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10 Aug

TESTIMONY: WHEN GOD PROVIDED THE FUNDS

Ted Williams with Carol Bolden – Arkansas Valley, Colorado … Attendance at the Arkansas Valley church, like many other churches, was negatively affected by Covid, even after its wane. But despite the decline in attendance, the small group has a zeal to share the gospel. When the Arkansas Valley Chamber of Commerce held their Settler’s Day event, the group jumped at the opportunity to spread God’s love, sharing a booth with the First Christian Church.

As they rubbed shoulders with other Christians, they enjoyed talking and praying with many event-goers who sign were given the opportunity to win a set of the Conflict of the Ages book series and an Under the Influence of Jesus T-shirt. There were 27 individuals who signed up for the books, and 60 people, for the T-shirt.

With the list in hand, the church group gathered to pray over the names for several weeks. Everyone who signed up for the items won, meaning they needed 27 sets of books, but when they contacted the ABC to purchase them, they discovered that the Conflict series in that set was out of print, making even the sale on E. G. White books useless.

While paperback books were available, the group decided that using paperback instead of the hardback set displayed at the booth was not a good representation of God. It was important to them to find hardback sets to share.

They started calling around including the Georgia-Cumberland Conference. There, they found even fancier books than Pacific Press Publishing at $120/set. They were, however, meant for the Conference constituents, and anyone able to authorize the purchase by an out-of-conference entity was in Nepal sick with Covid. Ultimately, approval was given for 27 sets to be sold at $60 each.

Arkansas Valley church often worried about money even though their pastor, Ted Williams, continued to tell them that God didn’t need their money to get His work done. He promised that the money for the books would not come from the church budget and that God would provide.

While visiting in Denver, Williams met with a high school chum and shared the book saga, although never revealing anything about the costs involved. At the end of their second lunch, his friend followed him out to his car. “I want to bless you, Ted,” he said. He held out his hand holding a crumpled piece of paper. It was a check for the exact amount of money to pay for those books, right to the penny.

The same group of people who prayed for those who signed up for the book sets, gathered again in teams to deliver the books. It didn’t take long to get all sets delivered.

Meeting with contest “winners”, the delivery people thanked them for the privilege of meeting with them, asking if they could check in a few months to see if they had questions. They did the same with those who received T-shirts.

The deliveries were complete, Arkansas Valley members were prepared to visit again after several months—another step toward introducing them to Jesus and helping the church come alive again, more awake, interested, and involved.

–Ted Williams as told to Carol Bolden. Photo supplied.

03 Aug

RMC EDUCATORS PARTICIPATE IN INTENSIVE TRAINING

Sandy Hodgson – Denver, Colorado …Twenty educators and administrators came together the last week of July to jump-start the school year and dive deep into Standards Based Learning. RMC education director, Diane Harris, and associate director, Paul Negrete, organized the intensive training so that teachers could bring transparent and honest feedback to learners, create processes that allow time for students to have relevant and authentic experiences, and help students develop skills to become self-navigating learners.

With support from Rocky Mountain Conference administration, the Education department hosted Dr. Marie Alcock as the keynote speaker and trainer. RMC associate director, Paul Negrete, has worked closely with Dr. Alcock in Adventist education for more than eight years. Dr. Alcock is a national and international consultant specializing in the areas of curriculum, instruction, and assessment design. She has spent the last 20 years working in public and private education as a teacher, administrator and public advocate. She works with schools to improve student motivation and literacy through digital tools and game design.

Participants spent six full days in training and work sessions where they completed year-long contexts, bundling standards in a timeline of non-negotiable curriculum elements. Learning targets (clear statements of what the learner needs to know or do) were created for the standards along with proficiency scales to provide valuable feedback to learners.

Other Rocky Mountain Conference educators then joined the team for a mini training session with Dr. Alcock at the annual Teachers’ Convention from Sunday, July 31 to Tuesday, August 2. Everyone participated and learned with Dr. Alcock as they launched intentional strategies to help students become lifelong learners.

Traci Pike, head teacher at Mountain Road Christian Academy in Casper, Wyoming sees great opportunity with Standards Based Learning in a small school setting. “This is naturally the way we should be teaching in a multi-grade, multi-age classroom. It aligns perfectly with the holistic Adventist philosophy of education.”

“Collaboration took place between schools and across all grade levels and subjects,” reflected Kari Lange, Grades 1-2 teacher and vice principal at HMS Richards Elementary in Loveland. “It didn’t matter if you were teaching second grade math, geometry, or high school English. We all worked together and held each other accountable and on task.”

Vista Ridge Academy principal Marsha Bartulec loved the experience. “I caught the vision and excitement from Diane and Paul. I learned new vocabulary, asked a lot of questions and got immediate feedback. As an administrator, I was able to map out a year-long context to support the teachers in our school.”

RMC Education’s goal is for the core group that trained in July to begin implementation with at least one discipline as school gets underway mid-August. The other RMC educators who had the mini training session are challenged to implement learning standards and learning targets in one course by January 2023. Planning ahead for 2023-2024, Paul Negrete believes “educators in Rocky Mountain Conference will have a deeper understanding of the process so that they can make a transition to standards-based learning, take calculated risks, and bring systemic change to education in our schools.”

Joining educators for dinner Monday evening, Mic Thurber, RMC president, Doug Inglish, VP for administration, and Darin Gottfried, VP for finance, shared their support and encouragement as teachers begin a new school year. President Thurber offered a prayer of dedication.

As teachers prepared to head back to their individual campuses, Diane Harris reminded them that just as Jesus not only brought peace to his disciples while the storm raged, but he also got into the boat. He does not remain on the sidelines of the lives of his followers. “The Education department,” encouraged Harris, “will not remain on the sidelines. We will be with you as you go forward to create great learning opportunities for your students.”

–Sandy Hodgson is RMC education assistant director. Photo by Sandy Hodgson.

03 Aug

IT WAS A SUMMER CAMP, UNLIKE ANYTHING ELSE

Brandon Westgate – Ward, Colorado … As the summer camp season has officially ended for the Rocky Mountain Conference, it might be well to consider what the summer has wrought from a few different perspectives.

SPIRITUALLY: The spiritual atmosphere at camp was incredible. The summer camp staff was upbeat and positive and presented Jesus in a way that was attractive. The pastors who gave their time and efforts to minister to our campers were witty and helpful and truly showcased a God who is accessible and present. Our desire is to make it easy for kids to know God and I really felt like we were successful at doing that. To demonstrate that point, dozens of campers made a decision to accept Jesus as their personal Savior. About 60 of them also expressed an interest in being baptized and several of those baptisms took place in Lake Minnie at the Ranch.

The reverberations from being engaged in intentional ministry impacted our summer camp staff as well as we were witness to 20 of our summer camp staff members being either baptized or re-baptized in Lake Minnie. The transparent and heartfelt testimonies that were offered by these young adults were inspirational, honest, and real. The Spirit of God was moving in our midst, and it was a genuinely sanctified moment in time that I will forever cherish.

SOCIALLY: It seemed as though our campers were especially social with each other. They were engaged and involved and invested in what we were doing. The staff were willing to work harder to create opportunities for social engagement and the campers did not disappoint. They leaned into those times of community building with their peers. New friendships were forged, old friendships were rekindled, and a greater sense of community was witnessed by all through games and activities. This aspect of camp cannot be measured by any sort of metric. It has to be experienced to be known.

SECRETLY: So much of what happens at camp is unseen or witnessed by just a few. A camper who is homesick gets some encouragement from a counselor and their world suddenly seems safer. A frustrated and clumsy camper trying to keep up with the group discovers a staff member who is deliberately staying with them and now they don’t feel left behind or abandoned; instead, they feel included. A staff member who is having a personal crisis receives a personal note of encouragement at just the right time and somehow their crisis doesn’t seem so overwhelming. It’s the little things that happen at camp that tend to make the biggest difference.

Those quiet talks, gentle words of reassurance, high fives, and simple smiles that communicate, “Hey, I see you. You are special and God loves you,” are the things that make summer camp unlike anywhere else.

–Brandon Westgate is RMC youth director. Photos by Camp Communication Team

03 Aug

LA VIDA HEALTH OUTREACH AIMS TO REACH YOUNG NAVAJOS

VJ and Beth Panganiban – Farmington, New Mexico – Health issues present an acute challenge within the Navajo community. After a break of three years during the pandemic, the La Vida Mission team resumed the program at the local Chapter House conducting a health and nutrition outreach as part of the annual Summer Youth Work Program.

Nearly 20 young people participated in the program which annually takes place in the months of June and July. The 2022 outreach concluded on July 28.

Members of the La Vida Mission Outreach team lead by was led by VJ and Beth Panganiban, c—directors of the outreach, and supported by Serly and Charles Londah and Dorie Panganiban. “They helped us to make the program a success,” commented VJ Panganiban.

The team introduced the Healthy Lifestyle concept to the participants and presented examples of healthy eating and living. A portion of the program was a practical demonstration of healthy cooking. Divided into two groups, the participants engaged in hands-on cooking following the recipes provided.

The young people also engaged in High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) exercises encouraging them to maintain physical fitness and health.

The organizers appeal for a continuing support of La Vida Mission’s health evangelism outreach to young generation of Navajo families.

– VJ & Beth Panganiban are co-directors of La Vida Mission outreach. Photos supplied.

02 Aug

GOD’S NURTURE ENCHANTS PARTICIPANTS OF COLORADO COWBOY CAMP MEETING

Ron Johnson and Tiffany Marsh – Uncompahgre National Forest, Colorado … The sun lit up the mountains surrounding Silver Jack Reservoir, site of Colorado Cowboy Camp Meeting where 85 worshipers gathered on Sabbath morning in the big tent for the 22nd annual camp meeting, July 13-17, 2022.

In a wilderness environment surrounded by 12 and 13K peaks, the area is a favorite of those who desire a scenic mountain experience of worship, fellowship, and the outdoor recreation of camping, hiking, biking, boating, horse riding, or relaxation.

This year, inspirational messages were presented by Nathan James, pastor of the Moab, Vernal, and Castle Valley Academy, Utah churches and retired Western Colorado pastor, Mike Kissner.

Nathan James told the story of Sir Ernest Shackleton, leader of the incredible 1914 voyage of the ship, “Endurance” which was crushed by the ice, and how those waiting for rescue were told every day, “Pack up your things boys, the boss may come today,” They were ready when Shackleton returned months later. So, we need to be ready every day for Christ’s return. The presenter spoke on how spending a thoughtful hour each day on the life of Christ, especially the last scenes, pertains to us now in the last days. As Jesus said to His disciples, “One of you will betray me,” we should ask, as did His disciples, “Is it I? Will I betray Him?”

Mike Kissner inspired the group to consider how God designed us for relationships, for success, and for Heaven. He gave a vivid picture of what heaven will be like and, though on this earth we struggle to achieve the level for which we are designed, in heaven we will experience the beauty of wholeness in the perfection of re-creation.

Don and Donna Mohl, Folk Mountain Gospel group, from Tennessee. led the music with enthusiastic accompaniment by the James Family, the Marsh Family, and other friends.

Tiffany Marsh commented, “Cowboy Camp Meeting is always a wonderful experience! Being able to spend time with my family in nature, visit and make music with friends, meet new people, most of all learn more of my Heavenly Father and the lessons He has for me to learn

After helping to pound stakes last year to set up the tent, Karl Schwinn had a better idea. He brought a mechanical stake driver that lessened the time, and certainly the back-breaking work of getting the circle of stakes into the hard-packed ground.

Camp organizers are planning next year’s Colorado Cowboy Camp Meeting for July 12 to 16, 2023. You are invited!

–Ron Johnson and Tiffany Marsh. Photos by Ron Johnson

Group of people outside a camper trailer

02 Aug

SEVENTY-EIGHT PATHFINDERS AND ADVENTURERS CELEBRATE INVESTITURE AT CAMPION CHURCH

Vicky Kahler – Loveland, Colorado … An investiture of 78 Pathfinders and Adventurers closed out the group’s year of activities and accomplishments on Sabbath afternoon, May 14.

Showcasing the accomplishments of each individual child, the service began with uniformed members marching into the sanctuary led by the Color Guard. Following their entry, they sang club songs, recited the Pathfinder pledge and law, and gave an opening prayer.

Pathfinder director, Alex Rodriguez, delivered a short, meaningful message before the recognition portion of the program. Honors for Pathfinders and awards for Adventurers were presented, as well as class pins.

Other accolades included recognizing the Pathfinder Bible Experience team, Little Lamb of the Year, Eager Beaver of the Year, and Adventurer Boy and Girl of the year. “Congratulations to our amazing clubs, and a hearty “thank you” to our staff,” commented Vicky Kahler, Adventurers director

–Vicky Kahler. Photos supplied

02 Aug

HEROES INSPIRE VBS HISPANIC KIDS IN GREELEY, COLORADO

Ruben Balaguer – Greeley, Colorado … Did you know there were kids in the Bible who made a big difference? The kids who attended Vacation Bible School at Greeley Hispanic Church sure do. From June 27 to July 2, some thirty children attended the Heroes Vacation Bible School.

Of those in attendance, eight were visitors from the community. The participating kids learned about Miriam, Samuel, Rhoda, and other Bible characters who showed the characteristics of true heroes: bravery, devotion, boldness, generosity and caring for others.

The VBS program included various activity stations such as story time, games, snacks, crafts, and a prayer station. It was a fun, interactive way for children to learn about the Bible and to inspire them to be heroes in their own communities.

“The Greeley Hispanic church had a dedicated team of volunteers led by Gloria Robledo,” commented Patty Rivera, Hispanic Children’s Ministries coordinator.

“I feel proud that in the Rocky Mountain Conference, we have so many churches committed to creating these activities for the children in our communities. The Greeley Hispanic church is a great example of this commitment and, as a result, the children had fun while learning more about the love of Jesus,” she added.

–Ruben Balaguer. Photos suppled.

26 Jul

2022 CAMP MEETING: A SPIRITUAL HIGH POINT FOR WYOMING

By Rajmund Dabrowski – Casper, Wyoming … Walking through the campus of Mills Spring Ranch at the end of the 2022 “Bold for Christ” camp meeting, July 12-16, two members reflected on the annual gathering of church members from Wyoming. “This was the best camp meeting we’ve attended,” they said. Likely, the 200 participants, including youth, would agree.

When asked about his own reflection on the 2022 event on Casper Mountain, Steve Nelson, pastor of the Worland district in Wyoming remarked: “This year’s camp meeting was a spiritual high point for Wyoming. God’s presence was truly felt through the music, speakers, and fellowship together! We are so grateful for our members and churches here in this awesome state!”

Conversations after each presentation expressed appreciation for the presenters. The organizers invited Mic Thurber, RMC president, and Dr. Joseph Kidder, professor of pastoral theology and discipleship at the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan as well as seminar presenters Ron Price, conflict resolution expert and author from Farmington, New Mexico and Dr. Timothy J. Arnott from RMC Lifestyle Center in Denver, Colorado.

Commenting on the Casper Mountain convocation, Mic Thurber said, “Both Jana and I especially loved Wyoming camp meeting this year! We’ve visited in the past and always loved the people who came, the incredible setting, and the family atmosphere we experienced there. We found all those same things to be true this year when we attended for the first time as leaders in Rocky Mountain.

“Our main speaker, Dr. S. Joseph Kidder, was absolutely right when he said that this camp meeting is one of the hidden gems in the church. We can’t wait until next year!”

Dr. Kidder is a storyteller. His illustrations and honest assessment of church life invited

the audience to reflect on their own spirituality and quality of worship. “We have lost our enthusiasm to worship God,” he pointed out.

“Silence is not an indication that you are worshiping God,” he added.

Jeff Pike, pastor of the Western Wyoming district, is 24 years old, but has attended 15 Wyoming camp meetings, he says. “Things have come together at this camp meeting very well. The most impressive is the youth program with the stories I have been hearing about how they have been impacted spiritually and how they have been drawn in and connected with Scripture.”

He was impressed by Dr. Kidder’s personal testimony on Sabbath where he gave a modern-day demonstration of the power of God. It was a “really powerful reminder for us [as] we read the Bible stories, but sometimes they can be so distant that we may get the idea of God not acting in the same way today, so it’s very much encouraging to hear how God is still very much alive today, actively seeking to save people even in incredibly difficult situations,” Jeff explained.

Ron Price’s presentations brought in practical tools, tips, and techniques for conflict resolution and, as expected, the participating audience was engaged and responsive. Citing years of professional engagement, he said, “One of my favorite expressions is that conflict is inevitable. When you are dealing with other human beings, you are going to have conflict from time to time, but damaged relationships, poor morale, low productivity–those are all optional. All of us experience conflict. Most of us dread conflict. But few of us have been trained in how to prevent it, when possible, and resolve it when necessary.”

“So, that’s what God has given me as my purpose in life. I was a mediator for 30 years. I’ve studied dispute resolution and conflict management. And I love to share that with people. What an honor to be invited to speak at the Wyoming camp meeting and share, not my own wisdom, but knowledge and wisdom that I’ve picked up from training that I’ve experienced,” he continued.

“Conflict and church do not go together. Christians are fallible human beings and anytime [they] interact with each other, there is going to be conflict from time to time. But if we manage it well, conflict can be a positive procedure or process–growth and relationship enhancing–not a destructive process,” he added.

The camp meeting time was special for Shayne and Gabriela Vincent. On Sabbath afternoon, Shayne Vincent, pastor of the Casper and Wheatland churches, was ordained to the gospel ministry. “For us,” remarked Gabriela, “it was also a family reunion with Shayne’s mother, Susan, and my parents, Pastor Eugen and Livia Baciu, who came from Romania, that made our day truly special.

Apart from the inspiring messages and meeting friends from different Wyoming churches, camp participants commented on how they enjoyed the meals—prepared by Don and Chris Hill. But it was the frequent prayer time and inspirational music that made the Wyoming convocation unforgettable.

In the words of Kurt Jensen from Wind River Fellowship Church, “My wife Ginni and I have been extremely busy this summer. We were really tired and [when we] had a reprieve from our labors that fell during camp meeting time, we didn’t want to go to camp meeting, but just wanted to stay home and collapse. However, we chose to go to camp meeting anyway. The blessing we got from going far outweighed any blessings we would have gotten from staying away. It would be like comparing a Yugo to a Rolls Royce. I am so glad we chose the Rolls.”

–Rajmund Dabrowski, text and photos.

26 Jul

ORDINATION OF SHAYNE MASON VINCENT

Rajmund Dabrowski – Casper, Wyoming … Shayne Mason Vincent, in his words, “started this journey with God in 1994… From homeless drug addict, high school dropout to therapist and [now] ordained minister, a testament to the power of God’s grace.”

“The ordination service was an event like no other,” concluded Gabriela, Shayne’ wife. “It was a beautiful sunny day, surrounded by my wonderful parents who came from Romania to support us, Shayne’s mother, Susan, who came from Minnesota, and with many of our close friends, as well as our Casper and Wheatland church families,” she continued.

The service, included in the program of the Sabbath at Wyoming camp meeting, July 16, became a celebration of gospel ministry, as well as inspirational presentations about Shayne’s eventful life and the meaning of ordination.

The candidate for ordination was introduced by Pastor Bert Eldredge, a Lutheran minister and friend from Casper. “Shayne has fully known the Holy Spirit since he was 5-years old. Believe it or not, at about age 9, he wanted to be a Lutheran pastor. This was due to having a very kind-hearted pastor in his life at that time,” he said.

Shayne’s Interest in Christian ministry continued and “at 10 years old, he was attending a Baptist church and his life was going through changes. In his teens and 20’s drugs and alcohol had taken its toll on his life, and he dropped out of school and became homeless.

“God’s grace grabbed Shayne again through David Wilkerson’s Ministry. [But] the real change came when Shayne attended a Daniel and Revelation seminar. He gave his life fully to Christ,” Eldredge said.

Shayne’s returned to school and received a bachelor’s degree in theology and biblical counseling. He also graduated with a master’s degree in social work. He worked in hospice and was director of bereavement services, and he also spent four years as director of outpatient services in a drug treatment center.

But his real dream was to see himself as a pastor. This came with an invitation to serve as minister in 2018 in the Rocky Mountain Conference. Today, Shayne has 14 years in counseling and 14 years in ministry.

“I have been blessed to know Shayne since he has arrived in Casper. He has been a solid mentor in my life. He has changed since he came to Casper, but even more so, he has changed the lives of the people he has met here,” Eldredge continued.

He ended his introduction of Shayne Mason Vincent with these words: “Brother, I am honored that you allowed me to give a brief history of you, but I cannot wait to see where God is taking you next.”

Following a Ministry Affirmation by Doug Inglish, RMC VP for administration, an ordination address was given by Pastor Eugen Baciu from Romania, the father of Gabriela. “It was incredibly emotional for me to translate my father’s ordination address,” she said.

Pastor Eugen Baciu, a retired pastor from Romania commented, “I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity I had to witness my son in law’s ordination. And I am very thankful for the RMC’s invitation to present the ordination address”.

“God chooses his servants and He’s also the One who appoints them with talents and gifts for the work they have been called to do. Shayne’s ordination has given me the opportunity to rededicate myself and to realize the impact my ministry and my work has even as a retired pastor,” he said.

The service continued with the Ordination Prayer by Mic Thurber, RMC president, and Ministry Charge was given by Craig Carr, ministerial director of Mid-America Union Conference.

Following a ministry welcome, by Mickey Mallory, RMC ministerial director, Shayne shared how the Lord has turned his life around. He referred to many miracles in his life, referencing 1 Samuel 2:8 – The Lord raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the trash heap. He seats them with nobleman and gives them a throne of honor.

Shane listed how Jesus “has healed my many childhood issues and relationships. He has healed my mother, now baptized member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. He picked me up and found me. Thank you, Jesus!”

Shayne’s incredible experiences with God over the years, including his struggle in overcoming Covid several months ago, has been a testimony to the amazing work that the Spirit has done and continues doing in Shayne’s life and ministry.

–Rajmund Dabrowski; photos by CeCe Gage and Rajmund Dabrowski

Man speaking at a podium and a pastor and his wife sitting to the side

26 Jul

PUEBLO OUTREACH AND EDUCATION CENTER FOSTERS JOINT MINISTRY PROGRAM

Kathy Guagliardo – Pueblo, Colorado … By establishing the Outreach and Education Center in partnership with the Daystar Christian School, the Pueblo-First Seventh-day Adventist Church bears a testimony to model a service exemplified in a Jesus’ method of ministry of reaching out to those around him (White, E.G., Ministry of Healing p. 143).

Studying the local demographics and closely working with the pastor, outreach coordinator is showcasing determination to follow their example. The research found that Pueblo is one of the poorest cities in Colorado, with about a 22% poverty level, many single-parent households, numerous homeless individuals, and a high level of drug abuse.

“The needs here are many. The ministry leaders agreed that outreach involved all ministries working collectively to reach our community. As the idea of ministries collaboration was conceived, we formed a team of dedicated volunteers who developed a mission and vision statement, by-laws, and a board of directors to move forward. We set our goals to be professional and efficient in our efforts for Pueblo,” said Kathy Guagliardo, Pueblo-First outreach coordinator.

By partnering with the Daystar Christian School to use the building for The Outreach and Education Center the organizers hope to lessen the prejudices toward church-created programs. “We have begun to present programs such as NEWSTART, Grief Recovery, Diabetes Undone, and Exercise/Stretching classes. The center recently held a Vacation Bible School for the first time in several years, with excellent attendance and previously unseen interest by the community, Kathy explained.

Also, the Adventist Community Services (ACS) found its new home at the center. Their Angels of Kindness “mobile unit” is reaching Pueblo’s homeless as its base. Furthermore, ACS extended the hand of collaboration with the local Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) and the Ham Radio group was provided space to organize meetings at the center.

With professional help, the Outreach and Education Center plans to offer tutoring classes from the 2022 fall in mathematics, science, and reading (grades 1-8) to help kids in our community succeed. In addition, they are planning Vegetarian Cooking and Drug Recovery in conjunction with Parenting and Bible study classes.

The church leaders work to extend its influence throughout Pueblo. Their aim is that the community would know that, like Jesus, they are a caring, compassionate, and active people living to reflect Christ’s love and His life. Their mission reflects what a prophet Zachariah stated in the words spoken by God to Zerubbabel: “Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit.” (Zachariah 4:6)

–Kathy Guagliardo is Pueblo-First Outreach coordinator; photos supplied

Picture of School Building (Daystar Christian School)

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