NewsNuggets Page 22

Carey Jordan – Loveland, Colorado … The HMS Richards Adventist School community in Loveland, Colorado, gathered for a morning of dedicated service during the HMS Work Bee, June 2. With the shared goal of improvement in mind, 38 enthusiastic individuals joined forces to undertake a variety of projects, both inside and outside the school.

What transpired over the course of just two hours surpassed expectations, as tasks were completed much quicker than anticipated, demonstrating the power of unity and collaboration.

HMS maintenance director, Chris Nelson, has been tirelessly working towards enhancing the landscape of the school grounds. His ambitious vision for a healthier and more vibrant outdoor environment includes the establishment of lush grass, an efficient sprinkler system, and enriched soil.

Thanks to the collective effort during the Work Bee, significant progress has already been made. Sink spots have been filled, the facility berm has been rototilled, new topsoil has been added, and seeds have been planted, setting the stage for a stunning green space for the students to enjoy throughout the summer.

Meanwhile, inside the school, an equally remarkable transformation took place. Guided by the meticulous planning of Bob Aitken, member of Campion Seventh-day Adventist Church in Loveland, Colorado, and Carey Jordan, HMS principal, volunteers diligently emptied every hallway and classroom in preparation for the installation of brand-new carpet later this month.

This was no small undertaking; heavy student lockers, large bookshelves, tables, desks, and hefty file cabinets were all relocated to the gymnasium, allowing for the removal of the old carpet and the installation of the new one. Additionally, the kitchen received a thorough cleaning, ensuring it remains a spotless and inviting space for meal preparations.

The success of this event is a testament to the spirit of community and cooperation that thrives within the school family. Despite the long list of tasks, the enthusiastic participation and collaborative efforts of the volunteers made light work of every challenge. This collective endeavor not only brought about tangible improvements but also strengthened the bonds of camaraderie among the community members.

HMS leadership gives gratitude to the Campion Church community for their unwavering support. Their prayers, presence, and encouragement are invaluable to the HMS school community, reflecting the love of Jesus through their actions and words.

They express their appreciation as it is the collaborative efforts of the community that enable HMS to foster an environment where our students can thrive and develop. Moreover, HMS leadership understands that this sentiment extends beyond the school; the support from the local churches and communities across the Rocky Mountain Conference is instrumental in ensuring the ongoing success and growth of Adventist schools. To all who support, attend work bees, events and programs, uplift, and pray for our Adventist schools, they offer their heartfelt gratitude.

Upon reflection of the impact of this event, Jordan remarked, “We are reminded that the heart of a volunteer is not measured by size but by the depth of commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.”

“To the Campion Campus community,” she continued, “your involvement at HMS Richards Adventist School truly makes a difference. We are deeply appreciative of your generosity and dedication, and we eagerly anticipate the continued growth and improvement of our school, made possible by the unwavering support of individuals like you.”

—Carey Jordan is principal at HMS Richards Adventist School. Photos supplied.

RMCNews – Denver, Colorado … For the past five years, a group of lay and pastoral leaders of the Navajo Nation have been working across Conference lines to develop an FM radio network known as “Diné Adventist Radio” (DAR) to share the Adventist message of hope, wholeness, and healing with the Navajo people, whose name for themselves is “Diné.”

The Navajo Nation is the largest Native American reservation with the largest indigenous population in North America, and with territory that includes portions of four Seventh-day Adventist conferences in three Union conferences. Most of the Navajo people follow traditional ways and are unreached by the Adventist message.

Since August 2020, a 30-minute weekly broadcast on the Navajo Tribal radio station has generated hundreds of Bible study requests and even led some individuals to baptism. These weekly programs are produced on a monthly rotation by Native-oriented Adventist congregations on and around the Navajo Reservation, including the Waterflow Seventh-day Adventist Church in Waterflow, New Mexico, and the LaVida Mission Seventh-day Adventist Church in Farmington, New Mexico. Their goal is to be on the air across the Navajo Nation 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The FCC has already issued three full-power construction permits for stations that will cover much of the Navajo population, but there was a gap in the northeast section, the portion that is in the Rocky Mountain Conference (RMC). Last fall, the FCC announced they were opening a rare “application window” for low power FM radio stations. These stations must be owned and operated by an incorporated, local non-profit organization. According to FCC rules, Adventist Churches don’t qualify as “local non-profits” because they are owned by the conference.

In response to this opportunity, members of the Waterflow and Farmington churches explored creative ways of applying for LPFM licenses. Waterflow Church already had a qualifying local non-profit, and they used it to successfully apply for an LPFM station that will cover Shiprock, New Mexico, with a population of some 8,000 Native Americans. Waterflow Church member Pam Goldtooth has offered to locate the tower on her tribal homesite lease—an ideal spot at the brow of a hill that overlooks the town.

A group of Farmington Church members created a new non-profit, Bisti Broadcasting, and successfully applied for a low power station to be located at the Piñon Hills Seventh-day Adventist Church in Farmington, New Mexico. “We are excited to engage in establishing radio programming to be broadcast from our Piñon Church,” said Karen Bowen, coordinator of the project.

Remarking on the local broadcasting project, Allen Steele, member of Adventist World Radio board of directors and advisor to the Navajo Radio Network, said, “Members of two Rocky Mountain churches took this step so that the Navajo people in the Four Corners can hear God’s last day message.” When broadcasting begins in Farmington, it will reach some 12,000 Native American residents of the area.

Each group has three years to be on the air, but they hope to accomplish this much sooner. The goal is to be broadcasting live and full time on KDHP 91.9 FM, the 100,000-watt flagship station at the heart of the reservation, by November 1, 2024, and then add other stations as soon as they are ready—including the Farmington and Shiprock stations.

The network is planned to include as many as seven stations plus worldwide streaming on the internet (www.dineadventistradio.org), reaching the majority of the Navajo Nation population. Network office and main studio will be located at the Gallup All Nations Seventh-day Church in Gallup, New Mexico.

—RMCNews with Dale Wolcott. Interim Network Manager, Diné Adventist Radio, Native American Ministries Coordinator, Arizona Conference; with Allen Steele, member Adventist World Radio board of directors and advisor to the Navajo Radio Network. Photos supplied.

Sue Nelson – Loveland, Colorado … Weather conditions were ideal at Campion Academy in Loveland, Colorado, for the annual Rocky Mountain Conference (RMC) Pathfinder Fair, June 2.

Some 250 Pathfinders and staff members who came from 14 Pathfinder clubs were in attendance this year. A parade, under the guidance of Joel Dominguez, RMC Pathfinder Drill and March coordinator, started the fair and was led by the Loveland Cougars Pathfinder Club color guard and accompanied by the RMC Pathfinder Drum Corps. They were followed by the remaining Pathfinder clubs for the opening exercises.

Next, with much clapping and enthusiasm, came the Drill and March Competition, with about eight clubs participating. This was done on the pavement so that the steps could be heard to enhance the experience.

Several booths were set up in the gymnasium, showcasing the Pathfinder clubs’ handiwork throughout the year. Each booth reflected the Pathfinder theme for the year “Be the Difference.” Ribbons were given for their crafts, and special ribbons were given for categories such as “Overall Booth Design,” “Nature Display,” “Working Demo,” “Floats/Bicycles,” and more.

Traditionally, Pathfinder teen representatives have been chosen at the annual Pathfinder Leadership Convention usually held in September. But, with the updates to the constitution, that was changed this year. “Teen representatives” and “assistant teen representatives” were voted on at the fair by all the teens present.

Seven teens expressed interest in becoming representatives. The “senior” representatives voted in are Jamie Mira from the Denver South Hispanic Lion of Judah Pathfinder Club and Saul Acevedo from the Pecos Rocky Mountain Stallions Pathfinder Club. They will represent all the teens in the conference.

The incoming assistant representatives, Carissa Rodriguez from the Loveland Cougars Pathfinder Club and Brandon Rocha from the Denver South Hispanic Lion of Judah Pathfinder Club, are joining Celeste Rodriguez from the Loveland Cougars Pathfinder Club, who will remain an assistant while going off to college.

Not only will these teens sit on the council, but they take part in the planning and presenting of all the conference events throughout the year. They often go on to become church leaders, pastors, and volunteers in many of our church’s ministries.

Brent Learned, RMC Club Ministries director, remarked, “It was a blessing to have pathfinders from across our conference proudly displaying all they have accomplished this year, building relationships with other clubs, and seeing so many teens excited to lead and represent their peers by running for teen representative and assistant teen representative leadership positions.”

It is important to note that the “outgoing” teen representatives Clemente Martinez, Jr. and Kariany Ortiz, as well as other past teen reps, are encouraged to remain as part of the club ministries family. It is the hope of the RMC Club Ministries’ leadership that they might continue and become Master Guides, becoming our future Pathfinder and Adventurer leaders.

Yamiley Gonzalez, previous teen representative, commented, “This year at fair, I am excited for the future of teen reps. More and more come every day and want to experience the leadership of [being a] teen rep. I am overjoyed with the candidates this year. I see it in them, that they want to help and be a part of something big. ‘When you walk through the water, I will be with you.’ Isaiah 43:2.”

After lunch was served from several food booths outside, the Pathfinder clubs took their stamp cards to 11 different stations, which included Pine Car Races, Giant Human Cat’s Cradle, Pancake Flip, Nature ID, Soccer Croquet, among others. Campion Academy provided a service project and tour of the campus for those interested. Once their cards were all stamped from the various stations, the Pathfinders received a prize.

Participants eagerly awaited the presentation of trophies by the end of the afternoon. Those clubs who earned at least 2000 points for turning in required reports during the year, were rewarded with a special trophy that reflected the theme to add to their trophy cases back at their respective churches.

Mic Thurber, RMC president, reflected, “It was a joy to see the energy and determination of our Pathfinders and their leaders. They had a fun day, but they took their responsibility seriously and did their best whether marching in the parade or participating in one of the field activities. We are so blessed as a Conference to have young people with such enthusiasm, energy, creativity, and devotion to Jesus in our ranks. I’m so proud of our Pathfinders!”

RMC Club Ministries leadership extends deep gratitude to Jodie Gage and David Hopkins, RMC Pathfinder coordinators and all the staff and teens that worked so hard to make this year’s fair a success!

—Sue Nelson is the RMC Club Ministries executive coordinator. Photos by Barry Manembu and Mic Thurber.

RMCNews – Loveland, Colorado … The Front Range Camp Meeting kicked off the 2024 Rocky Mountain Conference (RMC) camp meeting season at Campion Academy in Loveland, Colorado, May 31-June 1. This year’s camp meeting theme was “Reaching the Unreached,” exploring the importance of discipleship.

On May 31, the evening program began with small group prayer, and Leandro Bizama, associate pastor of Worship and Evangelism at Campion Seventh-day Adventist Church, led the praise team with his original score “I Will Sing of Jesus Love for Me” and other song selections.

Rodlie Ortiz, lead pastor at Campion Church, then introduced the camp meeting’s keynote speaker, Laurence Burn. Burn has a pastoral history in the Seventh-day Adventist Church and is currently the training director with Adventist Frontier Missions where he facilitates the training and development of all missionaries prior to launch and during their time in the mission field.

Burn’s passionate and witty approach to presenting and training was evident early on in his evening program as he stated, “I am probably going to offend you … There is a time for us to be nurtured, but there is also a time to be stirred up … There is a lot of work to be done, and it can’t get done unless everyone is all in!”

This led into his discussion on the Biblical origins and design purpose of humankind. “Discipleship is closest to God’s original purpose for us,” Burn remarked. He urged the Adventist Church, as a whole, to shift focus from the number of baptisms to the number of disciples made: “[the Church should] stop measuring baptisms in water and start measuring by disciples in the Church. If you have been baptized but never made a disciple, you are not fulfilling the Great Commission.”

The camp meeting continued on June 1 with a Sabbath School program and worship service. The attendee count surged to several hundred people during the worship service, where Burn delivered the message for the service, expanding on Christians’ role in God’s mission.

The camp meeting closed with an evening program. Burn’s final message for the camp meeting at this program gave practical steps and tips to making disciples. He reminded attendees that discipleship starts in the home and local community, and that not every disciple may travel far distances to “fulfill God’s original purpose.”

Mic Thurber, RMC president, Doug Inglish, RMC vice president for administration, and Mikey Mallory, RMC Ministerial director attended to camp to serve in various capacities.

The camp meeting also featured a number of music performances during the programs, including Campion Academy student performers and local choirs and quartets. Remarks could be heard in the crowd on the quality of the music selections and performers.

Grant Riley, camp attendee and member of the Fort Collins Church, has attended the northeast Colorado regional camp meeting the past 13 years. When asked what has made him return to the camp meeting for so many years, he commented, “[It is] seeing people I haven’t gotten to see in quite a long time. And there’s a lot of really cool history in this place. We were walking through the hallways of the administrative building, and I saw the HMS Richards graduates’ pictures. I hadn’t seen that before. 1914, I think it was. That was cool.”

While Riley may be a long-time attendee of the camp meeting, this was the first camp meeting for Pastor Ortiz in his new role at Campion Church. “My hope for the camp meeting was to be challenged and inspired missionaly. For us to think outside of our normal routines, our normal context, and just to be given a perspective of something that we don’t normally experience.”

“So, my personal response now is huddling back with our team and what would it look like for us to take discipleship seriously,” concluded Ortiz. “I’m super excited about everything we experienced, and I’m just praying that that people receive it as Spirit and respond to it.”

The next RMC camp meeting will be held at the Canon City Seventh-day Adventist Church, June 28-30, followed by the Cowboy Camp Meeting held in the Uncompahgre National Forest, Colorado, July 10-14. Wyoming’s camp meeting in Casper, Wyoming, is July 16-20, and the Western Slope Camp Meeting will convene August 21-25. The camp meeting season will close with the Hispanic Camp Meeting, August 31-September 1.

—RMCNews. Photos by Liz Kirkland.