NewsNuggets Page 7

Vashty Segovia Santos – Loveland, Colorado … Students at Campion Academy in Loveland, Colorado, were celebrated for all the hard work they put in this year, May 17. Awards were given for academics, sports, and even attendance.

High-achieving students received medals and pins, and a few students even walked away with $100 bills for having perfect attendance. It was a notable night to recognize all the effort and dedication that went into making this year a success.

Each teacher took a moment to recognize students who had demonstrated superior skills in their class subjects. Many students from each grade proudly received medals, pins, and certificates for their academic achievements.

One of the people acknowledged for the sports awards was Izhuchi Nwankwo, a junior student, who broke a school record for most blocks in a game and tied with the record for most blocks in a season, a remarkable achievement that reflects his hard work and dedication on the court. Damaris Lopez Morquecho and EJ Woy received the athletes of the year awards, while Brayden Marroquin walked away receiving both the soccer and basketball MVP awards.

Another proud moment came when Marcela Zuniga became the first Campion student to receive a special award from the Desmond Doss Foundation.* This prestigious recognition honors her outstanding character and her selfless dedication to helping others. She was nominated by the staff for this award because of her strong character and the way she embodies the values of Desmond Doss. Along with the honor, she received a $1,000 college scholarship.

“It’s important to be different, to stand out, and to reflect the character of Christ,” Marcela shared.

* Please note that the Desmond Doss Foundation is not affiliated with the Rocky Mountain Conference of Seventh-day Adventists or the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

—Vashty Segovia Santos, Campion Academy Student News Team. Photos supplied.

Jose Briones – Cortez, Colorado … April Wright knows the weight of grief, but she also knows the strength of faith. For years, she supported her husband’s work as a logger and trucker, spending time in the woods, reading devotionals, and praying as he cut trees. It was their rhythm—a peaceful routine that gave her time for reflection.

But on February 20, everything changed.

Her husband didn’t return for lunch, which wasn’t unusual. She didn’t worry at first; delays were common in his line of work. Then a forester arrived, his face heavy with unspoken words. The news was devastating.

Her husband had been trapped under a falling tree. He was unresponsive. The walk toward the accident site felt endless. Fear pressed in, yet she prayed with every step, grasping for hope in a moment that felt unreal. When she saw him, the weight of her loss was immediate and undeniable. There was no preparation for this kind of heartbreak.

Grief overtook her, yet something deeper held her up—her faith and the unwavering support of her church family at the Cortez Seventh-day Adventist Church in Cortez, Colorado. They surrounded her in love, checking in, offering comfort when words failed. It was a moment she would never forget: “They surrounded me with hugs and love and contacted me throughout the week … I always knew that I could count on them. It’s something I needed at that time.”

Nearly 15 months have passed, and, while the pain remains, faith has become her anchor. She holds onto the promise that, one day, her husband will hear Jesus’ voice and rise again. It’s a thought that gives her strength, a reminder that love and hope endure. “Now I just hold on to the promises. One day my husband’s going to hear Jesus’ voice and he’s going to come forth … you’re reminded, don’t give up. Keep going. Hold on.”

There were moments when all she could whisper was, “Jesus, hold me.” But even then, she knew “God’s holding you when you can’t hold on. He is there.” Through unimaginable grief, she has found solace in the community that never let go. Her story is not just one of loss, it is a testament to faith, resilience, and the quiet strength that carries us through life’s hardest moments. Watch April’s story below.

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

Abigail Brown – Moab, Utah … The Sophomore class from Campion Academy (CA) in Loveland, Colorado, went on the annual biology trip to Moab, Utah, May 7-11. Led by Erica Franklin, CA science teacher, they explored the ruins of Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado, Arches National Park in Utah, and other wonders in the area.

The first stop was Mesa Verde National Park where they were able to take a tour of the ancient balcony house and explore other ruins in the park.

For the remainder of the trip, they camped at “Hittle Bottom Campground” where they bonded over lively discussions around the campfire and huddled up in tents. Heidi Vasquez-Hernadez, CA student, expressed, “It was fun getting to know each other better outside of the classroom setting, while sharing experiences at Moab.”

Every evening, Erik Stenbakken, one of the adult sponsors on the trip, gave inspirational talks about how to finish the race strongly in our spiritual lives. Student Aome Angeles stated, “His talks gave me a different perspective on life and made it feel more purposeful.”

On May 8, the students rafted down the Colorado River where they had water fights and swam in the river. After rafting, the students worked on a class project measuring the water from the river and identified plants on hikes.

On one of the hikes, the group encountered a waterfall and got to go under it. Student Merlina Resendiz shared, “After a hot day it was nice to take a break and play in the waterfall. It was relaxing and peaceful and it felt like a nice reset.”

The students all hiked to the Delicate Arch in Utah on the last day and then split up into different groups to explore various trails of the national park. Elin Sorensen, student, related, “It was fun hiking with my classmates and getting to talk to them while being outside in nature.”

After a trip of exploration and bonding, the group made it back to Campion Academy on May 11.

—Abigail Brown, Campion Academy Student News Team. Photos supplied.

Alexandra Cordoba – Greeley, Colorado … The Spanish class students at Campion Academy (CA) in Loveland, Colorado, put their skills into action this past week by presenting cultural projects to the student body and leading the worship service at Greeley Hispanic Seventh-day Adventist Church in Greeley, Colorado.

Students in the Spanish I class gave presentations in the chapel where they had the option to either film a cooking video, learn and perform a song in Spanish, or recreate a piece of art from a Spanish artist. Two student groups opted for live performances: Marc and Izuchi sang “Adiós Amor,” and Garry, Jillian, and Phoebe performed “Piel Canela” on stage.

After the presentations, students sampled a wide variety of traditional dishes featured in the cooking videos, including tostadas, flan, pupusas, churros, horchata, and homemade paletas (Mexican ice cream bars). “I was very impressed by the food this year,” said senior CA student Janey Padilla Reyes. “I felt like it was very authentic.”

On May 10, the Spanish II class students, along with a few native Spanish speakers, traveled to the Greeley Hispanic Church for a SWAT trip where they led the entire church service in Spanish. The program included praise music, a children’s story, special music, prayer, scripture reading, and a sermon delivered by senior student Damaris Lopez Morquecho.

Senior student Toby Quillin, who participated in multiple parts of the service, reflected on the experience, “Going on the Spanish SWAT trip was quite enjoyable, even though it took a lot of planning and practice. I was a part of the praise team as well as the special music and sang ‘Eres Mi Protector’ (‘My Hiding Place’). I also gave a prayer. I looked over the script many times so I wouldn’t mess up the pronunciation. It was very fun to put my knowledge of the language to the test.”

—Alexandra Cordoba, Campion Academy Student News Editor. Photos supplied.

Gabriel Costa – Loveland, Colorado … After returning from break, students at Campion Academy (CA) in Loveland, Colorado, had special moments of spiritual connection, learning and reflection during the Week of Worship, April 29-May 2. Each day featured inspiring, relevant messages and creative presentations prepared by the students themselves.

The program began on Tuesday with the freshmen class with an engaging presentation, including a song performed by student Natalie, a well-crafted skit, and a moving testimony from Chris Davis, who shared uplifting messages.

On Wednesday, it was the turn of the sophomores, who gave meaningful teachings through a skit, music performed by student Elin, and the heartfelt testimony of Abigail.

On Thursday, the juniors took to the stage with a creative and well-structured presentation, including an original song composed by student Evie, skits, testimonies, and messages that invited us to introspect and apply them to our lives.

Pamela, CA junior student said, “Week of Worship was quite fun. Juniors did ‘Rooted in Community,’ and I got to be a part of the skit. I enjoyed seeing students who have been shy take part in different ways during our day. It was fun watching everybody, especially the skits, and seeing different point of views”.

Finally, the senior students closed the week on Friday with an impactful presentation and a humorous skit. Music sung by the senior female students of Koinonia.

Damaris Lopez shared her personal experiences, and the class left us with profound reflections on faith and our relationship with God.

Toby, a senior student, said, “The seniors were in charge of presenting on the theme ‘Rooted in Mission.’ It was fun to act in the modern remake of the story Jonah as well as telling an object lesson about honeyguides and honey badgers. The special music that was sung also portrayed our theme of mission really well. This is our last Week of Worship since we are seniors, and I think we did a good job”.

The Week of Worship was a memorable moment that united participants in spirituality, inspiration, and reflection, reinforcing the importance of living alongside God.

—Gabriel Costa, Campion Academy Student News Team. Photos Supplied.

Dorie Panganiban – Farmington, New Mexico … It was Spring of 2019 when the last Native Camp Meeting at the La Vida Mission (LVM) Seventh-day Adventist Church in Farmington, New Mexico, was held. Ed Barnett, then president of the Rocky Mountain Conference (RMC), was the featured guest speaker.

Then the COVID pandemic hit and shut down everything in March of 2020, which led to the cancelation of the planned Native Camp Meeting. “When the dark clouds of the COVID pandemic cleared up in 2023,” commented Dorie Panganiban, 2025 Native Camp Meeting coordinator, “we decided to host one, but, again, it did not materialize. Many of our native brothers and sisters were asking, ‘when are you gonna have camp meeting in La Vida, we miss the camp meeting there’.”

After six years of no Native Camp Meetings, one was finally held April 25-27, with the theme “Jesus is Coming, I Will Go Reach My World,” in conjunction with the World Church emphasis on preparing for Jesus Second Coming and going out to prepare others for His soon return.

“We were very blessed to have Dr. Rick Remmers, assistant to the president of the North American Division (NAD) and in-charge of NAD Native Ministries, as our God providential and God-given speaker to spiritually grace the event,” reflected Dorie. “His uplifting, elevating messages and presentations, and his pleasant and joyful presence and ministry have truly been a blessing to our souls. We surely praise God for sending him to us.”

“We are also grateful to our La Vida Mission board members who came, headed by our LVM Board president, Dr. Robert Gardner, and his lovely wife Kimone and sister Kimberly, for equally gracing the event. And we surely thank God for our native and non-native members around the Navajo Reservation and beyond, who came and joined us. We had delegations from Monument Valley, Kayenta, Chinle, Kinlichee, Window Rock, Gallup, Crownpoint, Farmington, Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, and community members around the Mission such as Lake Valley, Becenti, Whiterock, and Bisti,” she continued.

The Sabbath church services catered to all age groups, from one year old to the oldest member, through parallel programs for children, teens, youth, and adults. During Sabbath School in the adult division, three presenters shared how to go and reach people in the world for Jesus.

Steve Pester, Dine Adventist Radio* network manager, presented how to share through the airwaves; Oliver Fulton, elder of Chinle Seventh-day Adventist Church in Chinle, Arizona, shared how to reach and minister to alcohol and substance-challenged and addicted individuals. Rose Gomez, from Kinlichee-Window Rock, Arizona, spoke about reaching people for Jesus at flea markets, other native gatherings, and everywhere else.

Dorie noted, “Pastor Remmers spiritually fed the adults during the Hour of Worship, with Elder Whitehorse translating in Navajo, while Mrs. Kimone Gardner provided nourishment from the Word of God to our children and teens.”

The afternoon of April 26 was highlighted by the baptism of seven individuals. Four of these individuals were La Vida Mission* students made ready by VJ & Beth Panganiban, La Vida Mission Outreach co-directors, their dorm parents, and three community members prepared by the church outreach team.

The baptism service was followed by testimonies and sharing time among the adult participants in the sanctuary, hiking for the junior and teen campers, and craft activities for our younger kids. “Remmers gave his last presentation during the Sabbath sundown worship from the story of Samuel, giving us courage as ‘we go,’ to just listen to God and speak the message He want us to deliver and share with others and He will bless our efforts,” remarked Dorie.

But the Camp Meeting was not over yet. Saturday evening was for games, fun, and relaxing time with young people’s laughter filling the gym. The Camp Meeting concluded Sunday morning after breakfast in a combined devotional—closing for the Camp Meeting and opening for the La Vida Spring Board Meeting—with Gardner as the speaker, inspiring participants to keep dreams and hope alive in anticipation of Jesus’ Second coming.

The group separated after the devotional with the LVM board members going to the meeting and all the other Camp Meeting participants going to the La Vida Community Services Free Flea Market and a lunch of Navajo Tacos before heading home.

Dorie closed with, “Is your heart singing ‘How can I say thanks’ with me now? Indeed, how can I say thanks to our God for making another Native Camp Meeting possible after six years? Oh, how my heart praises Him for how He has made everything and every part of the program beautiful and a blessing to everyone. Amen, Praise the Lord!”

* Dine Adventist Radio and La Vida Mission are supporting ministries 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.

Jose Briones – Denver, Colorado … Nearly 14 years ago, Merari Morales faced a terrifying moment that could have ended in tragedy. Instead, it became a powerful testimony of faith, forgiveness, and radical generosity.

Morales had just dropped off her kindergarten-aged son at school in California when she stepped into a crosswalk, only to be struck by a speeding car. The impact threw her beneath the vehicle, leaving her trapped under its wheels. But in that harrowing moment, she recalls, “I felt the presence of God.” As she lay under the car, her first instinct was not fear for herself but a prayer for her children’s safety.

In what can only be described as a miracle, Morales emerged from the accident with no major injuries, just minor scrapes. The young driver, overwhelmed with shock, believed he had killed her. As the authorities arrived, they handcuffed him, preparing to arrest him. Bystanders urged Morales to press charges or seek financial compensation, but she refused. “Nothing happened to me,” she insisted, advocating for his release.

Her act of forgiveness left the driver stunned. Instead of holding resentment, she and her husband took the opportunity to introduce him to their faith, inviting him to their church. With tears in his eyes, he told Morales, “No one has ever treated me with such kindness.” He covered all medical expenses and pledged his support should she ever need help in the future.

Doctors were equally shocked. Her scans showed no fractures, no internal injuries, no lasting damage. Morales walked away from the accident unscathed, believing that God’s mercy had protected her.

Reflecting on that day, Morales shares a simple but profound lesson: “If we love God, we have to learn to forgive. If Jesus forgives us, we have to forgive others.” For her, the accident was not about survival. It was an opportunity to live out her faith in a way that left an everlasting impact on another person’s life.

More than a decade later, Morales remains healthy and grateful, holding onto the belief that forgiveness is a gift we give not only to others but to ourselves. Through her story, she reminds us that true generosity is found in offering grace when the world expects retribution. In every moment, even life’s most unexpected ones, as an opportunity to reflect the love of God. Watch Merari’s story below.

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

Logan Earles – Littleton, Colorado … For the second consecutive year, the Littleton Seventh-day Adventist Church in Littleton, Colorado, has sent care packages to young adults from their congregation. Sixteen medium flat-rate boxes were sent to various colleges across the country, and even a letter was sent as far away as Switzerland.

Each box was filled with a variety of snacks, easy-prep meals, candies, and other goodies. One recipient was so delighted that she quickly wrote back to the church, saying, “I love everything in it!” Thanks to the generous donations from church members, each box was filled to the brim.

Food wasn’t the only thing these far-off loved ones received. Each box also contained numerous handwritten notes. For two weeks leading up to the mailing, church members worked diligently to write words of encouragement, prayers, Bible verses, or—in some cases—draw fun pictures to fill the boxes with as much love as possible. Each box included 10 to 15 letters from the church family.

Littleton Church has found these boxes to be deeply appreciated. Littleton Church associate pastor Logan Earles, who helps organize the project, shared, “My favorite part of these boxes isn’t sending them—it’s getting the responses. Responses like ‘You can’t imagine how much this means to me’ and ‘I sent you this email with a tear or two shedding down my face, I’m so grateful and joyful for you all’ reflect the emotional impact of these small gestures.”

This ministry has helped the church stay connected with a group of people who can easily feel distant or forgotten. The church plans to continue sending these boxes and has even begun discussing the possibility of expanding the ministry as God leads.

Earles remarked, “Through something as simple as a box of treats and handwritten notes, the Littleton Church is sending more than goodies—it’s sending love, faith, and the powerful message that no one is ever too far away to feel loved.”

—Logan Earles is the associate pastor at the Littleton Seventh-day Adventist Church. Photos supplied.