NN November 2020 – Page 2 – Rocky Mountain Conference of Seventh-day Adventists

23 Nov

Helping Elders Preach Effectively

By Rodney Osborne Jr. … “Pastor, I wish that we could hear sermons from you more often,” says a church member.

While you appreciate the words of affirmation, you can also sense what is not being said: When you aren’t preaching, people are not receiving the same level of spiritual nourishment and encouragement.

You prepared that sermon after spending time at the feet of Jesus in prayer and Bible study. You know He gave you a clear word to preach. You stepped into the (physical or virtual) pulpit humbly, yet confidently, trusting God to bless. You delivered the sermon with conviction and power. The Spirit of God used your words to touch hearts, and their response was desire to commit to Jesus.

Then came that comment, on one hand, you do not want the church to become pastor-dependent and expect to hear a sermon from you every single Sabbath. On the other hand, you wish that there was a way for church members to hear a powerful, practical message each Sabbath, no matter who is preaching.

As a pastor serving in the second multi-church district of my ministry, I’ve experienced this struggle before. Perhaps you have too. I learned very quickly that it is extremely difficult (impossible!) to be in two different places at the same time. On any given Sabbath, local elders and lay leaders across our field are also tasked with the important assignment of faithfully preaching God’s Word.

I firmly believe the Holy Spirit gives spiritual gifts “to each one individually as He wills,” 1 Corinthians 12:11. I also believe that spiritual gifts, including teaching and preaching God’s Word, can and should be cultivated (see 2 Timothy 1:6). Below are a few practical suggestions to assist you in cultivating the spiritual gifts of elders and lay leaders in the area of preaching.

Build personal relationships with elders and lay leaders.As a new pastor, I keenly remember conference leadership telling me, “Visit, visit, visit!” I took that counsel to heart, and do my best to get to know members, and more specifically, the elders and lay leaders, in the districts that I serve. As I do so, I am able to learn their strengths, passions, spiritual gifts, and even their struggles and weaknesses. Building such relationships is the foundation u to have spiritual conversations with elders and lay leaders, including (but not limited to) how they can grow in the area of preaching.
Be compassionate toward elders and lay leaders.It might be tempting to be critical of, or frustrated with, elders and lay leaders who may not preach as effectively as you do. But take a step back and ask a few questions: Is there a deeper issue that needs to be addressed? Is it possible that no one has taken time to instruct them on how to prepare an effective sermon? If the latter is true, you could gently ask them if they would be interested in feedback, resources, or instruction in the area of sermon preparation.
Seek to learn from elders and lay leaders. There is a saying that goes, “Even a broken clock is right twice a day.” No matter how ineffective you feel a sermon was, I can guarantee they did something right. If the sermon was recorded, listen to it and let them know how they did well, and how it blessed you. You might also ask elders and lay leaders for feedback on your sermons. This helps create a culture of accountability and constructive criticism. Taking these steps can help lead to deeper conversations where you are able to disciple (and learn from) them in this area of ministry.
Hold training sessions to equip elders and lay leaders to preach effectively. In the previous district where I served, I held a preaching workshop for our local elders and anyone else interested in growing in their ability to preach. The workshop went through biblical principles of preaching, how to structure a sermon for success, using illustrations, and the appropriate use in the pulpit of Ellen White’s writings, among other principles. These instruction times can benefit elders and lay leaders as they minister to their audiences during the sermonic moment of the worship service.
Share powerful, effective sermons with elders and lay leaders that have personally blessed you.It is said that “some things are caught, not taught.” In other words, we can sometimes learn more by watching a behavior in action, rather than simply being told how to do it. The same is true of preaching. There are many gifted, Spirit-filled preachers within our denomination. Some are older, familiar voices; others are younger, up-and-coming preachers. Expose elders and lay leaders to powerful preaching by periodically inviting guest speakers. Do your best also, by the grace of God, to model powerful, effective preaching in your own pulpit ministry.

It is true that preaching is not the only aspect of gospel ministry. However, God still uses preachers and teachers to communicate the message of the gospel and to help His people experience unity and spiritual maturity (see Ephesians 4:11-16). May God bless your efforts to empower elders and lay leaders to preach with clarity, conviction, and Christ-centeredness.

–Rodney Osborne, Jr. serves as the district pastor of the Ankeny and Nevada Churches in the Iowa-Missouri Conference. He is the author of Preaching Made Practical: A Step-by-Step Guide to Powerful Sermons, a resource geared toward equipping elders and lay leaders to preach effectively. Photo supplied.

This article was originally published on the NAD Ministerial website.

19 Nov

RMC COMMUNICATOR RECOGNIZED FOR DEDICATION TO EXCELLENCE

RMCNews – Denver, Colorado … The 2020 Excellence in Communication Ministry award was presented on Wednesday, November 18, to Rajmund Dabrowski, RMC communication director, at the communicators year-end meeting of Mid-America Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.

Introducing the award Brenda Dickerson, MAUC communication director said, “the Mid-America Union Communication Department is pleased to present its Excellence in Communication Ministry award during our gathering today.”

“This award is being given annually to an individual in our territory based on their dedication to fulfilling the mission of the Adventist Church, their creativity, collaboration, and innovation in addressing communication challenges.”

Already displaying photographic skills, Rajmund began his journalism career more than 50 years ago by joining the editorial team of his high school student paper in communist Poland, which was, at the time, a difficult yet cutting edge production. From a young age, he had a passion to serve others and to treat others as he would like to be treated.

“My love was for the Polish language and for history and it seemed being a part of history [in Poland] and being involved in communication was a natural thing,” Dabrowski reflected on his beginnings. “When the first student issue came out, we were proud of our achievement. We walked with our heads held high and pretended to be real journalists. Once a month, we went to a well-known café to plan for the following issues. At a table next to ours sat a gentleman who, we discovered, was a famous journalist. He introduced himself to us and asked what we were editing. As we chatted, he gave us tips on how to survive the stormy weather under communism.”

Rajmund begin his ministry in the Adventist church as editor and manager of the Signs of Times Publishing House located in Warszawa. After 13 years in publishing, he was elected to serve as communication director for the Trans-European Division. In 1993, he was invited to the General Conference as communication director, where he served till 2010.

His excellence in communication and his love for others and for service is evident to the many who have worked with Dabrowski over the years.

“Working with Ray Dabrowski has been one of the highlights of my church employment. If there was one word to describe Ray, it would be ‘professional.’ Everything he does is executed at the highest level. His passion for pushing the Adventist Church in the area of communication is exemplary. The high standards he holds for himself and the organization he represents is a model for all communicators,” Dan Weber, North American Division communication director said. “Congratulations, Ray, for being honored by your colleagues. There is no greater honor.”

Weber’s comments are echoed by many of Dabrowski’s current and former colleagues.

“Congratulations Ray! Polish fantasy and American style, is a recipe for success,” said Jan Kot, director of Hope Channel Poland.

Kermit Netteburg, former North American Division communication director said, “Well deserved, my friend. You have been a standard bearer for excellence in communication for a long time.”

“I’m privileged to not only work with him, learn from him, but most importantly, I’m honored to call him a friend,” Jon Roberts, RMC media/communication assistant.

“Ray’s list of professional accomplishments is long and impressive, and it is an honor to add to his collection of awards this token of our appreciation for his dedicated and creative service in the Mid-America Union,” Dickerson commented.

“I admire Ray so much as a communication professional,” said Andy Nash, who worked with Dabrowski at the General Conference as well as Rocky Mountain Conference. “I love his sense of balance, his respect for all people, and the way he’s mentored so many young people through the years.”

“Working for Ray was the highlight of my career,” expressed Carol Bolden, RMC communication assistant before her retirement in 2019. “He creates a camaraderie in the workplace that promotes creativity and freedom yet maintains a high standard for the art. His productions are always on the cutting edge of Adventist culture as he encourages readers to think and to represent Jesus more fully. A number of young people in communication today were mentored by him and are making their own mark on the field. We’re all indebted to his vision.”

Ed Barnett, RMC president said, “Congratulations, Ray. We are proud of you for the tremendous job you do for our conference. I am not surprised that you received this prestigious award. We see your excellence in communication, we are enriched by the global vision you bring to us, we see the quality that you put into all of the different communications the church releases, whether it be the Mountain Views, the weekly NewsNuggets or the items you put on Facebook. Ray you are a blessing to our conference. Well done!”

Dabrowski is humbled by the dozens of comments left on his Facebook page. “Naturally, it was a nice moment to experience, especially a recognition to aim for excellence in what one does in communication. This is a recognition of those who helped me to aim for excellence, and of those young professionals who make us ‘present-truth’ Christians,” he commented

–RMCNews; photo by Jon Roberts

19 Nov

CAMPION STUDENTS TURN INTO M&Ms

By Sami Hodges – Loveland, Colorado … To add a little variation to 2020’s everyday life, Campion’s Student Association (SA) introduced spirit week, giving the students a chance to loosen up before finals and get creative with their outfits.

Each day was unique and gave many opportunities to put together some innovative combinations. As an incentive to participate, the class with the most involvement at the end of the week would earn a pizza party.

“I liked spirit week,” commented Phoebe Mamanua, Campion freshman. “It was really interactive, and I looked forward to going to school every day.”

To start the week, each person found a “twin” and dressed up in matching attire for the day. After the twins made an appearance, it was time for Santa. The sleigh bells were ringing with everyone dressed up and ready for the holidays. SA members were all decked out in bells and reindeer antlers. Some even wore Christmas lights to top it off.

Moving on from the festive atmosphere of Christmas, next on the agenda was “Wacky Wednesday.” From mismatching socks to a full pineapple suit, Campion took “wacky” to a whole new level.

“I really enjoyed Wacky Wednesday,” said Jonathan Pineda, Campion senior. “I wasn’t planning on dressing up, but when I saw how crazy everyone was going, I decided to join them. It shows how much people enjoy spirit week, being able to dress up differently from normal.”

What better way to follow Wacky Wednesday than with character Thursday. With countless varieties to choose from, students dressed up as characters from many venues, one group even choosing characters, including minions, from Despicable Me. The majority of the Brazilian students dressed up as M&Ms.

What better way to end the week than with a burst of school spirit? A part of Campion could be seen on almost every person in the form of T-shirts, hoodies, sports jackets, or other Campion merchandise.

“I loved how creative people got during spirit week,” reflected Edward Camas, junior. “I think it helped a lot of people gain energy and inspiration to make it to home leave.”

— Sami Hodges is Campion Academy senior; photos supplied.

18 Nov

LEPER IN LITTLETON, COLORADO

By Alise Weber…I am writing this one day after testing positive for Covid-19. I don’t know why, but I feel shame and guilt.

For nine months, the world has been trying to avoid Covid-19 and now that I have become the diseased, I suddenly feel like the world is trying to avoid me too. There is instant scrutiny of your whereabouts for the past two weeks and the requirement that for your children to be absent from school for weeks.

Event my oldest daughter commented that she didn’t want to join her class online because she didn’t want her peers to know her parents had Covid. I even joked that we had our very own Weber leper colony. A bad joke, but I sure feel like an outcast.

The day I found out I had Covid, I wearily sent a message to a group of friends that I had asked to pray for me. We were supposed to go out for coffee the week prior, but I had cancelled saying I wasn’t feeling well and was going to get a Covid test instead. I had relayed to my friends that I had lost my sense of taste and smell and that it didn’t look good. They had responded with encouragement and had checked up on me while I was waiting for the results.

The leper finally sent a group text telling everyone that I had indeed tested positive for Covid. After clicking “Send,” I waited. It wasn’t long before I started receiving text after text telling me that they were praying for my family and me, as well as offering to run errands. One friend asked if I needed meals. I wasn’t bedridden, but I thought it might be nice to rest in the evenings rather than worry about a meal, so I responded, “Yes.” In less than a minute, I had meals for the week.

My husband will verify that I found him quickly after those text messages and there were tears in my eyes of gratitude, love, and disbelief. There are tears in my eyes as I write this now. I still feel alone in this fight, but then I remind myself that my friends cared about my family and me enough to support us when we needed it most.

When I think of Jesus’ life on earth, I remember that he made a point of looking for the outcasts, the sick, and the downtrodden of the world. He ate with Zacchaeus, the tax collector, healed the blind, befriended prostitutes, and made a point of revealing who He was to the rejected woman at the well. He was their hope and light and I can imagine that they must have felt a lot like I did when, instead of judgment He, like my friends, stood by them when they needed it most.

I am not over Covid, but I am on my way. This experience reminds me that there are a lot of people in the world who need to feel the light, hope, and love of Christ and it has taught me that being the hands and feet of Jesus can be as simple as bringing hot meals to a friend’s doorstep when they are feeling ill–and it can be so much more. In this world full of tension and strife, I think we need the joy of Jesus Christ more than ever. I hope we can all look for those that need that hope the most. Let’s be the light!

Update: My husband and I were diagnosed with Covid-19 at the end of October. Since then, we have recovered and our whole family is healthy and well.

–Alise Weber is pastor of family ministry and children at Littleton Church.

18 Nov

COVID IN RMC IS REAL

By RMCNews – Denver, Colorado … The pandemic is real and it is an enemy of humanity affecting multiple families, pastors, employees at RMC schools, conference office employees, and church members.

“A few months ago, I visited a church where a visitor asked if I knew of any Adventists who had come down with COVID. I gave him a description of those that I knew had contracted COVID and of some conferences that have lost many members to death from this disease,” Eric Nelson, RMC VP of Administration said.

“We have had a number of pastors, a few staff in the office, and many members who have contracted this virus and even more who have been in contact with a diagnosed individual. Churches have had to close for 14 days after someone attended and was later diagnosed. Thankfully, most of our schools have been spared from outbreaks, but not all,” Nelson added

While some have an easy battle with the disease, others face a challenging recovery.

Samantha Nelson, spouse of Pastor Steve Nelson, who both are currently fighting COVID, posted the following on her Facebook page this week: “Last night was rough and not much sleep for either of us. Tylenol helped bring his temperature down some. His oxygen levels are still lower than they should be though. The hospital will not take him. They just instructed us to continue doing what we are doing. Our doctor is being kept informed and is monitoring the situation.

Members need to be careful about sharing home remedies with anyone who is sick with COVID and should encourage their neighbors and friends who have contracted this disease to follow only professional health advice.

“Please, I know everyone means well and we appreciate the thoughts and advice, but please, please, please stop with all the unsolicited remedy advice. He is not even capable of doing many of the things suggested. We are already doing natural remedies and taking all the vitamins, etc., that are supposed to help. The constant “do this, take this, etc.,” is really stressing us out. I beg you, please stop. Thank you,” stated Samantha.

We can join the fight against this invisible enemy by wearing a mask because we, as Adventists, are not spared from the pandemic.

“Interestingly, during the 1918 epidemic, Adventist churches were working to sew masks and hand out patterns to make even more as a preventive measure against the flu epidemic. Doing the same activity now is something specific that we can do to provide some protection,” Eric Nelson said.

Nelson added, “The three simplest and most effective steps that we can all take is to keep social distance, sanitize our hands often, and wear a mask. These are small accommodations, simple preventive measures that protect those we come in contact with. And they keep us safer.”

A nurse leader at the Kettering Adventist Health Network of Hospitals in Kettering, Ohio posted the following plea on social media: “Today, we are headed toward a very difficult time. Please continue to keep all of our physicians, APPs, nurses, respiratory teams, and many others in your prayers as we keep fighting this battle. And for goodness sake, wear your mask and stay home when you can!”

Nelson echoed the need to wear masks when in public, “I am so glad medical workers who serve us, when we are ill, wear masks to keep us and themselves safe. If they can do that for protection, we can do the same.”

The battle is far from over.

“It will be a while before this virus runs its course. We need to continue to do all we can to be careful, use caution, and help keep ourselves and others safe through this time. We are learning to trust God more as we face these challenging times. We are also learning to work together even as we are apart,” Nelson stated.

Even through the pandemic, ministry is happening.

“Ministry is still taking place in our churches. Even when the church is not able to meet at Newday Seventh-day Adventist Church in Parker, Colorado, small groups of ten are meeting to watch the church [service] and provide fellowship. They have a vital connection to the church in spite of the limitations. Pastors and churches have been wonderfully adept at quickly making changes to serve our members and community,” Nelson said. “Pastors and members are reaching out to shut-ins and isolated members to encourage or to pray with them by phone.”

Nelson has some final advice for RMC members when they interact with first responders and essential workers: “We can share a word of encouragement and thanks to those who are our daily providers in the store or gas station, those who provide medical help, etc. They receive plenty of criticism and frustration from people. Why not give them a bright smile and a pleasant time of thanks. They can see our eyes smiling.”

As we face the long winter ahead, it may seem like hope is lost; it may seem like we are on our own; it may seem there is no end to this battle. However, there is good news.

Ed Barnett, RMC president reflected on the basic truths we all share: “God is still in control of this world that we live in. As Seventh-day Adventist Christians, we need to do whatever we can to protect ourselves and others around us. That is done out of courtesy and love for other people. If ever there is a time to share the love of Jesus, it is today. The World does not know how this old world is going to end, but we have read our Bibles and know that better days are ahead. Christians need to stand out because they love and care for others. The world needs to see that!”

“If they do, they can’t help but realize that Christians are different. Then they will seek answers about how and why we can have hope even during a pandemic. They will want to know how we can have hope when the world around us is falling apart. Stick close to Jesus and you can be encouraged even in trying times,” Barnett further commented.

–RMCNews; photo by Pixabay

16 Nov

NO SPRING BREAK FOR UNION COLLEGE

By Jon Roberts – Lincoln, Nebraska … Spring break–the week many college students look forward to, a chance to unwind and relax before facing the final weeks of the academic year, is the latest victim to the never-ending COVID situation.

Instead of a week-long break in March, Union College will have seven vacation days scheduled throughout the semester, many on Friday or Monday, giving students a three-day weekend.

“This will give our students and faculty time off from classes, but encourage everyone to stay close to campus in order to limit the spread of coronavirus and ensure the health and safety of our campus community,” explained Dr. Vinita Sauder, president of Union College.

The decision, according to a statement posted on the Union website, is simple.

“As COVID-19 continues to spread throughout the country, Union College plans to continue implementing the pandemic policies in the spring that have helped keep coronavirus infections to a minimum on campus this semester.”¹

Students are expected to begin the second semester on Monday, January 11. 2021.

–Jon Roberts is RMC media/communication assistant; photo by Rajmund Dabrowski

¹https://ucollege.edu/20201021/union-adjusts-spring-schedule-in-light-of-continued-pandemic/

16 Nov

Coping Tips for Parents and Kids During the Holiday Season

By Advent Health…So far this year, coronavirus has altered almost every aspect of our lives — from work, to school and socializing. And that will likely include the holiday season as well, as we continue to follow social distancing guidelines recommended by The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to curb the spread of the virus. This is especially important if you or your loved ones are at increased risk for complications from COVID-19.

While we continue to learn to adapt to life with coronavirus, the holidays are a special time for many families, and it can be hard when long-held traditions must change. As you begin making your holiday plans, here are some ways to help yourself and your kids cope with whatever the season brings.

Talk With Your Kids

You’ve probably already had many conversations with your children about coronavirus — whether about the illness it causes, school or dorm closings, missed birthday parties or canceled summer plans. But even if you’ve had these types of conversations before, try to remember that many kids look forward to the holidays all year. Although your children may have adapted to other changes, it could take them some time to accept that coronavirus will affect yet another tradition.

Be Honest

It can be hard to break the news that you won’t be traveling to Grandma’s house this year, spending time with favorite cousins or visiting Santa at the mall. But in these times of uncertainty, it’s more important than ever for your children to know that they can trust you to tell the truth. It’s OK to not have all the answers, but share what you do know openly and honestly, in a way they can understand.

Focus on the Positive

Talk about the things you’ll do as a family for the holidays — and how you can feel gratitude for what you do have — even if you can’t celebrate in the usual way. Let your children come up with some new ideas for holiday fun. And make a list of the family traditions you can hold on to, such as cooking favorite meals, singing holiday songs, watching holiday movies or putting up decorations.

Give Them Space for Their Feelings

No matter their age, your children may feel disappointed or angry when holiday plans change. Be empathetic — let them know that these feelings are normal, and that you feel disappointed, too. It’s OK if they want to sulk for a day or two as they process their feelings.

Be Prepared to Repeat Yourself

Some children, especially young ones, may ask you the same question over and over. This may be a way for them to understand what’s happening and process things that are difficult.

Be Available

Let your kids know that you’re always there to answer any questions or concerns they might have about coronavirus or how to keep it from spreading.

Go Virtual

For many of us, the holidays are the one time a year when we can count on seeing family and close friends, often over a shared meal. If travel restrictions or social distancing make it impossible to be with your loved ones this year, move the celebration to the virtual world. With a little help from technology, you can spend time and have a meal with your family, even if you’re not all in the same room.

To plan a virtual family dinner, find a time that works for everyone and set a menu. While you don’t all have to eat the exact same meal, it can help you feel connected — and it can be a fun way to share recipes.

Involve your children in finding recipes and planning the menu. Older kids can help cook, too. At the allotted dinner time, fire up your devices and sit down “together” to enjoy your creations.

Of course, a virtual celebration isn’t limited to dinner. You can also connect with family or friends virtually to play games, watch movies, or share other holiday traditions and celebrations.

Find New Ways to Celebrate

Family traditions can be hard to let go. But discovering new ways to celebrate may make this year’s holidays more meaningful than ever. Here are some ideas to get you started.

Give to Others

The holidays are traditionally a time for giving, and helping others is a good way for your kids to concentrate on something besides what they can’t do. Ask them for their ideas about how to help others during the pandemic and find ways to give back to the community. No matter the age of your children, there’s a way to get involved.

You might check in on an elderly neighbor or relative, make cards for frontline workers, choose presents for needy families, or donate time or items to charity. If you’d like to say thank you to the staff of AdventHealth, visit our page to find ways to make a difference.

Find a New Holiday Activity

If you usually spend time traveling or with relatives during the holidays, use that extra time to try a new activity together — and make that a holiday tradition. Play board games or do puzzles, take a family hike, cook holiday foods from another culture, have a scavenger hunt, or make your own holiday decorations. Get creative and let your kids come up with ideas, too.

Send a Handmade Greeting

Use this time to encourage your kids to pen cards and letters to family and friends. For those who are alone during the holidays, finding a handmade card or letter in their mailbox could really brighten their day.

Stay Safe If You Do Travel

The CDC encourages those at increased risk, including older adults and people with medical conditions, as well as others in their households, to consider their risk level before traveling. Remember, even if you follow all precautions and guidelines, travel may increase your chances of contracting coronavirus and spreading it to others.

If you do decide to visit with family this holiday season, it’s important to do some research and take precautions before you travel. The CDC recommends checking the number of COVID-19 cases in the last seven days in any state you’ll be traveling to. If cases are on the rise in that area, it could mean that coronavirus is spreading in your destination.

–This article was originally published on the Advent Health website Photo by UnSplash

12 Nov

CAMPION STUDENTS RECEIVE EXAM SURVIVAL TIPS

By Bentlee Berry – Loveland, Colorado …As students enter the last few weeks of the semester and finals approach, it’s easy for them to become overwhelmed and stressed.

Stress isn’t always a bad thing; in fact, it’s proven to be beneficial. However, stress becomes dangerous when it is uncontrolled and at a high level. It can easily sneak up on teens and young adults, and when not managed appropriately, can create a snowball effect.

Everyone is different. Stress for some may be triggered by different events than for others. In higher education (high school and college), one of the most common sources of stress is academics. Students often worry about meeting academic expectations pressed on them either by themselves, parents, peers, or teachers.

Sandy Eickmann, a professional counselor for more than 20 years, shared some tips on how to cope and minimize stress levels.

Tip 1: Don’t procrastinate

Eickmann’s biggest tip for dealing with academic stress is to avoid procrastination. She wrote a book on this subject called Procrastination Guide. “The first step is to just get up and do it. Don’t let yourself have time to make excuses,” she said. This may seem easier said than done, but it’s quite simple. When you first get told about an assignment, start it immediately. This will save much stress and anxiety in the long run.

Tip 2: Give yourself a goal

“Secondly, you need to discipline yourself. Set a specific time and goal. For example, if you need to get an assignment done, tell yourself you’re not allowed to watch television (or check your phone) until you finish it,” Eickmann added.

Tip 3: Breathe through test anxiety

Some teenagers and young adults suffer with test anxiety. “During the test, make sure to breathe in deeply and exhale quickly. While taking a test, don’t focus on what others are doing; just focus on yourself,” Eickmann explained.

Tip 4: Keep healthy habits

During finals week, Eickmann encouraged students to get a good night’s rest and eat healthy, nutritious meals. “This will give you the energy and focus you need,” she said.

Pupils under stress may change their eating or sleeping habits and avoid normal daily activities. As students, it’s important to pay attention to fellow classmates. If you notice behavioral changes in a friend such as becoming agitated or depressed, make sure to check on and encourage him or her to seek help.

Tip 5: Find community

Remember, you’re not alone. Get together with friends to work on homework and prep for tests. Don’t be afraid to ask your teachers for help; teachers genuinely care about the success of each student.

—Bentlee Barry is a senior at Campion Academy, photo supplied

12 Nov

LA VIDA MISSION RECEIVES RMC-WIDE DONATIONS

By Dorie Panganiban – Farmington, New Mexico … The dust cloud rose as two U-Haul trucks entered the road leading to the La Vida Mission. Inside were hundreds of donated items from local congregations around the Rocky Mountain Conference to help the Mission and the Navajo community.

Despite challenges with social distancing and the financial crisis facing many members, donations in this annual drive were abundant and appreciated.

“Thank you, Mike and Cathy Kissner, for your commitment to the La Vida family. Thank you, brothers and sisters of RMC for your love and support for what we’re doing here for our dear Navajo community,” Dorie Panganiban, La Vida Mission outreach director expressed.

The items were quickly unloaded by La Vida staff. More than thirty pallets were needed to store the donated items from this 30^th annual drive.

As the staff sorted items, their hearts were filled with joy at the outpouring of love to the Navajo Nation which La Vida Mission serves.

“Again, from the bottom of our hearts, we want to express our thanks and appreciation to all our RMC brothers and sisters from the different churches that sent these items. They’re much appreciated and will help our ministry and operation,” Panganiban stated.

–Dorie Panganiban is La Vida Mission office manager and outreach director; photos supplied

11 Nov

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS A PART OF RMC EDUCATION PROGRAM

By Jon Roberts – Denver, Colorado … As the pandemic worsens in the Rocky Mountain region, the precautions in place to keep our teachers and students safe are working as schools remain open for in-person education.

The education department is monitoring the ever-changing coronavirus situation closely.

“As this pandemic changes and progresses, we certainly cannot predict the future, but are doing our best to keep students, staff, and families safe while striving to provide the very best learning possible,” Lonnie Hetterle, VP of Education, said.

Classes have continued with minor changes.

“All our schools have continued to operate in person with a few minor exceptions and only for smaller groups. Brighton Adventist Academy has a group of students attending classes virtually, but they will be coming back to the classroom in just a couple of days. Mile High Academy has also had students attending virtually, but none of the schools have had to move to total online learning for all their students,” Hetterle stated.

As our schools race toward the end of the semester, Hetterle is hoping that they remain open for in-person education.

“This is certainly a changing time, but we are promised that the Lord changes not, so are we also trying to change not,” Hetterle concluded.

–Jon Roberts is RMC communication/media assistant; photo courtesy of Mile High Academy Facebook page

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