Rocky Mountain Conference of Seventh-day Adventists

04 May

COMMENTARY: NO MORE BODY SHAMING

By Rick Mautz

No one should ever be made to feel ashamed of their body, for everybody is a miracle of God. Everyone should be treated with love, especially those who have been bruised and wounded daily for much of their life because of their weight. Having addressed this important element, the answer is not to ignore this epidemic.

I am a health educator and a follower of Jesus with a desire to become more like Him. I struggle with the desire to help those that deal with constant pain related to body shaming but also have such a high risk of death from obesity. If I have an answer for them, I want to help without causing more pain.

Everyone is not meant to be whatever weight they are without considering the extreme health risks that come with this personal condition. The risks include a significant increase in the following: many forms of cancers, diabetes, heart disease, joint destruction, chronic inflammation, and vascular disease. There is an increase in death from all causes.

So how do we help reduce the health burden, both personal and societal? The answer is not body shaming. If that were the answer, no one would be overweight because there is lots of shaming going on. We don’t need more of that.

The answer is not a simple one as each person struggling with weight has put lots of energy into losing it already. However, our society doesn’t make it easy to make lifestyle changes: from food addictions, from the food itself, and the manipulation of processed food in a way that makes it even more addictive.

Food producers spend billions to make their product even more addictive, we are bombarded with attractive advertising everywhere we turn. We celebrate everything with very addictive foods. So, even when a person tries to lose weight by making lifestyle changes, there are so many obstacles to prevent their success. We need not add to their burden and should be supportive with love and encouragement without shaming.

With all these factors, it is easy to see why it is so hard to lose weight. And yes, food addiction is as real as any other addiction, with one major difference. With a drug addiction you just stay away from the drug and the people that are using it. What if you were, for instance, someone with an alcohol addiction and you must drink some alcohol every day to live, you would never break the habit. But with food, you can’t just choose to stay away from it. You need to eat daily. You are exposed to the “drug” daily and everywhere you turn.

When talking about health in general, that should be the focus rather than the weight itself. A whole food, plant-based diet is the most sustainable approach to achieving and maintaining a normal body weight. It will probably seem a little boring compared to the over stimulation of fat, sugar, and salt. If making that change seems overwhelming then start by just adding more fiber/water rich fruits, vegetables, and legumes without a focus on what you stop eating. Eating food in their more natural state rather than refined (potatoes vs French fries)

A source that deals with this issue well is Susan Peirce Thompson’s of Bright Line Eating. You can buy her book or, easier yet, watch her weekly vlogs (video blog) on YouTube. Her recommendations are very practical and helpful as they relate to an unhealthy relationship with food and provide a solution. I don’t agree with everything that she teaches but her understanding of the neuroscience related to addictions is very helpful. I would add to this information a relationship with your creator who is the source of all power who directed Paul to write, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).

Jesus treated everyone with love and compassion as he offered healing and the power to break the bondage that enslaved so many. He will use you to do the same today.

—Rick Mautz, PT MS, is RMC director of the Rocky Mountain Lifestyle Center. For more information, call (303) 282-3676 or click here to visit the Lifestyle Center’s website, and more material on this subject. Photo by Pexels.

04 May

WITNESSING THROUGH MUSIC MINISTRY AT MILE HIGH ACADEMY

Karrie Meyers – Highlands Ranch, Colorado … In Martin Luther’s words, “Next to the Word of God, the noble art of music is the greatest treasure in the world.”

Mile High Academy offers its students a variety of electives each year, but music continues to shine as a favorite for students. This year was no exception as more than 95 middle and upper school students participated in choir and band, not including the lower school grades. This high level of participation allows MHA to continue its music ministry with churches in the Denver metro area.

“We are grateful for our strong relationship with our local churches,” said Andrew Carpenter, MHA principal. “We have 14 churches supporting MHA, either through their children attending MHA, financial support, volunteering on campus, or teaching. It’s important to our school to share our talents with our churches who continuously provide support for our students.”

This year MHA’s music groups attended the Colorado Indonesian, Littleton, Pecos, Denver South, Newday, LifeSource Adventist Fellowship, Denver West, and Franktown Seventh-day Adventist churches. Not only did the choir and orchestras perform, but the students also lead in special music presentations, hosted student panels, offered student testimonials, told the children’s stories, and Carpenter was the guest speaker for the day.

“We were so blessed to have the middle school provide us a sermon in song, and we always enjoy having Andrew preach,” said Eleanor Kuhn, Denver West church member and MHA school board member. “We are happy to be a part of such an awesome school!”

Events such as these require extra practice time for the students. Under the eye of MHA music teacher Ismael Castillo, the students not only worked during class time, but they often had extra practice hours after school. Several students in this year’s band had never held an instrument before, and it’s never easy to blend unique voices to perform in a choir. But the students worked hard, with the support of their parents, and enjoyed being able to share their musical talents with the churches during MHA Sabbaths.

MHA parent and Littleton Adventist Church member Ami Warner said, “It was great to see my kids perform in choir at churches other than our home church. I could tell that the churches were so proud and happy to host us. It gave us a sense of connection with these other Denver area churches that we wouldn’t have gotten otherwise. I would love to see more music students involved next year, like elementary and the middle school band and orchestra.”

With only a few school weeks left, there are no scheduled MHA Sabbaths on the remainder of this school year’s calendar. However, MHA administration is already in talks with area churches to begin planning for next school year.

“We are looking forward to continuing the tradition of performing at our churches,” said Carpenter. “The warm church welcomes and connections our students make at events like these make a lasting impression in their lives. We’re excited to continue to build our music department as we move forward with letting our students’ lights shine through the gift of music ministry.”

—Karrie Meyers is the marketing and development staff at Mile High Academy. Photos supplied.

03 May

WOMEN’S MINISTRIES PRESENT LEGENDARY LADIES

Ardis Stenbakken – Loveland, Colorado … How would you like to have met the first woman to drive from New York City to San Francisco in the early 1900s? She changed her own tires and served as her own mechanic. Or you could have met Dr. Florence Sabin who pioneered her way in medical science and made a major difference to Coloradans’ health. You could have met a lady portraying a young girl from San Francisco who wanted to be a fireman and made a difference for firemen; and Mother Jones, a significant voice for the coal miners and child workers and for whom the Mother Jones Magazine is named.

If so, you missed your chance at the Legendary Ladies performance. Well, at least you could have met someone pretending she was this significant woman at Campion Adventist Church on April 23. The performers portrayed these women in their stories, gestures, and clothing.

About 70 men and women came to enjoy this program. So many attendees stayed to visit with the performers and to tell them how much they enjoyed it. There was time for fellowship and for a delightfully catered continental breakfast.

Campion Adventist Church women’s ministries is striving to have programs and activities to appeal to all ages and curiosities and to help you grow spiritually and in your interests. Watch for upcoming events and invite your friends and neighbors.

—Ardis Stenbakken is the Campion Adventist Church communication director and is involved with Women’s and Family Ministries. Photos by Ardis Stenbakken and Kathy Aitken.

03 May

INTERNATIONAL CAMPOREE – GET READY!

Sue Nelson – Denver, Colorado … It goes without saying that we are excited the Pathfinder International Camporee is coming to the Rocky Mountain Conference in Gillette, Wyoming, August 5-11, 2024.

The city of Gillette is expressing excitement for the Pathfinders to come to their community. Starting with the Cam-Plex, they are building a permanent stage to accommodate the Camporee’s needs and buying 600 Porta-a-John’s!

Local organizations are helping in many ways. The Chamber of Commerce, recreation center, museum, school district, and more, are opening their doors to the visiting Pathfinders. The local Walmart store has been in contact with the Oshkosh Walmart to know and understand the enormity of what they will need to handle. Take note: four of the hotels are already booked full. Gillette is getting ready!

The Cam-Plex and Gillette town tour dates are planned for May 22, June 5, September 11, and September 25. If you can plan on taking a tour, it is well worth it! They are held on Mondays so that businesses are open. Bus transportation is arranged for visitors to get out and hear what the different places are planning for the Pathfinders. These tours are free and include lunch and ice cream at the local Ice Cream Café! Detailed information can be accessed for the “Walk-Around Tours” at www.camporee.org under “Information.”

RMC is also planning to involve a few Pathfinders for the Independence Day parade in Gillette in 2023 and 2024. They will march in the parade with full dress uniforms, flags, and drum corps. We would like the community of Gillette to see what Pathfinders look like!

With the theme “Believe the Promise,” this mega-event will be centered around the story of Moses. The event is expected to have 50,000 attendees, and, currently, 10,000 tickets have already been sold with 12 clubs registered! Are you ready for the “world coming through Colorado and Wyoming?”

Rocky Mountain Conference churches and schools need to be prepared for Pathfinder clubs traveling through. Some of them will need a place to stay overnight on their way to and from the Camporee with a plan for sleeping areas and meals. Some countries are already asking our Conference for help in setting up their equipment to be ready for them when they fly in.

A contest is being planned for a pin design to represent our Conference. The winner will get a free ticket. Pin trading is a big thing at every Camporee.

There is so much to do at an International Camporee. Some 200 honors for the Pathfinders to take are planned. Among a variety of activities, the participants will hope to achieve a Guinness World Record. Expect a talent stage and, of course, there will be baptisms. Several RMC Pathfinders are getting ready to be baptized at the Camporee.

RMC is also in charge of the lost and found department and donation trailers. Pathfinders are like everyone else—they lose everything. Imagine losing your phone, tablet, computer, money, passport, keys, and more. Our staff will stop and pray with them right there that they may find their lost items.

The donation trailers will be placed at each of the nine Union exits. At the end of Camporee, all those clubs who have come a long distance and cannot take camping items back with them, will be able to donate them by placing them in one of those trailers. Those items will then be given to the local Gillette community services, like Salvation Army and others, for distribution as gifts to the community.

Clubs are actively fundraising to attend the Camporee. Some are hosting food booths at Adventurer Fun Day and Pathfinder Fair; others are holding car washes and anything you can think of to raise funds. The LifeSource Mountaineers Pathfinders had a bake-off, and the Durango Ironhorse club is having a yard sale and making “Junk Journals” to sell in June. The Colorado Springs Pikes Peak club is doing a bike-a-thon, a bake-off, and selling Butter Braids.

The Louisville club had a Valentine’s dinner and breakfast fundraisers. They have also decorated a “Giving Christmas tree” with labeled envelopes of items they needed, such as “Camporee ticket.” And the Club Ministries staff served haystacks to delegates In the August 2022 Constituency Conference meeting in Denver, Colorado. If you are interested in supporting your church’s Club, get in touch with them to see what you can do to help.

For more information and to buy tickets, go to www.camporee.org. Don’t forget to sign up for their newsletter. What a special event it will be, and one that will always be remembered. Get ready!

—Sue Nelson is executive coordinator for RMC Club ministries. Photo supplied.

03 May

TEN NAVAJO BELIEVERS BAPTIZED AT LA VIDA MISSION

Dorie Panganiban – Farmington, New Mexico … For ten new Navajo believers and the La Vida Mission Seventh-day Adventist Church congregation, the April 29 Sabbath became a truly unforgettable day.

Among those who stepped into the baptismal pool were five students from La Vida Mission, three temporary staff hired for emergency needs at the Mission this year, and two Navajo community members. Six of them have attended our Native Impact Bible Prophecy Revival in Crownpoint, New Mexico, during September 2022 series. Following the meetings, they expressed a desire to prepare for baptism and continued the Bible study series given by the Mission Outreach team and La Vida staff.

But this baptismal story unfolded as unexpected things happen to test our faith and our hold on God. On that Sabbath morning, one of the candidates, traveling with his family, had three flat tires, a mother of one of the students nearly ran out of gas, and our district pastor doing the baptism sent us a message an hour before Sabbath service saying he woke up running a high fever with a sore throat. He suggested postponing it until a later time, but the candidates for baptism and their families were coming from different places in the community and were already on their way.

Postponing it this late did not seem to be a good option. We had to try finding a pastor to baptize the candidates. The next chapter of this story unfolded with calling three other area pastors. But, with little time and short notice, none could be available. We prayed. I believe that the Lord impressed VJ, the church outreach director, that his father, Pastor Polly Panganiban, could do it being an ordained pastor. He asked him, but there was an issue to tackle.

Pastor Panganiban hasn’t baptized in La Vida since 2017 due to his physical disability. Seeing the great need, however, he was compelled and consented to do it. But he knew that he wouldn’t be able to lift the people back up from the water with his condition. A plan came together were VJ, his son, would join his father in the pool and assist him lifting the candidates. This plan was presented to our district pastor, and he was agreeable.

Pastor Polly said he was praying the whole time for God to give him strength during the baptisms, and the Lord worked everything out. It was very quiet, very solemn in the sanctuary during the baptism ceremony. The congregation prayed for both the candidates and Pastor Panganiban and were in tears seeing him do this with his son.

A La Vida staff member, who started attending our church 10 years ago and was baptized, said, “I was praying for Pastor Polly and also saying in my heart, dip me again in the water.” A Navajo woman that was also baptized said, “I had really wanted Pastor Polly to baptize me, and God granted my wish.” It all worked out well.

—Dorie Panganiban is the La Vida Mission office manager. Photos supplied.

02 May

ROCKY MOUNTAIN VEGGIE MEAT HAS A NEW OWNER

Trina Folkenberg – Franktown, Colorado … Since January 2020, Rocky Mountain Veggie Meat (RMVM)* has been providing meatless products after the closure of the Adventist Book Center (ABC) from the Rocky Mountain Conference office in Denver.

With Erin Houghton relocating, the ownership of RMVM has changed and the new owner, Trina Folkenberg, informs that orders are accepted at http://rmveggiemeat.com, (720) 257-9037, or [email protected]. She said that every effort has been made to make the ownership transition seamless for customers.

“As the product line expands, please let us know what items you’d like to see added to your future orders,” Folkenberg requests.

“Rocky Mountain Veggie Meat is proud to have the opportunity to continue providing the community with a variety of delicious vegetarian and vegan food,” says Folkenberg.

Rocky Mountain Veggie Meat carries 69 different products, many that will be familiar to the ABC customer, plus additional products carried by Sunbelt Natural Food. Two drop-off sites at the Conference Office and Mile High Academy will continue to be used.

—Submitted by Trina Folkenberg.

* Rocky Mountain Veggie Meat is an independent service not endorsed by, directly affiliated with, maintained, authorized, or sponsored by Rocky Mountain Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.

01 May

MESSAGE OF HOPE LEADS TO THREE BAPTISMS AT MONTROSE SPANISH CHURCH

Dennis Magaña – Montrose, Colorado … “Marcas De Esperanza” (Marks of Hope) was the theme for an evangelistic outreach series presented by Elder Francisco Flores, from Montemorelos, Mexico, at the Montrose Spanish Adventist Church’ April 15-22.

Using well known biblical characters, Flores presented on and showed Jesus as our only hope. He challenged not only those visiting but church members as well to have a real relationship with Jesus.

Each night was filled with song, giving of gifts to visitors, and a small snack to socialize and get to know our visiting friends better.

On Friday night, the church received the amazing news that one soul wanted to profess her love of Jesus by getting baptized. Plans were made to have the baptismal service at the Montrose English Adventist Church Sabbath afternoon. When the congregation arrived for the baptismal service, two more souls requested to be baptized having heard God’s call to them. What a joy it was for the church to watch three souls entered the water and be reborn in Christ!

At the end of the baptismal service, the speaker made a call to the church to take care of these new members. He also entrusted the church to continue ministering to those visiting so that, one day soon, they could make the decision to get baptized.

Leonardo Jimenez, pastor at Montrose Spanish Adventist Church, thanked Elder Flores for his spirit-filled messages during the week and for showing everyone present that Jesus is our only hope.

—Dennis Magaña is Montrose Hispanic Adventist Church head elder. Photos supplied.

01 May

SABBATH SCHOOL LESSONS SEEN THROUGH CONTEMPORARY ISSUES

Rajmund Dabrowski – Boulder, Colorado … When I was growing up, I remember our Sabbath School class did not have a sophisticated approach to questions and answers. In those days, what also never changed was learning to memory a weekly verse.

These days, the value to study a designated weekly lesson has not diminished but how it is studied on a Sabbath morning has changed. There are congregations where Study Guides are simply read from the beginning of a weekly lesson to the last quote for Friday.

Gary Nowlan, who started the Contemporary Issues Class some 30 years ago, remembers the first Sabbath my wife and I came to worship in Boulder. “I remember when you joined our study group. And after hearing what your name is, I said to myself that I wanted to get to know you. My wife wrote a children’s book about the church’s first missionary to Europe, Michal Belina Czechowski, and you evaluated it,” said Gary Nowlan, an honored church member and a former head elder in Boulder.

I asked some of my fellow students why they have chosen this particular class as the choices are many. Currently, we study the “quarterly” booklet, but other classes opt for a variety of approaches to studying the Scripture.

“You come because of the people, who are very accepting. Also, because of the open discussion where everyone seems comfortable making one or more comments and no one is condemned for what they,” Gary commented.

Answering, Jackie Hayes repeated the question: Why do I attend the Contemporary Issues Sabbath school class? For her, there is more than one reason.

Referring to the focus of the class, to “explore contemporary aspects of Christian faith for the probing mind while following the topics of the Seventh-day Adventist quarterly,” she commented, “One factor is that the class seems to realize that merely a fine line separates the historical from the contemporary. Issues that have concerned followers of Jesus Christ throughout the ages are also current issues. Today’s understanding of the three angels’ messages is a nuanced understanding from the past, for example. Political and societal relationships are ever influencing our worship, regardless of the era,” Jackie explained.

She is also a longtimer. She added one other factor that keeps her a part of the class. What keeps me “in the same Sabbath School class for 20 years is the happy mix of challenge and acceptance I feel. I like that everyone in the class speaks freely and challenges my spiritual understanding often, at the same time welcoming and accepting me and each member as valuable.”

“I sense that I have grown spiritually after each class,” Jackie added. “I appreciate the opportunities we accept to put Jesus’ teachings into practice.

For Kathy King, “camaraderie and friendships in the class” is one of the reasons for being a member of the class.

Recognizing a mix of nationalities represented, “different viewpoints on thoughts that are shared in the class that stretch my brain—we have several who were born outside of the US—I love hearing these perspectives on life and God.”

She explained, “We don’t look at the quarterly and say ‘this is what all of us should believe,’ even though the quarterly editor appears to feel this is what we should do”

She considers the class a progressive thinking group, and “I like that. We also have some wit and humor in the class that is great for life.” No-doubt, but who the members are adds to its vibrancy and exciting discussion, after all, among the class members there is a geology professor, a physician, several nurses, a chaplain, a lawyer, an IT professional, as well as a minister or two.

“Our sharing time with what’s happening in life, prayer needs are great to continue to get to know each other in the class,” Kathy added.

The class offers itself to visitors, and some of them are intrigued by the very name, Contemporary Issues. The Sabbath School, part of the weekly church gathering, follows the sermon, and the regular Bible study is done in Adult Connect Groups. There is The Gathering and The Journey, and these offer themselves as “in person and Zoom” study classes. The Impact and Contemporary Issues are “In-person” only.

William Bradshaw is our latest regular class member. It was some six months ago when Alicia Patterson, pastor’s wife, met and chatted with William at Barnes & Noble bookstore. He decided to visit the church. Initially he did “class shopping” and found Contemporary class to be “his fit.”

When asked why this choice of the Connect Group, he says: “It feels right. I get a good return on my investment. I am surrounded by people who are not just wise but they love the Lord and [live] according to His purpose.”

Not a member of the Adventist Church, he participates in the discussion, but also asks questions about comments which are not “spoken in Adventese language.” He often asks: What does that mean?

Having his participation adds an important factor, a need to speak about our beliefs in a common language, says Tomas Bartulec, one of the class leaders. “Our Bible Study is vibrant and exciting to attend,” he added.

I love my class, says another regular, Betty Welch. “They are like a family for me.”

—Rajmund Dabrowski is editor of the NewsNuggets and member of the Contemporary Issues Sabbath School Class in Boulder Adventist Church. Photo by Rajmund Dabrowski.

27 Apr

RMC TEAMS COME IN STRONG AT NAD PATHFINDER BIBLE EXPERIENCE

Sue Nelson – Tampa, Florida … The North American Division (NAD) Pathfinder Bible Experience (PBE) was held at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa, Florida, on April 22. Each year, teams of six club members study a book of the Bible (alternating Old Testament and New Testament) to compete in the PBE, memorizing large portions of God’s word.

This year’s event had 155 teams registered! Teams were from all over the United States and included a few international teams from Northern and Southern England Conferences, Korea, Canada, and the Dominican Republic. The questions and answers were in English and Spanish and translated into French and Korean.

The weekend started with Friday night vespers at the Mt. Calvary Adventist Church in Tampa, Florida. The message was brought by Pastor Shea Crockett, youth director for the Southeastern Conference. The testing on Sabbath was led by Tracy Wood, NAD youth ministries director, Armando Miranda and Vandeon Griffin, NAD youth ministries associate directors, and Gene Clapp, NAD PBE coordinator.

Two Rocky Mountain Conference teams, Aurora Las Aguilas and Loveland Cougars both placed 1^st at the Mid-America Union Final PBE in Lincoln, Nebraska, allowing them to continue to the NAD level. Both teams placed 2^nd at the NAD PBE with 90 questions from the book of John and the Andrews Bible Commentary.

It was exciting for the two teams to fly to Florida. For some, it was their first plane ride and first time out of Colorado! They were able to visit different attractions like Disney World and go to the beach.

Sue Nelson, RMC club ministries executive coordinator, Brent Learned, RMC associate youth director, and Eli Gonzalez, RMC club ministries associate executive coordinator, were able to attend and help as monitors.

“It was inspiring to see an arena full of hundreds of Pathfinders so excited about Bible memorization of the Gospel of John,” said Brent.

Addressing the participants, Eli said, “What an impact you make in all of us by being part of this awesome ministry of pathfinders and making it to the NAD Pathfinder Bible Experience—now it is your time to make a difference in your church and community.”

“We genuinely want the best for you. Do you know how awesome you are? Well, let me say it: you are AWESOME! You are wonderful, you are beautiful, and you are God’s,” he added.

Videos from the event can be found on YouTube by entering “Pathfinder NAD PBE” in the search bar. Next year’s NAD PBE Finals will be held April 19-20, 2024, with the location to be announced at a later day.

—Sue Nelson is the RMC club ministries executive coordinator. Photos by Sue Nelson, Stacey Rodriquez, and Eli Gonzales.

PBE-3 — The 2023 Pathfinder Bible Experience Arena in Tampa, Florida

PBE-5 — The two RMC Pathfinders teams with Sue Nelson, Brent Learned, and Eli Gonzalez

PBE-1 — The Aurora Las Aguilas Pathfinders team

PBE-4 — Friday night vespers at Mt. Calvary Adventist Church

27 Apr

YOUTH WEEKEND AT MONTROSE SPANISH ADVENTIST CHURCH

Dennis Magaña – Montrose, Colorado … “Confiar en Dios” (Trust in God) was the theme for a spirit and fun-filled youth rally for the Hispanic young people in RMC, April 7-9. Hosted by the Montrose Spanish Adventist Church and run by FEJA [Hispanic Youth Ministry] Montaña and Metro chapters, more than 120 young people came together from all over the conference and Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Each day of the event was filled with powerful messages. Friday night, speaker Dennis Magaña challenged the youth to live like the Apostle Paul in how he challenged Timothy to live (1 Timothy 4:12), and to set an example in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.

On Saturday, main speaker JJ Martinez, associate pastor of the Grand Junction Adventist Church, challenged the participants to live like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, reminding them of the powerful God that we serve who will enter the fire with us and deliver us. Next day, Leonardo Jimenez, Montrose Spanish Adventist Church pastor, reminded the young people of the guiding light that the Bible is and should be. He challenged them to study it daily.

The participants did get a chance to connect socially. Saturday afternoon was filled with fun activities, including a scavenger hunt and many ice breakers so that the youth could get to know each other better. There was a huge bonfire on Saturday night as well as “sociales,” put on by the Grand Junction Adventist Company, who many of the youth described as being, “extremely fun.”

There was a volleyball tournament put on by FEJA Metro chapter on Sunday. Three games where being played at the same time, utilizing both the gym and outdoor fields. In the end, Denver South Hispanic Adventist Church was crowned the winner of the tournament.

In all, God blessed the weekend and many of the youth expressed their desire for another Youth rally to happen soon. When asked, many stated it was hard to choose their favorite part of the weekend whether it was the speakers, food, or time spent getting to know one another.

Pastor Ruben Rivera, RMC Hispanic ministries coordinator, thanked the Montrose Spanish Adventist Church for hosting the youth gathering for the weekend in their recently donated facilities.

It was a privilege to be part of such a fun weekend, Rivera concluded.

—Dennis Magaña is Montrose Hispanic Adventist Church head elder. Photos supplied.