By Jon Roberts – Sterling, Colorado … Some fifty individuals gathered on August 22, to support Don Lopes, Jr. as he was ordained to the gospel ministry.

The ordination service received a different look, with all the precautions in place due to the pandemic, however, the message and recognition of God’s calling on Lopes ministry was evident.

Lopes recalled how he was called to the gospel work, “I was baptized in the eighth grade and my pastor, Steve Huey asked me to be involved, right away, in preaching, and deacon work. For the next four years (1993-1997) I would attend Upper Columbia Academy (UCA).   Throughout my years at UCA, I planned to be a pastor.  When I came home for home leave, pastor Dan Knapp would remind me that God has a great plan for my life.”

“After graduating from UCA, Lopes enrolled at Southern Adventist University. “After spending a summer abroad, I decided to continue my theology degree in the Philippines at Mountain View College, where I graduated in 2003,” Lopes added.

After pastoring in Washington and Idaho, Lopes continued his studies at Andrews University. In May of 2017 Lopes was invited to join the Rocky Mountain Conference as associate pastor of the Fort Morgan, Sterling district.

Lopes father, Don Lopes, Sr. shared with the ordination service participants in person and online “that his son, when he was growing up had a beautiful smile. “If you know Pastor Don, you will know that smile is still evident today.”

Wayne Morrison, pastor of the Brighton church, shared that he believes that smile comes from a close walk with Jesus.

A lifetime mentor of Lopes, Dr. Colin Dunbar, was honored to give the ordination address via livestream.

Lopes commented that he will remember three points from Dunbar’s address, “the call of God must be seen in how I represent Him, the call of God must be seen as I proclaim a peculiar message and the call of God is seen in my growth as a Christian.”

“It is my goal to continue to grow in these three areas,” Lopes said.

Ed Barnett, RMC president, was among the Conference leadership participants and offered the prayer of dedication while colleagues extended their hands to bless Lopes and his family as they continue the ministry of Jesus.

–Jon Roberts is communication/media assistant for the Rocky Mountain Conference; photo by Jed Dart