NN July 2023

Jose Alarcon – Aurora, Colorado … The Apostle Paul counseled the Ephesian Church with these words: Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints … (Ephesians 6: 18). Following this biblical instruction, the Aurora-First Seventh-day Adventist Church hosted a Prayer Drive-thru event on Sabbath afternoon, July 22. This is their second such event of this year.

This event took place under sunny blue skies and church members were ready to receive the much-anticipated crowd. For two hours, cars came into the church’s parking lot and stopped at the various tent-prayer stations. They were prayed for and given a bag with water, snacks, and Glow Tracts. The church also provided food at another station.

More than 25 cars came in to be served at the prayer stations while other people and passers-by stopped for prayer and food as well. The occasion was a true blessing not only for the community at large but also for the church community as a special bond was evident among the church volunteers.

As cars drove by the cardholders announcing the event, many honked and waved at them. For church members like Celestino Archuleta, it was a wonderful opportunity to let the community know how much the Aurora-First Church cares for them. He said, “I want the community to see Christ within our church. That is our goal. People need to see Christ in us.”

Organized by the Aurora-First Church’s Prayer Department, the event proved to be a successful training tool for church members as they were able to directly interact with non-church members and with the process modeled by Jesus himself as He came to serve others. It was gratifying to see the enthusiasm among church volunteers as seen in their involvement and engagement.

“My experience during our Prayer Drive-thru is a testament of how God works through the Holy Spirit to reach His children, regardless of where they are or who they are,” remarked Boima Sonii, Aurora-First Church’s head elder, about the special moment he experienced as a mother and daughter drove-in and stopped in front of his prayer-station. The two ladies, crying profoundly, asked for a specific prayer: peace of mind. “Indeed, genuine peace is received only from God through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”

The two-hour event gave church members a panoramic view into the different aspects of Evangelism the Aurora-First Church is engaged in. As Pastor Jose Alarcon explained, their evangelistic plan consists of four phases:

1. Sending the troops: where prayer is the main aspect
2. Sending the artillery: where small group ministry is the main aspect
3. The Three P’s: where Preparation, Proclamation, and Preservation are applied
4. Expanding the Kingdom of God (EKG): where the church takes the opportunity to expand its ministry in its territory

All phases are an integral part of their evangelism effort for this and the next few years.

—Jose Alarcon is the lead pastor at the Aurora-First Seventh-day Adventist Church. Photos by Dina Alarcon and Jose Alarcon.

Vanessa Alarcón – Maxwell, Nebraska … The dynamic 2023 Mid-America Union Conference (MAUC) Hispanic Youth Conference drew in over 500 enthusiastic attendees July 13-16 at the Maranatha Bible Camp in Nebraska. Themed “Heaven: Don’t Miss it for the World,” the event aimed to ignite the spirit of the participants. Of those 500, 129 were youth and their respective leaders from the Rocky Mountain Conference (RMC).

The event was organized by Pastor Roberto Correa, MAUC Multilingual Director in collaboration with Hispanic Youth Federations (FEJA) across the union. The Rocky Mountain Conference has two federations, RMC Metro and RMC Mountain, that serve their collective front range and western slope regions.

The main speaker at the conference was well-known and beloved speaker to Hispanic youth, Pastor Jose Vicente Rojas. He shared various messages on youth engagement in missions. His powerful messages resonated with the young audience, emphasizing the importance of the Holy Spirit.

The Maranatha Bible Camp served as the ideal venue, offering exhilarating activities such as sports tournaments, zip-lining, water activities, and seminars. The seminars covered a range of topics relevant to youth and were presented by Armando Miranda Jr. (NAD), Tyrone Douglas (MAUC), Santiago Fernandez (Union College), and Vanessa Alarcón (RMC).

For parents like Hector Bautista from the Kansas-Nebraska region, the conference was a valuable opportunity for their children to connect with other youth in the church. He expressed, “We attend a smaller church where there aren’t as many youth. These events are incredibly important. My kids are making friends with peers who share the same beliefs while deepening their knowledge of God.”

Organized by RMC FEJA Metro, the sports tournaments proved to be a significant avenue for youth to bond and connect. Jorge Aleman, a youth leader who played a key role in organizing the tournaments, shared a touching moment when three young participants approached him, expressing their gratitude for making new friends. He emphasized, “That was the most gratifying thing about organizing these events. Our youth from different conferences united to create a team and win the game. I hope our youth continue to unite with a shared goal of going to heaven.”

Pastor Hugo Guillen, a pastor in the RMC and a supporting pastor for RMC FEJA Metro, highlighted the significance of the conference. “This event was beneficial because our young people can see that our current leadership sees their value. We need them to continue the work that the Lord has left our church.”

“It was inspiring to see our young people listen to the Biblical messages of our main speaker,” remarked Pastor Ruben Rivera, RMC Hispanic ministries coordinator. “Witnessing them consecrating their lives to Jesus Christ was a profound experience.” Of the five baptisms that occurred that weekend, three of them were from the Rocky Mountain Conference.

The 2023 Hispanic Youth Conference achieved resounding success, leaving a lasting impact on attendees through inspiring sermons and activities that promoted unity and a shared purpose. The fervor exhibited by this generation offers bright hope for the future of the church.

—Vanessa Alarcón is elder and church clerk at Boulder Adventist Church. Photos by Hugh Davis.

Vanessa Alarcón – Maxwell, Nebraska … Del 13 al 16 de julio, el 2023 Congreso de Jóvenes de la Unión de Mid-America (MAUC) atrajo a más de 500 entusiastas asistentes. Con el lema “Cielo: No te lo pierdas por el mundo”, el evento tuvo como objetivo encender el espíritu de los participantes. De esos 500, 129 eran jóvenes y sus respectivos líderes de la Asociación de Rocky Mountain (RMC).

El evento fue organizado por el Pastor Roberto Correa, Director Multilingüe de MAUC, en colaboración con las Federaciones de Jóvenes Hispanos (FEJA) de toda la unión. RMC cuenta con dos federaciones, RMC Metro y RMC Mountain.

El principal orador en la conferencia fue el conocido y querido Pastor José Vicente Rojas, quien compartió varios mensajes sobre el compromiso de los jóvenes en las misiones. Sus poderosos mensajes resonaron con la joven audiencia, enfatizando la importancia del Espíritu Santo.

Maranatha Bible Camp en Nebraska fue el lugar ideal, ofreciendo emocionantes actividades como torneos deportivos, tirolina, actividades acuáticas y seminarios. Los seminarios abordaron una variedad de temas relevantes para los jóvenes y fueron presentados por Armando Miranda Jr. (NAD), Tyrone Douglas (MAUC), Santiago Fernandez (Union College) y Vanessa Alarcón (RMC).

Para padres como Héctor Bautista de la región de Kansas-Nebraska, la conferencia fue una valiosa oportunidad para que sus hijos se conectaran con otros jóvenes en la iglesia. Él expresó: “Asistimos a una iglesia más pequeña donde no hay tantos jóvenes. Estos eventos son increíblemente importantes. Mis hijos están haciendo amigos con personas que comparten las mismas creencias mientras profundizan su conocimiento de Dios”.

Organizados por RMC FEJA Metro, los torneos deportivos resultaron ser una importante oportunidad para que los jóvenes se unieran y conectaran. Jorge Alemán, un líder juvenil que desempeñó un papel clave en la organización de los torneos, compartió un emotivo momento cuando tres jóvenes participantes se acercaron a él, expresando su gratitud por hacer nuevos amigos. Él enfatizó: “Esa fue la parte más gratificante de organizar estos eventos. Nuestra juventud de diferentes conferencias se unieron para formar un equipo y ganar el juego. Espero que nuestra juventud continúe unida con el objetivo compartido de llegar al cielo”.

Hugo Guillén, Pastor de RMC y consejero de RMC FEJA Metro, destacó la importancia de la conferencia. “Este evento fue beneficioso porque nuestros jóvenes pueden ver que nuestra actual liderazgo valora su aporte. Necesitamos que ellos continúen la obra que el Señor ha dejado en nuestra iglesia”.

“Ver a nuestros jóvenes escuchar los mensajes bíblicos de nuestro principal orador fue inspirador”, comentó el Pastor Rubén Rivera, Coordinador de Ministerios Hispanos. “Presenciar cómo consagraron sus vidas a Jesucristo fue una experiencia profunda”. De los cinco bautismos que ocurrieron ese fin de semana, tres fueron de RMC.

El Congreso de Jóvenes logró un rotundo éxito, dejando una impresión duradera en los asistentes a través de sermones inspiradores y actividades que promovieron la unidad y un propósito compartido. La ferviente pasión demostrada por esta generación ofrece una esperanza brillante para el futuro de la iglesia.

—Vanessa Alarcón is elder and church clerk at Boulder Adventist Church. Photos – Hugh Davis.

Ron Johnson – Uncompahgre National Forest, Colorado … The 23^rd annual Cowboy Camp Meeting was held July 12-16 near Silver Jack Reservoir in the Uncompahgre National Forest, Colorado. An average of 50 campers gathered for morning and evening worships with 85 worshipers attending on Sabbath morning. Enthusiastic praise music from a team of musicians led by Tiffany Marsh resounded through the valley surrounded by mountain peaks, setting a spirit of receptive energy for each service.

This year’s weather, at 9,000 feet elevation, was the best—warm, sunny days and cool nights with no rain, strong wind, or afternoon thunderstorms, a blessing for the car, tent, and hammock campers.

Jesus saves. “We have heard a joyful sound, Jesus saves, Jesus saves; spread the gladness all around, Jesus saves, Jesus saves; Bear the news to every land, Climb the steeps and cross the waves, onward, ‘tis the Lord’s command, Jesus saves, Jesus saves.”

This is the mission of Adventist World Radio (AWR). Bob Peck, ambassador and coordinator with AWR, was the morning and Sabbath worship service speaker. Bob led us on a captivating journey as he shared stories of extraordinary miracles that show the power of God working around the world though AWR. Stories like when a chicken farmer’s hens stopped laying but produced more eggs than ever when he started playing the AWR to them. Or the story of how a Maasi tribesman cattle herder was blessed after tithing more than 100 head of cattle.

Bob stated that the church is to be a witness making God known to the world. This is done through the power of the tongue in four ways: through words of praise, through the tongue of prayer, through the voice of prophecy, and through the tongue of preaching.

Jesus saves through the power of conflict resolution. Ron Price, an evening speaker, gave members of the audience a number of texts illustrating how God wants us to treat each other, His children. He gave one of the three books he has written to the person who could come up with one of the most important eight-letter words in human relationships: humility.

Being humble is not putting yourself above others because of your unique God-given abilities nor taking offense because someone else received the credit for work that you did. “If you don’t heal from those who hurt you, you will bleed on those who didn’t touch you.”

Ron talked about perceptions; how a person might misjudge another person because of incomplete or inaccurate information about them. President Abraham Lincoln said, “I don’t like that man, I must get to know him better.” When interpreting the actions of others, one should apply the practice of “AGI—Assume Good Intent”. Or to say it another way, practice H of G—Hermeneutics of Generosity.

Throughout his presentations, Ron delighted his audience with humorous, point-making stories and illustrations.

When asked What do you like about Cowboy Camp Meeting?, 10-year-old Ellie Miller from Fruita, Colorado, said, “everybody getting together and having a good time enjoying each other.” Caleb Cook, a young adult from Broomfield, Colorado, commented, “I like the simplicity and down-to-earth agenda and environment.” Steven Marsh, another young adult from Montecello, Utah, said, “the Cowboy Camp Meeting environment spiritually, mentally, and emotionally charges me to be ready for another year.”

We hope that you will join us at next year’s Colorado Cowboy Camp Meeting.

—Ron Johnson is the co-organizer and treasurer of the Cowboy Camp. Photos by Ron Johnson.

Jasmine Miller – Ward, Colorado … As the Summer Camp was coming to a close, five campers and four staff members were baptized on July 14 at Glacier View Ranch (GVR). There were three new and one returning staff members. Brandon Westgate, pastor and director of GVR, said baptisms are “why I do camp. It’s the best part and the highlight of my summer.”

One of the main points made by all the staff members who were baptized was the intentionality they felt that was shown to them by Pastor Brandon and through his messages. Emily Cook, a first-year staff member and lifeguard at GVR, talked about the difference of her spiritual experience at previous camps she had worked at and how it differed at GVR. “At my previous camp, they talked about worship but not necessarily ways to have your worship. But here, Pastor Brandon talks about ways to make it practical and applicable.”

Emily also said Pastor Brandon had a lot to do with her feeling called to be baptized. “He leads by example when it comes to spirituality, and I appreciate how simple baptism is explained and having a relationship with God.”

Brandon talked about one of the biggest misunderstandings that youth in the church have been that “the church tries to make the simple complex. We can get bogged down into the rules instead of just thinking about the relationship. Rules without a relationship can lead to a rebellion, so we try to put the relationship with Christ first.”

Living at camp for seven weeks can also help to simplify a relationship with God, being with limited service and out in nature. Derek Aubin, a first-year boy’s director at GVR, said that, when choosing where he wanted to work this summer, “the main selling point was the nature” at GVR. A unique feature of GVR is the beautiful backdrop of the mountains out by Lake Minnie and lots of nearby lookouts and hikes.

What helped Derek to connect with God is “music, praise teams, and agape within nature bringing harmony to both of those aspects of who God is to me.”

A special program at GVR on Thursdays is the agape feast and the worship music that follows it. This is where staff can show “agape” love by serving campers dinner at their tables, and it is a time where people can share testimonies. Vanessa Saldivar, a second-year staff member and office administrator, said that “when I knew I had a conviction to get baptized, it was during agape worship hearing the words they were singing in the song ‘Come Out of Hiding’ by Stephanie Gretzinger.”

Vanessa also had the opportunity to baptize a camper who she had an impact on her decision to get baptized. She said it was “so humbling, I know it’s not me, it’s Christ. It is so cool to be used as a tool for God.”

As GVR summer camp ended, it is important to get final takeaways on how newfound relationships with God can be applied after camp in the real world. Jenaya Wright, a first-year girl’s counselor, said “I know there will still be struggles, but I think baptism is a public display that I want things to change, and I’m going to try to keep God first and have a Christian atmosphere and attitude.”

When asked what the most important takeaway is to give the camp staff, Brandon Westgate said “that God is for them and not against them.”

—Jasmine Miller is the marketing and communications consultant at GVR. Photos by Jasmine Miller.

Daniele Fantoni – Alamosa, Colorado … The Alamosa Seventh-day Adventist Church proudly inaugurated its long-awaited Community Service initiative on July 18, ushering in a new era of support and assistance for the local community.

The doors were opened that day, and will continue to serve community every first and third Tuesday of the month, from 11 a.m. to two p.m., offering a helping hand to those in need. The core mission of this initiative is to provide vital resources such as free clothes, blood sugar and pressure readings, as well as prayers for individuals facing challenging circumstances.

Months of meticulous preparation and heartfelt prayers culminated in the successful launch of the Community Service activities. “The response from the community members has been overwhelming, with an outpouring of donations of clothes,” Daniele Fantoni, church pastor commented. “Even before the official opening hour, individuals in need flocked to the church’s doors, underscoring the urgent need for such a service in the area,” he added.

Fantoni commented, “We firmly believe in the power of community and the strength that lies in helping one another. Our team of dedicated volunteers is prepared to extend a helping hand, making a positive impact in our neighborhood.”

The journey has just begun, and the Alamosa Adventist Church is committed to sustaining this service, fostering a spirit of unity and compassion within the community. With open hearts and open doors, the church stands as a pillar of compassion, striving to uplift and empower those who seek assistance.

Sherry Billings, the church’s community services director, commented, “It is a true blessing to serve our community in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.”

—Daniele Fantoni is pastor at Alamosa Seventh-day Adventist Church. Photos supplied.

Liz Kirkland – Casper, Wyoming … The 2023 Wyoming Camp Meeting was assembled July 11-15 at Mills Spring Ranch (MSR) in Casper, Wyoming. People came from across the conference and beyond, even as far as Michigan, Arkansas, and Kentucky, to join in fellowship under the camp theme “Meeting God.” On Sabbath morning, 150 camp participants congregated for Sabbath worship service.

Together with her husband, Dr. Richard Davidson, Dr. Jo Ann Davidson was a keynote speaker. He is an Old Testament Scholar at Andrews University Seminary, and Jo Ann is a Professor of Systematic Theology also at Andrews University. They held daily engaging and thought-provoking meetings, ranging in topics from the Sanctuary to God’s love of life, animal stewardship, and nature in general. During Sabbath school, they were on a panel and requested not to be called by their titles: “We are Dick and Jo Ann.”

“It was great having presentations on the Sabbath and Sanctuary, foundational to our faith,” shared Mickey Mallory, RMC ministerial director. “Many of the church members shared with me how much they appreciated a refresher in their understanding of what’s central to our faith.”

Carin and Ron Lynch also enriched the camp experience with health seminars covering hydrotherapy, nature’s first aid kit, and massage basics. They have been the North American Division Directors the last six years for the Lay Institute for Global Health training (LIGHT), a supporting ministry of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Their sessions were full of practical and applicable information and demonstrations where attendees could sample products and even get a free massage.

Jo Ann Davidson took time to attend the health seminars before her programs and remarked how “pleasant and positive” they were.

Carin commented on her camp experience: “This was our first time at the Wyoming Camp Meeting. I loved the fact that it is such a close-knit group, a group of people that come together whether they see each other all year or just here during this time. They are just filled with the spirit!”

Morning worship speakers included Mickey Mallory, Mic Thurber, RMC president, and Doug Inglish, RMC vice president for administration.

Between sessions, camp attendees could be seen enjoying God’s creations in the scenic setting of MSR with either enjoying a quiet sit, a small hike, or time on the playground for the younger attendees. The overwhelming, albeit unofficial, theme at camp was that this time of fellowship in a beautiful natural surrounding was truly “God’s medicine.”

Olivia Rose McDonald, a young camp attendee from Casper Adventist Church, has been coming to camp around 9 years. She said, “I love seeing friends and having fun. And I love getting to be up on the mountain to see prettier things and breathe the fresh mountain air. I love fresh mountain air!”

Programs were held for primary age and older youth to enhance their connection with God, make or build friendships, and enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking. The teen youth even got to take a canoe trip on the North Platte River one afternoon.

Jared Bolling Jr., another young camp attendee, has been attending the Wyoming Camp for 12 years. “I love meeting friends and cousins [at camp]. My favorite thing at camp is to go hike to Mossy Cave. And, besides meeting friends, I really like the people here.”

With the expanse of the camp and the multitude of activities, mealtime was a great time to bring everyone together to connect and enjoy the spectacular view from the dining hall. The camp cook, known affectionately as Papa Don, has been coming to camp for 8 years. When asked what he loved about camp, he commented “The whole ball of wax! I love everything about camp. Cooking is my passion, and my cooking ministry is to keep the kids and staff happy. If you have happy staff, you have happy everybody. I will do this as long as the Lord is willing.”

Jamie Treat, a member of the Cheyenne Adventist Church, was yet another attendee with a long history at the camp. He recalled, “I have attended camp the last 14-15 years. Before that, when my dad pastored in Wyoming, I used to come to camp even back then. So, I have been up to Mills Spring Ranch for 40 years, though not consecutively. It’s great to get away and focus on your relationship with God in a nature setting, and this camp is so awesome the way that it is setup with nature all around us. The fellowship is always great, the camp always has great speakers, so it is always a spiritual blessing. It is the highlight of our year.”

—Liz Kirkland is the RMC communication assistant. Photos by Rajmund Dabrowski, Mickey Mallory, and Liz Kirkland.

Jill Harlow – Loveland, Colorado … Marcela Zuniga, a junior at Campion Academy, served for almost one month on a mission trip to Mansa, Zambia, in June. A group of about 20 attended the trip including Marcela’s sister, Dayanara, an incoming freshman, Haley Beckermeyer, a recent graduate, and Kent Kast, a former staff member.

Organized by Jim Lynch with Give Back to Humanity, the group spent most of their time constructing a wall for a Seventh-day Adventist school in Mansa. The wall would help the school to mark off the property and keep the kids safe during the school day. Marcela shared that they typically worked 10-hour days but were able to spend time in worship with the local children each evening.

Marcela remembered, “The local people were very hospitable, always making us feel like we were at home. I enjoyed that they were happy with what they had, and they showed me that small things in life do matter. The kids showed so much faith and love for God and were grateful for what they had.”

Haley Beckermeyer agreed saying, “My favorite part was getting to know the local students. They were all super kind and friendly, and you’d never feel lonely while you were there. They were all very thankful for us coming, and it felt like they were more of a blessing to us than anything we did.”

Despite the hard work, the students expressed how the experience blessed them. Marcela shared, “It made me grateful to know we praise the same God and helped me realize I am blessed to be able to go to Campion Academy. It was a rewarding and life-changing trip.”

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

Addison Gann – Loveland, Colorado … A group of about 50 people from Campion Adventist Church to take a trip of a lifetime to the Holy Land, June 19-26.

The first day was a relaxing day as people arrived in Tel Aviv, Israel, to get ready to travel. On the next, the group was met by the tour guide Samir, and the tour began by driving through Joppa and then exploring Caesarea which is where the Hippodrome and Stadium of Herod are located.

There was a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee and a trip up to the top of Mount of Beatitudes. Erin Johnson, one of Campion Academy’s teachers said, “The biggest impact for me was being on the Sea of Galilee, and being where Jesus has calmed the waters and performed so many miracles. It was great to see it because now I’ll never read the Bible the same.”

The next excursion included a trip to the ruins of Jericho, a look at the cave where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found, and a float in the Dead Sea.

The group also took a cable car up to Masada where a mass of Jews chose to kill themselves instead of being captured by Romans. Travelers also got to visit Lazarus’s first tomb, and then the group went to the Wailing Wall to welcome the Sabbath.

On one day, the travelers went to a garden where there is a tomb which archeologists believe could have been Jesus’ tomb. Then the group had a special communion together in the garden. After the garden, they went to the church where the disciples were taught to pray the Lord’s Prayer and visited the top of the Mount of Olives. 

The group visited the cave where the shepherds were told the good news of Jesus being born, as well as the possible birthplace of Jesus. They also visited the Dome of the Rock, and, at the end of the day, they went to the Valley of Elah where David fought Goliath.

One exiting adventure was the day the travelers trekked through Hezakiah’s tunnel. Hezakiah’s tunnel was how they brought water from the spring outside into Jerusalem. Everyone enjoyed tramping through the cool spring water, which at times was up to the knees or higher. After the cooling excursion, they visited the house where the Last Supper took place, and, finally, the last destination was to Josephus’s house where Jesus was first brought after being arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane.  

The trip was organized by the former lead pastor at Campion, Pastor Michael Goetz. He shared that the best part of the tour was, “Caiphus’s house, where Jesus was lowered into the pit. It had escaped my readings before, and the prophetic Psalms describing the pit came alive, and you could hear the echo of Jesus being beaten. In that pit, His love came alive.”

Jack Jordan, a junior at Campion Academy, said, “The people of Israel had the greatest impact on me. Their religions, life choices, and how passionate they were about their choices. The Jews never missed or skipped their prayer time, even on the airplane. The people of Israel show me that, though they don’t believe as I do, I shouldn’t be afraid to live out what I believe.”

Overall, despite the intense heat and travel stresses, this was a life changing experience for everyone on the trip.  

—Addison Gann is a sophomore at Campion Academy. Photos supplied.