NN Oct 2025

By Mark Weir

For many months, we at Denver South Seventh-day Adventist Church have been preparing, planning, and praying for our Islam and Christianity in the Bible Prophecy Series. People came, including many from our sister Adventist churches. We had several of our own members who have not been very active in church life for a while attend.

But the best part was the thoughtful, polite, yet purposeful interactions as people considered the implications of what was being shared. In a nutshell, this was a call to recommit to following Jesus—not a church, but our Savior.

One of the most memorable statements went something like this: “Christians through the years have been guilty of killing Muslims, Jews, and fellow Christians who disagreed with those in power. Muslims through the years have been guilty of killing Christians, Jews, and fellow Muslims who disagreed with those in power.”

“Both sides have been guilty of horrible atrocities, and where are God’s true people in all of this? Caught between warring sides more interested in power and control than being like Jesus.”

The harsh reality is that we are all living world that is fracturing, and to simply say, “Well, one day I will take more seriously my commitment to Jesus,” has one major flaw—we don’t have anything beyond today guaranteed.

Now please understand, I am not trying to be an alarmist, but I am a realist. Every day is a gift from God, and every day is one day closer to the return of Jesus. With that being said, I am thankful for every day of life that is given to me, and I want to live each day in anticipation of meeting my Savior when He returns in the clouds—and I want others to be looking forward to meeting Him as well.

The reason we share seminars like this with our community is to help those people to whom the Holy Spirit is speaking to. We want to remind people of what the Bible says, but even more, help them find hope in Jesus. Because when we trust in Jesus, all the mess that is going on around us is less concerning as we know that Jesus will both sustain and, ultimately, deliver.

—Mark Weir is the pastor for the Denver South Seventh-day Adventist Church. Photo by Liz Kirkland.

Jose Briones – Denver, Colorado … The Denver Central Hispanic Seventh-day Adventist Church witnessed a powerful week of spiritual revival, October 4-10, culminating in the baptism of eight individuals who publicly committed their lives to Jesus. The evangelistic campaign opened with a single baptism on Sabbath and concluded with seven more by the following Friday, each one representing a story of transformation and months of intentional discipleship.

Guest speaker Juan Blanco Suero, a pastor with the Southeastern Association of the Dominican Union of Seventh-day Adventists, led the weeklong series with clarity, conviction, and compassion. His messages resonated deeply with attendees, many of whom had been studying the Bible and participating in small groups since the spring.

“This wasn’t just a week of baptisms—it was a week of breakthroughs,” said Leonardo Jiménez, pastor of the Greeley Hispanic District, who organized the campaign. “Every soul that stepped into the water reminded us that the gospel still transforms lives, one heart at a time.”

Among the most moving moments was the baptism of a father and daughter, part of a family Jiménez had been ministering to personally. Their decision to be baptized together underscored the campaign’s theme: that evangelism is not only public proclamation, but also deeply relational. “Every visit, every study, every prayer shared in their home was part of the process God used to reach their hearts,” Jiménez reflected.

The campaign is part of the broader Pentecost 2025 initiative, a mission-focused program from the North American Division. More than a numerical goal, Pentecost 2025 is a call to intentional living, disciple-making, and community transformation through the power of the Holy Spirit.

As the church looks ahead, the momentum from this week continues to inspire. “Every baptism is a victory,” said Jiménez. “Every family reached is a blessing. And every step forward is part of greater work. We move forward with gratitude for what God has done—and with faith in what He will continue to do.”

—Jose Briones is the RMC Stewardship Promotion and Content creator. Photos supplied.

ACSNews – Columbia, Maryland … Adventist Community Services (ACS) exists to serve. Service is love in action, it’s our calling and it’s how we live in community, by loving one another in practical ways.

Colette Newer, ACS associate director at the North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists, challenges us with this reflection “Who is the least of these? The least is the person you do not value. This can be different for me than it is for you. Who do you value the least? That is the one Jesus waits for you to honor, to serve, to love.”

ACS shares, connects, ministers, and disciples through service. Here are 1,2,3 simple ways to begin today

1. Bible Verse

Connect with God:

I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing (John 15:5).

Before we can serve, we stay connected to the Source. God fills us, so we can overflow in love for others.

2. Ways to show love

1. Listen to someone’s story: Listening to somebody else’s experience shows we care about them and helps us understand different perspectives. It makes us better friends and more effective in ministry.
2. Stay Present: We may not solve the pain, but simply sitting through their painful experiences provides strength and comfort. Stay present as God remains present with us through our pain.

3. Ideas to serve your neighbor

As you meet your neighbors and hear their stories, you will find ways to serve them. Here are a few ideas:

1. Food Blessing: Donate food to a local food pantry or volunteer to help sort.
2. Yard Kindness: Organize a youth group to rake leaves or other yard work for someone with mobility issues.
3. Errand Help: Pick up groceries or do other errands for someone who can’t easily get out.

—ACSNews. Adapted from the October 14, 2025, ACS Newsletter. Photos supplied.

Sylvia I. Gonzalez – Colorado Springs, Colorado … Del 26 al 28 de septiembre, la Iglesia Adventista Hispana de Colorado Springs abrió sus puertas a la comunidad para llevar a cabo una significativa Feria de Salud bajo el lema “Restaurando el Templo de Dios: Nuestro Cuerpo.”

Durante tres días, el evento promovió el bienestar físico, mental y espiritual, recordando a los asistentes que cuidar la salud también es un acto de adoración y fidelidad a Dios.

Fe en acción a través de la salud

La feria ofreció un ambiente familiar y acogedor donde los visitantes pudieron recibir servicios preventivos gratuitos y aprender hábitos saludables basados en principios bíblicos. Entre las actividades destacadas se incluyeron:

• Chequeos básicos de presión arterial, glucosa, peso y estatura
• Orientación nutricional y degustación de alimentos saludables
• Masajes relajantes y quiroprácticos
• Demostración práctica de los “8 Remedios Naturales”: aire puro, descanso, ejercicio, luz solar, agua, nutrición, temperancia y esperanza en Dios
• Distribución de ropa y calzado para toda la familia, organizada por el Departamento de Dorcas

También se entregaron materiales informativos para ayudar a los participantes a continuar aplicando los principios de salud en sus hogares.

Colaboración y servicio comunitario

A la feria asistieron más de 20 personas, entre miembros de iglesia y vecinos de la comunidad. El evento contó con la valiosa colaboración de doctoras y licenciadas en el área de la salud, quienes ofrecieron su tiempo y conocimientos de manera voluntaria.

Su presencia aportó credibilidad, cercanía y profesionalismo, reflejando el compromiso de la iglesia de servir no solo en el ámbito espiritual, sino también en el físico y emocional.

Un impacto significativo

Aunque fue una actividad de pequeña escala, la Feria de Salud dejó una huella profunda en los asistentes. Muchos expresaron su gratitud por haber recibido orientación útil y servicios preventivos en un ambiente cálido, espiritual y familiar.

El evento reforzó el mensaje de que cuidar el cuerpo es también un acto de fe y obediencia a Dios, en armonía con los principios de salud promovidos por la Iglesia Adventista del Séptimo Día.

Restaurando esperanza, paso a paso

La feria “Restaurando el Templo de Dios: Nuestro Cuerpo” mostró lo que se puede lograr cuando la fe y la comunidad trabajan unidas por una misma causa. Con recursos limitados, pero con gran dedicación, la iglesia, los profesionales de la salud y los voluntarios unieron esfuerzos para marcar una diferencia real.

El evento fue un recordatorio inspirador de que la verdadera restauración ocurre cuando el cuerpo, la mente y el espíritu se cuidan en armonía, tal como Dios lo diseñó.

—Sylvia I. González es la directora de Comunicación de la Iglesia Adventista del Séptimo Día Hispana de Colorado Springs. Fotos por Sylvia I. González

Sylvia I. Gonzalez – Colorado Springs, Colorado … The Colorado Springs Hispanic Seventh-day Adventist Church opened its doors to the community from September 26-28 for a meaningful Health Fair themed “Restoring God’s Temple: Our Body.”

The three-day event focused on promoting physical, mental, and spiritual well-being, reminding participants that caring for one’s health is an act of worship and stewardship toward God.

Faith in Action Through Health

The fair provided a welcoming and family-oriented environment where visitors could receive free preventive health services and practical education on healthy living. Attendees took part in a variety of activities, including:

• Health screenings for blood pressure, glucose, weight, and height
• Nutritional counseling and healthy food tastings
• Relaxing and chiropractic massages
• A hands-on demonstration of the “8 Natural Remedies”: pure air, rest, exercise, sunlight, water, nutrition, temperance, and hope in God
• Distribution of clothing and shoes for families, organized by the Dorcas Department

Informational materials were also provided to help participants continue applying these health principles at home.

Community Collaboration

More than 20 people attended the fair, including church members and local residents. The event was supported by doctors and licensed health professionals, who volunteered their time and expertise to offer personalized and trustworthy care.

Their participation brought credibility and warmth to the initiative, reflecting the church’s mission to serve not only spiritually but also physically and emotionally.

A Meaningful Impact

Though modest in size, the health fair had a significant impact on those who attended. Participants expressed appreciation for the opportunity to learn practical ways to improve their health in an uplifting, faith-filled setting.

The initiative also strengthened the message that caring for the body is an expression of faith and obedience to God, a core value in the Seventh-day Adventist belief system.

Restoring Hope, One Step at a Time

The “Restoring God’s Temple: Our Body” Health Fair highlighted what can be achieved when faith and community unite for a common cause. With limited resources but abundant dedication, the church, health professionals, and volunteers worked hand in hand to make a lasting difference.

This event served as a powerful reminder that true restoration begins when body, mind, and spirit are cared for together—just as God intended.

—Sylvia I. Gonzalez is the Communication director for the Colorado Springs Hispanic Seventh-day Adventist Church. Photos by Sylvia I. Gonzalez.

Cielo Domino – Farmington, New Mexico … Teaching students with first-hand experience was one of the activities planned by the La Vida Mission* (LVM) School in Farmington, New Mexico, for the first weekend school program. After the academic studies were completed on September 25, the students, teachers, and some staff went to the gym kitchen to bake pumpkin muffins.

All the students lent a hand in the kitchen including the 5-year-old kindergartner, Havannah, who got busy preparing the baking pans. The students were so delighted to taste their first pan of muffins. When everyone approved the taste, the real baking started.

The next day, almost everybody at La Vida went to San Juan Care Center (SJCC) in Farmington, New Mexico, to cheer up the elderly residents by playing games with them and singing while playing their ukuleles. Dorie Panganiban, LVM office manager, inspired the residents with promises from the Bible and explaining the messages from a laminated handout that she passed to many in the hall.

After the main program, gift bags with goodies were distributed to more than 30 attendees. Inside the bags were crocheted squishes made by Danita Ray Juan, LVM supporter, a word search puzzle donated by Paulette, LVM supporter, greeting cards, and the delicious pumpkin muffins baked by LVM students. Some staff at the center enjoyed their muffins too.

“Joy radiated in the faces of our students,” remarked LMV principal Cielo Domino. “He who gives is indeed more blessed than the one who receives.”

LVM School is grateful to Glet France, LVM middle school and music teacher, for training the students, Renita for connecting LVM to SJCC, Dorie Panganiban, for her wonderful message, and to all the LVM staff members who acted as one in support of this activity.

Appeal from the school: The music class is in need of more ukuleles and other musical instruments. You may send your donations to La Vida Mission School. God bless your generous hands.

* La Vida Mission is a supporting ministry of the Seventh-day Adventist Church but is not affiliated with the Rocky Mountain Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.

—Cielo Domino, LVM principal and lower grades teacher. Photos supplied.

CRS News – Lincoln, Nebraska … Christian Record Services, Inc., in Lincoln, Nebraska, is pleased to announce the appointment of Dexter Thomas, DMin, as its new president. With a distinguished career in ministry, advocacy, and leadership, Thomas brings a deep passion for serving the blind and low-vision community, as well as a proven track record of innovative outreach and organizational growth.

Thomas has served as the senior pastor at Fairfield Community Seventh-day Adventist Church in Fairfield, California, where he led a diverse congregation, launched new ministries, and fostered significant growth. His experience includes founding PhoneFaith—a national ministry for the blind and low-vision community, which is now an outreach ministry of Christian Record Services—serving as disability coordinator for the Florida Conference, and teaching at Starr King School for the Ministry in Berkeley, California. He has conducted evangelism campaigns worldwide, authored several books, and served on Christian Record Services’ Board of Directors since 2017, regularly contributing to the ministry’s publications.

“It’s with profound gratitude that I accept this call from God through the North American Division and the Board of Christian Record Services to serve as president,” said Thomas. “It is my hope to come alongside churches and organizations in partnership with Christian Record Services so that every person who is blind or has low vision would know their inherent worth and value in Christ.”

Board Chairman Alex Bryant shared, “We are very excited to welcome our new president of Christian Record Services, Pastor Dexter Thomas, to his new assignment. He comes with a wide range of experience in ministry, business, and specific outreach to the visually impaired. We have great confidence that his collective experience will lift this organization to its next level of service and ministry.”

Christian Record Services remains dedicated to providing accessible resources, spiritual support, and community for people who are blind or have low vision. Under Thomas’s leadership, the organization is poised to expand its impact and deepen its commitment to Christ-centered service.

—Christian Record Services News. Republished with permission from Christian Record News & Events post, October 13, 2025. Photo supplied.

By Jocelyn Aalborg

Each year, Alumni Weekend is more than a calendar event, it’s a homecoming. It’s a time when stories overlap, laughter echoes through familiar hallways, and memories resurface like they never left.

For me, coming home to Mile High Academy (MHA) this year was personal. I graduated in 2005—twenty years ago—and while the campus looks different today than it did when I was a student, the spirit of this place hasn’t changed. I returned in 2013 as part of the administrative team, and though I now live in Hawaii, MHA remains my home—a place deeply woven into my faith, my friendships, and my family.

This year’s Alumni Weekend was meaningful in a quiet way, focused on connection, reflection, and shared memories. For our Class of 2005, there were three of us this year that attended; sitting together, it felt like no time had passed. One classmate now has children at MHA; another I hadn’t seen in years, yet we picked up right where we left off, laughing about the “good old days” and catching up on life since then.

A Special Sabbath

Saturday’s worship was especially meaningful. Our class sponsor, Gale Hendrick, former pastor in the Rocky Mountain Conference, delivered a message titled, “Bonded for Life.” It was fitting. Gale has been more than a teacher or pastor to me; he’s been a mentor and friend through every stage of my journey. During his message, he spoke about the ties that last—not just among classmates, but between teachers, mentors, and the generations that walk through MHA’s doors.

As I shared from Philippians 2:22, And you yourselves know how he has proved his worth, how he and I, like a son and his father, have worked together for the sake of the gospel, I was reminded of how MHA shapes lives long after graduation. These bonds of faith, friendship, and shared purpose are what keep us connected.

Connecting Through Community

Saturday evening brought out the competitive spirit with a three-on-three basketball tournament, where alumni, students, and friends joined together. I didn’t play this year, but standing courtside, watching old and new faces share the court, reminded me again of MHA’s heartbeat: community.

Sunday’s annual Mustang Classic Golf Tournament wrapped up the weekend. Seventy-two golfers—including alumni, students, parents, friends, and community members—took to the beautiful course, laughing, competing, and enjoying the day together. What began as an alumni-focused event has grown into a wider community tradition, offering a relaxed space where both old friends and new supporters can connect while celebrating MHA.

Looking Back, Moving Forward

Alumni Weekend isn’t just about the past, it’s a bridge to the future. As someone who’s both a graduate and a long-time staff member, I’ve seen firsthand the effort that goes into planning each detail, from invitations to worship to post-event cleanup. It’s a labor of love—one rooted in the belief that every reconnection matters.

Not every alumnus has fond memories, and not everyone feels the pull to return. But for those who do, there’s a spark that reignites something deeper. At MHA, the bonds formed here are more than fleeting friendships; they are lasting connections that span decades.

MHA is, and always will be, a place where lives are intertwined and where teachers become mentors, classmates become lifelong friends, and faith ties us all together. That’s what makes coming home so special.

—Jocelyn Aalborg is a Mile High Academy Alumna from Class of 2005. Photos supplied.

Sidney Needles – “We’re so appreciative for what they’re doing,” said Eden Valley Institute of Wellness* administrative secretary Kara Miller, one of the 28 volunteers who worked there this June. The volunteer team was organized by Maranatha Volunteers International,* a supporting ministry of the Seventh-day Adventist Church that specializes in construction projects. In just two weeks, this group framed a 2,800 square foot duplex of staff housing for the ministry based in Loveland, Colorado.

“People have come from all over the country, and many of them have never worked [construction] before,” said Miller. “And they can just come together as a team with a shared goal. It’s just awesome, and they’re fast!”

The volunteers’ gift—two weeks of their time and energy—will keep on giving at Eden Valley far into the future. “It enables us to have the staffing to support the lifestyle center and to be able to have guests,” explained Miller. “Because our lifestyle center has grown, more and more people are coming.”

Eden Valley Institute is a self-supporting ministry of the Adventist Church that relies on donations to achieve its mission to see lives transformed by God’s principles of education and healing. “We’re able to fund our operations. But capital improvements? We just don’t have that kind of money,” explained Miller. This is why free labor through Maranatha is such a game-changer. Miller elaborated, “We don’t have the manpower to do it ourselves.”

Maranatha Volunteers International mobilizes volunteers to build churches, schools, water wells, and other urgently needed structures around the world, including North America. Since 1969, Maranatha has constructed more than 16,000 structures and more than 3,500 water wells in nearly 90 countries.

* Please note that Eden Valley Institute and Maranatha Volunteers International are supporting ministries of the Seventh-day Adventist Church but are not affiliated with the Rocky Mountain Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.

—Sidney Needles is a Communications Specialist for Maranatha Volunteers International. Photos by Nancy Davis except group photo taken by an Eden Valley staff member.

Steve Pester – Cortez, Colorado … “The morning sun spilled over the mesas, painting Cortez in gold as members of the Cortez Seventh-day Adventist Church in Colorado gathered for worship on Sabbath, September 13. They didn’t yet realize they were stepping into a Sabbath that had been quietly orchestrated by the hand of God,” reflected Steve Pester, Dine Adventist Radio* (DAR) network manager.

The Cortez Church had scheduled a special visit from DAR and Adventist World Radio (AWR). No one knew then that the date would fall exactly on Radio Ministries Support Sabbath—a divine appointment that would share local mission and global outreach for the congregation.

From the first hymn, the congregation leaned into the moment—literally—doing their best to sing in Navajo. The unfamiliar words rolled off their tongues with joy and reverence, a small but heartfelt bridge to the culture DAR serves every day.

One by one, members of the DAR team stepped forward, each carrying a story that was more than just personal—it was a testimony of God’s pursuit.

Tamara Peshlakai, clinical social worker and therapist, told of a simple seminar handbill that changed her life, leading her into the Adventist faith. Her voice carried both gratitude and urgency as she spoke of the challenge—and the calling—of reaching her Navajo people with the gospel.

Nathan Manuelito shared a moment of decision when God answered his prayers and gave him the courage to choose Christ over deeply rooted tradition. Kietel and Anita Jones reflected on the quiet but powerful influence of their Navajo Code Talker relative, whose life of service and integrity still shapes their walk with God today.

Then the focus widened from the Four Corners to the farthest corners of the earth. Dr. Bob Peck, AWR Ambassadors program director, and Dr. Duane McKey, the retiring president of AWR, told stories of radio waves carrying hope into places where missionaries cannot go—villages tucked deep in jungles, cities closed to public evangelism, and hearts that had never before heard the name of Jesus.

“As testimonies flowed, it became clear: whether in Navajo or Arabic, whether through a handbill or a shortwave signal, God’s voice is reaching His children,” remarked Pester, “By the time the closing prayer was offered, the congregation knew they had witnessed something rare—a Sabbath where local and global mission met in one sanctuary, and the Spirit of God moved freely between them.”

It was, in every sense, a high Sabbath—one that will echo in hearts long after the last hymn faded into the high desert air.

* Dine Adventist Radio is supporting ministries of the Seventh-day Adventist Church but is not affiliated with the Rocky Mountain Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.

—Steve Pester is the Dine Adventist Radio network manager. Photos by Steve Pester.