Rocky Mountain Conference of Seventh-day Adventists

24 Jul

A CATHEDRAL SPEAKS

Come with me into an English cathedral. There are over 40 of them in my country. Come with me into the one I know best: Salisbury Cathedral. And as we enter this great Anglican church, where worship has been offered by the faithful for many hundreds of years, allow it to speak to you a little about authentic Adventism. Listen to the cathedral.

As we enter, our voices drop to a whisper. We all immediately know that this is a different kind of space. A special space. Our whispers witness to a stillness. In his book The Sabbath, the Jewish philosopher and writer, Abraham Joshua Heschel, says that Jews do not build cathedrals in space; they build cathedrals in time. So too for Adventists. The Sabbath is our cathedral in time, a holy place. An intersection where God meets us. The Sabbath defines Adventist spiritual life (Fundamental belief #20). It takes us to the very heart of things … if we let it.

I read once that Sabbath people are rested people, and rested people are resourceful people. There’s truth in that. When we observe the true spirit of Sabbath, when do not rush around frantically simply to keep the religious show on the road, when we don’t allow the Sabbath to become a dull routine, when we don’t allow it to become just part of the weekend, we put ourselves in a place where we may be filled with the fullness of God (Eph. 3:19, NRSV)

Be still and know … (Psalm 46:10).

Even though this Anglican cathedral is a place of stillness, there is nevertheless a lot going on. Priests float noiselessly along the aisles. Volunteers work away at creating welcome. The notice boards tell of a multitude of activities which are part of the cathedral’s witness to the goodness of God (#22).

So too with the Sabbath. Rest does not necessarily mean passivity. It is stillness with a purpose.

Activities will stop briefly at midday when tourists are invited to pause for a short act of worship—probably “Our Father …” (#3), a word of welcome (#12), a brief reflection given by a vicar.

It is not only the stillness which first impresses. Your eyes will soon inevitably be drawn to the lofty vaulted ceilings. This space is immense. It speaks of God’s own immensity (#2). This English Gothic church is an important reminder to us that, all too often, we domesticate God. We create God in our own image. We make God serve our own agenda. Everything here reminds me that my God is too small.

How did they get those vaults up there centuries ago? It would be a great feat even with modern technology and engineering but in the mediaeval period …? It is a spectacular and costly act of creation (#6). It displays boundless imagination and vision. And dedication. And love. No doubt some of the masons, carpenters, and other labourers met their accidental deaths here—for this. My mind goes back to the opening chapters of Genesis: And God ventured to say: “Let us make man in our own image …” God’s audacious risk. Breath-taking vision.

We turn towards the nave and are confronted with a brilliant modern baptistery (2008). The water is continually flowing, and it is big enough to allow full adult immersion (#15). In baptism we are, for a moment, submerged, overwhelmed by the continuing generosity of God. Around the baptistery are inscribed the words from Isaiah 43: 1-2: Do not fear for I have redeemed you. I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you. And through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you. This is the heart of Adventism. Called by name. Water welling up to eternal life.

We proceed down the nave towards the East window. The Holy Scriptures always stand open on the lectern (#1). We arrive eventually in front of the altar, the area called the chancel or sanctuary. Until the 17^th century, fugitives could flee to the sanctuary, and find a safe haven in front of the altar, holy ground, beyond the immediate reach of the law or their pursuers.

The sanctuary is the sacred place because of the belief that God is physically present in the Eucharist. We may differ over whether Holy Communion is about the actual or symbolic presence of Christ, but, at base, this broken-hearted celebration affirms that Christ has made our journey to God a safe one, which we can make in all confidence. With debates over prophetic times and symbolic meanings, the doctrine of the sanctuary (#24) has a controversial history in the Adventist church. Sadly, this has sometimes obscured the basic teaching—that we are safe with Jesus. This is my body given for you. This is my blood shed for you.

Look up and you will not see a contorted Christ figure on a cross. The cross is empty. He is risen, risen indeed! Alleluia! (#9) A cross bearing a crucified Christ reminds us that we are hopelessly sinful. The empty cross, Jesus liberated by the resurrection, calls us to life with an altogether new quality. It calls for engagement with others. It calls us to responsibility. The occupied cross can lead us to a kind of passivity. We sometimes emphasize Good Friday at the expense of resurrection Sunday. No! The cross is empty. The tomb is empty. He is risen!

While there may be many representations of Christ in church, it is more difficult to represent the Holy Spirit. But if you look up now you will see a flame flickering in the sanctuary lamp—a sign of the eternal presence of Christ with us in the Holy Spirit (#5) The wind blows where it wills … So it is with the Spirit. Sometimes we forget this and believe that the Spirit is only active where our church has a presence. Sometimes we speak as if the Holy Spirit is a kind of fuel which we use to do our work. Nothing could be further from the truth. The wind blows where it wills …

There’s more to see. On one of the aisles, there are a couple of chantries. They are like very small chapels within the cathedral. They were built as places where prayers could be said, masses sung for a very wealthy patron, a lord of the manor. They are based on the idea that you can intercede for the souls of the dead, at least the very rich dead. And that you can earn merit by sheer effort (#10). This is in stark contrast to the more biblical teaching held by Adventists that when you are dead, you are dead. Ashes only (#26). While the idea of an expectant sleep may give solace to the dying, it is not an immediately comforting teaching for those who survive.

For that, you need to go to the return of Jesus. You will have to look harder to find evidence of the doctrine of the second coming of Christ as cherished by Adventists (#25). The traditional teaching of the established church, based on fear of hell, gave it power and leverage. No church can prosper when fear is the underlying motivation. Adventism at its best is clear about this. Sadly, some expressions of Adventism trade in fear. Even so, come Lord Jesus.

Some of the stained glass is mediaeval, mostly representing scenes from the life of Christ. The windows were the ancient version of a multimedia show. The dazzling windows were a vital means of indoctrinating the illiterate majority. Adventists are undeniably good at multimedia communication of the gospel. We are less good at what you find in the Trinity Chapel behind the altar. Its modern stained glass and superb tapestry call us to think about Prisoners of Conscience around the world (1980). We are less good at fighting for justice. We fear political entanglement unlike some of our abolitionist pioneers.

There’s a rare copy of the Magna Carta over in the chapter house. The document is an affirmation of the rights of ordinary folk against hierarchies which so easily overreach themselves and oppress. There’s no time to visit the cloisters where scholars spent long hours on Bible study. They were highly valued. In our church, the scholars have sometimes been regarded as an irritating presence.

It’s time to leave. We exit by the huge West door which admits all who will come. Without condition. Do we sometimes impose conditions on who can come?

The cathedral has been a long time in the making. It inspires me to seek greater faithfulness to God within my own community. In this great church, you will hear whispers of God. This voice from beyond our familiar Adventist experience witnesses authentic discipleship … if we let it.

We take one long last look at the spire. I once heard a guide say that, in strong winds, the spire may move as much as 4 feet—it seems unbelievable. But the metal rods inside the masonry give the spire a flexibility which allows it to stand so nobly. Such agility brings strength. The spire points me away from myself, upwards, outwards. To God.

The test of authentic Adventism is that it will help you, just for a moment, to touch eternity.

Michael Pearson is Principal Lecturer Emeritus at Newbold College in the U.K. For many years he taught topics in ethics, philosophy, and spirituality. He and his wife, Helen, write a weekly blog pearsonsperspectives.com Email him at: [email protected]

24 Jul

ARE YOU FOR REAL? BEING (OR BECOMING) AN AUTHENTIC BELIEVER

Last year, the Southern Baptists denomination in the United States lost half a million members. This means that in just twelve months, roughly one of every 25 members decided to walk away from their church. Although there are some specific reasons that contributed to this extraordinary exodus, in recent decades most Christian denominations in the western world had to face a constant and intensifying hemorrhage of members, suffering an even more dramatic decline in church attendance.

Numerous books have been written about the reasons why people leave the church, and, indeed, there are many different factors that play a role. But one element is mentioned more often than any other reason—in particular by members of the younger generations—namely: hypocrisy. David Kinnaman, the president of the Barna Group which researches developments in Christianity, wrote: “Whether we like it or not, the term ‘hypocritical’ has become fused to young people’s experience with Christianity.” He added that 85 percent of all young people who have had at least some exposure to Christians and to the church have concluded that Christianity is hypocritical (p. 42).¹

Countless people give up on the institutional church—and often also on their faith—because of the glaring inconsistencies between the words and the actions of fellow believers and, in particular, of church leaders. The sexual scandals in the Roman Catholic Church as well as the numerous cases of sexual indiscretion, or worse, among prominent pastors in Protestant churches, have done colossal damage to the credibility of Christianity. Also, many erstwhile strong believers have become totally disillusioned about the church, as they observed the dubious lifestyles and selfish behavior of many faithful churchgoers. And the fact that extreme piety often disguises serious moral problems does not go unnoticed.

In addition, other forms of hypocrisy leave many believers wondering to what extent they can still trust their leaders. Too often, they discover that there is a substantial discrepancy between what pastors teach and preach and the convictions they privately hold. Is it a matter of not wanting to jeopardize their job and their career opportunities? Unfortunately, there is no reason to believe that the Adventist Church is faring any better in this respect than most other faith communities.

An Issue of All Times

Hypocrisy is not a new phenomenon. We find it already in Bible times. Jesus did not mince words when He accused the spiritual leaders of his days of hypocrisy. He called them “blind guides,” “snakes,” and “white-washed tombs” (Matt. 23:13-36). They sadly lacked what should have characterized them most: authenticity.

Even in the earliest days of the Christian church, hypocrisy raised its ugly head. Ananias and Sapphira appeared to be generous people. They decided to sell a piece of land and to give a large chunk of the money to the church. But their generosity was phony. They wanted to look good and enhance their reputation as pillars of the newly established church. They pretended that they were giving the entire proceeds of the sale to the church, while in reality they kept part of the money for themselves. Their lack of authenticity cost them their lives (Acts 5:1-10).

But let’s be honest. Hypocrisy and pretense are not just things of the past and do not only occur in other faith communities. There is also much window dressing among Seventh-day Adventist Christians. As church members, we know we are supposed to act in certain ways. We must do certain things and abstain from particular activities if we want to safeguard our reputation as members in “good and regular standing.” Alas, when other church members are in sight, we may behave differently from when we think we are “safe.” But the critical question is not who we are when we are on the platform of our church on Sabbath morning, but who we are when no one is looking!

A Corporate Issue

The Seventh-day Adventist Church has tended to pride itself with various complimentary labels. We have called ourselves the “remnant church,” meaning: We are the only last-day community of people who are truly loyal to God. We have pointed to ourselves as members of a global missionary movement who are “totally involved.” And we have often claimed to be a “caring” church. But how true is that?

I have no doubt that there are many local Adventist communities that do indeed “care” for their members and for those they come into contact with. But what do we see when we take a more comprehensive look? What is the quality of pastoral care in many of our churches? How inclusive is the average Adventist congregation when it concerns men and women (and others) with a “different” sexual orientation or with some “liberal” theological ideas? How much care do local congregations manifest towards the people with specific needs in the wider community? Must we not regretfully conclude that many (if not most) Adventist churches have a long way to go in practicing what they preach?

What Our Church Needs

The church needs authenticity and, as individual members of the church, we must be authentic. Dictionaries provide us with many synonyms for the term authentic, such as real, genuine, worthy of trust, not fake or phony, pure, credible. In the past, the first question most people asked when choosing a church would be whether that church teaches biblical truth. Today, this is still an important aspect, but the question “What do you people believe and preach?” has taken second place to: “What kind of people are you? Do you practice what you preach?”

My mother once (now some decades ago) told me about the quarrels and bitter disagreements between members in the small church in which she grew up. I asked her why she decided to stay in that kind of a church. Her answer was quite straightforward: “Because, whatever happens, our church has the truth.” Today, many react in a different way. They turn their back on a church where people cannot get along with one another and miserably fail to reflect the attitude of the One they profess to follow.

As a church—globally, regionally, nationally, and, foremost, locally—we must radiate authenticity if we want to be a living, attractive, and growing church. We must do away with all false pretenses and all the promises we cannot keep. The reputation, programs, slogans, and strategies of our church must, at all times, be credible and genuine. Our message is to be based on biblical truth, but it must also embody true love and care. Our church must be an authentic beacon of positivity and hope in our community.

What I Need

My individual challenge as a Seventh-day Adventist Christian is directly linked to what I just said about our church: How can I become, be, and remain, an authentic person?

The Old Testament story of the anointing of David as the king of Israel reminds us of a crucial fact. The prophet Elia preferred Eliab, an older brother of David, as the royal candidate, but God told him that David was the one He had chosen. The lesson of the story is summarized in just a few words: “People look at the outward appearance, but God looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7).

This is in many ways reassuring. God does not build his assessment of me on my external qualities and on what people say about me, but on what I really am deep down. However, it remains true that people do get a particular impression of me when they meet me and talk to me. When they interact with me, they will wonder whether I am for real, or am I hiding behind a façade. When they wonder whether my Christianity is make-believe, will they somehow sense that it is genuine?

If we want to share our faith with others in the western world of 2023, it remains, of course, essential that we have something important to say and that we are able to say this in words and images that can be understood by people around us. But, beyond anything else, the key for any meaningful sharing of the gospel is that we are authentic. People—and especially young people—nowadays smell phoniness from miles away. As I try to live as a Seventh-day Adventist Christian, I have to take a good look at myself.

Am I someone who is for real? Am I honest about myself, not only willing to talk about my successes, but also about my shortcomings? Do I have the courage to tell other people about my faith, but also about my doubts? Am I prepared to listen to the stories of the people around me, but also to make myself vulnerable by telling my own story? This is all part of being authentic.

What counts in the end is not primarily whether people see me as a pious person with a lot of Bible knowledge, but rather, first and foremost, as a genuinely nice person who models acceptance and forgiveness. Christ was and is the true I AM. He was perfect in his authenticity. It should be my most earnest wish to reflect my Lord’s authenticity to the best of my ability in all I do and speak.

Reinder Bruinsma, PhD, has served the Seventh-day Adventist Church in publishing, education, and church administration on three continents. He writes from the Netherlands where he lives with his wife Aafie. Among his latest books is I Have a Future: Christ’s Resurrection and Mine. Email him at: [email protected]

¹ Kinnaman, D., & Lyons, G. (2012). Unchristian: What a new generation really thinks about Christianity—and why it matters. Baker Books.

24 Jul

TEN ADVENTISTS AND TEN ANSWERS

Being in Adventist ministry my entire work life means that I’ve moved a bunch. Some Adventist workers have had to move a lot, but I’ve only had to move a bunch (which is less than a lot). The eight times we’ve moved each had its own unique challenges, especially when it comes to finding a suitable place to live.

The first two times we moved we were assigned housing both at Adventist boarding schools. But from then on, it was up to us. Move number three was a bit unique in that the conference I was moving to did not invite me to bring Jana along to look over the call and find housing, so I bought a small three bedroom condo in San Diego without Jana being present to look it over. Fortunately, Jana was very gracious about it. It did help that we could pick carpet and tile color after the purchase, but I learned then that it’s never wise to make that sort of decision on your own if you are married!

As we continued in the work and moved more times, I learned that when we looked for houses together, and then later still when we began to take our children into consideration, it became very obvious that each of us valued something different in a house. One feature or another would catch one of our fancies, and they, only rarely, turned out to be the same features that were special for all of us. So we had the same end goal in mind, but the things we each found most appealing about a given housing opportunity always varied. But, in the end, we found a way to make whatever our choice ultimately was work out just fine.

If you were to ask any 10 faithful Adventist Christians what authentic Adventism was to them, my hunch is that you’d get maybe 10 different answers. That may be because there are different parts of being an Adventist that really hooks into a person’s soul that may not resonate the same way for another person. Oh, we’re all on the same track—we have the same goal in mind. But different things might bring different joys to different people.

For example, some of us find Adventism precious because we truly can give ourselves a break once every week to lay aside all our stresses and struggles and rest. I imagine that of all the commandments given in the desert to the soon-to-be-wandering Israelites were greatly surprised they could actually have a day when they did not have to work—they of former slave status that had no concept of resting on a Sabbath.

For others, it might be the comfort of knowing that those they love whom they have lost are asleep. Still others will be grateful that God does not punish with eternal hellfire.

I imagine that one of our dearest and most cherished hopes is our belief that Jesus is coming soon. Some of us are tired of this world and want to go home!

Some of us are desperately in love with Jesus, and want to do all we can to live for Him.

So we can all be one as Adventists and yet still love different things that bring us joy, all the while appreciating and loving all the other wonderful things it means to be an Adventist.

What I am most uncomfortable with is when one of us tries to enforce our view of what it means to be a true, faithful Adventist on our brothers and sisters. Some even point to specific periods of time and observe who we were back then and say, “this is what we should be today.” But a careful study of our history will show that there was much development of our church and its structure and doctrines over many years. It’s true that we still have disagreements about what some of those “old days” meant in terms of authentic Adventism, so maybe pointing to different eras of the church may not be so helpful.

May I posit one suggestion? It’s not meant to settle the question: what does “Authentic Adventism” mean? Rather, it’s a starting point and perhaps even an ending point. If we don’t start and end with at least this, then all of the stuff in between can be used in unhealthy ways.

Just three short sentences from Jesus—who is the head of our church: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples (John 13.34-35, NLT).

I want to be that authentic.

Mic Thurber is the RMC president. Email him at: [email protected]

20 Jul

HISPANIC YOUTH CONFERENCE INSPIRES “SHARED PURPOSE”

Vanessa Alarcón – Maxwell, Nebraska … The dynamic 2023 Mid-America Union Conference (MAUC) Hispanic Youth Conference drew in over 500 enthusiastic attendees July 13-16 at the Maranatha Bible Camp in Nebraska. Themed “Heaven: Don’t Miss it for the World,” the event aimed to ignite the spirit of the participants. Of those 500, 129 were youth and their respective leaders from the Rocky Mountain Conference (RMC).

The event was organized by Pastor Roberto Correa, MAUC Multilingual Director in collaboration with Hispanic Youth Federations (FEJA) across the union. The Rocky Mountain Conference has two federations, RMC Metro and RMC Mountain, that serve their collective front range and western slope regions.

The main speaker at the conference was well-known and beloved speaker to Hispanic youth, Pastor Jose Vicente Rojas. He shared various messages on youth engagement in missions. His powerful messages resonated with the young audience, emphasizing the importance of the Holy Spirit.

The Maranatha Bible Camp served as the ideal venue, offering exhilarating activities such as sports tournaments, zip-lining, water activities, and seminars. The seminars covered a range of topics relevant to youth and were presented by Armando Miranda Jr. (NAD), Tyrone Douglas (MAUC), Santiago Fernandez (Union College), and Vanessa Alarcón (RMC).

For parents like Hector Bautista from the Kansas-Nebraska region, the conference was a valuable opportunity for their children to connect with other youth in the church. He expressed, “We attend a smaller church where there aren’t as many youth. These events are incredibly important. My kids are making friends with peers who share the same beliefs while deepening their knowledge of God.”

Organized by RMC FEJA Metro, the sports tournaments proved to be a significant avenue for youth to bond and connect. Jorge Aleman, a youth leader who played a key role in organizing the tournaments, shared a touching moment when three young participants approached him, expressing their gratitude for making new friends. He emphasized, “That was the most gratifying thing about organizing these events. Our youth from different conferences united to create a team and win the game. I hope our youth continue to unite with a shared goal of going to heaven.”

Pastor Hugo Guillen, a pastor in the RMC and a supporting pastor for RMC FEJA Metro, highlighted the significance of the conference. “This event was beneficial because our young people can see that our current leadership sees their value. We need them to continue the work that the Lord has left our church.”

“It was inspiring to see our young people listen to the Biblical messages of our main speaker,” remarked Pastor Ruben Rivera, RMC Hispanic ministries coordinator. “Witnessing them consecrating their lives to Jesus Christ was a profound experience.” Of the five baptisms that occurred that weekend, three of them were from the Rocky Mountain Conference.

The 2023 Hispanic Youth Conference achieved resounding success, leaving a lasting impact on attendees through inspiring sermons and activities that promoted unity and a shared purpose. The fervor exhibited by this generation offers bright hope for the future of the church.

—Vanessa Alarcón is elder and church clerk at Boulder Adventist Church. Photos by Hugh Davis.

20 Jul

CONGRESO DE JÓVENES INSPIRA “PROPÓSITO UNIDO”

Vanessa Alarcón – Maxwell, Nebraska … Del 13 al 16 de julio, el 2023 Congreso de Jóvenes de la Unión de Mid-America (MAUC) atrajo a más de 500 entusiastas asistentes. Con el lema “Cielo: No te lo pierdas por el mundo”, el evento tuvo como objetivo encender el espíritu de los participantes. De esos 500, 129 eran jóvenes y sus respectivos líderes de la Asociación de Rocky Mountain (RMC).

El evento fue organizado por el Pastor Roberto Correa, Director Multilingüe de MAUC, en colaboración con las Federaciones de Jóvenes Hispanos (FEJA) de toda la unión. RMC cuenta con dos federaciones, RMC Metro y RMC Mountain.

El principal orador en la conferencia fue el conocido y querido Pastor José Vicente Rojas, quien compartió varios mensajes sobre el compromiso de los jóvenes en las misiones. Sus poderosos mensajes resonaron con la joven audiencia, enfatizando la importancia del Espíritu Santo.

Maranatha Bible Camp en Nebraska fue el lugar ideal, ofreciendo emocionantes actividades como torneos deportivos, tirolina, actividades acuáticas y seminarios. Los seminarios abordaron una variedad de temas relevantes para los jóvenes y fueron presentados por Armando Miranda Jr. (NAD), Tyrone Douglas (MAUC), Santiago Fernandez (Union College) y Vanessa Alarcón (RMC).

Para padres como Héctor Bautista de la región de Kansas-Nebraska, la conferencia fue una valiosa oportunidad para que sus hijos se conectaran con otros jóvenes en la iglesia. Él expresó: “Asistimos a una iglesia más pequeña donde no hay tantos jóvenes. Estos eventos son increíblemente importantes. Mis hijos están haciendo amigos con personas que comparten las mismas creencias mientras profundizan su conocimiento de Dios”.

Organizados por RMC FEJA Metro, los torneos deportivos resultaron ser una importante oportunidad para que los jóvenes se unieran y conectaran. Jorge Alemán, un líder juvenil que desempeñó un papel clave en la organización de los torneos, compartió un emotivo momento cuando tres jóvenes participantes se acercaron a él, expresando su gratitud por hacer nuevos amigos. Él enfatizó: “Esa fue la parte más gratificante de organizar estos eventos. Nuestra juventud de diferentes conferencias se unieron para formar un equipo y ganar el juego. Espero que nuestra juventud continúe unida con el objetivo compartido de llegar al cielo”.

Hugo Guillén, Pastor de RMC y consejero de RMC FEJA Metro, destacó la importancia de la conferencia. “Este evento fue beneficioso porque nuestros jóvenes pueden ver que nuestra actual liderazgo valora su aporte. Necesitamos que ellos continúen la obra que el Señor ha dejado en nuestra iglesia”.

“Ver a nuestros jóvenes escuchar los mensajes bíblicos de nuestro principal orador fue inspirador”, comentó el Pastor Rubén Rivera, Coordinador de Ministerios Hispanos. “Presenciar cómo consagraron sus vidas a Jesucristo fue una experiencia profunda”. De los cinco bautismos que ocurrieron ese fin de semana, tres fueron de RMC.

El Congreso de Jóvenes logró un rotundo éxito, dejando una impresión duradera en los asistentes a través de sermones inspiradores y actividades que promovieron la unidad y un propósito compartido. La ferviente pasión demostrada por esta generación ofrece una esperanza brillante para el futuro de la iglesia.

—Vanessa Alarcón is elder and church clerk at Boulder Adventist Church. Photos – Hugh Davis.

20 Jul

PRAISE SANG IN THE WILDERNESS AT THE COWBOY CAMP MEETING

Ron Johnson – Uncompahgre National Forest, Colorado … The 23^rd annual Cowboy Camp Meeting was held July 12-16 near Silver Jack Reservoir in the Uncompahgre National Forest, Colorado. An average of 50 campers gathered for morning and evening worships with 85 worshipers attending on Sabbath morning. Enthusiastic praise music from a team of musicians led by Tiffany Marsh resounded through the valley surrounded by mountain peaks, setting a spirit of receptive energy for each service.

This year’s weather, at 9,000 feet elevation, was the best—warm, sunny days and cool nights with no rain, strong wind, or afternoon thunderstorms, a blessing for the car, tent, and hammock campers.

Jesus saves. “We have heard a joyful sound, Jesus saves, Jesus saves; spread the gladness all around, Jesus saves, Jesus saves; Bear the news to every land, Climb the steeps and cross the waves, onward, ‘tis the Lord’s command, Jesus saves, Jesus saves.”

This is the mission of Adventist World Radio (AWR). Bob Peck, ambassador and coordinator with AWR, was the morning and Sabbath worship service speaker. Bob led us on a captivating journey as he shared stories of extraordinary miracles that show the power of God working around the world though AWR. Stories like when a chicken farmer’s hens stopped laying but produced more eggs than ever when he started playing the AWR to them. Or the story of how a Maasi tribesman cattle herder was blessed after tithing more than 100 head of cattle.

Bob stated that the church is to be a witness making God known to the world. This is done through the power of the tongue in four ways: through words of praise, through the tongue of prayer, through the voice of prophecy, and through the tongue of preaching.

Jesus saves through the power of conflict resolution. Ron Price, an evening speaker, gave members of the audience a number of texts illustrating how God wants us to treat each other, His children. He gave one of the three books he has written to the person who could come up with one of the most important eight-letter words in human relationships: humility.

Being humble is not putting yourself above others because of your unique God-given abilities nor taking offense because someone else received the credit for work that you did. “If you don’t heal from those who hurt you, you will bleed on those who didn’t touch you.”

Ron talked about perceptions; how a person might misjudge another person because of incomplete or inaccurate information about them. President Abraham Lincoln said, “I don’t like that man, I must get to know him better.” When interpreting the actions of others, one should apply the practice of “AGI—Assume Good Intent”. Or to say it another way, practice H of G—Hermeneutics of Generosity.

Throughout his presentations, Ron delighted his audience with humorous, point-making stories and illustrations.

When asked What do you like about Cowboy Camp Meeting?, 10-year-old Ellie Miller from Fruita, Colorado, said, “everybody getting together and having a good time enjoying each other.” Caleb Cook, a young adult from Broomfield, Colorado, commented, “I like the simplicity and down-to-earth agenda and environment.” Steven Marsh, another young adult from Montecello, Utah, said, “the Cowboy Camp Meeting environment spiritually, mentally, and emotionally charges me to be ready for another year.”

We hope that you will join us at next year’s Colorado Cowboy Camp Meeting.

—Ron Johnson is the co-organizer and treasurer of the Cowboy Camp. Photos by Ron Johnson.

19 Jul

GVR SUMMER CAMP ENDS: STAFF REFLECTIONS AND RE-BAPTISMS

Jasmine Miller – Ward, Colorado … As the Summer Camp was coming to a close, five campers and four staff members were baptized on July 14 at Glacier View Ranch (GVR). There were three new and one returning staff members. Brandon Westgate, pastor and director of GVR, said baptisms are “why I do camp. It’s the best part and the highlight of my summer.”

One of the main points made by all the staff members who were baptized was the intentionality they felt that was shown to them by Pastor Brandon and through his messages. Emily Cook, a first-year staff member and lifeguard at GVR, talked about the difference of her spiritual experience at previous camps she had worked at and how it differed at GVR. “At my previous camp, they talked about worship but not necessarily ways to have your worship. But here, Pastor Brandon talks about ways to make it practical and applicable.”

Emily also said Pastor Brandon had a lot to do with her feeling called to be baptized. “He leads by example when it comes to spirituality, and I appreciate how simple baptism is explained and having a relationship with God.”

Brandon talked about one of the biggest misunderstandings that youth in the church have been that “the church tries to make the simple complex. We can get bogged down into the rules instead of just thinking about the relationship. Rules without a relationship can lead to a rebellion, so we try to put the relationship with Christ first.”

Living at camp for seven weeks can also help to simplify a relationship with God, being with limited service and out in nature. Derek Aubin, a first-year boy’s director at GVR, said that, when choosing where he wanted to work this summer, “the main selling point was the nature” at GVR. A unique feature of GVR is the beautiful backdrop of the mountains out by Lake Minnie and lots of nearby lookouts and hikes.

What helped Derek to connect with God is “music, praise teams, and agape within nature bringing harmony to both of those aspects of who God is to me.”

A special program at GVR on Thursdays is the agape feast and the worship music that follows it. This is where staff can show “agape” love by serving campers dinner at their tables, and it is a time where people can share testimonies. Vanessa Saldivar, a second-year staff member and office administrator, said that “when I knew I had a conviction to get baptized, it was during agape worship hearing the words they were singing in the song ‘Come Out of Hiding’ by Stephanie Gretzinger.”

Vanessa also had the opportunity to baptize a camper who she had an impact on her decision to get baptized. She said it was “so humbling, I know it’s not me, it’s Christ. It is so cool to be used as a tool for God.”

As GVR summer camp ended, it is important to get final takeaways on how newfound relationships with God can be applied after camp in the real world. Jenaya Wright, a first-year girl’s counselor, said “I know there will still be struggles, but I think baptism is a public display that I want things to change, and I’m going to try to keep God first and have a Christian atmosphere and attitude.”

When asked what the most important takeaway is to give the camp staff, Brandon Westgate said “that God is for them and not against them.”

—Jasmine Miller is the marketing and communications consultant at GVR. Photos by Jasmine Miller.

19 Jul

ALAMOSA CHURCH INAUGURATES COMMUNITY SERVICES INITIATIVE

Daniele Fantoni – Alamosa, Colorado … The Alamosa Seventh-day Adventist Church proudly inaugurated its long-awaited Community Service initiative on July 18, ushering in a new era of support and assistance for the local community.

The doors were opened that day, and will continue to serve community every first and third Tuesday of the month, from 11 a.m. to two p.m., offering a helping hand to those in need. The core mission of this initiative is to provide vital resources such as free clothes, blood sugar and pressure readings, as well as prayers for individuals facing challenging circumstances.

Months of meticulous preparation and heartfelt prayers culminated in the successful launch of the Community Service activities. “The response from the community members has been overwhelming, with an outpouring of donations of clothes,” Daniele Fantoni, church pastor commented. “Even before the official opening hour, individuals in need flocked to the church’s doors, underscoring the urgent need for such a service in the area,” he added.

Fantoni commented, “We firmly believe in the power of community and the strength that lies in helping one another. Our team of dedicated volunteers is prepared to extend a helping hand, making a positive impact in our neighborhood.”

The journey has just begun, and the Alamosa Adventist Church is committed to sustaining this service, fostering a spirit of unity and compassion within the community. With open hearts and open doors, the church stands as a pillar of compassion, striving to uplift and empower those who seek assistance.

Sherry Billings, the church’s community services director, commented, “It is a true blessing to serve our community in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.”

—Daniele Fantoni is pastor at Alamosa Seventh-day Adventist Church. Photos supplied.

18 Jul

WYOMING CAMP MEETING: GOD’S MEDICINE

Liz Kirkland – Casper, Wyoming … The 2023 Wyoming Camp Meeting was assembled July 11-15 at Mills Spring Ranch (MSR) in Casper, Wyoming. People came from across the conference and beyond, even as far as Michigan, Arkansas, and Kentucky, to join in fellowship under the camp theme “Meeting God.” On Sabbath morning, 150 camp participants congregated for Sabbath worship service.

Together with her husband, Dr. Richard Davidson, Dr. Jo Ann Davidson was a keynote speaker. He is an Old Testament Scholar at Andrews University Seminary, and Jo Ann is a Professor of Systematic Theology also at Andrews University. They held daily engaging and thought-provoking meetings, ranging in topics from the Sanctuary to God’s love of life, animal stewardship, and nature in general. During Sabbath school, they were on a panel and requested not to be called by their titles: “We are Dick and Jo Ann.”

“It was great having presentations on the Sabbath and Sanctuary, foundational to our faith,” shared Mickey Mallory, RMC ministerial director. “Many of the church members shared with me how much they appreciated a refresher in their understanding of what’s central to our faith.”

Carin and Ron Lynch also enriched the camp experience with health seminars covering hydrotherapy, nature’s first aid kit, and massage basics. They have been the North American Division Directors the last six years for the Lay Institute for Global Health training (LIGHT), a supporting ministry of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Their sessions were full of practical and applicable information and demonstrations where attendees could sample products and even get a free massage.

Jo Ann Davidson took time to attend the health seminars before her programs and remarked how “pleasant and positive” they were.

Carin commented on her camp experience: “This was our first time at the Wyoming Camp Meeting. I loved the fact that it is such a close-knit group, a group of people that come together whether they see each other all year or just here during this time. They are just filled with the spirit!”

Morning worship speakers included Mickey Mallory, Mic Thurber, RMC president, and Doug Inglish, RMC vice president for administration.

Between sessions, camp attendees could be seen enjoying God’s creations in the scenic setting of MSR with either enjoying a quiet sit, a small hike, or time on the playground for the younger attendees. The overwhelming, albeit unofficial, theme at camp was that this time of fellowship in a beautiful natural surrounding was truly “God’s medicine.”

Olivia Rose McDonald, a young camp attendee from Casper Adventist Church, has been coming to camp around 9 years. She said, “I love seeing friends and having fun. And I love getting to be up on the mountain to see prettier things and breathe the fresh mountain air. I love fresh mountain air!”

Programs were held for primary age and older youth to enhance their connection with God, make or build friendships, and enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking. The teen youth even got to take a canoe trip on the North Platte River one afternoon.

Jared Bolling Jr., another young camp attendee, has been attending the Wyoming Camp for 12 years. “I love meeting friends and cousins [at camp]. My favorite thing at camp is to go hike to Mossy Cave. And, besides meeting friends, I really like the people here.”

With the expanse of the camp and the multitude of activities, mealtime was a great time to bring everyone together to connect and enjoy the spectacular view from the dining hall. The camp cook, known affectionately as Papa Don, has been coming to camp for 8 years. When asked what he loved about camp, he commented “The whole ball of wax! I love everything about camp. Cooking is my passion, and my cooking ministry is to keep the kids and staff happy. If you have happy staff, you have happy everybody. I will do this as long as the Lord is willing.”

Jamie Treat, a member of the Cheyenne Adventist Church, was yet another attendee with a long history at the camp. He recalled, “I have attended camp the last 14-15 years. Before that, when my dad pastored in Wyoming, I used to come to camp even back then. So, I have been up to Mills Spring Ranch for 40 years, though not consecutively. It’s great to get away and focus on your relationship with God in a nature setting, and this camp is so awesome the way that it is setup with nature all around us. The fellowship is always great, the camp always has great speakers, so it is always a spiritual blessing. It is the highlight of our year.”

—Liz Kirkland is the RMC communication assistant. Photos by Rajmund Dabrowski, Mickey Mallory, and Liz Kirkland.

18 Jul

NEW FRIENDSHIPS BUILT IN MISSION TO ZAMBIA

Jill Harlow – Loveland, Colorado … Marcela Zuniga, a junior at Campion Academy, served for almost one month on a mission trip to Mansa, Zambia, in June. A group of about 20 attended the trip including Marcela’s sister, Dayanara, an incoming freshman, Haley Beckermeyer, a recent graduate, and Kent Kast, a former staff member.

Organized by Jim Lynch with Give Back to Humanity, the group spent most of their time constructing a wall for a Seventh-day Adventist school in Mansa. The wall would help the school to mark off the property and keep the kids safe during the school day. Marcela shared that they typically worked 10-hour days but were able to spend time in worship with the local children each evening.

Marcela remembered, “The local people were very hospitable, always making us feel like we were at home. I enjoyed that they were happy with what they had, and they showed me that small things in life do matter. The kids showed so much faith and love for God and were grateful for what they had.”

Haley Beckermeyer agreed saying, “My favorite part was getting to know the local students. They were all super kind and friendly, and you’d never feel lonely while you were there. They were all very thankful for us coming, and it felt like they were more of a blessing to us than anything we did.”

Despite the hard work, the students expressed how the experience blessed them. Marcela shared, “It made me grateful to know we praise the same God and helped me realize I am blessed to be able to go to Campion Academy. It was a rewarding and life-changing trip.”

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