NewsNuggets

02 Jul

“LIFTING HIM UP AGAIN” AT SOUTHEAST CAMP MEETING

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RMCNews – Cañon City, Colorado … The second Rocky Mountain Conference (RMC) camp meeting of 2024, the Southeast Colorado Camp Meeting, was hosted by the Cañon City Seventh-day Adventist Church in Cañon City, Colorado, June 28-30. This year’s camp was intended to be a revival of faith with the theme “Lifting Him Up Again.”

Josh Sholock, pastor of the Cañon City and Leadville Seventh-day Adventist Churches in Cañon City and Leadville, Colorado, respectively, headed the camp meeting programming. When asked what his hope for the camp meeting was, he commented, “Reading in Evangelism, Ellen G. White talks about how we need to have our camp meetings designed as times of revival, times of calling people to a commitment charge. Reading that propelled me to ask the area pastors if we could do a theme of lifting Jesus up, as if Jesus saying, ‘if I be lifted up, all will draw to me.’”

The camp meeting kicked-off June 28 with the featured speaker, Lucas Luhan, pastor of Colorado Springs South and Woodland Park Seventh-day Adventist Churches in Colorado Springs and Woodland Park, Colorado, respectively, with over 75 in attendance. He spoke on the lessons referring to pride from the story of the brass serpent from the Book of Numbers 21:7-9 in his presentation titled “Lifting Up the Serpent: Looking for the Cure.”

“This is a story of discouragement,” remarked Luhan. “Discouragement can lead to doubt when we don’t trust God’s Providence and sovereignty, and trust is a salvation issue,” he continued. “We are not yet at the promised land and still in the wilderness. The whole purpose of this weekend is to view our walk with Christ.”

There were over 125 in attendance for the main church service session led by Dave Kettleson, pastor of Colorado Springs Central Seventh-day Adventist Church in Colorado Springs, Colorado. In a witty and lively presentation entitled “Lifting Up Jesus,” Kettleson commented, “I am going to heaven and there is nothing you can do about it! I am a mess, but He is the Messiah … Christianity and salvation isn’t based on what you do, but who you know. We [Christians] have to move away from a behavior-centered religion and to a Jesus-centered relationship. Our victory is only in Jesus Christ.”

International musician, composer, and entertainer, Gale Murphy, provided the energetic and humorous musical programing and piano accompaniment for the camp meeting. Along with a wealth of story-guided musical offerings, she involved the audience by taking song requests from four attendees with the occasional assistance of talented local violinist, Kenny Orr, member of the Denver South Seventh-day Adventist Church in Denver, Colorado. Murphy left the audience with the thought, “That gift of music, that art, is a gift we get to take to heaven with us.”

“I feel so blessed to be able to come to [the Southeast Colorado] camp meeting to come together friends and hear such joyful music,” commented one attendee. “It is a highlight in our year.”

The Southeast Colorado Camp Meeting closed with a session covering Adventist World Radio’s (AWR) recent outreach efforts in the island nation of Papua New Guinea (PNG) led by Dr. Duane McKey, AWR president, Dr. Bob Peck, AWR field representative coordinator, and Amy Webb, AWR scriptwriter. Peck commented on AWR works abroad: “After these people had been helped physically, imagine how receptive they were to spiritual help.”

The Southeast Colorado Camp Meeting was supported by Mic Thurber, RMC president, Doug Inglish, RMC vice president for administration, Darin Gottfried, RMC vice president for finance, and Mickey Mallory, RMC Ministerial director. Special totes with the camp meeting’s graphic theme were passed out during the ministry booth expo and were produced and provided by the RMC Planned Giving & Trust Services team also in attendance at the camp meeting.

—RMCNews. Photos by Liz Kirkland.

02 Jul

FOUR MULTI-GERATIONAL BAPTISMS AT CAMPION CHURCH

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Muriel Indermuehle – Loveland, Colorado … The Campion Seventh-day Adventist Church in Loveland, Colorado, celebrated four multi-generational baptisms recently.

Father and son, Darrel and Ryan George, respectively, were baptized together. Much of their family lives in the Philippines and stayed up until 3:00 a.m. to witness these baptisms with the time zone difference.

Ryan, age 11, will be in the sixth grade at HMS Richards Adventist School in Loveland, Colorado, this Fall. Ryan’s testimony is as follows: “I told my parents that I have a tug in my heart that I felt like God was telling me that now is the right time to be baptized. My dad and I have been studying the Bible together with Pastor Bizama, and today I feel like it is the most special time of my life. My dad and I are being baptized together.”

“Although I was baptized at a very young age,” commented Darrel, “I don’t feel it was for the right reason. I feel my baptism today is what God is wanting for me, to follow him and become closer to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.”

Eileen Blood, a member of the Campion Church, was rebaptized by Eric Nelson, Campion Church elder. “I have been a member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church for many years. I have always valued my membership. However, I would like to take that a step further,” remarked Blood.

She continued, “In my mind, there is a difference to being a member of the Church and a disciple of Jesus. Discipleship is imitating the Teacher’s life, imitating His values and reproducing His teachings. The disciple of Christ desires, above all else, to be like Him in word, thought, and actions. My wish is to give my complete heart and soul to Jesus as His disciple.”

Evan Bizama was given Bible studies and baptized on June 8 by his father, Leandro Bizama, associate pastor of Worship and Evangelism at Campion Church. Evan is 10 years old and will be in the fifth grade at HMS Richards this Fall.

“The reason I want to be baptized,” remarked Evan, “is to officially be part of God’s church and family. Matias, my older brother, got baptized, and I want to follow in his footsteps. Now I feel warm all over, not just on my outside because of this water, but inside also, for I know that I am about to be baptized into God’s church.”

The congregation of Campion Church warmly welcomes each of these individuals into their church family.

—Muriel Indermuehle is an assistant head deaconess at Campion Seventh-day Adventist Church. Photos by Erik Stenbakken.

02 Jul

LEANDRO BIZAMA ORDAINED TO GOSPEL MINISTRY

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Ardis Stenbakken with RMCNews – Loveland, Colorado … Leandro Bizama, associate pastor of Worship and Evangelism at the Campion Seventh-day Adventist Church in Loveland, Colorado, was ordained June 29.

A pastor in the Seventh-day Adventist Church, regardless of gender, serves in ministry for several years before they are considered for ordination. They then go through a series of interviews and questions administered by the local conference office. That conference then sends the request for ordination to the union office leadership who makes the decision and issues the ordination credentials.

Prior to joining the staff of Campion, Bizama served as chaplain/music director/Bible teacher at Mile High Academy in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, Ozark Adventist Academy in Gentry, Arkansas, and Delap Seventh-day Adventist School in the Marshall Islands.

Bizama was joined in the ordination ceremony by fellow church staff, conference officials, and family friends. They recognized his history in ministry and his gifts. Bizama made the point that one of these gifts was important to him and his ministry: music! Bizama has a passion for youth ministry, especially through music.

Much of the music in the service was original compositions by Bizama. He is a music/theology graduate of Southwestern Adventist University and holds a master’s degree in Choral Conducting from the University of Arkansas. Bizama is constantly working on ministry projects like books or songs, in the hopes that they will inspire others to come to know Christ and His love.

The Candidate for Ordination was introduced by Diane Harris, Rocky Mountain Conference (RMC) Education director, followed by the Ministry Affirmation provided by Doug Inglish, RMC vice president for administration. The Ministry Charge was presented by Craig Carr, Mid-America Union Conference (MAUC) Ministerial director, and the Ordination Prayer was offered by Mic Thurber, RMC president. Mickey Mallory, RMC Ministerial director, presented a Ministry Welcome.

Jennifer Bizama, Leandro’s wife, is an important part of his ministry, so she was also recognized and welcomed by Jana Thurber, RMC Women’s Ministry, Prayer Ministry, and Ministerial Spouse Support coordinator.

“We, as a church body, were privileged to witness and participate in the ordination our own associate pastor, Leandro Bizama,” commented Ardis Stenbakken, Campion Church communication director.

“Ordination does not confer any special powers or abilities, but it is the Church’s way to validate a call to ministry,” she continued. “We can all acknowledge that Pastor Leandro does have a heart and soul for ministry, and we celebrate that this was recognized. We wish Pastor Leandro God’s richest blessings in his ministry.”

— Ardis Stenbakken, a former Women’s Ministry director of the General Conference, is the Campion Seventh-day Adventist Church communication director and is involved with Women’s and Family Ministries. Photos by Erik Stenbakken and Susan Inglish.

27 Jun

MOUNTAINS MOVING: GOD BLESSES CAMP AT GVR

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Charles Metz – Ward, Colorado … The Rocky Mountain Conference (RMC) Youth Summer Camp season launched at Glacier View Ranch (GVR) in Ward, Colorado, June 16. The camp theme this year is “Anointed.” Brandon Westgate, RMC Youth Department director, and Jade Teal, RMC Youth Department assistant director, aren’t hesitating to implement this in every step of camp life, including the staff member preparations.

Charles Metz, the camp’s summer program director and staff pastor, recalls the time prior to the campers arriving for the first session: “We expect campers in two days. We have all the training we need. I sit on the floor of the auditorium, surrounded by friends, new and old. It’s already 11:00 p.m. and there isn’t a dry eye in the room as we pour out our hearts to each other and to God.”

“Brandon anoints [each staff member] with a small bottle of oil. A few others pray, bringing their requests before God to pour out His love, healing, and mercy on our friends,” Metz continued.

“Our staff bonding is vital because it’s what makes or breaks camp,” said Sarah Schneider, camp summer daytime event coordinator. “Knowing that I’m always supported and loved by my camp family gives me the courage that I need.”

Explore Week was the first session geared for ages eight to eleven. Many of the campers enjoy the rodeo, a weekly segment that has grown to take up almost two hours of kid-friendly and country-themed fun. Throughout the day, kids enjoyed delicious meals from the kitchen staff, activities led by experienced camp directors, and a nightly play based on the story of David.

By the conclusion of session, 13 campers were baptized, and several have requested Bible studies through our partnership with the Voice of Prophecy.

One camper celebrated her birthday at GVR, and told Christine Savage, the camp’s office assistant, that it was her best birthday ever. “I’m not a counselor, and I have struggled with worrying I would not be able to develop deeper relationships with the campers,” Savage said.

“God gave me a divine encounter with a camper. She shared her testimony with me … even though what she shared was difficult, what reigned true over and over again was how … she wants to use that to get closer to God. In turn, God also blessed me and used the life experiences I have been through to share what He has been teaching me about His character with her,” she continued.

Michael Blood, a camp senior boys’ counselor and first-time staff member, is challenged but excited to see where the summer goes. “God is showing me how to have patience through my campers,” he shared.

“Now, halfway through Tween [Camp Session], our summer camp team is excited to continue ministering to and ultimately having fun with our campers. Our mission statement at RMC Youth is to ‘make it easy for kids to know God.’ At each activity, roll call, and party, our kids are invited to lift their eyes to the hills, quite literally, and realize that their help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth (Psalm 121:2, NLT),” concluded Metz.

—Charles Metz is the RMC Summer Camp summer program director and a staff pastor. Photos supplied.

26 Jun

REFLECTION ON INDEPENDENCE DAY: JESUS AND AMERICA’S MIXED HISTORY WITH RELIGIOUS FREEDOM

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By Nathaniel Gamble

Freedom is one of the most precious values for the United States. Americans value their economic, political, intellectual, and religious freedoms as the American dream, believing such freedoms safeguard their abilities to chart their own courses, plan their own futures, and share their own beliefs. Americans have fought and died to safeguard these freedoms since the founding of our nation.

The American concept of religious freedom—namely, the freedom to be religious or abstain from religion according to the dictates of your conscience—was founded on the biblical idea of justice. The founding fathers and mothers of this nation wrote very little specifically about religious freedom. Instead, they tended to write about religious freedom in light of justice and other freedoms, because they saw religious freedom as part of a cluster of rights and values.

Several biblical passages were marshalled and commented on by the architects of the United States from the 1760s through the 1790s, but the most popular passage was Exodus 23:1-9. In these verses are listed several key ingredients to constructing a safe and cohesive society: do not lie or serve as a false witness to help a guilty person (verse 1); do not blindly follow the crowd to determine justice and do not favor a poor person in a court case (verses 2-3); when dealing with your enemy, return their animals to them if they wander off and help them if their animals have fallen under a heavy load (verses 4-5); do not favor the rich in lawsuits and have nothing to do with a false charge or executing an innocent person (verses 6-7); do not accept a bribe, because this is a perversion of justice (verse 8); do not oppress a foreigner, because you were once foreigners in Egypt (verse 9). Much of Exodus 23:1-9 deals with court systems and establishing fair jurisprudence, which helped early Americans flesh out what it means to pursue justice and guard each other’s religious freedom.

Despite this profession of faith in religious freedom, however, the American experiment began with a checkered history in terms of the safeguarding of that freedom. Several of the original thirteen colonies supported state-sponsored churches into the nineteenth century, with New Hampshire holding out until 1817, Connecticut until 1818, and Massachusetts adopting this approach as late as 1833. Up until that time, Baptist and Methodist ministers had to pay taxes that went directly to their Congregationalist counterparts, and they were often jailed for protesting such state-sponsored religion.

The first Jewish synagogue in the United States was the Touro Synagogue in 1762 (the congregation was started by Sephardic Jews in 1658). Nevertheless, it is telling that the synagogue was built in Rhode Island, a colony started by Roger Williams as a haven for people to practice their own religion without fear of intolerance or molestation.

And while early Philadelphia claimed to be hospitable to Islam, most Muslims in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries were slaves from Africa—and slaves who gathered for religious purposes were outlawed in the city of brotherly love during this time.

The purpose of pointing out this discrepancy between the American ideal of promoting religious freedom and the American practice of (often) failing to protect it is not to attack the United States. Contrary to revisionist American history, there is much to love and appreciate about the United States. But the most patriotic action Americans can do is identify where America has failed to uphold its own ideal, so that we don’t fall into the trap of thinking that America will save us.

Seventh-day Adventists would do well to pay attention to what excited the early Adventists about religious freedom: according to Exodus 23:19-20, it is God who ensures the religious freedom of his people. It is good to base religious freedom on the human practice of justice. It is better, however, to base religious freedom on Jesus as the one whom God has sent us to lead us into the promised land.

—Nathaniel Gamble is RMC religious liberty director. Photo by Liz Kirkland via Adobe Firefly.

25 Jun

TIME AT THE NATIVE AMERICAN CAMP MEETING

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Danita Ray Juan – Holbrook, Arizona … The Native American Ministries Camp Meeting was held at the Holbrook Indian School (HIS) in Holbrook, Arizona, May 24-26, with the camp theme “Jesus Calls Us.” HIS is an Adventist Native American boarding school in Arizona. Several members of the La Vida Mission Seventh-day Adventist Church in Farmington, New Mexico, attended the camp meeting.

“My husband and I went to Holbrook for the first time to a Navajo camp meeting with our La Vida Mission* friends, VJ and Beth Panganiban, who invited us to join them. La Vida Mission director, Kim Ellis, also attended,” commented Danita Ray Juan, wife of La Vida Mission staff member Harrison Juan Jr.

“It was a very beautiful campus and very welcoming to us. Our first-time experience at the Camp Meeting was a delight,” she continued. “The speaker was Bill Payne. He taught us about our spiritual visions, what they are, and how we need to prepare ourselves for our journey God will send us on.” Dr. Bill Payne is the director of Voice of Prophecy (VOP) Bible School at VOP.

Participants found the speaker’s presentation very motivational and uplifting. After the nighttime meeting, there was a campfire for those who wanted to hear more about God’s Word and get to know one another.

The next morning, there was an early devotion at 7:00 a.m. followed by breakfast. Danita remarked, “It was a very beautiful Sabbath morning with everyone sitting together and encouraging one another with Bible Scriptures and comforting words to start our Sabbath day. We had our breakfast, which I’d like to say was very delicious and filling. Thank you to those who provided the food.”

After breakfast, participants prepared for the Sabbath School portion of the event. The Sabbath School started out with songs and then moved into a study of Ellen G. White’s The Great Controversy. There was a panel discussion with five speakers to explain the readings, breaking it down for participants to understand the messages better.

Dr. Payne presented on God’s infinite wisdom and the perfect order that is the result of His work at the Sabbath service. Payne also spoke on how all can work in harmony together to show God’s work for others and themselves as one.

“The entire Sabbath service was done with good faith, praise, and prayers,” commented Danita. “I felt that the entire community was very welcoming and loving. The members of the camp meeting came up to us and introduced themselves. They were very polite and helpful.”

Participants would like to thank the Holbrook camp meeting organizers for their efforts and making the experience a huge blessing. Danita closed the experience by saying, “The beautiful community has done a great job, and we will be returning to the next camp meeting. May God bless you all abundantly.”

* Please note that La Vida Mission is not affiliated with the Rocky Mountain Conference (RMC) nor the Seventh-day Adventist denomination.

—Danita Ray Juan writes from La Vida Mission and is wife of Harrison Juan Jr., Navajo staff member at La Vida Mission. Photos supplied.

20 Jun

RMC EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE REVIEWS FINANCES AND MISSION PLANS

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RMCNews – Denver, Colorado … The finance report was presented to the June 30 Rocky Mountain Conference (RMC) Executive Committee by Darin Gottfried, RMC vice president for finance, who stated that through the end of the month of April, the Conference has experienced a gross tithe decrease of 5.82% or $345,743. He added that after windfalls are removed from the equation, base tithe is down by 7.22% or $428,820 year over year.

RMC has experienced a slight financial gain through April, but it was noted that the annual bill for Liability and Property Insurance had not yet been received or expensed at the time it normally would have.

“Had the billing been received on time, the Conference would have had a slight financial decrease through April,” Gottfried explained.

He also presented that giving to our local churches has decreased from the prior year as well. “Each church, school, and ministry are in our prayers,” Gottfried noted, “as ministry moves forward in spite of any funding shortfalls.”

Reports from the Audit Review Committee and Compensation Review Committee were received and voted on by the committee. Funding assistance from RMC Hispanic Building Fund was also approved for one of RMC’s Hispanic churches as they renovate their building.

In his presidential report, Mic Thurber, RMC president, shared that the survey given to the pastors at Ministerial Meetings aimed on finding out about young adult involvement in church leadership is still being evaluated. Similarly, the search to fill the position of RMC Hispanic Ministries Coordinator continues. Referring to activities for the next few months, Thurber noted the upcoming 2024 Camporee in Gillette, August 5-10, and the busy RMC Camp Meeting schedule.

The RMC president thanked Cindy Santana for her time as interim principal at Campion Academy and informed the committee members that Joe Allison will be the principal for the 2024-2025 school year, giving the Conference time to find a long-term principal.

Referring to future plans for evangelism, Thurber and Mickey Mallory, RMC ministerial director, shared information about the upcoming plans by North American Division’s (NAD) “Pentecost 2025.” The NAD leaders are hoping that 3,000 or more evangelistic outreach events will take place during the same general time frame across North America.

“I am hoping that the Rocky Mountain Conference will be among the conferences taking this challenge seriously and that churches, laity, youth, and local ministers, all over our conference, will commit to aiming high this coming year,” remarked Thurber. “Mickey [Mallory] will coordinate our involvement in the initiative and communication will be provided, including the registration link.”

Among other agenda items, the committee:

  • voted to accept Todd Folkenberg as the representative of the PorterCare/AdventHealth system,
  • approved J.J. Martinez, associate pastor at Grand Junction Seventh-day Church, to be recommended to the Union for ordination,
  • heard a report that pastoral positions had been filled at Campion (associate pastor), and Colorado Springs Central (associate pastor). Doug Inglish, RMC vice president for administration, reported that the Conference is working on solutions for one Hispanic district (Nueva Esperanza, Colorado Springs Hispanic Church, Greeley Hispanic Church, and Fairplay English), as well as Pueblo, Newday, and Cheyenne Churches.

Next meeting of the Executive Committee is planned for August 20.

—RMCNews

20 Jun

26 BAPTISMS AT TRANSFORMATION WEEK

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Frank Wilson – Denver, Colorado … Ten dedicated pastors from the Bay Island Seventh-day Adventist Conference, part of the Honduras Union Mission, led a remarkable spiritual renewal in the Front Range region of Colorado, June 8-15. This week-long event focused on revival and evangelism resulting in 26 baptisms and marking a significant transformation of faith in the lives of many.

Representing diverse regions of the Bay Island Conference, the pastors united with a common purpose: to ignite a spiritual awakening and share the message of hope and salvation. “Their collective strength attracted individuals from all walks of life,” remarked Frank Wilson, lead pastor at the Aurora, Denver, and Westminster Hispanic Seventh-day Adventist Churches in Aurora, Denver, and Westminster, Colorado, respectively. “The atmosphere was charged with anticipation and faith as the pastors delivered impassioned sermons and led heartfelt worship sessions.”

Revival meetings were held throughout the week in various locations around the region, ensuring the message reached a broad audience. Each day showcased the power of worship, prayer, and impactful preaching that deeply resonated with the attendees.

“The pastors’ words were not mere rhetoric but a catalyst for change, encouraging individuals to embark on a profound personal transformation. The response was overwhelming, with people of all ages and backgrounds attending the meetings, many for the first time. The pastors’ messages of hope, redemption, and new beginnings struck a chord, leading to heartfelt confessions of faith and a renewed commitment to spiritual growth,” Wilson continued.

The highlight of the week was the baptism ceremony where 26 individuals publicly declared their faith through baptism. This moment was a testament to the power of the revival and the impact of the pastors’ evangelistic efforts.

The baptisms were not just a symbolic act, but a testament to the transformative power of faith and community. Each baptism represented a unique journey, a life touched by the power of faith and the support of the community. For the newly baptized, it was a significant milestone, symbolizing a new beginning and a deepening of their spiritual commitment. The week of revival and evangelism in Colorado was not just a series of events, it was a movement of faith and hope.

“The pastors’ dedication and the community’s response highlight the enduring power of collective spiritual efforts. As the newly baptized individuals embark on their spiritual journeys, they carry with them the support and prayers of their community, strengthened by the profound experiences of the past week. This event serves as a reminder of the transformative power of faith and the importance of coming together as a community to support and uplift one another,” Wilson concluded.

The ten pastors who led this revival have left an enduring mark on the hearts of many, inspiring a renewed commitment to faith and spiritual growth. In the wake of this successful revival, the community looks forward to continuing the momentum and nurturing the “seeds of faith” that have been planted. This week’s legacy will undoubtedly inspire future efforts in evangelism and community-building, ensuring that the spirit of revival continues to flourish.

—Frank Wilson is lead pastor at the Aurora, Denver, and Westminster Hispanic Seventh-day Adventist Churches. Photos supplied.

20 Jun

FORT LUPTON YOUTH RETREAT IGNITES MISSION

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Emma Bahnmiller – Fort Lupton, Colorado … Youth from eight different states converged at the Fort Lupton Seventh-day Adventist Church in Fort Lupton, Colorado, for the Rocky Mountain Youth Retreat (RMYR), May 16-19. The retreat strived to ignite young people’s passion for God and His mission with the weekend’s theme “For His Glory.”

As attendees arrived the afternoon of May 16, the weekend launched with fellowship, fun icebreakers, and an evening wrap-up meeting. Each day of the retreat held spiritually engaging meetings accompanied by rich worshipful music, scripture memorization, and preaching, all planned and performed by the youth. This gave the youth a safe place to become comfortable in leadership roles and activities of church life such as public speaking, music participation and leadership, audio/video (AV) and public address (PA) systems management, and leadership in the spiritual growth of others.

Outreach education and training also played a central role in the retreat’s schedule with opportunity for the youth to use what they learned out in the community. Outreach education took the form of break-out sessions in which the youth formed into two groups led by Alex Rodriguez, director of Evangelism and Field Services and an associate director of the World Bible School for the Voice of Prophecy, and Matt Hasty, Rocky Mountain Conference (RMC) Literature Ministry director.

Rodriguez gave a powerful presentation on the importance of young people being active in church ministry and leadership, while Hasty presented an inspiring and practical session on ways that anyone can simply and boldly share their faith.

In addition to the daily activities on May 17, was a youth favorite activity: “outreach prep.” Assembly lines were formed by the youth around tables laden with Adventist literature, prepackaged mint candies, and bags to put it all in. Just as outreach prep finished, the youth were surprised by an unplanned visit by Doug Batchelor, pastor and president of Amazing Facts*, who urged them to continue to open the Bible and develop a personal relationship with God.

RMYR youth were responsible for Sabbath worship services at Fort Lupton Church with Hasty leading the youth Sabbath School class. After services, they made use of their outreach training, and the youth went out into the surrounding community.

At each door, prayer was offered for the residents, and they were given a bag and offered free Bible studies. The youth passed out about 800 books and gathered contact information for 21 people interested in Bible studies by the end of the outreach event.

“Rocky Mountain Youth Retreat was such a blessing! Being able to go out there and make a difference is such a good and rewarding feeling. Hopefully we will be able to change lives,” shared Lydia Glick, youth participant from Tennessee.

As the retreat concluded and the young people regrettably said goodbye to each other, they eagerly talked about the next retreat. “Each young person left empowered, encouraged, and on fire for the Gospel, and ready to take that inspiration and zeal to their local churches and communities,” remarked Emma Bahnmiller, youth participant and event secretary and vice president for programming.

“Rocky Mountain Youth Retreat sent me back home reinvigorated and inspired to do Gods work! So many young people excited about God! We enjoyed amazing heartwarming music, genuine worship and prayer, and fellowship with tasty food! We memorized verses, went out on outreach, and heard inspiring messages from young speakers. RMYR was an unforgettable experience with like-minded believers, who had a love for souls, and I’ll be back next year!” commented Nathan Hebert, youth participant from California.

“Going to the youth rally was a huge blessing!” commented Lulu Schlisner, youth participant from Colorado. “I really liked how we had an opportunity to make new friends. And most of all, the outreach! I hope lots of those people come to accept Christ. It was amazing, I’m glad I went and would do it again!”

RMYR’s vision is to see young people realize that God can work through them as they step out in faith, participating in the retreat through outreach, speaking opportunities, leading a devotional, or taking part in programing. The hope is that the fire then started will spread back to their local communities.

Join RMYR for their next retreat and click here to stay updated on future events by visiting their website and subscribing to their emailing list.

* Please note that Amazing Facts International and its media and publications are not affiliated with the Rocky Mountain Conference (RMC) nor the Seventh-day Adventist denomination.

—Emma Bahnmiller writes from the Fort Lupton Seventh-day Adventist Church and is the secretary and vice president for programming for the RMYR. Photos supplied.

18 Jun

RELIGIOUS LIBERTY SABBATH IN MONTROSE

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Nathan Cranson – Montrose, Colorado … The Montrose Seventh-day Adventist Church in Montrose, Colorado, was very blessed to have Nathaniel Gamble, Rocky Mountain Conference (RMC) Religious Liberty and Public Affairs director, as a guest speaker, June 8.

Gamble gave a powerful and informative sermon concerning the biblical basis for the concept of Liberty of Conscience at the Sabbath worship service. He also assured the congregation that he was happy to help anyone that needed assistance with Religious Liberty issues and that they could reach out to him directly.

The previous evening, Gamble shared a short message concerning how religious liberty can be used as a tool for evangelism. “I was surprised at how many people came out. We had about 60 people show up,” he remarked.

Gamble then opened it up for a period of questions that lasted for nearly two hours. At one point, he asked if everyone was ready to close the meeting, but the questions just kept pouring in: “[The attendees] were very open with their questions and concerns, but they were also very amicable even when there were a few disagreements. There were a few times that we weren’t going to see eye to eye, but everyone was very kind and very warm and welcoming. It was just a pleasure to be there throughout the whole weekend.”

The attending audience asked a range of questions concerning Christian Nationalism, religious liberty, and evangelism. They found Gamble’s answers to be honest and informative.

When asked what the main topics of discussion at the session were, Gamble commented, “The first line of questions [from the audience] was basically church freedom. There was Covid, there was vaccination, there was masking, there was social distancing. They were shutting down churches. So, ‘what do I do in this situation if it happens again?’”

“The second line of questioning was really about Christian nationalism but also about how to be a good neighbor,” he continued. “It wasn’t ‘is Christian nationalism good or bad?’ It was ‘what is it and is there an alternative to it?’ And there comes in that good neighbor part. Lots of people ask questions about evangelism and outreach in in light of religious freedoms, but they also ask, ‘how do I be a good part of my community?’”

The Montrose Church looks forward to having Gamble back again sometime soon. “It was truly a reach and meaningful time!” remarked Nathan Cranson, lead pastor at Montrose Church. “A special thank you to Nathaniel for being willing to make the drive to the other side of the mountains to share the knowledge and wisdom God has blessed him with. The Montrose Church highly recommends inviting Nathaniel Gamble to speak at your local church sometime soon.”

—Nathan Cranson is lead pastor at the Montrose Seventh-day Church. Photos supplied.

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