NN Oct 2020 Page 2

22 Oct

DO NOT LOSE SIGHT OF THE ULTIMATE GOAL

In

By Bob McAlpine –Have Adventists lost their way when it comes to political participation in 2020?

Seventh-day Adventists have always been deeply involved in American politics. When a national Sunday law was proposed in 1888, one of the Adventist pioneers, A.T. Jones, played a crucial role in defeating it. Ellen White herself was vocal about the evils of the Fugitive Slave Act before the Civil War and equally vocal about the necessity of “temperance reforms,” by which she meant advocacy against the consumption of alcohol after the Civil War.

This leads to a startling conflict of interests. The Woman’s Christian Temperance Union (WCTU) was the most prominent national organization advocating for both the national Sunday law and for stronger restrictions (dare we say prohibitions?) on alcohol consumption. Yet Ellen, publicly and privately, encouraged Adventists to actively engage with the WCTU.

How could it be possible for committed Seventh-day Adventist Christians to “unite” with an organization whose goals were so obviously at odds with Adventist beliefs? Let the messenger of the Lord speak for herself: “…while there is to be no sacrifice of principle on our part, as far as possible we are to unite with them in laboring for temperance reforms” (TE 222). Apparently, Ellen White believed it was possible for Seventh-day Adventists to cooperate with controversial organizations without compromising their commitments to core Adventist doctrines.

In my view, here is where Adventists in 2020 have lost our way. It seems that we have fallen prey to the false belief that participation in the political process requires that we endorse a particular party’s entire platform. Put another way, we have been deceived into thinking that involvement with an organization implies that we endorse the entirety of that organization’s agenda. But White’s writing about the WCTU gives the lie to that way of thinking!

White urged faithful Seventh-day Adventist Christians to do all they could to advance the kingdom of God, including working with others who were travelling in the same direction. This type of participation in the political life of a nation is only possible because Christians generally, and Adventists particularly, have both a God-given mission (Matthew 28:18-20) and a God-given metanarrative (Revelation 12:7-12) through which we can filter our involvement.

As an Adventist Christian I will never hang my hopes for justice, prosperity, peace, opportunity, etc. on the Democrat party or on the Republican party. I don’t put my hope in a political leader or in a ballot initiative. All my hopes hang on Jesus Christ alone.

“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all people. It trains us to reject godless ways and worldly desires and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, as we wait for the happy fulfillment of our hope in the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:11-13 NET).

Because my hope is in Christ alone, in his salvation and in his glorious appearing, I can pray for any political leader—even if I think they are a secret fascist/communist/Jesuit/whatever.

Because my hope is in Christ alone, I can affirm that black lives matter and that unborn lives matter—even if that leaves me without a comfortable place in any political party.

Because my hope is in Christ alone, I can cast a vote for a particular candidate or ballot measure—even though I can’t see the unintended consequences of my vote.

Because my hope is in Christ alone, I recognize that hanging my hopes on anyone or anything other than Him is just a (not-so-) subtle form of idolatry.

Our God-given calling is to advance the Kingdom of Heaven in the world until Jesus returns and we see our hopes fulfilled. Let us be active in the political life of our town, county, state, and country without losing sight of the ultimate goal. Let us give our allegiance to Jesus Christ alone and follow where his Spirit leads without regard to partisan politics. When we do this, we can labor alongside others confident that there will be no sacrifice of principle on our part.

(I’m deeply indebted to Pete Enns for jumpstarting my thinking on these issues: https://peteenns.com/dear-christian-if-the-thought-of-either-romney-or-obama-getting-elected-makes-you-fearful-angry-or-depressed-you-have-what-we-call-a-theological-problem/ )

— Bob McAlpine is pastor in Alamosa and Monte Vista churches in Colorado. Email him at: [email protected]

22 Oct

COMMENTARY: END OF YEAR PLANNING

In

By Doug Inglish–Like many of you, I start to think about what kind of gifts I want to give long before birthdays, graduations, or anniversaries arrive. You don’t want to find that the store is closed or that the online supplier is out of stock and be forced to substitute with something that’s not quite what you had in mind.

The same can apply to gifts we give to charity. It’s always easy to drop a check in the mail, but non-cash gifts take some planning. In order to get valuations, receipts, and other necessary elements of a completed gift all lined up before the end of the year, you have to plan ahead.

Non-cash gifts are often wonderful, but they are not always simple. For example, on a gift of real property, at a minimum, there must be an environmental evaluation and possibly even a professional environmental inspection. A title search may have to be done, a value has to be established by a disinterested third party, and deeds have to be prepared and signed. Stock transfers cannot be handled by the local church treasurer. They must be managed by our office during a window of time when we have several days in which banks and financial institutions are not open. Vacation times could mean that an authorized person from our office is unavailable to accept a gift on behalf of the Conference. Charitable IRA rollovers require you and us to work with your custodian, and they may have internal processes that can eat up days. And if you are thinking of donating your interest in a limited partnership, you would have to provide a slew of documents and allow for a lot of legal review.

There are really so many variables that putting everything into a short notice like this is not possible. If you are considering making a non-cash donation, the most prudent decision you can make is to talk to us now and learn what would be involved. We are happy to help, but a phone call on December 31 offering us the cabin in the mountains is not going to result in you making a tax-deductible donation that you can file with your 2020 returns.

Bless you all as you plan for the end of the year, and if you suspect, even a little bit, that we can help, by all means give us a call, and sooner rather than later.

—Doug Inglish is RMC director of planned giving and trust services; photo by Unsplash

22 Oct

“CHOPPED” BRIGHTON ADVENTIST ACADEMY STYLE

In

By Melissa Hoos with Alana Hill – Brighton, Colorado …How do you successfully hold a school fundraiser when we can’t gather together in large groups? Of course, you host a version of the television show “Chopped” online.

Typically, one Saturday evening in October, the Brighton school holds Fall Festival with food, games, and socializing as an annual fundraiser. This year, that would not be an option. After brainstorming, parents Melissa Hoos and Alana Hill came up with a simplified version of the Food Network show, “Chopped.”

Show contestants are given a basket of roughly five ingredients to make a dish. Instead of a mystery ingredient basket, families paid $25 to get a BAA bag of 6 mystery ingredients. The bags also contained a can of a veggie, fruit or bean, with the label torn off for “extra” mystery.

Items included apples, potatoes, sweet potatoes, onions, corn muffin mix, instant potatoes, pop tarts, pudding, graham cracker crusts, mustard and saltines. Contestants had to use all the ingredients in one or two dishes.

The “Chopped” bags were handed out Thursday and families could make their dishes any time before Saturday evening.

In a Zoom version of the show, Saturday night participants shared their creation with guest judge, BAA Alumni/former teacher, Molly Santana, Campion Academy Girls’ dean.

Since tasting was impossible for Santana, winners for four categories were chosen based on presentation: “Best Overall Dish,” “Prettiest Dish” (two winners), “Most Creative Dish,” and the dish “Most Nervous to Try.”

Contestants did find willing, or unknowing, volunteers to taste their creations. In a video posted to BAA’s Facebook page, one of these tasters was heard “Alright, a little leery of this [smelling the dish several times]…its not bad….what’s in here?”

Students enjoyed the unique experience.

“I think it was really nice because I got to spend time with my family and I think my dish turned out delicious,” Brooklyn Hill, sixth grader said.

Irene Nishimwa, 6th grader commented, “It was fun because we got to use our imaginations to make something creative.”

“I got to put black beans and sweet potatoes into the blender and bake it.  I learned that it is really fun to cook,” Sienna Radu, third grader said.

The online fundraiser attracted 35 participants and BAA was able to raise a little over $1,000 for the student aid fund.

If you would like to see pictures and videos of the dishes our families came up with please visit www.Facebook.com/BrightonAdventistAcademy

—Melissa Hoos is Brighton Adventist Academy treasurer with co-Home and School Leader Alana Hill; photos courtesy of Brighton Adventist Academy Facebook page.

22 Oct

THREE YOUNG TIMOTHYS PREACH AT LITTLETON CHURCH

In

By Jon Roberts – Littleton, Colorado … “God is the One,” was the message presented by three young preachers to the Littleton congregation, highlighting the value of all generations, especially the youth.

Coinciding with the ongoing sermon series, “Will You Fight the Good Fight?” based on 2nd Timothy, three young people presented short messages on Chapter 2 of the book.

“These young fighters didn’t just speak today. They powerfully preached 2 Timothy 2 verse by verse,” Andy Nash, lead pastor at Littleton said. He went on by calling them modern day Timothys referring to the biblical Timothy’s young age when he preached the gospel.

Speaking on 2 Timothy 2:14-18 Gabriel Fisher, a high schooler, shared how God is the one who changes us from the inside out. He used the parable in Matthew 7 which tells us not to judge others before we change ourselves.

Mitchell Nudd, a middle schooler, used an illustration of a fine china place setting to illustrate the message that God is the one who makes us into instruments of fine silver and gold, based on 2 Timothy 2:20-21.

In concluding the sermon time, Sydney Litchfield, a college student, explained that whatever you fear, God is there to pour His love into you. Referring to 2 Timothy 2:22-24, Sydney gave life examples explaining how she remembers her grandfather’s favorite saying in church, “big heart, little heart,” meaning God has the big heart and we have the little heart and He pours His love into our heart.

The congregation listened intently to each of the presenters, showing affirmation and appreciation by applauding at the end of each presentation.

Addressing the congregation at the conclusion, Russell Palmer, worship leader at Littleton said, “Wasn’t it a blessing to hear from our young people? Our leaders of our church, the young people, will lead the way.”

“Will You Fight the Good Fight” concludes on November 7 with Nash preaching on the final chapter in 2 Timothy, and Sydney’s grandfather from Tennessee will present a joint youth Sabbath School. His topic: “Big Heart, Little Heart.”

—Jon Roberts is RMC media/communication assistant; photos by Andy Nash

22 Oct

ALTER-EGOS ON DISPLAY AT CAMPION

In

By Jayce Treat – Loveland, Colorado … Campion sophomores lived out their English assignment by trying to be someone they were not for a day.

Students changed their styles for a fun alter-ego project based on the play, “The Importance of Being Earnest.” They were tasked with creating an “alter ego” of themselves, and then dressing up and acting as that person for the day.

“Since we are reading ‘The Importance of Being Earnest’, which is centered on a man who creates an alter ego for himself so he can have an excuse to go to town, I thought it would be fun for the students to experience that for themselves,” explained Erin Johnson, Campion English teacher. “I wanted them to apply an old story to their lives in a creative way,” she said.

Pupils changed various aspects of themselves, such as dress, hairstyles, or the way they talked. Some took it further than others, one even shaving his head.

“It was crazy how everyone did so many different things,” said Haley Beckermeyer, Campion sophomore. “The village students went all out, and even some of the dorm students went crazy.”

The participating students enjoyed dressing up and altering their personality.

“It was a fun time because I got to experience my friends in a way I have never seen them before,” Melody Mambo, Campion sophomore, said.

While they had fun doing this for a day, students experienced the meaning of “The Importance of Being Earnest” in real life.

“I learned how difficult it is to be someone that you’re not, and how much better it is to just be who you truly are,” commented Faith Evert, sophomore.

—Jayce Treat, is a senior at Campion Academy; photos supplied

21 Oct

COOKING, JOB HUNTING, WOODWORKING and ROBOTICS AT MHA

In

By Karrie Meyers – Highlands Ranch, Colorado … Mile High Academy students learn skills for life in elective classes.

Students can choose classes including: art, woodworking, life skills, outdoor survival, drama, yearbook, strategy games, robotics and Spanish.

Life skills class was formed with the purpose of providing students with an opportunity to develop skills needed for everyday life as well as problem solving and decision making including: how to look for a job, write a resume, fill out an application.

Pupils also discovered how to cook and how to integrate vegetarian options into the recipes and the importance of a well-balanced meal. They made guacamole, tortillas from scratch, quesadillas, banana nut bread, smoothies, spring rolls and mashed potatoes.

“I really enjoyed life skills because I got to learn how to cook – and eat it,” Mitchell Nudd, seventh-grader said.

MHA strives to provide students a well-rounded education, including unique elective class options for upper and middle school.

“Keeping the students involved and excited about leaning is a priority at Mile High Academy,” said Brenda Rodie, VP of operations, admissions and records. “The world as we know it is constantly changing and providing instructional and interactive elective classes help the students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills that stay with them for a lifetime.”

Woodworking is offered to upper school students teaching how to safely use hand and power tools.  Their first project was to make birdhouses. The students were tasked with creating their plan, cutting and building as well as painting. The birdhouses are almost complete, and they will be selling them to family and friends.

“I enjoy the experience of helping the students learn a hands-on skill and giving them the opportunity to plan and execute their own project from start to finish,” Brian Howard, woodworking teacher said.

Robotics is also a popular elective. The class of twelve is in its initial design phase of this school year’s robot. They are currently raising funds to attend a Florida robotics competition in April 2021, with an upcoming drive-in movie to be held on November 7.

— Karrie Meyers is Mile High Academy’s communication assistant; photos supplied

21 Oct

RMC ASSISTS WITH WILDFIRE RELIEF IN OREGON

In

By Cathy Kissner – Grants Pass, Oregon … Members of the Rocky Mountain Conference Adventist Community Service Disaster Rapid Response Leadership team were requested, on October 1, to assist the North Pacific Union Conference and the Oregon Conference in the recovery of the wildfires impacting the State of Oregon.

Their responsibility was to establish and oversee the opening of a multi-agency warehouse to assist the southern Oregon recovery from the wildfires, and to train members of the Oregon and North Pacific Union Conference.

“We were determined to complete the set-up in the time allotted,” Cathy Kissner, RMC ACS leader, said.   “There were many obstacles that had to be met and overcome.   The State of Oregon as well as the North Pacific Union Conference and Oregon Conference had never set up a Multi-Agency Warehouse.”

The group established the volunteer area, office, sorting, receiving, shipping and inventoried areas.  The team wanted to make sure that when the operation of the warehouse was transferred to local leadership, they would be able to operate the multi-agency warehouse with minimal difficulty.

The team is concerned about the unfolding situation in Colorado and Wyoming with the ongoing wildfires.

“We are monitoring all the CO/WY fires.  Larimer County has requested ACS DR to assist with donations management.   The county is looking for a 55,000 square foot facility that can be used as a collection/distribution site as well as a staging area,” Kissner said.

To become a member of the Rapid Response Leadership requires classes in donation operation, multi-agency warehouse and FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) classes on leadership.  If you are interesting becoming a member please contact:  Cathy Kissner at [email protected]

–Cathy Kissner is RMC director of Adventist Community Services; photos supplied

21 Oct

MHA STUDENTS WALK FOR FALL FUNDRAISER

In

By Karrie Meyers – Highlands Ranch, Colorado … Mile High Academy students walked during the 2nd annual walk-a-thon fundraiser for MHA’s annual fund.

The event took on a different look, due to the ongoing pandemic restrictions causing the daylong event to be divided in 90-minute block schedules for each cohort, with the event expanding over two days.

Laughter and cheers could be heard as the classes raced around the soccer field during the gathering held at the end of September.

Faculty, staff and volunteers were on the sidelines, cheering the students and passing out prizes including: sunglasses, stress balls, stickers and ice cream.

Participants wore a blue tie-dye 2020 walk-a-thon t-shirt, encouraging them to remain #MHAStrong.

Following Douglas County health guidelines, parents were allowed on campus to volunteer with helping count laps, handing out prizes and fellowshipping with students and teachers.

“As a parent that has always been heavily involved in volunteering on campus in years past, this year has proven to be a huge adjustment. With limited access to be able to be on campus this year due to COVID restrictions, I was ecstatic to learn of the opportunity to volunteer in-person for the school’s annual walk-a-thon,” Abby Helm, parent of three students, said.

“I felt a sense of normalcy helping with the event, and the excitement of my children seeing me back on campus volunteering was nothing short of heartwarming,” she added.

Pizza parties were awarded to the classes who raised the most donations through the competition.  Individual awards were also awarded. The walk-a-thon was able to raise around $16,000 for the annual fund.

“The MHA team worked hard to develop a plan for a safe, fun event, one the students could enjoy while taking pride in helping the school raise money,” said Jocelyn Aalborg, MHA’s vice principal of finance and development.

— Karrie Myers is Mile High Academy’s communication assistant; photos supplied

21 Oct

Free from the Pit

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By Karen Fettig – Manderson, Wyoming … Sheyenne was missing, and we went looking for her only to find her stuck in a hole of soupy mud. We worked feverishly to free her, pulling brush out with the tractor, paying no mind to the thorns gouging our hands as we ran the log chain around the brush. She fought and fought but the mud held her fast.

Finally, we accepted defeat and watched as beautiful Sheyenne started to go into shock. We knew we couldn’t get her out by ourselves. A neighbor had a track hoe and he was called. He came driving in the dark with only a flashlight to light his way as his lights weren’t working. Carefully he scooped the mud from beside her, the large bucket only inches from her body. She knew not to move. Finally, we were able to roll her out of that spot only to have her stuck again. We literally had to pull her out with the bucket and a rope. We finally got her on dry ground, and I piled on the blankets. Sheyenne kept trying to get up and, 24 hours later, she got up and walked to the corral.

Sheyenne has been part of Beneath Our Wings—a ministry in Wyoming that raises awareness about human trafficking. She, along with two other mules, have traversed Wyoming and through Montana to Canada. The reality of that scenario sank in that night as we tried to free her from the mud.

I thought of the hundreds of thousands of children being trafficked for sex each day in the U.S. at a profit of more than $16 million a day. Children being trafficked have a life expectancy of two to seven years. Many do not escape from the pit which holds them fast. Often when they are “used up,” they are killed, and their organs sold on the black market. It isn’t until someone recognizes their plight and rescues them that they can have hope. One of the first things traffickers do is “break” them. The victims then lose the will to fight and run.

How do children get sucked into being trafficked? Familiar trafficking (by someone known) is very common. Social media plays a big part in traffickers targeting children. They are predators and can recognize the vulnerable children. They know how to flatter a child and many times isolate him or her. The statistics reveal that many trafficked children have been through social services. Many do not have parents that care. Runaways will often be picked up by a trafficker within 48 hours.

That brings us to the question about what churches can do to help fight this horrific crime? Like Sheyenne, there are hundreds of thousands of children stuck in a pit from which they cannot free themselves.

For more information or to host a seminar in your area or local church, please contact Karen Fettig at [email protected], or visit our website at  http://beneathourwings.com.

—Karen Fettig is founder of Beneath Our Wings; photos supplied.

17 Oct

GVR EVACUATED; WILDFIRE THREATENS

In

***UPDATED 11:00 p.m. Thursday, October 22***

RMCNews – Ward, Colorado … Glacier View Ranch is currently evacuated out of abundance of caution, due to the nearby Cal-Wood Fire.

The Cal-Wood fire has grown to over ten thousand acres, according the Boulder County Emergency Operations Center website. The fire has not made any forward movements toward GVR.

GVR staff hopes to gain access to the property, before the weekend to shut off the main water line and drain pipes to prevent frozen pipes due to the forecasted cold temperatures this weekend. GVR currently has no electricity due to the power being turned off by the fire crews.

“As of 11:58 a.m. [Sunday, October 18] the camp is secured and no damage has been reported,” Dan Hansen, director of camp ministries, said.

“With fires close to Glacier View Camp we need our members to be praying for our camp and all the people who live in the area. We believe everyone has evacuated from the camp. Please make this a priority in your prayers,” Ed Barnett, RMC President said.

Leaving GVR, Jessyka Dooley, RMC assistant youth director felt “a deep peace that no matter what happens, God’s got us.”

“GVR is such a special place to many of us, but what really makes it special is the people,” Dooley added.

The threat to the camp changes frequently as the Cal-Wood fire remains unpredictable in its movements. “It’s really too soon to say what the threat to camp is. We are not in a good location when you look at the fire maps. It really depends on how the wind blows and how much those on the front lines can contain,” Dooley, said.

“The threat to the physical camp is pretty high, but the threat to what camp really is, the ministry of camp, is nonexistent,” Dooley continued.

GVR will remain closed until further notice.

This is a breaking news story and will be updated as soon as more details are available.

–Photos courtesy of Boulder County Office of Emergency Management Facebook page and Kiefer Dooley

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