NewsNuggets Page 8

Marsha Bartulec – Erie, Colorado … In Chapel on January 5 at the Vista Ridge Academy in Erie, Colorado, we discussed being wise with our words.

Have you ever done the toothpaste lesson? I stood up front with a tube of Colgate toothpaste and squeezed it all out onto a paper plate, rolling the tube to squeeze out as much as I could. I showed the students my accomplishment of squeezing all the toothpaste out.

Afterwards, I asked our student body president to come up and help me, which she graciously obliged. I asked her to take the plastic spoon I was holding and to use it to scoop up the toothpaste and put as much as she could back into the tube. I offered to hold the tube, and she began trying to get the paste back into the tube.

After trying for a minute with no success, I asked for two more students to come and help. They sure did try! We thanked them for their help, and they went to sit down. I took the toothpaste and tube around showing the students how much they were able to get back in; maybe just a tiny amount, but you could not tell any toothpaste got back into the tube.

This month for our Eagle Way initiative, we are focusing on Honor. How can we show honor in different spaces of our building to our classmates, friends, and teachers?

One way we can show honor is through our words. I asked seven students to come up front (one from each classroom) to hold a whiteboard on which I had written unkind words. They revealed the unkind words one by one. Examples included, “you’re not my friend,” “go away,” and “you’re annoying.”

In the book Kindness Grows, author Britta Teckentrup writes, “friendships can be damaged by a mean or ugly word. Once it has been spoken, it cannot be unheard. Words of encouragement, sweetness, warmth, and care, blossom, grow, and flourish as they spread love everywhere.”

Psalm 51 is an expression of repentance. David, the greatest of Israel’s kings, fell into serious sin and recognized his need to plead with God for forgiveness. Proverbs 25:11 says, a word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.

The Prophet Nathan came to David to tell him what he did was wrong. He was not mean but told a story instead. His words were wise. David asks God in Psalm 51:10 to create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Earlier in verse 7, he asks God to wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

It is my prayer that we will use kind words and uplift one another. Like toothpaste, we cannot take our unkind words back. However, like King David, we can ask for forgiveness. We can choose to show honor to others.

—Marsha Bartulec is the principal of Vista Ridge Academy. Photo by Ann Zzz of Pexels.

By Juleun A. Johnson

I will never forget my yes to ministry. It was not dramatic or some Pauline experience of blindness and a voice. It was something that I always knew. E.E. Cleveland, a legendary Adventist Evangelist of the 20^th Century said that were three ways a person was called to ministry. The three ways included association, birth, or direct confrontation. As a second-generation Adventist minister, I guess you could call it association and birth. My father never made me choose ministry, but I saw it and felt it in my home and interactions with others.

As a kid, I saw the ministry as something to be revered, respected, and it looked fun. My father honestly made it look easy. He was pretty serious about his work, but there was something he had that I see missing today. He had friends—best friends in the ministry. Too often, the loneliness of the work and the pressures to perform can drive any and all to a point of Elijah-like isolation.

I know what isolation feels like all too well. As a pastor’s kid, I grew up in major metropolitan areas of the United States. However, when I entered pastoral ministry, I was sent to extreme rural areas of the country. The pressures of ministry notwithstanding, I was newly married, and serving as the sole pastor of three congregations. I felt alone and wondered, did God forget about me.

I was reminded on several occasions after praying that God did not forget about me. One of my churches had a very faithful pianist. One Sabbath, I literally prayed to see someone I had not seen in a long time. The person who came arrived from 900 miles away and was a concert pianist. No matter your ministry assignment, every ministry placement has two reasons. First, God is calling you there to show you he can work through you. Secondly, God is giving you an opportunity to work on your own character. God wants you to grow.

Over my years of ministry, I have learned a few lessons about leading myself, leading others, and leading for results. My first task as a leader is to realize God has called me as a servant leader. My first parish is my family. As l lead myself, my call and responsibility is to find myself daily as an inspiration to those who I am called to first; my family. Hebrews 11:7 says, By faith, Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family.

Once I accepted that my first and primary calling in leadership was to my family, it changed everything. I realized that I had to prioritize the needs of those in my own home. Recently, I had one of my best friends in life and ministry ask me a unique question. He asked, “How is your batting average?” Before I heard the entire question, I answered how well I was doing on my job in my ministry role. He let me speak and then quickly said, “I am not talking about work.” He went on to ask, “How is your batting average at home?” Stunned, I responded with the reality, I was not doing as good as I would have liked.

The reality is that self-leadership involves so much more than just talk. It is the day-to-day grind of doing, being, nurturing, and growing oneself. In my role as a chaplain and administrator, I grow more daily than I ever have before. I get to share, nurture, and give grace to others so that I can assist them in their growth as well. No day in ministry is the same, but I get the opportunity to see lives transformed and strategies developed. What a joy it is to serve.

From the perspective of leading others, it is not the same as it once was. The post-pandemic recovery is real. Recently, the US Surgeon General, the highest health official in the United States, said there is an epidemic of loneliness.¹ In fact, 54% of Americans say they are lonely and have feelings of isolation.

We are leading people who are not only lonely, but angry, anxious, and, at times, on the brink of depression. So how do you lead people who feel alone when you feel alone? In many assignments that I have had in ministry, I have found that connecting with groups in the community and serving has provided me with opportunities to restore my joy and hope.

I believe the nexus of burnout and satisfaction lies in service.

I would suggest you do something for others, and get others involved in serving. The greatest days of my ministry have been when we as a church, group, or team have shut everything down, including the worship service and served. Even the cantankerous, pessimistic grinches in your church, office, or team soften up when it is time to serve.

The last element is leading for results. You can lead for results and show leadership as you pursue results. I have learned an important principle. People are more important than things. In my mind, people are significantly more important. Without people, we would have no churches, communities, or a world; people are important including you.

From a leadership perspective, what does not get measured does not get done. In my mind (and career), baptism and tithe gains are the foundational elements of ministry. There are so many things that you do as a minister that also need to be included as essential elements. Are you measuring the community contacts and the conversations with businesses you support? How many non-profits have you served, and how many visitors have been to your church this year/month? As you measure these items that are important to your local context, keep them before all your levels of leadership; from local to administrative.

Yes, my friend in ministry, you are doing so much more than any entity can imagine, but how you empower your team, your church, or entity depends on what you deem as valuable and what you measure.

I want you to know that beyond the shadow of a doubt, I still say yes to ministry. There are challenges ahead, but there have been many blessings that show a beam of light behind me to light my path. I know that there are blessings awaiting you this year. Please know that you are not alone; God has a plan for your life. God is waiting to continue to bless you, your family, and ministry. I will be praying God’s blessings on you and your family in this year, and for the journey ahead.

—Dr. Juleun Johnson serves as vice president for mission and ministry at AdventHealth. Republished by permission from North American Division Ministerial Association Stories & Commentaries post, January 8, 2024. Photo supplied.

1. https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2023/05/03/new-surgeon-general-advisory-raises-alarm-about-devastating-impact-epidemic-loneliness-isolation-united-states.html (accessed January 7, 2024).

Mic Thurber – Denver, Colorado … The Rocky Mountain Conference (RMC) enters 2024 with much for which to be thankful, even in the face of some real challenges that face both our conference, the wider church, and society.

Here’s some of what we are grateful for in 2023:

• Strong academy graduating classes totaling 52 new alumni from Campion and Mile High Academies.
• Our dedicated educators are working hard to implement NAD-supported Standards Based Learning under the direction of our education leadership team.
• Wonderful summer camp programs headed by our youth department leaders, which provided not only great camping experiences for 343 young people but also led to 40 baptisms.
• Churches and pastors are investing in evangelism again now that COVID is behind us.
• Fifty-six pastors leading 125 churches and companies, and 62 teachers leading 776 students in our 17 schools.
• Filling most of the pastoral openings around the conference, which was complicated in recent years by large spikes in housing costs, especially in our Front Range.
• An active conference departmental staff providing ministerial support, trust, and wills services free for our constituents, health and wellness programs, communication workshops and assistance, women’s retreats, prayer retreats, support for our Spanish language work, assistance for local clerks and treasurers, IT support for our conference office and schools, religious liberty support, and Human Resources support.
• A training weekend for new church officers organized by Aurora First Church pastor Jose Alarcon, to which all Denver area churches were invited. Our departmental staff and numerous area pastors were asked to participate in the training.
• Two hundred and two new church members joined our churches by mid-September 2023, and, as of this writing, our membership is 17,171, with more expected by the end of the year.

For these and other blessings, we are extremely grateful for the Lord’s kindness to us!

We Have Our Challenges, Too

Much discussed in recent times is the growing need for pastors and teachers as the number of ministerial and education students in our colleges has seriously dwindled. There are more openings in both ministry and education than we have available people to fill them. How will we respond?

On the horizon is another significant issue to be faced. With many church leaders and financial supporters growing older, will the younger generations be able to step in to provide the leadership and financial support the church will need to continue its work?

How can we best continue to support and build up our schools? How can we help more parents see the value of a Christian education?

How can we better covenant together to make our mission to the world around us our top priority in both our churches and schools?

Responding to the Challenges Takes Everyone

While we have many reasons for praise and thanksgiving, ours is a work that requires constant devotion until Jesus breaks through the clouds. There are things we can do together.

For example, what if each of us kept a watchful eye out for a young person or two in our church or school who shows early signs of a spiritual tenderness that God could one day tap to be a teacher or pastor? Why not take time to talk with them, and let them know they’d make a fine pastor or teacher one day?

If there are young adults and youth in your church, why not invite them to participate in church leadership?

What if each of us decided we want to make sure our churches matter to our communities? How might that impact how we spend our time, attention, and resources?

And finally, I’d like to ask that we all commit to making Jesus the center of all we are and do. We might disagree about one thing or another, but if we can rally together around Jesus, 2024 will bring greater blessings and growth for His kingdom. Let’s work together to make 2024 the best year yet for the Lord’s kingdom in Rocky Mountain Conference.

—Mic Thurber is president of the Rocky Mountain Conference.

Jana Thurber – Denver, Colorado … In the Rocky Mountain Conference (RMC), we have the privilege of joining our world-wide Adventist church family in spending a few days where we really take seriously the privilege of prayer through the 10 Days of Prayer initiative by the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists Ministerial Association, January 10-20.

Praying together binds us in ways we might never understand. But just imagine what power might be unleashed if all God’s people all over the world take seriously praying together for the advancement of God’s kingdom. What a powerful change this would make in our own hearts and lives to be ready for that kingdom to come!

If you haven’t invested much time in prayer with your church’s prayer leaders until now, this would be a great time to get a good sense of how powerful this could be in your life and the life of your church.

It is not hard to do 10 Days of Prayer, it just requires you set aside a few minutes each day. Every church might do it a little differently, so talk to your pastor or church prayer leader and find out what your church is doing. See how you can participate in this wonderful opportunity that we have.

Some churches are planning evening Zoom prayer calls together for an hour following a guide of praise, repentance, intercession, and thanksgiving. Other people are participating in morning prayer phone calls for a half hour or a full hour. Pastors might also include Sabbath sermons highlighting prayer and the Holy Spirit’s power which comes from life-changing communion with our Creator God.

Here are some resource links for more ideas on how to grow your own personal prayer ministry, a children’s prayer ministry, or a church’s prayer ministry.

https://www.ministerialassociation.org/prayer/grow-your-personal-prayer-life/

https://www.revivalandreformation.org/resources

https://www.revivalandreformation.org/prayer

https://www.revivalandreformation.org/uip

https://www.nadadventist.org/departments/prayer-ministries

https://www.ministerialassociation.org/prayer/

A woman on the East Coast connected with me and asked if her name could be added to my weekly prayer warriors list for intercessory prayer. She had an urgent health need. We earnestly lifted her needs to God in prayer.

When one prayer warrior recognized the heath issue, she quickly referred to a book that dealt with healing foods and protocols for the woman’s particular health issue. God unleashed his perfect creatively-timed power allowing one person to help another person with information that would produce healing—all because of a prayer request.

When we take hold of this mighty God of ours—this Creator of the Universe and Savior who is eager and willing to deliver all who come to Him—God’s answers come in small or large packages.

I would love to hear of your experience over the 10 days of prayer. Email me at [email protected] to share your story with me. I will only share anonymously, and, with your permission, the answered prayers you share.

It is very encouraging for us to hear how prayer mattered in someone’s life, and how it makes a difference when we come together and present our needs to God. I invite you to participate in the upcoming 10 Days of Prayer. I promise you will be blessed.

—Jana Thurber is the RMC women’s ministries and prayer ministries director as well as pastoral spouse support. Photo by Unsplash.

Eva Resz – Loveland, Colorado … Typically, when Americans think of Christmas Day, thoughts of opening an abundance of gifts by the fireplace and spending time with family come to mind. Gingerbread houses, candy canes, eggnog, sledding, and gift exchanges are all a part of many families’ Christmas traditions. This holiday, let’s take a look at some of the diverse traditions and foods that students at Campion Academy in Loveland, Colorado, share with their families.

In Brazil, a common Christmas tradition is Amigo Secreto or “Secret Friend.” Secret Friend is similar to Secret Santa and the person participating gives gifts to their friend for a few weeks before Christmas with an anonymous name attached. On Christmas day they disclose who their Secret Friend was while giving their main gift.

Pedro Vieira reveals that he participates in the Secret Friend and it’s very popular in Brazil. Another slight difference is that, in Brazil, families typically celebrate and open gifts on December 24 at midnight and Christmas day is more of a day to sleep in and barbeque.

Luca Lu explains, “in China, they do not celebrate Christmas the same way it’s celebrated in America.” Usually, Luca spends time with his family and goes to see the Tree of Light. He would make chains with bright paper, but he had never participated in the religious aspect of Christmas until he came to Campion.

Amani Zeru says that his favorite Ethiopian dish to eat is Doro Wat, a spicy chicken stew. Amani typically eats this stew during the Christmas season with his family.

Mabel Cabandon’s family has a big party on Christmas day with traditional Indonesian cuisine: Rendang (spicy beef curry), Ikan Bakar (fish with chili), accompanied with a side of rice. A must-have for Mabel is Mi Goreng (fried noodles).

Richy Martel expressed that his favorite thing to do during Christmas is to eat Pozole, a flavorful chicken soup served with corn, cabbage, salsa, lime, and cilantro on top. Another favorite is Tacos de Rez (beef tacos) which originates from Mexico.

Lillian Resz shares that a tradition with her family and friends is a Boodle fight; where banana leaves are laid across the table and Filipino food such as Adobo (the National of the Philippines, typically a chicken stew), Pancit (noodle dish), fish, Lumpia (egg rolls), and rice with sweet and acidic dipping sauces are placed on top of the leaves. The food is then eaten with hands and people “fight” for as much food as they can get before it’s all gone.

Gabriel Balbin shared that his family makes several traditional Peruvian dishes during the holidays. His favorite dessert is something his mom makes every Christmas, Mazamorra Morada, a purple pudding made of fruit and corn seasoned with cinnamon spice. The Balbin family eat and participate in a worship service together to commemorate the holidays.

Every family has different traditions and foods they enjoy sharing during this amazing time of year. Although everyone’s Christmas experience is different, we can learn something new from each other’s diverse experiences and traditions.

—Eva Resz, Campion Student News Team. Photo supplied.