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Jose Briones – Greeley, Colorado … Juan Vasquez, a committed member of the Greeley Hispanic Seventh-day Adventist Church in Greeley, Colorado, shared his story of faith and transformation with the stewardship department recently.

Raised in an Adventist household, Juan’s early years were filled with church activities. He found himself drifting away for five years, however, choosing soccer over sermons. “I remember the church fondly,” Vasquez recalls, “the singing and potlucks, but I wanted something different.”

His path back to the church was gently guided by his wife, whose encouragement was pivotal. “She always believed in the importance of faith,” Vasquez admits. “Even when I stayed outside during service, she never gave up on me.” Over time, this encouragement turned into a profound spiritual pull that brought him back.

Juan describes this transformation as nothing short of an awakening. “There was a moment, a deep realization, where I felt a real connection with Christ. It changed everything,” he says. No longer did he attend out of obligation; his renewed faith became a driving force in his life: “I’m not here because I have to be, I’m here because I want to be.”

His dedication is particularly evident in his involvement with youth and family ministries. “Supporting young people and families feels like my calling,” Vasquez shares. His passion for these ministries stems from his personal journey and the belief in the importance of personal encounters with Christ.

In reflecting on his journey, Juan encourages others who may be on their own paths of faith, whether they find themselves currently inside or outside the church. “Everyone’s journey is unique,” he acknowledges, “but what remains constant is the power of a personal relationship with Christ. It’s not about where you are physically, but where you are spiritually.”

His story is not just one of return and redemption, it’s an ongoing testament to the continuous growth that faith can inspire. As he continues to serve passionately, Vasquez remains committed to fostering a welcoming and vibrant community within the church. “We all have a place here,” he concludes, “and my hope is for others to experience the same transformative love and purpose that I’ve found.” Watch Juan’s story below.

—Jose Briones is lead pastor at the Fairplay Seventh-day Adventist Church and is the RMC Stewardship Promotion and Content creator. Photo capture from RMC’s “Always Faithful” video series.

Daniel González – Denver, Colorado … Este pasado Sábado 15 de Marzo, muchas iglesias Hispanas de la Rocky Mountain Conference, bajo la dirección y orientación de la Federación de Jóvenes Adventistas (FEJA), se reunieron tanto en la Zona Metro como en la Zona Montaña para celebrar y ser parte de este movimiento global que moviliza a TODOS los jóvenes y a la iglesia en general.

La IASD Hispana de Denver Sur fue la sede de las actividades en el área metropolitana, donde tuvimos un santuario lleno. De manera similar, la IASD Maranatha en Montrose fue la sede de las actividades en la Zona Montaña.

En total, participaron 10 iglesias que ayudaron a organizar los eventos en ambas áreas de Colorado, con más de 200 personas involucradas, incluyendo adultos y niños, en este día tan especial.

El enfoque de este año fue “Comunidades Transformadas”, enfatizando la importancia de ser una influencia positiva en nuestras comunidades.

Previo a este día, varias iglesias llevaron a cabo una Semana de Oración Juvenil en la que aprendieron sobre la importancia del evangelismo en territorios y situaciones difíciles en el mundo. Una de las lecciones más importantes reafirmadas el Sábado fue que no debemos dejarnos moldear por este mundo, sino ser transformados a través de Jesucristo.

Durante el Sábado, Clemente Martínez Jr. y Abimael Chávez compartieron un mensaje de fe y un llamado de acción en los sermones de la Zona Metro y Montaña, respectivamente. Luego, disfrutamos de una deliciosa comida y un tiempo de confraternización.

Por la tarde, varios grupos de jóvenes se dirigieron a diferentes partes de las ciudades anfitrionas para repartir alimentos, bolsas con kits de higiene personal, Biblias y literatura diversa. Además, ofrecieron oraciones, abrazos y mensajes de esperanza y compasión a quienes necesitaban algo especial en ese día.

Hay algo hermoso en ver a los jóvenes sirviendo a su comunidad, incluso en maneras que pueden parecer simples a nuestros ojos, pero que para quienes lo reciben, marcan una gran diferencia.

Tras finalizar esta actividad de impacto comunitario, cerramos la noche con deportes y comida en los gimnasios de Mile High Academy y la IASD Maranatha.

Esta es la primera vez que la juventud hispana de nuestra conferencia se reúne de esta manera y en una cantidad tan grande de personas, y esperamos que no sea la última vez que lo hagamos.

Síguenos en nuestras redes sociales.  INSTAGRAM: @fejarmc  |  FACEBOOK: @fejarmcunido

—Daniel González es el presidente de FEJA de RMC. Fotos proporcionadas.

Daniel Gonzalez – Denver, Colorado … Hispanic churches from around the Rocky Mountain Conference (RMC), under the leadership and guidance from the Hispanic Adventist Youth Federation (FEJA), gathered in both the Conference’s metro and mountain areas to celebrate and be a part of this global movement that mobilizes all the youth and the church in general, March 15.

The Denver South Hispanic Seventh-day Adventist Church hosted the activities in the Denver metro area with great attendance. Similarly, the Maranatha Montrose Seventh-day Adventist Church in Montrose, Colorado, hosted activities in the regional mountain areas.

A total of 10 churches participated in and helped organize the events in both areas of Colorado, with more than 200 people, including adults and children, involved in this special day.

This year’s focus was “A Community Transformed,” emphasizing the importance of being a positive influence in the communities.

Prior to this day, several churches had a Youth Week of Prayer in which they learned the importance of evangelism in difficult territories and situations in the world. “One important thing that was learned and reaffirmed on Sabbath was that we should not let ourselves be influenced by this world and instead be transformed through Jesus Christ,” remarked Daniel Gonzalez, FEJA president.

During a Sabbath service, Clemente Martinez Jr. and Abimael Chavez delivered a message of faith and a call to action during the sermon in the respective areas. “We enjoyed a delicious meal and had a nice time of fellowship,” Gonzalez continued. During the evening, various youth groups split up into different parts of the host cities to give away food, bags with personal hygiene kits, Bibles and various literature, as well as offer prayer, hugs, and some form of compassion and positive messages to people in the community needing something special that day.

When the outreach activities had concluded, attendees ended the night with sports and a fellowship meal in the gyms at Mile High Academy in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, and the Maranatha Montrose Church gyms.

Gonzalez reflected, “There is something beautiful when you see young people serving their community in even the simplest ways to our eyes, but to the people receiving it, it always makes a huge difference. This is the first time that the Hispanic youth of our conference gather in such a way and in such an amount of people, and we hope that this will not be the last time we do this.”

For updates and to see what is going on in the RMC FEJA Community, follow them on social media with these links. INSTAGRAM: @fejarmc  |  FACEBOOK: @fejarmcunido

—Daniel Gonzalez is RMC FEJA president. Photos supplied.

Jill Harlow – Loveland, Colorado … Working full days in heat and humidity, 29 students and 16 staff from Campion Academy in Loveland, Colorado, transformed the facilities of the King’s Children’s Home* (KCH) in Belmopan, Belize, over the school’s spring break, March 9-16.

Managed Paul Cassanova, a local pastor, KCH is an independent organization associated with the Seventh-day Adventist denomination that houses children whose parents are unable to take care of them for a variety of reasons. The major project for the week was constructing, painting, and installing framed screens on over 80 windows in the facility’s dorm rooms.

The crew tackled other large projects including repainting the church and common areas, rebuilding bleachers, installing a streetlight, digging a drainage trench, and multiple other improvement projects.

Misha Newbold, senior student at Campion, commented, “The hardest part about this trip was working in the hot Belize sun. There were several things that could have set us back, but we found our way around them. I found that the work we did for KCH felt fulfilling because, in the end, we were serving people and showing them Christ through what we did.”

One of the setbacks was the rented bus breaking down on the first day of the trip, and the local mechanic said he would not be able to repair it. Cassanova called a mechanic he knew who specialized in bus repair but who lived in a city over three hours away. The mechanic happened to be traveling and was only three blocks away from where the bus had broken down. He was able to immediately come over and work on the bus and had it repaired by that evening.

In addition, the painting crew faced some challenges with having to repaint due to color issues. Sherlin Vasquez-Hernandez recalled, “We were expecting some struggles because not everything goes as planned and it happened.” First, the crew spent a few hours painting frames before being told they were using the wrong color. Then, when they ran out of paint while painting the church, they discovered the new bucket they had been using was not a match to the first coat.

Vasquez-Hernandez continued, “It was a blessing to just see the others pushing through and not letting it get to us. We just kept painting and helping with what we could. It was ‘unBelizeable.’” Ultimately, they finished more painting projects than the director had planned for them with all the correct colors, and the crew was very productive and able to accomplish much more than expected.

“‘Belize’ it or not, I also was blessed to go on the mission trip,” commented Jack Jordan, senior student. “We were given a long list of tasks that we needed to complete during the week. Just as the sun dipped below the horizon on Friday, we had finished them all. God truly blessed our work during this trip.”

In addition to the work, the group took a day excursion to snorkel and explore the island of Caye Caulker.

“The whole day was just a wonderful experience, start to finish,” Euan O’Keefe, senior student, shared. “It began by feeding tarpon fish, and the things were as big as me and about as hungry too! We dangled sardines in front of them and they leapt so far out of the water to get to us it’s a wonder none of them ended up in the boat with us.”

Sarah Rushold, senior student, furthered, “We saw beautiful coral and swam with nurse sharks and stingrays. The water was ‘unBelizeably’ clear and blue. It was really awesome to see all the creatures that God created.”

The last day of the trip was Saturday, so the Campion students, organized by Campion Seventh-day Adventist Church associate pastor Josh Hestor, led out in a Sabbath vespers and church service for the children.

“It was really fun to put together the worship services, and I was trying to help them remember what Pastor Josh had been preaching about all week,” said Natalie Bryant, freshman student. “It was really a blessing to see their smiles and hear them singing and laughing during the service.”

After the Sabbath church service, the group climbed pyramids at ancient Mayan ruins.

The trip was organized by Campion’s chaplain Lindsey Santana with the help of Bill Hay who had been on mission trips to Belize 13 times. “It was super intimidating coming into this year as chaplain, knowing the school wanted me to plan and organize a mission trip,” shared Santana. “I had never planned an international trip for a group, and when it became clear that 46 individuals wanted to go to Belize, I knew God was going to have to take the reins in order for the trip to become a reality. Prayers were answered when Bill Hay, who has travelled to King’s Children’s Home several times, committed to helping.”

Santana furthered, “Our group of sponsors included individuals who knew their way with power tools but also loved interacting with teenagers. Miracles happened when each student became fully funded right before we left. Time and again I saw the hand of God blessing and guiding in the minutiae of planning this trip and his hand on the actual trip itself. I think the students are returning with full hearts and wonderful memories.”

* King’s Children’s Home is not affiliated with the Rocky Mountain Conference or Seventh-day Adventist Church.

—Jill Harlow is the Campion Academy Communication director. Photos supplied.

Cindy Roldan – Highlands Ranch, Colorado … Thirty-two students and ten adults from Mile High Academy (MHA) in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, recently returned from a life-changing service trip to Camp Waianae in Hawaii. The trip combined hard work, learning, and spiritual growth as the group made a meaningful impact on the local community while experiencing the beauty of God’s creation.

The students and staff got their hands dirty with several significant projects at Camp Waianae. They took on landscape work, built an outdoor auditorium stage, worked on a storage unit, and even soundproofed the cafeteria. The group was fortunate to have the expertise of Arturo Rodríguez, father of MHA middle school language arts teacher Christina Hernández, and Chris Carpenter, brother of MHA principal Andrew Carpenter, who guided the students through the different tasks, helping them discover new skills and gain confidence in their abilities.

Beyond the hands-on labor, students gained a new perspective on service and faith. “Before the trip, I thought of Hawaii as a rich tourist spot, but after the trip, I realized that no matter where you go, there is always someone to help,” said Tristin P., MHA sophomore student. “This trip taught me that no matter where you are, God has a way to work through us.”

After the hard work each day, the group had the chance to relax and take in the stunning beaches of Hawaii. The students expressed gratitude for the opportunity to reflect on God’s handiwork while unwinding by the ocean.

Evenings were marked by heartfelt worship sessions led by different staff members. MHA upper school teacher and chaplain, RD Gallant, challenged the group to listen for and answer God’s call to mission, no matter how small the task. Principal Andrew Carpenter encouraged the students to continue serving others and to look for ways to minister to those in need, both at home and beyond.

A highlight of the trip was working alongside Aunty Blanche at Hui Mahiʻaĭi ʻĀina. Aunty Blanche has dedicated her life to providing housing and support for those in need. The students had the privilege of helping her with her vision of creating a self-sustaining garden. “It was inspiring to see how one person’s dedication can make such a difference,” said junior student Phoenix M. “It was great to work together and make a difference in someone else’s life.”

The trip also provided students with opportunities to share their faith beyond their work. “Mission trips are always such a fun experience and can have a big impact on your life,” shared Alaina H., sophomore student. “Getting to go to Hawaii was an amazing opportunity for me, and getting to make an impact on people’s lives was very rewarding. My favorite part of the trip was when strangers asked us what our mission trip was about and getting to tell them about Jesus!”

The experience left a lasting impression on everyone involved. Through hard work, service, and reflection, the MHA group not only helped others but also grew in faith and fellowship.

—Cindy Roldan is MHA Student Services director. Photos supplied.

Alyssa Truman – Silver Spring, Maryland … The 62^nd General Conference (GC) Session of the Seventh-day Adventist Church takes place in St. Louis, Missouri, United States, from July 3 to July 12, 2025. Recognized as one of the largest business gatherings within a Christian denomination, this global event occurs every five years and brings together leaders, delegates, and members from the church’s 23-million-member community.

This year, 2,804 delegates have been approved to attend, vote on business matters, and elect leaders for the General Conference and its 13 global divisions for the next five years. In addition to the delegates, an estimated 100,000 global attendees are expected to visit St. Louis throughout the 10-day session to observe the proceedings, explore the exhibit hall, and worship with fellow members from around the world.

Returning to St. Louis

This event marks the third time the General Conference Session will be hosted in St. Louis, with the first held in 2005. Since then, the global church has grown significantly, adding over 9 million members, reflecting the rapid expansion of the Adventist movement worldwide.

The 61^st GC Session was originally scheduled for 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana, but was postponed to 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With the change in dates and the ongoing global recovery, the event was relocated to St. Louis and held as a scaled-down, five-day gathering. The upcoming 2025 Session marks a return to the full 10-day format, offering attendees the opportunity to engage in business meetings, inspiring worship services, and an interactive exhibit hall.

“We are thrilled to return to St. Louis,” said Silvia Sicalo, event coordinator for the Adventist Church. “We look forward to bringing the Adventist world family together and sharing the hope and mission of our church with the community.”

Attendee Experience in 2025

As the Adventist Church returns to a full 10-day event format, members and those interested in learning more about the church are encouraged to attend some or all of the event. The official website, GCsession.org, will be updated regularly over the months leading up to the GC Session and provides housing information, daily menus and meal tickets for purchase, a schedule of events, and a list of exhibitors. This information will also be available via the GC Session app, which will be released in the next few months.

The 232,000-square-foot exhibit hall will showcase Adventist initiatives in health, education, and service worldwide. Supporting ministries, as well as individual members, will also highlight how they contribute to the global mission through their booth spaces. The hall will provide a space for learning, inspiration, and networking.

Daily music programs will offer attendees moments of worship and reflection through diverse global performances. Three daily concerts will be held on the main stage 30 minutes before the morning, afternoon, and evening sessions. “These moments of reflection are meant to create a worshipful atmosphere at the start of every session,” said Williams Costa Jr., communication director for the General Conference and GC Session music coordinator.

During the noon hour, the 1,400-seat Ferrara Theater will host one-hour musical presentations, showcasing the diversity of our worldwide church. “Each division will be represented on stage,” Williams noted, “highlighting both our global reach and the power of music to unite our world church family.”

Performers include the Aeolians from Oakwood University, the husband-and-wife duo Matt and Josie Minikus, and Arautos do Rei from Novo Tempo’s Gravadora label in Brazil. More than 200 musicians and groups will share their talents during the GC Session.

A Legacy of Global Gatherings

GC Sessions have a rich history spanning 161 years, beginning in 1863 when the Seventh-day Adventist Church officially organized its first session in Battle Creek, Michigan. What started as a small meeting of 20 delegates has grown into a global event drawing tens of thousands of attendees.

Historically, these meetings focus on defining the church’s doctrines, mission, and organizational structure. In 1980, during the GC Session held in Dallas, Texas, the Seventh-day Adventist Church adopted the 27 Fundamental Beliefs. This marked a significant moment in the church’s history, as it was the first time the global body had formally accepted a statement of beliefs. In 2005, during the session held in St. Louis, the church expanded this to 28 Fundamental Beliefs by adding “Growing in Christ.”

This year, delegates will discuss topics previously decided in Annual Council meetings that will continue to impact the church’s future.

Preparing St. Louis

There are seven Adventist Church congregations, comprising a little over 2,500 members, actively serving the local community in St. Louis. They are preparing to welcome the global delegation with open arms. From May 4 to 9, 2025, a Pathways to Health event will provide free healthcare services to underserved communities in the area. In addition, local Adventists are organizing various outreach programs and service initiatives to ensure the event positively impacts the city.

These efforts align with the broader North American Division “Pentecost 2025” initiative, which encourages church leaders and members to seek the Holy Spirit’s power, mobilize for evangelism, and hold at least 3,000 events division-wide in 2025.

About the Adventist Church

Founded in 1863, the Seventh-day Adventist Church has over 23 million baptized members in more than 210 countries and territories worldwide. The church exists to help people understand the Bible and find freedom, healing, and hope in Jesus.

For more information on the church and the upcoming session, visit http://www.gcsession.org.

—Alyssa Truman is the assistant director of Communication for the General Conference (GC) of Seventh-day Adventists. Republished with permission from Adventist News Network World News March 5, 2025, article. Photos by Gerhard Weiner/Adventist Media Exchange.

Jose Briones – Fairplay, Colorado … In the charming community of Fairplay, Colorado, Betty Wriston has found a unique way to touch hearts and souls, all while baking up delectable treats. A devoted member of the Fairplay Seventh-day Adventist Church, Betty started a tradition years ago that has since grown into a beloved local custom, all thanks to her husband’s brilliant idea.

Every Christmas, Betty whips up an assortment of baked goodies—pumpkin bread, banana bread, fruitcake, and even cookies. With boundless love and warmth, she distributes these mouthwatering delights to her neighbors, paired with religious literature like Ellen G. White’s The Great Controversy, Desire of Ages, or Steps to Christ. The gesture has paved the way for deeper connections and spiritual conversations with her neighbors.

The baked treats have undoubtedly played a significant role in the receptiveness of her neighbors. Who wouldn’t welcome a piece of homemade banana bread? But it isn’t just about the food. Betty’s genuine care and prayers, especially for those facing difficult times, have created a network of support and love within the community. One elderly couple stands as a testament to her dedication—the wife, who had been seriously ill, has seen remarkable improvement and now expresses heartfelt gratitude for Betty’s continuous prayers and kindness.

Betty’s neighbors eagerly anticipate her visits, not just for the goodies, but for the friendly conversations and the caring presence she brings. Her life as a Seventh-day Adventist is observed by those around her, and her unwavering commitment to her faith and community is met with respect and admiration. It turns out, a simple piece of banana bread has the power to open doors and hearts, allowing Betty to share her beliefs and offer guidance in meaningful ways.

Moreover, her acts of kindness haven’t gone unnoticed. One neighbor, a carpenter, took it upon himself to build a roof over Betty’s patio and doghouse, ensuring she no longer has to shovel snow for her beloved dog, Abby. This gesture is an example that kindness is returned with kindness.

Betty’s story is a heartwarming reminder that sometimes the simplest acts can make the biggest difference. For anyone who loves baking, consider following in Betty’s footsteps—your homemade treat might just be the perfect way to connect with your neighbors and spread a little bit of love and light. Watch Betty’s story below.

—Jose Briones is lead pastor at the Fairplay Seventh-day Adventist Church and is the RMC Stewardship Promotion and Content creator. Photo capture from RMC’s “Always Faithful” video series.