 2020 interview with Dan Weber, former NAD Communication director, Jackson said that he thought there would never be a chance he’d serve in any administrative role.

“I had no aspirations to be an administrator. And no clue that it would ever happen,” he said. He talked about how he and his wife Donna raised their children with the belief in Christ’s soon coming. “Our burning desire was just to win souls for Jesus and see Him return.”

In regard to his work at the NAD, Jackson shared that supporting women in ministry was a significant part of his lifework. “I have always had the belief that women ought to be treated on an equal basis with men. God has gifted women just as He has gifted men. He’s called women just as He has called men. There’s ample evidence and direction of that in Scripture,” Jackson said. “When I came to the North American Division, we thought through some of the strategic initiatives that the NAD team would undertake together. Women in ministry was one of the highest priorities.”

As he retired, Jackson shared, “What I’ll cherish most is the idea that during our time we were able to help get the mission of the church in focus. That all of the adjustments we made administratively were shaping, shaping, shaping the idea that this work has only one target: under the direction of Jesus we are moving forward in mission. I pray that mission continues to remain our church’s focus.”

Following Jesus

Jackson had a burden to reach others with the gospel message — to share the hope and wholeness found in Jesus. “We are called by God to plant ourselves in the soil of human need — as different and as difficult and as hard as the soil may be today,” said Jackson in his 2017 NAD year-end meeting sermon.

“Where does love call us?” asked Jackson. “We will never discover the answer to that nor the true basis for effective Christ-centered ministry with more seminars, with better personal coaches, or mentors, or by looking to others.”

The answer, Jackson said, is found in the Apostle Paul’s words in Hebrews 12:1, 2. “The best way for me to understand my life and my service for God is to keep my eyes fixed upon Jesus as my Example and my Mentor.”

“Serving has always been a privilege,” Jackson shared near his retirement. “I’ve always held the idea that God would move us into this role in great reverence. … It is the people that make the job very rich and a huge blessing. I deeply respect and revere what God is willing to do in the life of a scamp from Edmonton, Alberta, and a wonderful woman from Sidney, British Columbia.”

Jackson is survived by his wife, Donna, who served as an associate director for the NAD Ministerial Association before she retired in 2020; three children; and four grandchildren.

Information on where to send condolences, and when a memorial service will be scheduled, will be shared when available. Click here to read this article on the NAD website.

–Kimberly Luste Maran. Photo: Daniel R. Jackson in the NAD headquarter’s C. D. Brooks Chapel; photo by Pieter Damsteegt/NAD

14 Jul

REFLECTION: HOW I’M LEARNING TO CHERISH* THE OLD AND THE NEW

By Sandy Hodgson … It’s just been two weeks since I transitioned from teaching principal to assistant director of education. It’s not nearly enough time to get a firm grasp on my new responsibilities, but I’m already getting a sense of what I’m going to enjoy and what I cherish so much about education in our conference.

I cherish educational leadership that is forward thinking and intentional about supporting schools so they can focus on learning, creating a collaborative culture, and using strategies to measure results.
I cherish conference leadership that understands the important ministry of Adventist education and is dedicated to partnership with the education department while expecting accountability to uphold the mission and vision of that ministry.
I cherish our churches and the responsibility they are accepting to support Adventist education. Do I dream that more of our churches become involved in supporting schools, teachers, and students? Yes! And with greater transparency and accountability, I believe we will have increased partners in the ministry of education.
I cherish the dedication of our school teams, no matter the size. I see an amazing commitment to students, families, local communities, and constituents.

As we prepare for a new school year, I look forward to encouraging, supporting, and serving throughout the Rocky Mountain Conference. We will challenge and be challenged, but I am confident that God will “equip us with everything good for doing his work.” (Hebrews 13:21)

*The acronym CHERISH, represents a foundation for education adopted by RMC –– Christ-centered, honor, exploration, responsibility, integrity, service, and heroism.

–Sandy Hodgson, RMC education assistant director

NewsNuggets Page 45