Samantha Nelson – Farmington, New Mexico … The Piñon Hills Seventh-day Adventist Church in Farmington, New Mexico, hosted a fundraiser dinner and auction on August 23 to help support the Aztec Seventh-day Adventist Church youth/young adult group the “Truth Seekers.”
Led by Steve Nelson, pastor for the Farmington District, the group has been meeting since April and is comprised of Adventists and non-Adventist youth from the community, ranging in age from 12 to 32. Aztec Church’s social and recreational director Arta Specht—who has prayed for years for a youth group to get started—volunteers to cook a delicious meal each week, while Yuly Gutierrez, group supporter, helps coordinate activities before the Bible lessons, such as volleyball, kayaking, and more.
The Aztec Church voted in June to buy a 25-passenger shuttle bus so the youth could go on field trips. Originally, that would have been enough seats but now the group has grown so much there would not be enough seats if everyone were able to go. “What a great problem to have!” praised Samantha Nelson, wife and ministry partner of Pastor Steve Nelson. The youth and church members have been fundraising through garage sales to pay for the bus and the first field trip to the Grand Canyon on October 3-5.
“Piñon Hills Church offered to host a fundraising dinner and auction to help support the young people and it was an overwhelming success! Several people donated items from tasty treats to handmade pottery to custom-made cutting boards to a museum-quality painting,” remarked Samantha.
She continued, “Ana Foley made the delicious enchiladas, while Mirna Casaus, Yami Polanco, Yuly Gutierrez, Beryl Lopez, Dave Whitaker and Julie Romero (and others) made the rest of the delicious meal and desserts. Denise Whitaker and Jody Roy helped decorate for the dinner.”
Enough funds—$6,222.10—were raised to cover the cost of the Grand Canyon trip, as well as pay for the second third of the bus cost, leaving only one-third left to pay. The initial one-third of the bus cost was covered by a very generous donation made by some Piñon Hills Church members. Another Piñon Hills church member donated the cost of bus maintenance and service as well as putting the “Truth Seekers” logo on it. Community members have shown tremendous support for the young people.
The youth had a great time serving at the dinner and sharing about why they love to attend the weekly Bible studies. Samantha commented, “It’s great to see such widespread support from both churches for these precious young people.”
Dalilah Gutierrez, a group member, said, “I enjoy learning different ways to handle temptation, and knowing that I’m not the only one going through it. Each lesson we break it down and Pastor and his wife are giving amazing solutions along the way and that’s why I enjoy the youth group.”
Another group member, Isaiah Gonzales, shared, “I enjoy being part of my church youth program because it brings me closer to God while giving me a place to grow in my faith alongside other people. I also enjoy the friendships, activities, and opportunities to serve others and be a positive part of my church community.”
They will be learning more about biblical Creation and the Flood as they travel to and from the Grand Canyon in October. They wish to express their deepest gratitude to everyone who helped and supported them.
“Please keep our youth and young adults in prayer as they face a multitude of challenges in today’s world,” urged Samantha.
—Samantha Nelson writes from the Piñon Hills Seventh-Day Adventist Church where her husband is lead pastor of the Farmington District. Photos supplied.
