29 Aug

REFLECTION: AN ANOINTED SUMMER

By Brandon Westgate

“Anointed” was the theme we chose for our Rocky Mountain Conference (RMC) Youth Summer Camp program this year. While a theme may not be the most important aspect of summer camp, that one word or phrase actually shapes the summer camp ministry experience for staff and campers alike. To recap summer camp, I thought it might be well to unpack how that one word, “anointed” impacts the entirety of the camp experience.

Anointed Presence

While our goal as the RMC youth department is “making it easy for kids to know God,” that is never going to be our theme. Our theme does need to be able to fit within our goal, however. We knew going in that anointed was a challenging theme. Anointed means, “to apply oil to as part of a religious ceremony.” It can also mean, “to choose by or as if by divine election.”

This summer, we knew that one thing we truly needed if we were to accomplish our goal and fulfill our theme was the presence of God. During our staff training week, we relied on the presence of God to bring unity and foster trust within our staff. At the end of our staff week on Friday evening, we had an anointing service for our staff. The presence of God was palpable as staff poured out needs to God for deliverance from addictions, for strength to forgive, for power to live in grace, for a desire to be used of God, and for countless other needs that we knew could not be produced by mere human effort. We acknowledged God’s presence, and God did not disappoint.

Anointed Play

Fueled by the presence of God, our schedule made space for meaningful connections with our campers. An energetic morning worship kickstarted each day. Four activity periods, each one beginning with a devotional thought and affirmation of God’s presence, gave ample opportunity for engagement in a setting that encouraged healthy play. An all-inclusive recreational period gave our staff chances to make connections with campers they may not have interacted with throughout the day. Cabin worships at the end of each day yielded many fruitful discussions and gave our staff opportunities to answer questions and provide some needed guidance for our campers.

Anointed Programming

Our programming, especially our evening program, was richly graced by the Spirit of God as we worshipped our creator through songs of praise and gratitude. The evening play reinvented the story of David, one highlight of which was the anointing of David by Samuel. Our staff pastors spoke about how the anointing of God’s calling and empowering of His Spirit, propelled David to victory time and time again. Our apathy was challenged, and our faith kindled as we witnessed David rising to the occasion to do the will of God and how God came through for him, like He said he would, each time.

Anointed Purpose

On the last evening of camp our staff led our campers through an anointing service to give them an opportunity to accept both God’s calling on their life, and to accept God’s healing over their life. This was such a Spirit-led time for our campers and our staff. Many tears were shed, many prayers were uttered, and the presence of God was undeniable. Our purpose of “making it easy for kids to know God” was being realized in undeniable ways.

Anointed Decisions

One of the final points of engagement we have with our campers is facilitated using a decision card. These cards offer each camper several selections:

  • For the first time in my life, I believe that God exists.
  • I want to give my heart/life to Jesus for the first time.
  • I already have a relationship with Jesus, and I want to keep on walking through life with Him.
  • I wish to be baptized after I leave camp.
  • I wish to be baptized here at GVR tomorrow if possible.
  • I want to learn more about Jesus through Bible studies.

While each decision is cause for rejoicing, for some reason, the decisions that seemed to resonate with me this summer the most were the campers who checked the box beside the statement that read, “For the first time in my life I believe that God exists.” This means a young person came to camp not knowing that there is a God who cares for them and loves them and wants to guide their life, and they left camp six days later believing for the very first time that God exists!

Anointed Village

Some people ask me if it’s worth it to do the planning and the facilitating of seven weeks of camp, working 17+ hour days and walking about 18,000 steps every day, dealing with the occasional grumpy parent, or home sick camper all while motivating a bunch of college students to work long days and nights for small wages and minimal creature comforts. The answer is and will always be, a resounding and empathic “YES.”

I have the privilege of working with some of the finest young people you will ever meet. Jade Teal and Brent Learned, RMC Youth Department assistant directors, are colleagues who understand our mission and they make work not feel as much like work. Jonathan Carlson, director of Camp Ministries at Glacier View Ranch (GVR), and some incredible volunteers there make GVR feel like home for our staff, and the long days of hard work are actually enjoyable working alongside friends like these. It takes a village to shape the minds and hearts of young people, and I have to say that our village is one of the very best.

If you would like to volunteer either at GVR in Ward, Colorado, or at Mill Springs Ranch (MSR) in Casper, Wyoming, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at youth@rmcsda.org or at (303) 282-3664. We have opportunities from helping with some light remodeling projects, to helping in the kitchen, to painting and all sorts of other things. So, volunteer and become part of our village, making it easy for kids to know God. There is room in our village for you!

—Brandon Westgate is the RMC Youth Department director. Photos supplied.

29 Aug

STUDENT BACKPACKERS EXPERIENCE REST IN NATURE

Jill Harlow – Loveland, Colorado … Twenty students from Campion Academy in Loveland, Colorado, trekked over 12 miles completing a backpacking loop in the Snowy Range in Wyoming, August 23-25.

Despite carrying heavy packs while hiking, several students commented that the experience was restful for them. Toby Quillin, senior student, reflected, “I didn’t really have a break this summer as I worked in literature evangelism and at the Pathfinder Camporee, and then went straight into school as a resident assistant. This weekend helped me de-stress from the hustle and bustle of life. Although we were constantly walking with over 20 pounds of gear on our backs, the quietness of nature, as well as time away from school and with friends, really helped me rest and enjoy the nature God gave us.”

For several international students coming from the world’s largest cities of Toyko, Beijing, and Sao Paulo, this type of activity was completely new. Danilo de Alcantara, sophomore student, explained, “I had never done anything like this before in Brazil, so it was a new experience for me to hike a long way with a heavy backpack, put up my own tent, and cook my own food with the little stove, but it was really fun. I enjoyed seeing the views of God’s nature, getting good exercise, and hiking with my friends.”

The group experienced sunny and fair weather overall with cool nights and windy conditions. It rained when the bus pulled up to the trailhead, but subsided before the students began hiking. The rain held off until all students had gotten back on the bus three days later, when it began pouring again.

Clara Aakko, junior student, who has come on the backpack trip for the past three years, commented that she didn’t particularly enjoy the wind this weekend, but overall she had a great time. “I like getting outdoors and spending time with new people. On this trip, I loved the wild berries we found and the unique scenery of the lakes, mountains, and alpine tundra.”

—Jill Harlow is the Campion Academy communication director. Photos supplied.

27 Aug

IS YOUR BIBLE READ? WESTERN SLOPE CAMP MEETING CHALLENGED

RMCNews – Montrose, Colorado … Church members from several Western Slope congregations met on August 21-24 for their annual Camp Meeting convocation at Mountain Top Christian Retreat in Montrose, Colorado.

Nathan Cranson, pastor of the Montrose Seventh-day Adventist Church, coordinated the work of a planning committee, which consisted of local church ministers and laypeople. “We get together a few times during the year, and we vision cast. We talk about what we think should be a theme for the meeting. For the current meeting a theme of Being Prepared and Ready: Living as End-time Disciples, was chosen,” he explained.

This year’s program was led by lay speakers and presenters. Nathan shared, “One of the things that was attractive included an invitation to the Harding family from Montana. I knew them personally. I knew that their relationship with Jesus was authentic and very important to them. And there was no external incentive for them to be holy and that it was coming from a very genuine place in their own experience, their own lives, which had driven them to lots of study and lots of prayer and lots of transformation in their own lives.”

Alecia Harding was the main speaker at the Camp Meeting. In her Sabbath sermon, she challenged participants to reconsider Bible reading. “Is your Bible read?” she asked. The Scripture offers “the keys to the kingdom,” she shared.

Among the workshop presenters was J.D. Harding who spoke about values and importance of family worship. Garrett and Katrina McLarty from New Beginnings Ranch* in Norwood, Colorado, spoke about identity issues and relational discipleship, and Joy Kauffman, founder and executive director of FARM STEW International*, an organization dedicated to addressing hunger, disease, and poverty, presented as well. The camp meeting participants we also treated to presentation of original songs by Addie and Greg Cranson.

Nathan explained, “The choosing of our speaker and our teachers here [shows] that you don’t have to be somebody special to have a powerful relationship with Jesus and be able to communicate that effectively and inspire the people around you to have a closer walk with Jesus.”

“This was the ninth year for Western Slope Camp Meeting in this location,” said Ron Johnson from Grand Junction, Colorado, who serves as the event treasurer. Average attendance during the week was 66 people with 114 joining for Sabbath worship. He added that this year “there were 265 meals served by our excellent cooks, the Montrose Church members.”

Among the participants in the camp meeting were Elaine and David Phillips, members of Grand Junction Seventh-day Adventist Church who proudly shared their 61 years of marriage. David commented, “I was just impressed with the whole family from Montana. Her [Alecia] testimony and the whole family—her husband, the girls, the little boy.” Elaine appreciated the camp meeting’s venue: “You can have much quiet time with God out in nature and different places. I never thought about doing that before. Studying His word and being in a quiet place like when Jesus went to the mountain and had spent time with Him. I thought that was a very different way of spending time with God. The music was really good and really encouraging,” she commented.

Apart from the spoken word, presentations, and never-ending conversations with fellow church members, the Hardings presented their musical talents and were joined by Michelle Cranson, Alecia’s sister. On Sabbath afternoon at the camp meeting, the attendees listened to the Montrose Hispanic Seventh-day Adventist Church Youth group and their full-of-enthusiasm singing. Addie Cranson and her husband Greg, members of the Paonia Seventh-day Adventist Church in Paonia, Colorado, presented several original songs. Their presentation was considered as a special treat of the Mountain Top gathering.

Those who came to this year’s camp meeting also experienced several thunderstorms followed by rainbows. “It’s monsoon time for us here on the Western Slope at this time,” one participant remarked.

Among those representing the Rocky Mountain Conference (RMC) were Doug Inglish, RMC vice president for administration, Mickey Mallory, RMC Ministerial director, and Mary Lynn Green and Dawn Westgate from the RMC Planned Giving and Trust Services Department.

*Organizations not affiliated with the Rocky Mountain Conference (RMC). 

—RMCNews. Photos by Rajmund Dabrowski and Ron Johnson.

22 Aug

INTERNATIONAL CAMPOREE HAS IMPACT ON WYOMING STUDENTS

Michael Taylor – Casper, Wyoming … During the 2024 International Pathfinder Camporee in Gillette, Wyoming, August 5-11, the Lake Union Conference (LUC) Education Department oversaw a record-setting event with more than 250 volunteers gathered to stuff 6,200 backpacks with school supplies.

Reflecting on this enormous project, LUC associate superintendent Nicole Mattson remarked, “Not only were we able to set a record, but students in need across the U.S. are being blessed already with the gift of a beautiful backpack stuffed with school supplies and even some ‘get-to-know-Jesus’ materials.”

One community blessed by this program was in Casper, Wyoming. The Casper Seventh-day Adventist Church in Casper, Wyoming, was able to bring home more than 600 backpacks from Camporee, and church members immediately got to work sharing with their community.

The Casper Church family passed out more than 250 backpacks on August 18 to those who responded to the invitations and advertising on social media. Among the hardworking volunteers were Pathfinders visiting from the city of Townsville in northeastern Australia. One of the Australian Pathfinders was an eighth grader named Hayleigh, who said, “It was very nice to see each person come through with such gratitude and appreciation. It made me feel happy and proud that I could help others in your community.”

The abundance of backpacks shared from Camporee allowed the Casper Church to reach beyond that initial distribution. They gifted other community service organizations, such as their local Boys and Girls Club and the Casper Rescue Mission, with almost 200 bags.

One group who received backpacks was the Dean Morgan Middle School’s Clothes Closet in Casper, Wyoming. The Closet is overseen by Ms. Stephanie Knight, who was deeply moved by the donation. She commented, “These backpacks are such a blessing to our school. We have many students who don’t have the means to get a new bag when they need one, so this will go a long way this year.”

—Michael Taylor is head pastor at the Casper and Wheatland Seventh-day Adventist Churches. Photos supplied.

20 Aug

J.J. MARTINEZ ORDAINED TO GOSPEL MINISTRY

RMCNews – Grand Junction, Colorado … J.J. Martinez, III, associate pastor at the Grand Junction Seventh-day Adventist Church in Grand Junction, Colorado, was ordained August 17.

Martinez was a student at La Sierra Academy and Rio Lindo Adventist Academy in Riverside and Healdsburg, California, respectively. He attended a local community college for a few years and then transferred to Union Adventist University in Lincoln, Nebraska.

“Growing up, I never knew what I wanted to be until I got to high school, but even in high school, I could never imagine where God took me today … When I first started at Union College,* I was not studying to be a pastor; in fact, I had begun the pre-nursing program,” reminisced Martinez.

“Although I was really enjoying all that nursing had to offer,” he continued, “I knew that it wasn’t the path for me. After spending much time in prayer, I realized that I was being called into ministry. When I made the switch from the nursing program to the theology program, I felt like a burden was lifted from my shoulders, and I knew that God would continue to lead my path no matter where I went.”

Martinez relocated to Colorado after receiving his degree and served in a three-church district before leaving for Seminary at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan: “While at Andrews University, I took on a ministry role as student dean, which I credit a lot of my leadership to today in my current role. I am thankful not only for the education I experienced but also for the relationships that took place.”

Upon finishing Seminary, Martinez returned to Colorado to serve in the Grand Junction Church. He remarked on his ministry journey, “Grand Junction has challenged and stretched me in so many ways. I am thankful that God continues to direct each path that I have taken, even in the moments in which I am unsure. Ministry still continues to be at the forefront of my mind, just as it was at Union College.* My prayer is that God may continue to grow and lead me more and more each day.”

The Candidate for Ordination was introduced by Elizabeth McDonald, La Sierra University Church associate pastor for Children and Family Ministry in Riverside, California, followed by the Ministry Affirmation provided by Doug Inglish, RMC vice president for administration. The Ministry Charge and Ministry Welcome was presented by Mickey Mallory, RMC Ministerial director, and the Ordination Prayer was offered by Mic Thurber, RMC president.

Mallory commented, “The ordination service was an affirmation of the calling that God has put on JJ’s life to serve God’s people, and it was rewarding for him to see the impact his ministry has made on the people that were present.”

* Union Adventist University was formerly known as Union College

—RMCNews. Photos by Susan Inglish.

20 Aug

CAMPION WELCOMES A DIVERSE STUDENT BODY

Jill Harlow – Loveland, Colorado … One-hundred thirty-seven students brought new life to the campus at the start of the school year at Campion Academy in Loveland, Colorado.

The Campion Academy Student Association (SA) officers kicked off the event by introducing this year’s theme “I am,” which affirms each person’s value in God’s eyes. Each month, the theme will conclude the statement with a different word, starting with “I am chosen and followed by others such as “I am redeemed.” Student Association spiritual vice-president Evie Lange provided a devotional thought on the theme.

Students drew closer with their classmates both socially and physically during the classic icebreaker games of the hula-hoop pass and the human knot. The evening concluded with the handshake event in which the student body and staff formed a long line to introduce themselves, shake hands, and welcome each person.

In 2023, Campion started with 122 students, so the growth in enrollment is positive. The freshman class has 26 students, larger than it has been for the past three years.

A new freshman, Hannah Manase, shared, “It was a really cool experience. I liked seeing everyone at the school and learning all their names. I loved how the games introduced class bonding time.”

In addition, the number of international students has reached a new school record of 25 from six different countries.

“I got to meet a lot of new people, and the games were exciting,” reflected Azusa Shirakuma, a new sophomore from Japan. “I loved meeting the staff; they were very amazing.”

The senior class, returning with 49 students, is the largest class and shows the potential to provide positive leadership to the school.

Olivia Arizola, a returning senior, commented, “It was exciting getting to see all the new faces while seeing the familiar faces was comforting. I am very excited for my senior year and to get to know all these people that I shook hands with.”

—Jill Harlow is the Campion Academy communication director. Photos supplied.

15 Aug

MILE HIGH ACADEMY THANKFUL FOR ANOTHER YEAR OF HEALTHY GROWTH

Karrie Meyers – Highlands Ranch, Colorado … Mile High Academy (MHA) in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, proudly opened its doors for the 2024-2025 school year, August 14, with a record-breaking enrollment of 260 students, surpassing last year’s total of 248. This continued growth is a testament to the Academy’s commitment to providing exceptional education in a nurturing, Christ-centered environment.

This year, MHA is excited to welcome four new faces to its outstanding faculty: April Zimmerman joins the team as the first-grade teacher, Jason DuBose takes on the fifth-grade classroom, Doug Zimmerman will be inspiring fitness as the Lower School physical education and health teacher, and Carolyn Irby will be the Lower School art and after-school care director.

The first day kicked off with a special welcome chapel service led by Chaplain and Upper School teacher R.D. Gallant, setting a positive tone for the year. He shared with the students the theme for the school year, “Abide.” Through demonstrations of the fruit on a tree, Gallant emphasized the importance of staying connected with Jesus to obtain the fruits of the Spirit. He tied his lesson with John 15, I am the true vine, and my father is the gardener … Abide in Me, and I in you.

Following the chapel, parents were invited to participate in the cherished annual prayer walk, where they joined together to pray over the school, students, community, and staff.

The Early Childhood and Lower School students spent their first day getting acquainted with their classmates and settling into their new classrooms. Meanwhile, Middle School students enjoyed an afternoon of team building and swimming at Bear Creek Lake in Lakewood, Colorado, fostering camaraderie and a spirit of collaboration. Upper School students began their journey with a focus on what it means to be an Upper School student. The day also featured fun activities organized by this year’s Student Association (SA).

MHA principal Andrew Carpenter expressed his enthusiasm for the start of the new school year, saying, “We are incredibly excited to begin another exceptional year at Mile High Academy. It’s humbling to see our enrollment continue to grow, and we firmly believe that God has a special plan for MHA this year. We’re also thrilled to welcome our new teachers who bring a wealth of talent and passion to our community. We look forward to watching our students grow academically, spiritually, and personally as we journey together through the year.”

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

15 Aug

CAMPOREE: A MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE FOR RMC

RMCNews – Gillette, Wyoming … The theme “Believe the Promise” was tested true at the 2024 International Pathfinder Camporee held at CAM-PLEX Multi-Event Center in Gillette, Wyoming, August 5-11. The “promise” was that of a personal and spiritual journey.

The first days of the program were seasonably warm and a bit windy for the 60,000 participants setting up their club campsites in their allocated union areas. Pathfinders were able to participate in around 300 honors activities, pin trading, community service projects, and a multitude of local activities, one being small rodeo demonstrations.

Jade Teal, RMC Youth assistant director, assisted in leading a climbing expedition at Wyoming’s Devils Tower National Monument in for Teen Leadership Training (TLT) program to climb one pitch of the monument. “So, we had prayer before we went up,” Jade reminisced. “I’m really scared of heights. But I’m tied into a rope so I know I’m okay, because I can trust my rope. And we can trust God, so we don’t have to be afraid.” There were supposed to be five sessions, but weather conditions only allowed for one session on Monday, August 5. There were four TLT’s that participated in that session: one from Nebraska and three siblings from Canada.

Several RMC Pathfinders received recognition during Camporee. The Flying Garuda Pathfinder Club from the Colorado Indonesian-American Seventh-day Adventist Church in Denver, Colorado, won first place for the basic marching category in the Drill Team & Drum Corps competition featuring the Mid-America, North, and North Pacific Union clubs, August 6. Two of the six $500 Adventist school scholarships for best modules built in the Great Ball Contraption challenge were awarded to RMC Pathfinders from the Littleton Lights Pathfinder Club, Nathan Matabi and Benjamin Pelley, from Littleton Seventh-day Adventist Church in Littleton, Colorado.

Activities at Camporee were put on hold when a severe storm passed through the region on Tuesday evening, August 6. Campers were evacuated into the facility buildings or their vehicles while heavy rain and winds tore through the camp. Many campsites throughout the CAM-PLEX sustained damage, leaving some clubs without shelter until equipment could be dried out or replaced. “What you can see is God’s guidance and his protection. Yes. A lot of camps were wiped out, but I’m not aware of anyone who was hurt,” remarked Axel, an instructor and counselor with the Riffle Seventh-day Adventist Church Pathfinder Club in Rifle, Colorado.

Personal reports from participants were given of local Gillette facilities opening up to provide housing for the night, residents bringing over camping supplies and sleeping bags, and one RMC employee recounted hearing about a local Gillette woman doing laundry at her home for a family with an infant. There were many that remarked the day after the storm how much the Pathfinder and local community came together during this moment of crisis.

Doug Inglish, RMC vice-president for administration, personally ordered and delivered food to take to the displaced Pathfinder clubs that were staying at the Gillette Seventh-day Adventist Church the night of the storm. “To carry, in both hands, 80 burritos was not an easy task,” he light-heartedly remarked. The recipients mentioned how appreciative they were for a warm meal.

Camporee activities and programs resumed at noon, August 7. By that afternoon, camps had been rebuilt and traces of the impact of the storm were not visible other than dumpsters full of mangled and torn camping equipment.

Several Pathfinders from RMC clubs joined the over 1,000 runners in Camporee’s 5k race, August 9, including the Denver South Hispanic, Littleton, and Cody churches. Michael Taylor, lead pastor at the Casper Seventh-day Adventist Church in Casper, Wyoming, was one such racer: “It was a beautiful day; fantastic weather. As a runner, I love the overcast and slightly breezy [days]. It made it just perfect running weather.”

After the race, the announcement had been made that Camporee would be closing down a day early, and that Friday, August 9, would be last full day of activities. It was also announced that the Saturday night baptisms would be joined with Friday night’s group and that they would run the remaining acts of the Moses production as well. The 16 RMC Pathfinders joined the 500 baptism candidates in the baptismal pools located in the evening program stage.

Ten-year-old Oscar from the Brighton Seventh-day Adventist Church Pathfinder Club in Brighton, Colorado, was baptized that night. When asked why he chose to be baptized at Camporee, he said, “Because there was going to be a lot of people here, and everyone could see me give my life to God.” His fellow club member, Josephine, decided during Camporee to be baptized after watching keynote speaker Damian Chandler: “I wasn’t going to do it at Camporee, but what he said last night in the [evening program] really hit me.”

The Camporee-wide Sabbath service on Saturday, August 10, had been canceled, but many conferences offered the option for their clubs to stay for a conference-wide service. RMC conducted an impromptu conference-wide Sabbath service that was well attended. Leandro Bizama, Campion Church associate pastor, led the praise music during the open-air service with RMC president, Mic Thurber, giving the sermon and Doug Inglish, RMC vice president for administration, giving the prayer.

Special music was provided by members of the Louisville and Indonesian Seventh-day Adventist churches, and the Camporee theme song was sung. The service also featured special recognition of last night’s baptism participants and a love offering collection for a couple from Brazil who assisted RMC at Camporee until serious health issues put the wife into the hospital.

Following the Sabbath service, a special ceremony was held at the RMC camp area for the seven RMC Master Guide candidates: David Hopkins, Lacinda Hopkins, Roger Beckermeyer, Jen Beckermeyer, Brent Learned, Natalie Lerma, and Joel Hernandez. The Camporee-wide ceremony had been canceled.

Many RMC Pathfinder clubs had departed by late afternoon with only a few partial clubs staying around to enjoy time together and do last pin trades. “I was so impressed driving through the camping areas after most clubs had left at how clean everything looked,” commented Inglish. “No litter! Just a few overflowing dumpsters, which is to be expected.”

While the weather conditions and cancellations may have created difficulties for Pathfinder and Camporee leaders, the resounding feedback from the young Pathfinders was that it was a wonderful experience. Nancy, a 17-year-old first-year Pathfinder from the Montrose Seventh-day Adventist Church in Montrose, Colorado, remarked on her experience: “I think my favorite thing has been all the friends we made along the way. Also, [I liked] the concert last night. I really felt the Holy Spirit, and it was honestly such a good feeling.”

But the Camporee experience did not end in RMC once clubs left the CAM-PLEX. Other national and international Pathfinder clubs had flown into Denver International Airport to leave on Sunday flights and needed to find lodging for Saturday. It was reported to RMCNews that several Adventist schools and churches hosted these pathfinder groups from Denver to as far north as Casper, Wyoming.

Rajmund Dabrowski, RMC Communication director, was an RMC representative and involved in assisting the North American Division (NAD) of Seventh-day Adventists media relations. “Our involvement yielded 16 articles in the local Gillette and Wyoming state media. We were not just involved for ourselves, but for the benefit of others.”

RMC Communication Department would also like to acknowledge Nathan Cranson, lead pastor for the Montrose, Gunnison, and Paonia Seventh-day Adventist Churches on the Western Slope of Colorado, for his videography support at Camporee. His video of the morning after the storm has had a staggering reach of 100,000 to date, and his works received accolades from fellow North American Division (NAD) media reporters. His videos can be viewed on the official RMC Camporee webpage and Facebook site.

Mic Thurber, RMC president, was present for the entirety of the 2024 International Pathfinder Camporee and remarked, “Words seem inadequate to summarize the camporee. Maybe simple declarations are enough. Some will think: heat, lightening, downpours, crowds, and mud. But others will think: new friendships, learning, singing, pins and pin trading—you’d have had to have been there to fully get that!—adventure, baptisms, Moses, meeting other cultures, and lots and lots and lots of fun and joy!”

“Kudos to our youth and Pathfinder leaders for their incredible work and leadership in helping it to be a memorable experience for all,” he continued. “I can’t help but think our heavenly Father looked down and thought, ‘Well done, My good and faithful servants.’”

—RMCNews. Photos supplied.

15 Aug

NORTHEAST WYOMING RMC CHURCHES STEPPED UP DURING CAMPOREE CRISIS

Edrey Santos with RMCNews – Gillette, Wyoming … A severe thunderstorm tore through the Gillette area in Wyoming where the 2024 International Pathfinder Camporee was being held, August 6. Many Pathfinder club camp sites sustaining damage requiring them to find alternate sleeping arrangements that evening.

Several Wyoming churches in the Rocky Mountain Conference (RMC) stepped up to aid these displaced Pathfinders. “The churches in Wyoming have such a big heart because of the faith they have in God,” remarked Edrey Santos, lead pastor for the Gillette, Sheridan, Buffalo, Newcastle, and Upton Seventh-day Churches in northeastern Wyoming.

The Gillette Church, being closest to the incident, provided aid to five pathfinder groups and to the individuals who served as volunteer workers not affiliated with any group. A group of 30 regular Gillette church attendees transported campers back and forth between the church and the CAM-PLEX Multievent Facility where Camporee was being held. Some even provided transportation to the airports in Gillette, Wyoming, and Denver, Colorado.

The church leaders worked diligently to find resources such as food, blankets, clothing, toiletries, feminine products, and other items. Products came fast from within the community as the Gillette Church coordinated with local businesses, churches, and organizations they have connections with. Some of these local entities also opened their doors to provide shelter.

Newcastle Seventh-day Adventist Church in Newcastle, Wyoming, a town about 75 miles southeast of Gillette, had members quickly respond and provide aid with donated clothing and food to displaced campers. They also opened their church facility to several groups seeking shelter.

Newcastle church members were also involved when Camporee concluded, transporting five pickup trucks full of donated food to other RMC churches and other organizations within the community such as soup kitchens, food banks, and more. This food was donated by Camporee Pathfinder groups that left camp early due to the storm.

The Buffalo Seventh-day Adventist Church in Buffalo, Wyoming, housed several pathfinder groups affected by the storm and provided food and other necessities. The Upton Seventh-day Adventist Church opened their food bank to store the extra food donations received at the end of the Camporee.

—Edrey Santos is lead pastor for the Gillette, Sheridan, Buffalo, Newcastle, and Upton Seventh-day Churches. Photo by Google Maps.

13 Aug

MILE HIGH ACADEMY AND LOCAL CHURCHES SHELTER DISPLACED PATHFINDERS

MHANews – Highlands Ranch, Colorado … Last week, Mile High Academy (MHA) in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, had the privilege of participating in the 2024 International Pathfinder Camporee held in Gillette, Wyoming, August 5-11. Their teachers and students eagerly joined thousands of other Pathfinders from across the globe in this unique spiritual experience. However, the event took an unexpected turn when severe weather warnings forced the early cancellation of the Camporee, creating a logistical crisis for the nearly 60,000 attendees.

As Wyoming’s weather took a turn for the worse, the MHA team, along with many other schools and churches in the Rocky Mountain Conference (RMC), were called upon to provide urgent assistance. Starting at 7:00 a.m. on Friday morning, August 9, the phones began ringing as stranded Pathfinders and their leaders reached out for help. Within hours, MHA and the local Adventist churches came together to do the impossible.

MHA opened its doors to house and feed 400 Pathfinders, including 350 from the Dallas Conference. The community’s response was nothing short of remarkable. Kevin Waller, an alumnus and dedicated member of the MHA community, drove up to Gillette on Saturday to bring a group back to the Denver International Airport. Additionally, two other MHA vehicles were used by another group to transport their club home.

Local Adventist churches also stepped up and provided aid:

  • Littleton Seventh-day Adventist Church in Littleton, Colorado, hosted over 100 Pathfinders, providing them with shelter and care.
  • Lifesource Adventist Fellowship in Denver, Colorado, housed and fed more than 150 Pathfinders.
  • Denver West Seventh-day Adventist Church in Denver, Colorado, opened its doors to another group in need of a place to stay.
  • Denver South Seventh-day Adventist Church in Denver, Colorado, opened its doors for a group from Spencerville, Maryland.
  • Newday Adventist Church in Parker, Colorado, prepared sack lunches for the groups.

“This collective effort demonstrated the power of the shared mission and the strength of the local Adventist community,” said Jocelyn Aalborg, MHA vice principal of finance and development. “It was truly inspiring to witness how quickly and effectively our churches and schools responded to the crisis, providing refuge and assistance to so many.”

This touching story highlights the strong sense of community within the MHA family, exemplified by Dawn Bookhardt, a dedicated alumna from the class of 1977. When severe weather forced the evacuation of over 400 Pathfinders from the Camporee in Gillette, leaving them stranded, Dawn stepped in to connect them with Mile High Academy.

She rallied her classmates, ensuring the Pathfinders were warmly welcomed with food and care. Reflecting on the experience, Dawn shared on Facebook: “I AM SO PROUD OF MILE HIGH ACADEMY! Yesterday, MHA hosted over 400 Pathfinders who were evacuated from the Camporee in Gillette, Wyoming, due to severe weather. Because all travel arrangements were scheduled to depart Gillette today, these young souls were basically stranded. But in true Mustang spirit, the Pathfinders were offered refuge at MHA. They were fed, loved, and sheltered on Sabbath, and believe me, they felt the love! Special thanks to Jocelyn and Principal Andrew who stepped up in a big way to illustrate the love of Jesus. Jocelyn fielded what must have been 100 panicked phone calls and texts, made appropriate arrangements, and welcomed our guests with open arms. Thank you so much for all of your help. May God’s richest blessings be yours.”

This incredible effort was not only about providing shelter but also about living out the school’s and Adventists’ mission to help others in need. Principal Andrew Carpenter captured this sentiment perfectly in a message to the MHA staff, emphasizing the importance of MHA’s extended family and the global Adventist community. He wrote, “Our Mile High Academy family extends beyond these walls and this community. If ever in need, we have a worldwide family that will come to our aid simply because we share the name Adventist. This weekend, our Adventist brothers and sisters are asking for help.”

In the end, over 400 young people cycled through the MHA campus in just 48 hours.

“It was a monumental task, one that showcased the best of who we are as a community—united in mission, generous in spirit, and willing to go above and beyond to help others in need,” said Aalborg.

As the community reflects on this experience, it is reminded of the incredible blessings that come from working together.

Aalborg commented, “We are deeply grateful to everyone who played a role in this massive undertaking, and we are proud to be part of a community that truly embodies the spirit of service and love. Thank you to all the churches, schools, and individuals who opened their doors, provided meals, and extended a helping hand. This past weekend was a testament to the power of community and the love of Christ in action. Together, we accomplished something truly remarkable.”

—MHANews. Photos supplied.