NN July 2022 – Rocky Mountain Conference of Seventh-day Adventists

26 Jul

2022 CAMP MEETING: A SPIRITUAL HIGH POINT FOR WYOMING

By Rajmund Dabrowski – Casper, Wyoming … Walking through the campus of Mills Spring Ranch at the end of the 2022 “Bold for Christ” camp meeting, July 12-16, two members reflected on the annual gathering of church members from Wyoming. “This was the best camp meeting we’ve attended,” they said. Likely, the 200 participants, including youth, would agree.

When asked about his own reflection on the 2022 event on Casper Mountain, Steve Nelson, pastor of the Worland district in Wyoming remarked: “This year’s camp meeting was a spiritual high point for Wyoming. God’s presence was truly felt through the music, speakers, and fellowship together! We are so grateful for our members and churches here in this awesome state!”

Conversations after each presentation expressed appreciation for the presenters. The organizers invited Mic Thurber, RMC president, and Dr. Joseph Kidder, professor of pastoral theology and discipleship at the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan as well as seminar presenters Ron Price, conflict resolution expert and author from Farmington, New Mexico and Dr. Timothy J. Arnott from RMC Lifestyle Center in Denver, Colorado.

Commenting on the Casper Mountain convocation, Mic Thurber said, “Both Jana and I especially loved Wyoming camp meeting this year! We’ve visited in the past and always loved the people who came, the incredible setting, and the family atmosphere we experienced there. We found all those same things to be true this year when we attended for the first time as leaders in Rocky Mountain.

“Our main speaker, Dr. S. Joseph Kidder, was absolutely right when he said that this camp meeting is one of the hidden gems in the church. We can’t wait until next year!”

Dr. Kidder is a storyteller. His illustrations and honest assessment of church life invited

the audience to reflect on their own spirituality and quality of worship. “We have lost our enthusiasm to worship God,” he pointed out.

“Silence is not an indication that you are worshiping God,” he added.

Jeff Pike, pastor of the Western Wyoming district, is 24 years old, but has attended 15 Wyoming camp meetings, he says. “Things have come together at this camp meeting very well. The most impressive is the youth program with the stories I have been hearing about how they have been impacted spiritually and how they have been drawn in and connected with Scripture.”

He was impressed by Dr. Kidder’s personal testimony on Sabbath where he gave a modern-day demonstration of the power of God. It was a “really powerful reminder for us [as] we read the Bible stories, but sometimes they can be so distant that we may get the idea of God not acting in the same way today, so it’s very much encouraging to hear how God is still very much alive today, actively seeking to save people even in incredibly difficult situations,” Jeff explained.

Ron Price’s presentations brought in practical tools, tips, and techniques for conflict resolution and, as expected, the participating audience was engaged and responsive. Citing years of professional engagement, he said, “One of my favorite expressions is that conflict is inevitable. When you are dealing with other human beings, you are going to have conflict from time to time, but damaged relationships, poor morale, low productivity–those are all optional. All of us experience conflict. Most of us dread conflict. But few of us have been trained in how to prevent it, when possible, and resolve it when necessary.”

“So, that’s what God has given me as my purpose in life. I was a mediator for 30 years. I’ve studied dispute resolution and conflict management. And I love to share that with people. What an honor to be invited to speak at the Wyoming camp meeting and share, not my own wisdom, but knowledge and wisdom that I’ve picked up from training that I’ve experienced,” he continued.

“Conflict and church do not go together. Christians are fallible human beings and anytime [they] interact with each other, there is going to be conflict from time to time. But if we manage it well, conflict can be a positive procedure or process–growth and relationship enhancing–not a destructive process,” he added.

The camp meeting time was special for Shayne and Gabriela Vincent. On Sabbath afternoon, Shayne Vincent, pastor of the Casper and Wheatland churches, was ordained to the gospel ministry. “For us,” remarked Gabriela, “it was also a family reunion with Shayne’s mother, Susan, and my parents, Pastor Eugen and Livia Baciu, who came from Romania, that made our day truly special.

Apart from the inspiring messages and meeting friends from different Wyoming churches, camp participants commented on how they enjoyed the meals—prepared by Don and Chris Hill. But it was the frequent prayer time and inspirational music that made the Wyoming convocation unforgettable.

In the words of Kurt Jensen from Wind River Fellowship Church, “My wife Ginni and I have been extremely busy this summer. We were really tired and [when we] had a reprieve from our labors that fell during camp meeting time, we didn’t want to go to camp meeting, but just wanted to stay home and collapse. However, we chose to go to camp meeting anyway. The blessing we got from going far outweighed any blessings we would have gotten from staying away. It would be like comparing a Yugo to a Rolls Royce. I am so glad we chose the Rolls.”

–Rajmund Dabrowski, text and photos.

26 Jul

ORDINATION OF SHAYNE MASON VINCENT

Rajmund Dabrowski – Casper, Wyoming … Shayne Mason Vincent, in his words, “started this journey with God in 1994… From homeless drug addict, high school dropout to therapist and [now] ordained minister, a testament to the power of God’s grace.”

“The ordination service was an event like no other,” concluded Gabriela, Shayne’ wife. “It was a beautiful sunny day, surrounded by my wonderful parents who came from Romania to support us, Shayne’s mother, Susan, who came from Minnesota, and with many of our close friends, as well as our Casper and Wheatland church families,” she continued.

The service, included in the program of the Sabbath at Wyoming camp meeting, July 16, became a celebration of gospel ministry, as well as inspirational presentations about Shayne’s eventful life and the meaning of ordination.

The candidate for ordination was introduced by Pastor Bert Eldredge, a Lutheran minister and friend from Casper. “Shayne has fully known the Holy Spirit since he was 5-years old. Believe it or not, at about age 9, he wanted to be a Lutheran pastor. This was due to having a very kind-hearted pastor in his life at that time,” he said.

Shayne’s Interest in Christian ministry continued and “at 10 years old, he was attending a Baptist church and his life was going through changes. In his teens and 20’s drugs and alcohol had taken its toll on his life, and he dropped out of school and became homeless.

“God’s grace grabbed Shayne again through David Wilkerson’s Ministry. [But] the real change came when Shayne attended a Daniel and Revelation seminar. He gave his life fully to Christ,” Eldredge said.

Shayne’s returned to school and received a bachelor’s degree in theology and biblical counseling. He also graduated with a master’s degree in social work. He worked in hospice and was director of bereavement services, and he also spent four years as director of outpatient services in a drug treatment center.

But his real dream was to see himself as a pastor. This came with an invitation to serve as minister in 2018 in the Rocky Mountain Conference. Today, Shayne has 14 years in counseling and 14 years in ministry.

“I have been blessed to know Shayne since he has arrived in Casper. He has been a solid mentor in my life. He has changed since he came to Casper, but even more so, he has changed the lives of the people he has met here,” Eldredge continued.

He ended his introduction of Shayne Mason Vincent with these words: “Brother, I am honored that you allowed me to give a brief history of you, but I cannot wait to see where God is taking you next.”

Following a Ministry Affirmation by Doug Inglish, RMC VP for administration, an ordination address was given by Pastor Eugen Baciu from Romania, the father of Gabriela. “It was incredibly emotional for me to translate my father’s ordination address,” she said.

Pastor Eugen Baciu, a retired pastor from Romania commented, “I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity I had to witness my son in law’s ordination. And I am very thankful for the RMC’s invitation to present the ordination address”.

“God chooses his servants and He’s also the One who appoints them with talents and gifts for the work they have been called to do. Shayne’s ordination has given me the opportunity to rededicate myself and to realize the impact my ministry and my work has even as a retired pastor,” he said.

The service continued with the Ordination Prayer by Mic Thurber, RMC president, and Ministry Charge was given by Craig Carr, ministerial director of Mid-America Union Conference.

Following a ministry welcome, by Mickey Mallory, RMC ministerial director, Shayne shared how the Lord has turned his life around. He referred to many miracles in his life, referencing 1 Samuel 2:8 – The Lord raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the trash heap. He seats them with nobleman and gives them a throne of honor.

Shane listed how Jesus “has healed my many childhood issues and relationships. He has healed my mother, now baptized member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. He picked me up and found me. Thank you, Jesus!”

Shayne’s incredible experiences with God over the years, including his struggle in overcoming Covid several months ago, has been a testimony to the amazing work that the Spirit has done and continues doing in Shayne’s life and ministry.

–Rajmund Dabrowski; photos by CeCe Gage and Rajmund Dabrowski

Man speaking at a podium and a pastor and his wife sitting to the side

26 Jul

PUEBLO OUTREACH AND EDUCATION CENTER FOSTERS JOINT MINISTRY PROGRAM

Kathy Guagliardo – Pueblo, Colorado … By establishing the Outreach and Education Center in partnership with the Daystar Christian School, the Pueblo-First Seventh-day Adventist Church bears a testimony to model a service exemplified in a Jesus’ method of ministry of reaching out to those around him (White, E.G., Ministry of Healing p. 143).

Studying the local demographics and closely working with the pastor, outreach coordinator is showcasing determination to follow their example. The research found that Pueblo is one of the poorest cities in Colorado, with about a 22% poverty level, many single-parent households, numerous homeless individuals, and a high level of drug abuse.

“The needs here are many. The ministry leaders agreed that outreach involved all ministries working collectively to reach our community. As the idea of ministries collaboration was conceived, we formed a team of dedicated volunteers who developed a mission and vision statement, by-laws, and a board of directors to move forward. We set our goals to be professional and efficient in our efforts for Pueblo,” said Kathy Guagliardo, Pueblo-First outreach coordinator.

By partnering with the Daystar Christian School to use the building for The Outreach and Education Center the organizers hope to lessen the prejudices toward church-created programs. “We have begun to present programs such as NEWSTART, Grief Recovery, Diabetes Undone, and Exercise/Stretching classes. The center recently held a Vacation Bible School for the first time in several years, with excellent attendance and previously unseen interest by the community, Kathy explained.

Also, the Adventist Community Services (ACS) found its new home at the center. Their Angels of Kindness “mobile unit” is reaching Pueblo’s homeless as its base. Furthermore, ACS extended the hand of collaboration with the local Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) and the Ham Radio group was provided space to organize meetings at the center.

With professional help, the Outreach and Education Center plans to offer tutoring classes from the 2022 fall in mathematics, science, and reading (grades 1-8) to help kids in our community succeed. In addition, they are planning Vegetarian Cooking and Drug Recovery in conjunction with Parenting and Bible study classes.

The church leaders work to extend its influence throughout Pueblo. Their aim is that the community would know that, like Jesus, they are a caring, compassionate, and active people living to reflect Christ’s love and His life. Their mission reflects what a prophet Zachariah stated in the words spoken by God to Zerubbabel: “Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit.” (Zachariah 4:6)

–Kathy Guagliardo is Pueblo-First Outreach coordinator; photos supplied

Picture of School Building (Daystar Christian School)

26 Jul

FORMER NAD PRESIDENT DANIEL R. JACKSON PASSES TO HIS REST

Kimberly Luste Maran – Columbia, Maryland … On Sabbath morning, July 23, 2022, Daniel R. Jackson, former president of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in North America, passed to his rest after several months of battling cancer. He was 73.

Jackson, who served the Adventist Church for 49 years, retired in July 2020 after serving as NAD president for a decade. As president, Jackson made many contributions to the church in North America during his 10 years of service at the division, including the building up of the NAD Ministerial Association; the creation of a missional strategic plan; and the addition of the Guam-Micronesia Mission, Oakwood University, Pacific Press Publishing Association, AdventSource, and Christian Record Services for the Blind.

In addition to the division moving to its own headquarters in Columbia, Maryland, in 2017, record tithe came in annually during Jackson’s tenure; almost 1,000 churches were planted; more than 300,000 people were baptized; and the legacy Adventist media ministries (Breath of Life, Faith For Today, It Is Written and Escrito Está, Jesus 101, La Voz de la Esperanza, Lifetalk Radio, and the Voice of Prophecy) found their own homes and identities. During this time the number of women working as pastors and chaplains doubled; the Adventist Learning Community, a robust digital ministry resource, was created; both the Young Adult Life initiative and Big Data + Social Media department came to fruition; and the division started the magazine Adventist Journey.

Jackson was elected on June 28, 2010, by delegates of the world church at the General Conference Session in Atlanta, Georgia, and reelected to this position on July 6, 2015, at the 60th General Conference Session held in San Antonio, Texas. The General Conference Session is the highest governing body in the Adventist Church.

Jackson, a native Canadian and, with the exception of five years of service in the Southern Asia Division, lived and ministered in the North American Division. He was a graduate of Canadian Union College (now Burman University) and Andrews University, from which he holds an M.A. in Religion in Systematic Theology. Jackson is one of the authors of the book Becoming a Mission-Driven Church.

He was known for his love of music, keen sense of humor, and mission-mindedness — all hallmarks of his ministry throughout the years.

During his career, Jackson served the church as a pastor, teacher, and administrator. But Jackson, who frequently started a talk or sermon reminding his audience that he was “a broken man in need of the Savior,” often said that foremost, he was a fellow traveler on the same path as every Christian headed toward the kingdom.

“Elder Dan Jackson was not only a fellow colleague in ministry, he was also a true friend and brother who demonstrated his faith in real and practical ways. Having served with him for 10 years I can say with authority that he was the genuine article. It is no overstatement to say a giant among us has fallen,” said G. Alexander Bryant, current NAD president and successor to Jackson.

Bryant continued, “He stood firmly on his convictions with courage and humility. He would often lend his voice to speak up for the marginalized and the disenfranchised among us. He embodied the concept of servant leadership; and he empowered others around him and assisted them in striving for their God-given potential. This church has been tremendously blessed by his ministry and is the better off because Elder Jackson walked among us.”

“Elder Jackson was such a godly man and a wonderful leader,” said Kyoshn Ahn, NAD executive secretary. “His kindness and courage inspired many members. His love for the church was infinite and unlimited. He simply lived out the gospel he preached so passionately. God has immensely blessed the church and the NAD with his leadership and service.”

Current NAD treasurer/CFO Randy Robinson said, “Elder Jackson had a passion for Jesus, for the Seventh-day Adventist Church, and for the members of the North American Division. You could not be around him for any length of time without recognizing each of those three passions. During his tenure, he led the church in North America forward as he depended on the grace of Jesus. He will be deeply missed!”

“When Dan was elected NAD president in 2010, I felt that he was the man of the hour and what we needed in leadership,” shared Thomas G. Evans, former treasurer/CFO who worked with Jackson for more than eight years at the division. “He lived his love for Christ and promoted it to those around him. He reminded all of us that we are broken and need the Lord. One of the highlights of his tenure was the move of the NAD office from the GC in Silver Spring to Columbia, which continues to prove to be a blessing to the division.

Evans added, “Dan was also a family man. He loved Donna and his kids and extended family. He will be missed by all who knew him.”

A Visionary Leader, A Humble Spirit

During a tribute at Jackson’s 2020 retirement, Bryant shared how shortly after the 2010 election, Jackson discovered a note in his desk that was written by Bob Dale, a former executive secretary of the division, that outlined a 70-year-plan for the division. The plan included moving the division’s headquarters from the General Conference building into its own building.

“He started on a journey that seemed to be an improbable journey. In fact, many people even [in the NAD] did not believe it was possible,” said Bryant. “And here we’re now celebrating our third year-end meeting in this building. It speaks to Dan’s leadership, courage, and it was not without bruises and pain. … But he moved forward anyway.”

Jackson never imagined he’d become the president of the Adventist Church in North America. In a 2020 interview with Dan Weber, former NAD Communication director, Jackson said that he thought there would never be a chance he’d serve in any administrative role.

“I had no aspirations to be an administrator. And no clue that it would ever happen,” he said. He talked about how he and his wife Donna raised their children with the belief in Christ’s soon coming. “Our burning desire was just to win souls for Jesus and see Him return.”

In regard to his work at the NAD, Jackson shared that supporting women in ministry was a significant part of his lifework. “I have always had the belief that women ought to be treated on an equal basis with men. God has gifted women just as He has gifted men. He’s called women just as He has called men. There’s ample evidence and direction of that in Scripture,” Jackson said. “When I came to the North American Division, we thought through some of the strategic initiatives that the NAD team would undertake together. Women in ministry was one of the highest priorities.”

As he retired, Jackson shared, “What I’ll cherish most is the idea that during our time we were able to help get the mission of the church in focus. That all of the adjustments we made administratively were shaping, shaping, shaping the idea that this work has only one target: under the direction of Jesus we are moving forward in mission. I pray that mission continues to remain our church’s focus.”

Following Jesus

Jackson had a burden to reach others with the gospel message — to share the hope and wholeness found in Jesus. “We are called by God to plant ourselves in the soil of human need — as different and as difficult and as hard as the soil may be today,” said Jackson in his 2017 NAD year-end meeting sermon.

“Where does love call us?” asked Jackson. “We will never discover the answer to that nor the true basis for effective Christ-centered ministry with more seminars, with better personal coaches, or mentors, or by looking to others.”

The answer, Jackson said, is found in the Apostle Paul’s words in Hebrews 12:1, 2. “The best way for me to understand my life and my service for God is to keep my eyes fixed upon Jesus as my Example and my Mentor.”

“Serving has always been a privilege,” Jackson shared near his retirement. “I’ve always held the idea that God would move us into this role in great reverence. … It is the people that make the job very rich and a huge blessing. I deeply respect and revere what God is willing to do in the life of a scamp from Edmonton, Alberta, and a wonderful woman from Sidney, British Columbia.”

Jackson is survived by his wife, Donna, who served as an associate director for the NAD Ministerial Association before she retired in 2020; three children; and four grandchildren.

Information on where to send condolences, and when a memorial service will be scheduled, will be shared when available. Click here to read this article on the NAD website.

–Kimberly Luste Maran. Photo: Daniel R. Jackson in the NAD headquarter’s C. D. Brooks Chapel; photo by Pieter Damsteegt/NAD

14 Jul

REFLECTION: HOW I’M LEARNING TO CHERISH* THE OLD AND THE NEW

By Sandy Hodgson … It’s just been two weeks since I transitioned from teaching principal to assistant director of education. It’s not nearly enough time to get a firm grasp on my new responsibilities, but I’m already getting a sense of what I’m going to enjoy and what I cherish so much about education in our conference.

I cherish educational leadership that is forward thinking and intentional about supporting schools so they can focus on learning, creating a collaborative culture, and using strategies to measure results.
I cherish conference leadership that understands the important ministry of Adventist education and is dedicated to partnership with the education department while expecting accountability to uphold the mission and vision of that ministry.
I cherish our churches and the responsibility they are accepting to support Adventist education. Do I dream that more of our churches become involved in supporting schools, teachers, and students? Yes! And with greater transparency and accountability, I believe we will have increased partners in the ministry of education.
I cherish the dedication of our school teams, no matter the size. I see an amazing commitment to students, families, local communities, and constituents.

As we prepare for a new school year, I look forward to encouraging, supporting, and serving throughout the Rocky Mountain Conference. We will challenge and be challenged, but I am confident that God will “equip us with everything good for doing his work.” (Hebrews 13:21)

*The acronym CHERISH, represents a foundation for education adopted by RMC –– Christ-centered, honor, exploration, responsibility, integrity, service, and heroism.

–Sandy Hodgson, RMC education assistant director

14 Jul

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL TURNED OUTREACH IN PUEBLO

By Louisa (Joey) Perrin – Pueblo, Colorado … After a ten-year break, Pueblo First Seventh-day Adventist Church held Vacation Bible School (VBS) June 27 to July 1, an arm of its Outreach & Education Center. “We held our breath to see what God would do. Yet this project was a great blessing for our church and the surrounding neighborhood,” commented Anton Kapusi, church pastor.

On the first day of VBS, we welcomed 26 kids, of which only five were regular attendees from the church! “This was His hand at work,” Kapusi and the organizers concluded.

One parent said they were happy we offered an evening activity for the kids in the community. Another parent loved the interactive materials we sent home so they could discuss what they learned as a family. “We also had a parent who said she was baptized at Pueblo First long ago as a young person and was happy to have her child join VBS,” Louisa (Joey) Perrin, VBS director shared.

Spark Studio* was the model we used for the program. The theme of the lessons focused on Ephesians 2:10, “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

Following a prayer offered by Pastor Kapusi, the children praised God through singing and dancing. During a worship rally ‘Imaginarium’,” the kids reviewed the Bible lesson and learned about God’s plan for us. We used science to help the kids understand the meaning of God’s work. The children who learned the most and danced the best received prizes. On the last day, there was much excitement when kids made tie-dyed T-shirts with their names and the church children’s ministry motto, “Kids for Christ.”

The organizers invited the children and their parents to church on Sabbath for their VBS graduation where the pastor and the VBS director presented certificates for completing the Spark Studio VBS, and a personalized water bottle with the VBS logo.

All but six of the children and their parents attended the graduation service. They stayed for the message presented by the DayStar school board chair, emphasizing the importance of the education of our children, and setting a foundation for them to grow and find their gifts for God’s purpose. Several guest parents expressed interest in who Seventh-day Adventists are and our upcoming programs for the children and youth. One parent even attended Angels of Kindness, a community outreach to feed the homeless.

*VBS program for 2022 was developed by Spark Studios in which kids will learn that God’s creativity didn’t stop in Genesis. The Master Artist is working to redeem, reclaim, and transform us–His creation–to the design He planned for us. Kids will see the beautiful truth that they are God’s workmanship as they learn to use their talents to bring glory to Him.

–Louisa (Joey) Perrin, VBS director; photos supplied

Pueblo VBS Volunteers Helping with Check in

14 Jul

NURSING PROGRAM AT ADVENTHEALTH UNIVERSITY DENVER INSPIRES STUDENTS TO REIGNITE THEIR FAITH

By Brianna DiPilato – Denver, Colorado … “If I had followed my timeline and not God’s … I wouldn’t be here,” said Savanah Watson, AdventHealth University Denver nursing student. “As cliché as it may sound, you need to let go and let God.”

Since 2009, Centura has partnered with AHU Denver, located on the Centura- Porter Adventist Hospital campus, to provide the next generation of caregivers with tools they need to compassionately care for the whole health of their future patients — mind, body and spirit. Centura Health holds faith as a sacred foundation and believes in spreading inspiration through behaviors and actions.

Savanah Watson and Albreny Chavez are nursing students at AHU Denver. As they work through the nursing program and their clinical rotations in Centura hospitals, not only have they acquired the skills needed to become future nurses, but they also have found reasons to re-ignite their faith and live out their true purpose.

As first-generation college students, the road to finding their way after obtaining their Associate of Science degrees was bumpy. With help and support from the AHU staff, coupled with a passion to give back to others and a calling to get closer to God, Watson and Chavez pursued the AHU Denver nursing program.

“Coming to AHU, one of the classes we had to take was the Philosophy of Health Care with Pastor Seth Day. The class touched on the healing ministry of God and how to incorporate that into our everyday care. At that time in my life, I was very lost and wanted to find guidance. The school brought my faith back to light and gave me hope,” said Chavez.

To further cement their faith, Chavez was baptized into the Seventh-day Adventist Church in July 2021, which followed Watson’s baptism in November 2020 — marking the first two baptisms in the history of AHU Denver.

Throughout high school, Chavez learned how to help her mom work through many health issues, including struggling with diabetes. Later in life, her then-boyfriend had brain surgery, and Chavez was there to help with his post-operative care.

“That’s where I found my passion for wanting to become a nurse. I want to help other people and have a healing ministry within myself,” said Chavez.

For Watson, her call to nursing was solidified when her little brother, now 16 years old, was born with a double nuchal cord, which occurs when the umbilical cord wraps around the baby’s neck twice. After almost dying during birth, he recovered in the neonatal intensive care unit — a floor that Watson strives to work on someday.

“I have a passion for people, human science and wanting to help other families like the nurses who helped save my little brother,” said Watson.

As Watson works toward her goal of becoming a NICU nurse, she also wants to obtain her graduate degree and would love to come back to AHU Denver as a nurse educator. Chavez has set her sights on becoming a nurse practitioner with the hopes of guiding other nurses along the way. The collective goal to mentor comes from the same mentorship and support they’ve received in their classes and during their clinical rotations in Centura’s hospitals.

“The staff was so welcoming and supportive, always willing to pull us in and hold our hands through every experience,” said Watson.

As they fondly recall their time spent with Centura caregivers, they attribute their positive experience to the attentive, hands-on training they received while on-site.

“At Centura-Avista Adventist Hospital, the clinical instructor would start every clinical rotation with a prayer and ended with one as well. It was so grounding and really helped you get into the right mindset to care for your patients,” said Chavez.

Thanks to their decision to “let go and let God,” Chavez’s and Watson’s unique paths led them to one another and to AHU Denver, where they are able to re-ignite their faith, form connections and find purpose.

— Brianna DiPilato, Centura Health. Previously published in OUTLOOK magazine, reprinted by permission. Photo provided – pictured (l to r) are Albreny and Savanah.

07 Jul

ICE-COLD WATER ADDS EXCITEMENT TO GVR BAPTISMS

Rajmund Dabrowski – Ward, Colorado … Just as Rocky Mountain Conference youth director Brandon Westgate was about to step into the Glacier View Ranch Lake to baptize one of seven candidates, he asked candidate Alaine who she wished to baptize her. “Jessyka!” was her decisive answer. Little did she know during this short exchange that she would be stepping into a near ice-cold water.

Brandon, along with Jessyka Dooley, his associate, and one of the summer camp directors, were the officiating ministers. Stepping into the water that July 1 Friday afternoon was a life-changing moment for seven campers as they declared their belief in Jesus Christ.

Adventure Camp 2022 at GVR was the second group this summer to see a baptism. As Jessyka shared, “Fifteen campers were baptized and over 50 made the decision for baptism.”

“It’s been an amazing summer watching so many campers experience God’s wild love for them. Ending each week with camper baptisms is a clear reminder of why we are here,” Jessyka explained.

The 2022 camp season at Glacier View in Ward, Colorado, and Mills Spring Ranch in Casper, Wyoming, will have a total of 440 campers, many of whom have never held a Bible. Some of them call their parents asking if they can get a Bible. Hearing their comments, counselors give them a copy. There are 55 counselors, staff and volunteers providing a daily service and steering the campers to experience unforgettable activities and spiritual guidance.

Trenton Brantley joined the camp service in 2019 as assistant boy’s director. In his words, “GVR is a camp where you can really see the connections between the counselors and campers.”

“Summer Camp ministry is all-consuming and tiring, but always so worth it to minister to these campers and show them the love of Jesus,” Jessyka said.

–Rajmund Dabrowski with Jessyka Dooley. Photos by Rajmund Dabrowski and GVR team.

07 Jul

BAPTISMS AT CAMP

By Brandon Westgate – Ward, Colorado … Every year at Glacier View Ranch during our summer camp program, some of our campers decide they want to begin or better solidify their spiritual journey with God through baptism. These campers may be divided into a few different categories.

Some of these campers come to camp already prepared to be baptized. They have studied and have talked to their parents who are excited for their decision. There are others who have been involved in their local church and have grown up in a healthy faith community who have an experience at camp that compels them to decide to be baptized. Then there are some who come to camp with very little exposure to organized religion. They have not grown up in a faith community, yet because of what they learn about Jesus at camp, they decide to begin a faith journey with Jesus through baptism.

Some campers don’t fit neatly into any of these categories, yet because of what they have experienced at camp, they desire something greater for their life. Some of them desire to be baptized as well.

Some may say that these young people are not ready for baptism because they have not been led through a series of doctrinal studies. To this, I would simply say that baptism is the beginning of a faith journey, not a graduation ceremony for having completed a theology degree. In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus said we should make disciples. We do that by modeling Jesus to the people we encounter. We endeavor to do that at camp for our campers. Matthew quotes Jesus as saying that we should then baptize them and teach them (in that order) which is why we recommend to our campers and their parents to connect with a spiritual leader who can guide them in their new faith journey.

Some may argue that these young people are having an emotional response to God. I would affirm this to be true. I would further submit that anytime we encounter a God who is for us, who loves us with WILD* love, who has done everything He can do to save us and who desires to be with us eternally, it should evoke an emotional response! Baptism is emotional in the same way a wedding is emotional. The person being baptized is entering into a covenant relationship with Jesus and that is reason enough to rejoice and to be overcome by His WILD love!

*WILD is a theme for the GVR 2022 camp season

Brandon Westgate, RMC youth director. Photo by Rajmund Dabrowski

07 Jul

PASTORAL CALLED CONVENTION

RMCNews with Shayne and Gabriela Vincent – Lexington, Kentucky … After the hustle of preaching at their churches on June 18, Pastor Shayne Vincent and wife Gabriela made their way to the Denver airport from Wyoming for a 3 a.m. flight to Lexington, Kentucky. This was their first quinquennal North American Division (NAD) pastoral meeting, and it was a huge blessing.

Shayne met with old friends he had not seen in nearly two decades. Gabriela visited with her family who pastor there in the NAD. They also enjoyed meeting with friends they had come to know only through social media. More than 5,000 pastors and their families came from all over North America.

Among the many daily classes provided, issues from technology in ministry to budgeting in pastoral families were covered. Classes were also tailored for the pastor’s spouse and for their children, which led to 14 baptisms among the pastors’ children.

Gabriela stated, “I was blown away by the transparency and the willingness of our denomination to address tough issues such as mental health, LGBTQ, equality, and balancing family life in ministry.”

And Shayne noted, “I was encouraged to see so many pastors in the tech session who had successfully made community the center of their churches and online ministry. It reaffirmed that I am on the right track and gave me many new ideas for my own ministry”.

Along with the many break out classes, there were also main auditorium presentations that highlighted many well-known Adventists, including George Knight. Pastor Ted Williams from the Southeastern Colorado District shared with Shayne, “It was such a blessing to see the exclusive focus of the convention be Jesus!”

The convention ended by noon on Wednesday, affording enough time for many pastors to travel an hour north to “The Ark Encounter,” where they were blessed to experience a full-scale replica of Noah’s Ark. “It had the size of a cruise ship if you smooshed the top down,” commented Shayne. Inside were four massive floors, each one exploring a different aspect of the animals, the judgment in the Bible, and a deep dive into creation science.

The RMC Pastors were blessed with a luncheon put on by the Conference where we met and took time to fellowship together, break bread, and remember Pastor Tom Tupito, who sadly passed in his hotel near the beginning of the convention.

Both Pastor Shayne and Gabriela are grateful for those who made this possible. It is encouraging to see such Christ-centered leadership at the North American Division that prioritizes not only the holistic needs of pastors, but also the needs of their spouses and children, Shane and Gabriela expressed.

RMCNews with Shayne and Gabriela Vincent. Photo supplied.