NewsNuggets – Page 5 – Rocky Mountain Conference of Seventh-day Adventists

09 Sep

THROUGH HAIL AND HARDSHIP: CLASS OF 2026 BONDS AT SENIOR SURVIVAL

Luca Lu – Loveland, Colorado … Navigating rain, cold temps, and even hail, the 37 senior students in the class of 2026 at Campion Academy in Loveland, Colorado, spent four days learning survival skills and bonding as a class in the forest at Glacier View Ranch in Ward, Colorado, August 27-31.

While the weather was tolerable for the first three days, a hailstorm on Saturday afternoon made this year’s Senior Survival one of the most challenging ever to happen at Campion Academy.

Following tradition, students brought sleeping bags and hammocks, but they had to build their own shelter with a single tarp as an experience of survival.

“We found a nice foundation for our shelter and laid out our tarp. The process was cool as we saw our shelter come together,” said student Justin Ticonuwu. “Unfortunately, when the hail came, it was uninhabitable, and our stuff got wet. Overall, it was pretty cool, but I was sad to see it come down.”

For meals, students were given some basic ingredients and had to start a fire and cook for themselves. Student Theo Poleza reflected, “The food was really good. Our group had really good ideas of what to cook, and we would always help each other out.”

Besides the survival experiences, the students bonded together as class through different group activities. Student Charlie Reeves commented, “The activities taught us to not only communicate, but listen to each other. The trust fall was my favorite because it was the most memorable, and it taught us to trust each other.”

The hike on the final day came with an unforgettable challenge. “It started very calm, and it was sunny, so l left my rain jacket in the camp,” Marc Winokan, senior student, remembered. “And then when we all got to the top, it started raining and then hailing very badly, for a solid 10 minutes. Everyone was scared and hiding under something. But praise God, we got back safe.”

During the hailstorm, even though everyone was scared, the seniors encouraged each other. Some huddled in circles to face the challenge together, while others lifted up their rain jackets to make a shelter over their friends.

Due to the severity of the hailstorm and the damage it did to the shelters, the students came home on Saturday evening after their final campfire. However, through the challenges, the seniors mentioned how they grew stronger and closer as a class. Peter Hutauruk, senior class sponsor, commented, “Our class survived the hail together; nothing else can stop us anymore.”

—Luca Lu, Campion Academy Student News Team. Photos supplied.

04 Sep

SERVING THE NAVAJO YOUTH IN THE COMMUNITY

Dorie Panganiban – Farmington, New Mexico … The outreach team at La Vida Mission (LVM) in Farmington, New Mexico, had a great opportunity to serve the young people of the White Rock Chapter of the Navajo Nation with a Total Wellness and Healthy Lifestyle program in July of this year. The team started the month-long series with building the youth’s confidence in their own worth, a key element to having positive mental health.

“It’s been our privilege to serve the Navajo youth who spent part of their summer vacation working and learning, not only various skills and trades, but also gaining as much knowledge as they can, especially in relation to their health and well-being,” commented Dorie Panganiban, LVM office manager.

“They’re happy to know that they each have worth that is based on their relationship to God, with their worth rooted in a covenant made before they were even born,” she continued. “Even with all their sins and weaknesses, they are not cast aside as worthless. They are precious and beloved children of God, loved with an everlasting love, created in His image, redeemed by His own blood, and are thus worth more than silver and gold. It’s so inspiring to see how this truth and knowledge has impacted the youth’s response and interaction during our meetings with them.”

While most staff at the Mission were on break for the summer, several staff members joined in to assist with the program including Kim Ellis, LVM mission director, and Cielo Domino, LVM school principal, in the first week. During the second week, Natavia Harrison, a former Navajo youth worker, assisted Panganiban.

The youth attendees asked for some exercise tips and activities, so during the third and fourth week, VJ Panganiban, LVM Health Ministry director, and his wife, Beth, led the enthusiastic youth with some High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) exercise programs.

Afterwards they did some healthy vegetarian cooking, which had been requested as well. They enjoyed making two kinds of vegetarian burgers: one using carrots and cabbage and the other using carrots and zucchini. They also asked to learn how to make Asian fried rice, which was paired with baked squash rounds. Finally, they learned to prepare green smoothies for diabetics, fruit smoothies for energy building, and no-bake fruity graham cake.

“We would like to thank the leaders of the Chapter and all their staff for their wholehearted support for our program,” praised Dorie. “We are grateful for this ministry partnership on behalf of the younger members of our community. Please join us in praying for the youth of the Navajo Nation and how we can reach them and help them to live a more successful and fruitful life now and in the future.”

* 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 office manager. Photos supplied.

04 Sep

CHRISTIAN RECORD SERVICES ANNOUNCES CESAR PEROZO AS NEW PRESIDENT

CRS News – Lincoln, Nebraska … Christian Record Services, Inc. (CRS) is pleased to announce the appointment of Pastor Cesar Perozo as its new president, following a nationwide executive search conducted by FaithSearch Partners.

With over 25 years of combined experience in pastoral ministry and administrative leadership, Perozo brings a wealth of expertise in strategic management, human resources, and cross-functional collaboration. His previous roles include vice president of administration and human resources director for the Southern New England Conference, where he oversaw the budget and led initiatives in church planting, child protection, and organizational development.

Most recently, Perozo served as pastor for Upward and Fairview churches in North Carolina, where he launched disaster relief distribution centers, raised money for church and school projects, and directed Sabbath School ministries for the Carolina Conference.

“We are delighted to welcome Pastor Cesar Perozo to the presidency of Christian Record Services,” said G. Alexander Bryant, CRS Board Chairman. “He is passionate about serving the Lord and committed to the ministry of spreading the gospel to those who are blind and have low vision. I’m excited about the leadership Cesar will bring to this ministry and look to see it move to the next level.”

“I am honored to accept the role of president of Christian Record Services,” says Perozo. “Together, with our dedicated staff and the resilient blind and low-vision community we serve, I look forward to advancing our mission with renewed passion and unity. I am especially eager to strengthen our partnership with the North American Division, as we work collaboratively to make a meaningful, lasting impact.”

—Christian Record Services News. Republished with permission from Christian Record News & Events post, September 3. Photo supplied.

03 Sep

COMMENTARY: A REMINDER OF WHY WE DO WHAT WE DO

By Lisa Cardinal

Making disciples is not something Jesus suggested or recommended. Making disciples is something Jesus commanded. It was a direct order.

For 2000 years, making disciples has been the mission, duty, and privilege of Jesus’ followers. Here at Newday Adventist Church in Parker, Colorado, we take Jesus’ words seriously. Making disciples is our mission, our highest honor, and our greatest win. Every single other thing we do is in support of making disciples.

When someone gives their life to Jesus, chooses to identify with Him through the act of baptism, and says yes to living life as a Jesus’ follower (disciple), we celebrate in a big way! In fact, based on what we know about the way Jesus did things when He was on earth, we like to imagine that if He were here today, He would celebrate very much the way we did on August 23.

After a powerful worship experience, we caravanned to a beautiful outdoor setting to first enjoy a picnic lunch together. While it was not barley loaves and fishes, the haystacks did seem to multiply, and a very large crowd had plenty to eat.

Six followers of Jesus were baptized: four elementary students, one high school student, and one college student. Another one was baptized a few weeks earlier at Glacier View Ranch in Ward, Colorado.

Because we live in a culture where it is no longer a given that kids raised in church choose Jesus, this is a big win for the Kingdom! Still dripping wet, these newly baptized Jesus’ followers were surrounded by their Newday family, friends, and guests and we prayed over them, “Father, fill them with your Holy Spirit. May they be disciple makers!”

—Lisa Cardinal is lead pastor at Newday Adventist Church. Photos by Jim Huenergardt.

02 Sep

ADVENTHEALTH AVISTA UNVEILS HISTORY WALL HONORING LEGACY OF WHOLE-PERSON CARE

AdventHealth – Louisville, Colorado … After years of thoughtful planning, AdventHealth Avista is proud to unveil its new History Wall—a stunning tribute to our hospital’s rich legacy and enduring commitment to whole-person care. Located in a prominent space for visitors, patients, and team members, the wall brings our story to life through powerful artifacts and inspiring milestones.

A gift of gratitude

Funded by generous donors, the History Wall reflects their unwavering dedication to enriching our hospital and honoring the past. We are deeply grateful for their support in making this vision a reality.

Artifacts that tell a story

The wall features a curated collection of historical items, including:

The U.S. Flag flown during the Marshall Fire, symbolizing resilience and unity.
Pharmaceutical vials once used as common remedies at the Boulder Sanitarium.
A Hayes oxygen therapy gas analyzer, used in the early 1900s to monitor blood gas levels.
An original registrar patient log from 1904, along with vintage patient menu cards.

The wall reads:

Our history

In 1893, under the direction of Dr. John Harvey Kellogg, the Boulder Sanitarium was established by the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Located at the foot of Mount Sanitas, the Sanitarium promoted exercise and fresh mountain air for its patients. In 1962, to better serve the community, the Sanitarium was rebuilt and renamed Boulder Memorial Hospital. In response to growing health care demand, AdventHealth Avista opened in Louisville in 1990, continuing its mission of whole-person healing.

Whole-person care

The gold rush of 1858 and 1859 drew thousands of fortune-seekers to Colorado, but the real population boom occurred several decades later with the influx of tuberculosis (TB) patients known as “lungers.” By the 1920s, more than half of Denver’s population had been admitted to TB treatment facilities. The Boulder Sanitarium became a renowned hub for TB patients, offering holistic care that emphasized healing both body and mind through fresh air, rest, exercise, spirituality, community, and a healthy diet.

At a time when medical treatments were primitive, Seventh-day Adventists pioneered a health approach using nature’s remedies and lifestyle changes to combat disease and promote vitality.

Founder Dr. John Harvey Kellogg championed a healthy diet, serving patients vegetarian, plant-based meals and banning harmful substances like tobacco and alcohol from the campus. His signature foods, including corn flakes, granola, and peanut butter, were available at the Boulder Sanitarium Food Company on the hospital grounds.

Today, the benefits of a plant-based diet rich in fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and grains are well-known for reducing chronic disease risks. Seventh-day Adventists were early advocates of this diet, recognizing its advantages long before it became popular.

Faith & community

Our faith calls us to honor the dignity of every person, seeing each one as deserving of kindness and unconditional love. Since our earliest days at the Sanitarium, we’ve emphasized the vital connection between body, mind, and spirit in our approach to health care. This desire to relieve suffering and heal the whole person has always defined Adventist health care. Today, Seventh-day Adventists operate the largest Protestant health care system in the world.

We’ve supported our community in significant moments—delivering more than 60,000 babies, restoring health, and inspiring hope. During the Marshall Fire in December 2021, our team worked diligently to evacuate patients and quickly reopen our doors to continue caring for those in need. We have cared for patients throughout multiple global pandemics and have grown in capacity and service lines to meet the health care needs of our community.

Our present & future

At AdventHealth Avista, we are honored to serve you and your family with a comprehensive range of healthcare services, right in your community. Our team has been focused on providing comprehensive care to our patients through every stage of life. AdventHealth Avista’s spine program continues to offer state-of-the-art technology to patients, resulting in fast recovery times and better outcomes. The New Life Birth Center continues to be a premiere birthing destination for mothers-to-be in our community. We are proud to have a level III NICU to care for premature babies and newborns who need extra care. You and your loved ones can rely on our award-winning care.

Guided by our mission of Extending the Healing Ministry of Christ, AdventHealth Avista has been a pillar of support to the Louisville, Boulder, and surrounding communities for well over a century. As we look to the future, we are committed to growing alongside our community, filled with optimism for the exciting developments on the horizon.

—AdventHealth News. Republished with permission from the AdventHealth News & Stories website, August 21, 2025, article. Photos supplied.

02 Sep

STUDENTS CONQUER THE TRAIL ON BACKPACKING ADVENTURES

Bruno Lopes – Loveland, Colorado … Thirty-four students from Campion Academy in Loveland, Colorado, split into two backpacking groups to experience over 15 miles of hiking in the State Forest State Park and Indian Peaks Wilderness, August 22-24.

Both groups hiked in about three or four miles on Friday evening and set up camp. Then on Saturday, they spent the day hiking up the mountain to reach alpine lakes. After spending Saturday night at the camp site, they hiked back on Sunday.

Despite the challenges of high altitude, cold nights, and heavy bags, many students mentioned how the group was united, making the trip more enjoyable.

Luca Lu, senior student in the State Forest group, reflected, “I’ve done backpacking with Campion [Academy] for the past three years and something different that I really enjoyed was the group we had this year that made the hike way more fun and relaxing.”

Even though bad weather threatened both areas, the groups were blessed with mostly sunny days and cool nights. Abigail Brown, a junior student in the Indian Peaks group, said, “The weather was good—a little chilly and foggy—making us able to hike for longer and see lakes that we wouldn’t be able to see if the weather was bad.”

For several students, this was their first time backpacking, making this experience more unforgettable. Gabriel Tostes, sophomore student, commented, “I had never done backpacking before, and, although it was tiring to walk with the weight of the backpack, it was very satisfying to arrive at Kelly Lake. I also really enjoyed the time I spent together with my friends in the tent.”

—Bruno Lopes, Campion Academy Student News Team. Photos supplied.

28 Aug

FAITH AND FELLOWSHIP FLOURISH AT 2025 RMC HISPANIC CAMP MEETING

Jose Briones – Ward, Colorado … More than 1,000 attendees gathered this past weekend for the annual Hispanic Camp Meeting, hosted by the Rocky Mountain Conference (RMC) Hispanic Ministries. Set against the backdrop of Colorado’s high country at Glacier View Ranch (GVR) in Ward, Colorado, the event offered a powerful blend of worship, renewal, and community connection.

This year’s theme, “Creciendo en Jesús” (“Always Growing in Jesus”), shaped the tone of the weekend—from the messages to the music to the moments of prayer. Keynote speaker and pastor Jose Rojas delivered a series of sermons that resonated deeply across generations.

Drawing from Matthew 5, Rojas reminded attendees that “we are the salt of the earth,” not merely to preserve, but to provoke thirst. “When people look at our lives,” he said, “there should be a thirst rising in them for Jesus. Salt makes us thirsty. Our presence should stir a longing for the presence of God.”

Rojas also encouraged families to center their lives on Christ and reflect His character in everyday interactions. “If you want to see the face of God,” he added, “look into the eyes of His children.”

The weekend featured baptisms, dedicatory prayers for RMC’s youth, a solemn anointing service, and vibrant fellowship activities filled with dishes from across Latin America. Among the delicious meals and campfires, one could feel the atmosphere to be one of unity and spiritual momentum.

Leonardo Jimenez, lead pastor of the Nueva Esperanza, Denver Central, and Colorado Springs Hispanic Districts, described the experience as transformative: “It was an inspiring camp meeting that renewed our faith and brotherhood in Christ.” Christina Hernandez, a member of the Pecos Hispanic Seventh-day Adventist Church in Denver, Colorado, added, “It was amazing to see people coming together to get closer to God. You could feel the Spirit moving—not just in the sermons, but in the conversations, the prayers, and the joy of being together.”

Alexa, a student at Mile High Academy in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, shared, “Something that I really liked about el campestre is how the pastor that was preaching let people step out of the crowd and get baptized that same day. Another thing I liked was the anointing. You never know what someone might be going through, so in doing that, it really helped my family.”

With over 1,000 participants, the camp meeting marked one of the largest Hispanic gatherings in the region this year. Families traveled from across Colorado and Wyoming to worship, reconnect, and celebrate their shared faith.

As attendees packed up and returned to their home churches, many left with renewed purpose and a deeper sense of connection to God and to one another. As the Hispanic community in RMC prepares to celebrate 100 years of Hispanic ministries this upcoming September 13, the camp meeting served as a timely reminder of the importance of growing in Jesus, putting Him first, and letting His character be reflected in our lives.

—Jose Briones is the RMC Stewardship Promotion and Content creator. Photos by Abner Josiah Garcia and Jose Briones.

27 Aug

TEAMWORK AND FUN MARK MHA’S ANNUAL UPPER SCHOOL RETREAT

Karrie Meyers – Highlands Ranch, Colorado … Each year, the Upper School students at Mile High Academy (MHA) in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, look forward to beginning the school year with its annual retreat.

This year’s retreat, held August 20–22 at Glacier View Ranch in Ward, Colorado, brought together the entire Upper School classes along with faculty and several parent sponsors. MHA’s Student Association officers arrived on Wednesday, August 20, to help prepare, with the rest of the group joining Thursday morning.

The highlight of the retreat was “Battle to the Light,” a 10-part challenge where small groups worked together to earn points through creative and sometimes daring activities. Students built protective barriers for candles that had to withstand earthquakes, wind, and water, ate whole cloves of garlic, wrote songs highlighting this year’s spiritual theme, and even tested their survival skills building fires.

Beyond the competition, students enjoyed volleyball by the lake, basketball games, and s’mores around the campfire. Worship each morning and evening brought the group together in song and reflection, creating space to focus on God and this year’s theme, “Shine Your Light.” Students also elected their class officers, setting the stage for strong leadership throughout the year.

The group returned Friday afternoon as school dismissed, wrapping up another successful retreat and marking a strong start to the school year.

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

26 Aug

COMMENTARY: PRAYER DRIVE AND AGAPE FEAST—WHAT BETTER WAY TO START THE SCHOOL YEAR!

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.

26 Aug

CAMPION CAMPUS CELEBRATES FIRST SABBATH OF SCHOOL YEAR

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.