Eli González – Ward, Colorado … “I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude to the Rocky Mountain Conference’s (RMC) Pathfinders community for making the recent Club Ministries Leadership Weekend at Glacier View Ranch in Ward, Colorado, October 16-18, another resounding success,” praised Eli González, RMC Club Ministries executive coordinator. “It was a successful and blessed time surrounded by many volunteers who attended from New Mexico, Wyoming, and Colorado.”
“Every year, this event challenges those of us on the leadership team to step outside our daily routines, align our vision, and push the boundaries of what we can achieve together. This weekend was no exception,” he continued. “The energy, collaboration, and breakthrough ideas generated over the weekend proved once again that our team is deeply committed and intentional about ‘Making it Easy for Kids to Know God.’”
“We are grateful and proud for the opportunity to be motivated by these great leaders and speakers sharing personal testimonials and presenting God’s word to endeavor our willingness to serve in this ministry.”
The featured speaker for the event was James L. Black, Sr., a prominent Seventh-day Adventist author, youth leader, and current senior pastor at the Miami Bethany Seventh-day Adventist Church in Miami, Florida. Known as a long-time voice in youth and young adult ministry, Black previously served as director of Youth Ministries for the North American Division (NAD), overseeing Pathfinders, Master Guides, and Teen Leadership Training (TLT).
An additional speaker and Master Guide class instructor was Tyrone Douglas, the Mid-America Union Conference Church Ministries director. Douglas’s focus includes children’s, club, youth, and young adult ministries and Adventist Community Services. He was joined by another speaker, Brandon Westgate, the RMC Youth Director.
“Kudos to all of the teachers and presenters. Your classes, introductions to seminars, and tutorials to leadership were indispensable and essential,” remarked González. “The cross-functional workshops spark ideas that will directly improve our operational efficiency and team culture. And we successfully mapped out our core priorities for the upcoming events, ensuring Adventurers, Pathfinders, TLTs, and Master Guides are moving in the same direction.”
Beyond the strategy sessions, participants had the chance to connect, build trust, and laugh together as a team. González continued, “Thank you for your vulnerability, your sharp insights, and your unwavering dedication. A special thank you goes out to everyone who worked behind the scenes to handle the logistics and make this weekend run so smoothly.”
The weekend also held special acknowledgement for long-time RMC Club Ministries leader and executive coordinator, Sue Nelson. “It’s an honor to highlight a special leader. RMC has been blessed by the leadership and dedication of Sue Nelson.”
“Sue, this weekend, we salute you and thank you for years of patience, wisdom and care,” praised González. “Your influence on our youth will be felt for generations, adding your legacy measured in lives changed. Pathfinders are proud of you showing up for them every step of the way. Congratulations on a ‘race well done’ and for doing ‘your honest part.’”
González would like to remind club members and supporters that, “Pathfinders, now, the real work begins! Let’s carry this incredible momentum back into our churches, clubs, and homes and turn our weekend vision into reality. I am incredibly proud and humble to be part of this awesome team, and I am more confident after this weekend that God has plans for our ministry, and His spirit will lead and guide us to accomplish God’s great commission for pathfinders. What an awesome inspiring Leadership Weekend!”
—Eli González is an RMC executive coordinator. Photos supplied.
