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Jill Harlow – Sagunto, Spain … Twenty current and former students from Campion Academy (CA) in Loveland, Colorado, wrapped up their six-week study abroad program in Sagunto, Spain, coming home not only with fun memories, but with a greater perspective of the world, themselves, and God.

In the second half of the program, the students took a five-day tour of the Madrid area, including visiting the deeply historical cities of Segovia and Toledo.

Josh P., CA junior student, commented, “I think that my favorite part of the tour in Madrid was touring the Royal Palace. From the very first room you’re met with jaw dropping views of intricately painted ceilings, grandiose wallpaper, and carefully crafted furniture. Every room becomes more impressive and awe inspiring than the last. Furthermore, as you walk through rooms constructed hundreds of years ago it gives you a very tangible sense of just how much history can be found in Spain. Being able to wander throughout the palace in awe was truly an unforgettable experience.”

The last two and a half weeks were more academically focused, digging deeper into the language and getting more serious about homework and tests.

Natalie B., CA junior student, reflected, “The classes were hard at first, mostly because teachers only spoke in Spanish, which personally overwhelmed me a bit. But once I got the hang of it, it was exciting to see improvements in myself. Something that also helped was how patient teachers were. Whenever I needed help or encouragement, they were always willing to be there for me. I was excited to learn a new language within another culture, and I hope I can learn more.”

One of the greatest opportunities of the trip was to make friendship bonds not only with our Campion group, but also with students from around the world, and the Spanish college students who worked for the program.

“All the friends I was able to build made my trip extra special because I got to meet amazing and funny people that I would have never been able to meet in any other circumstance,” shared Dayanara Z., CA senior student.  “Meeting new people made my summer better because they would get me to do things that I would not normally be willing to do like sing up front or dance flamenco for the talent show.”

Dayanara continued, “I appreciated how friendly the people from Spain were. They were always willing to help you with your homework. They made our daily worships fun and always made sure everyone was involved.  What I appreciate from the culture was how welcoming and how friendly they were to everyone making sure we were always included.”

Finally, the time away from family and our home country was a catalyst for personal and spiritual growth.

Annalise G., CA senior student, recalled, “The experience in Spain made me want to connect with God more and let Him guide me in the right way. I came into this trip never being away from home and so shy, and I had to learn to be patient with myself and give myself the time I needed to get comfortable and come out of my shell a bit. Once I did I slowly grew to be not only more independent but to be ok with putting my trust in others to rely on them for help when needed. I got to meet so many amazing people that helped grow and be ok with just being me. They treated me like family and supported me through every high and low.”

CA senior student Teagan P. furthered, “The trip to Spain was a big growing experience for me. Being away from my family and country challenged me to look at myself from a different perspective. The personal intentionality to go to church and other events helped me be more responsible for my spiritual growth. I learned many different things and became more independent as a person. I am so thankful that I was able to have this experience.”

—Jill Harlow is Campion Academy Spanish, English Language Learner (ELL), and Communication director. Photos supplied.

RMCNews – Parker, Colorado … Kenneth Martinez, now having served for almost two years as the teaching pastor at Newday Adventist Church in Parker, Colorado, was publicly affirmed and ordained into ministry, August 1.

“Whether you attended in person or online, you witnessed the memorable celebration of Kenneth’s ordination,” remarked Lisa Cardinal, lead pastor at Newday Church. “Leaders from the Rocky Mountain Conference and Mid-American Union attended. Family and friends attended. Several from Refuge, the church Kenneth planted in Seattle, drove more than twenty hours straight to attend, and of course, many from Newday attended. Congratulations, Kenneth and Addi!”

Martinez was born and raised in a Christian family in Mexico where he felt the first call to ministry when he was 14 years old. He did not initially take this call, studying computer sciences at university and eventually moving to the United States with his wife and ministry partner, Addi, to work for Microsoft.

But that call never left, and Martinez and his wife became core members of a Hispanic Church plant church plant in Washington State. He later became a lay pastor for a new church plant for young adults and finished a Master of Arts in Theology and later a Doctor of Ministry in Expository Preaching.

Martinez’s path to ordination spanned eight years—both in volunteer time and employed—in which he also ministered around 30 baptisms, published two books, and is regularly requested for speaking engagements.

“We were reminded of Kenneth’s journey and the many lives impacted through his ministry, which began as a high school student serving God. Kenneth’s ministry continued even as he chose to become a software engineer and was appointed as a lay pastor. Eventually, Kenneth left Microsoft and was hired as a full-time pastor in Washington and in 2024, he accepted a call to become the teaching pastor at Newday. In every season, Kenneth has ministered as a faithful disciple and disciple-maker,” reflected Cardinal.

The Candidate for Ordination was introduced by Cardinal, followed by the Ministry Affirmation provided by Jay Mamanua and Katherine Cobb, members at Newday. The Ministry Charge was presented by Sean Lee, RMC Ministerial director, and Craig Carr, Mid-America Union Conference (MAUC) Ministerial director, and the Ordination Prayer was offered by Nathaniel Gamble, RMC vice president for Administration. Hugo Guillén, RMC Ministerial associate director, presented a Ministry Welcome.

Cardinal closed, “Kenneth responded by sharing his confidence in God’s faithfulness to complete the good work He began in Kenneth’s life. He pledged to give himself wholly to the calling of ministry and committed to follow Jesus daily. Thank God for creating Kenneth just as he is! Thank you, Kenneth, for saying yes to God. We look forward to Kenneth’s continued ministry, his anointed Biblical teaching, his passion to make disciples, and our continued journey together.”

—RMCNews. Photos by Jay Mamanua.

RMCNews – Ward, Colorado … Each year, Adventist educators from across the Rocky Mountain Conference (RMC) are pulled together prior to the start of the school year to be encouraged, inspired, and connected through worship and professional development.

“Across our conference, you serve students of different ages, backgrounds, abilities, and experiences. Yet we are united by one mission: to help every student know that they are seen and loved by God, gifted for a purpose, and equipped to serve,” was the connecting reminder from Diane Harris, RMC superintendent, to the almost 80 conference educators at the 2026 RMC Teachers’ Convention, August 1-2. Harris was joined with co-convention coordinator and new associate superintendent Andrew Carpenter.

This sentiment was supported with this year’s theme of “Known. Called. Sent.” which was expanded to “Known by God. Called to become like Him. Sent to make Him known.” Harris commented, “This theme begins with what is already true because of God. He knows us completely, calls us with purpose, and sends us into the lives of others.”

The convention began on Saturday with an opening Sabbath service and message by Dave VandeVere, RMC president, who tied the biblical story of the Samaritan woman at the well to the weekend’s theme and had attendees break into several small group discussions. He urged the educators, “We cannot be so distracted that we forget our call to lead students to Jesus.”

Timothy Gillespie, vice president of Mission and Ministry for AdventHealth Rocky Mountain Region, provided two messages for the attendees that day. Gillespie, while now a healthcare administrator and previously a pastor, had brief experience as a physical education and Bible teacher and has a number of family members in education.

Gillespie’s first message weighed heavily on the relationship between the educator and student as Christian Adventist teachers: “Education is the baseline of what you do. Education can be transactional, but the best education is relational.” He stressed the importance of creating a culture to foster this relationship for authentic impact in a student’s life.

“I think it’s so easy nowadays for our students to put on a persona for their friends and to be in that social media culture, which is something Tim Gillespie talked about,” commented Mathias Gallaher, new headteacher at Brighton Adventist Academy. “It’s really important as educators—and something that will be a challenge—to really help our students break down those walls and feel known. And when we start there, and help them to feel known, then we can show them the mission and we can show them they’re calling and then send them out to share it with others.”

The following day of the Convention was a full day of professional development led by Kristin Poage, an associate at Marzano Resources,* who reviewed an instructional framework to improve student achievement termed The New Art and Science of Teaching.

Of the new teaching staff present at the convention was the teaching principal Bobi Crenshaw from the Sonshine Academy in Worland, Wyoming, that has just reopened for the 2026-2027 school year. “Two years ago, I got the very strong impression that it was time for me to leave where I was, and I prayed about it. I listened to my shepherd who said, ‘I have somewhere else for you to go.’ I really felt called that Worland was where I needed to go.”

Crenshaw continued, “When we were getting ready to go. My house sold within ten days. We found a house, and I just feel that God has sent me here. So, I feel very known, very called, and very sent.”

The format of the convention was different this year, being held at RMC’s Glacier View Ranch (GVR) in Ward, Colorado. Remarking on the change, Harris said, “Our time together at Glacier View Ranch will give us an opportunity to pause before the school year begins, to worship, reconnect, learn, and remember that none of us carries this calling alone. My hope is that teachers leave Glacier View Ranch reminded that they are deeply valued, renewed in their calling, strengthened for the students God has entrusted to their care, and more deeply connected to the larger family of RMC Education.”

* Marzano Resources is not affiliated with the Seventh-day Adventist Church nor the Rocky Mountain Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.

—RMCNews, Photos by Liz Kirkland.

By AWL News 

We asked the Adventist Women Leaders (AWL) community what’s one habit, mindset shift, resource or practice that made you a steadier leader? Here’s a collection of your responses.

FIND AWESOME MENTORS

My leadership tip is to be a great follower. Doing this means having awesome “mentor-mentee” experiences. No matter what experience we have gotten climbing the leadership ladder, there are best practices that are innovative and personal. These practices may never be documented and have proven to be successful over the years. Learning from mentors enriches any leader’s worldview and brings more than average value to the community one is leading. I believe we will pass on the torch of leadership better than we received it.

Shared by AWL member Ima-Obong Monday Jonathan 

LISTEN & OBSERVE

Be a good listener and observer. Identify the positives and potential in others and encourage them to be active in co-labouring in God’s Kingdom.

Shared by AWL member Kareen Robinson-Simpson

HAVE A PLAN

Be intentional to stay organized. “If I fail to plan, I plan to fail.”

Shared by AWL member Marleena Debrough

RECOGNIZE THE WINS

I take time to publicly recognize the “behind the scenes” wins of our team members. While I appreciate these contributions privately, I believe it is important to share them publicly.

Shared by AWL member Betty Toussaint

CULTIVATE YOUR CURIOSITY

“Curiosity, a desire to know more about what God has for you, is the secret to shifting into a higher purpose. Curiosity is always the catalyst to calling. And it’s the antidote to the spirit of the ordinary. The voice of heaven is leading you off the mundane path of predictability and onto a more anointed, adventurous one.” — 100 Days to Believing Bigger Devotional Journal by Marshawn Evans Daniels

Shared by AWL member Deborah Egger

LISTEN

Listen and then make a tangible solution. Bible scriptures and prayer are fine, they should be done. Sometimes a person just needs soup or a car wash.

Shared by AWL member Bobbe Reynolds

FOLLOW THE SAVIOR

To me, in order to lead, I must follow my savior. Through His example, that is the only thing that can help me lead the way He did.

Shared by AWL member Bobbe Reynolds

TRUST GOD TO LEAD EVERY DAY

It was an especially stressful day in the office. I was the director of Human Resources at a university and the need to terminate an employee due to indiscretions had become necessary. 

These conversations are never easy. As the employee sat uncomfortably in the chair in front of my desk with their immediate boss in the next seat. I asked God for words to say that were both accurate and clear and compassionate. And I felt so inadequate. 

How did this person feel, knowing they were about to lose their job, their livelihood? This would mean an end to the comfortable life they now lived. There seemed no way to make this easy. Then, I saw the hand stitched plaque on the wall, done by a friend that knew my daily challenges: “In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” Prov 3:6

“Lord,” I silently prayed, “please help me to have the words to let this person know they are loved by you, even though they can’t continue in their position.”

The conversation began haltingly, and awkwardly. But as we got to the heart of the matter, I could feel a calming in my heart and mind as we also recognized that things couldn’t continue as they had been. God was working in this situation. He was helping this person to see that there might be a better place for them in another work situation. 

As the employee and their boss left the office, there was a hug and a tear. They knew we didn’t want to make this decision, it was really their decision made through actions they had taken. “Thank you, God,” I breathed. 

Divine guidance and grace in every situation is a prayer we know God will always answer. And He does it graciously, without judging or condemning us. With this understanding of how God is with us and works on our behalf, we can face anything in the future knowing he will guide us through the valleys and rough roads of human interactions.

Shared by AWL member Linda Becker

—Republished with permission from the July 14, 2026, Adventist Women Leaders email newsletter. Photo by Pieter Damsteegt/NAD.