NewsNuggets Page 67

10 Nov

REFLECTION: RECLAIMED

In

By Lester Bentley — As a pastor of a five-church Wyoming district that stretches nearly 200 miles from end to end, often there isn’t time to dabble in a hobby. Yet, it is essential for my mental well-being. My pursuit of choice is restoring antique furniture. Recently, while cruising Facebook Marketplace, I saw a nearly 100-year-old secretary desk that had seen better days. The price was steeper than I wanted to pay, and also located in Colorado, while I live in Northeastern Wyoming. Yet, it appealed to me. My wife says it was as if it was calling out for help. Arrangements were made to bring it from Colorado to Cheyenne, Wyoming, and then to Douglas, Wyoming, where the exchange of the desk for money took place.

There are times when a picture is worth a thousand words, but the image on Facebook was far greater than how the desk looked in reality. It was dirty, with a broken leg that was taped up with electrical tape. Without the electrical tape, the desk could not even stand on all four legs. Yet another leg was missing its top, and each joint was either broken or loose. Yet, the potential could still be seen. So, the purchase was made, and the process of disassembly and reconstruction began.

Often, fixing the broken in this life takes pressure and time, and the process is slow and labor-intensive. The fractured leg was no exception, as the shaping, gluing, clamping, and drying time took a total of 24 hours of intense pressure. Patience is needed to allow the process to happen naturally. The process could not be rushed, for if rushed, failure would incur.

But over time, the desk once again began to take shape. It began to resemble how (change “how” to “what”) the craftsman initially intended when it was created. The legs were repaired, the desk was reglued and clamped.  Then it took hours, literally, to clean the dirt and grime from the desk.

Antique furniture restoration reminds me of the process all of heaven goes through to reclaim just one sinner. It cost all heaven had, and during the process, there was no guarantee it would work. Any slip, any misstep would cause sin to last forever, leaving those Christ came to save marred and eternally lost.

Christ came and carefully illustrated before us all the process necessary for humanity to be fully restored—restored to the same glory our first parents had in the Garden Tabernacle of the Pre-incarnate Christ called the Garden of Eden.

Christ has called the Christian church His workshop. Each master restorer works in conjunction with heaven to restore broken humanity. As with furniture, the process takes time, and it is labor-intensive. Often, what is being repaired comes under duress as it resists change. But slowly, patiently, heaven and the church, God’s instrument of restoration here on earth, work together to bring restoration to those who have been purchased at a great price. Why? Because the master carpenter saw value in what looked worthless and emptied the treasury of heaven to purchase and then restore what the universe saw as of no value.

In the words of Isaiah (58:12): “Those from among you shall build the old waste places; you shall raise up the foundations of many generations; and you shall be called the repairer of the Breach, the restorer of streets to dwell in.”

–Lester Bentley is the Northeastern Wyoming District pastor; photos supplied

10 Nov

VISTA RIDGE STUDENTS SERVE THE COMMUNITY

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By Marsha Bartulec – Erie, Colorado … Students at Vista Ridge Academy in Erie, Colorado recently took a day off from classroom learning to participate in several community service events.

The day, which the school hopes to be a yearly tradition, began with Herbert Hernandez, Chapel Haven Adventist church pastor, presenting the worship thought on the importance of service. After worship, students began their day of service at four different activities stations at the school.

Activities included decorating bags for Coal Creek Meal and Wheels, packing hygiene kits for the Salvation Army, making cards for the Veterans Center, and picking up trash outside of the school.  The students, working in pairs, transitioned through each of the stations throughout the day.

“My favorite part about today was being able to bond with my little buddies and having fun with them,” remarked a seventh-grader.

A student in fourth grade enjoyed the meals on wheels station. “I think my favorite part was when we got to decorate bags for the people who can’t really make their own food. It was great to know I was helping people so they can eat. It was really fun.”

Amanda Koenig, communications and development coordinator of Coal Creek Meals on Wheels, counted it a privilege to speak to the students about the organization. “It was really awesome to be here and to see the students be so dedicated and committed to wanting to learn about the work that we do and also being engaged in the volunteer activity, which was decorating bags. That is a simple but huge way that volunteers and students impacted folks in the community. Our clients just really appreciate receiving that decorated bag, that little positive message that warms their day with their meal and support services.” Students decorated a total of 131 bags for Coal Creek Meals on Wheels.

Kristen Bayulot, Denver Metro social services director of the Salvation Army, was also happy to spend time with the students. “They were very excited to pack hygiene kits for people who are experiencing homelessness in our community. All the students put together 216 hygiene kits, which include washcloths, hand towels, soap, band-aids, fingernail clippers, combs, toothbrushes, toothpaste, hand sanitizer, razors, shampoo, and body lotion.”

Collette Archibald, Director of the Boulder Vet Centers, was very grateful for the help the students gave and appreciated the thoughtfulness of Vista Ridge Academy for the 100 cards that were dropped off at the center.

To finish out the special day, the school held a domino fall. Students collected 150 boxes of cereal throughout the week leading up to Service Day. The cereal boxes were used in a domino run set up in the gym by students. This year’s top butter braid seller pushed the first domino, and all students watched with excitement as each box fell to the next. The cereal boxes were donated to the Erie Community Food Bank. You can see a video of the domino fall and pictures from the day’s event on Vista Ridge Academy’s Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/VistaRidgeAcademy

Vista Ridge Academy plans to keep Service Day as an annual tradition and looks forward to next year’s event.

–Marsha Bartulec is Vista Ridge Academy vice-principal for administration; photos courtesy of Vista Ridge Facebook page

10 Nov

CHANGING LIVES AS AN OTA

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By Ryan Teller – Lincoln, Nebraska … “I like to listen to people and help them,” Abigail Logan, Greeley church member, said.

Abigail Logan graduated in May 2021 as part of Union’s first cohort of occupational therapy assistants [OTA] students, and now she has begun her career as an occupational therapy assistant at Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Logan decided she wanted to become an OTA because of videos she watched on a YouTube channel called Special Books by Special Kids (sbsk.org). The channel founder, Chris Ulmer, interviews disabled and neurodiverse people around the world to share their stories and normalize “the diversity of the human condition.”

Moved by the stories of the people she watched on SBSK, Abigail discovered a desire to help. “I saw people with needs,” she said. “I wanted to be able to help people meet their needs, and I wanted to be able to do something for them that was out of the ordinary and creative.”

In researching a major with her parents, Logan discovered Union’s new OTA program and learned about becoming an occupational therapy assistant. “Occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants look at people’s lives and the things that they love to do, and they really work to meet that person in the middle and help them to meet their goals,” she said. “That’s what I want to do.”

PREPARED TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Logan began her journey as part of the first cohort of the new OTA program in the spring semester of 2020. During her program, she worked one of her fieldwork rotations at Madonna. While she was still a student, Madonna had an opening for an OTA position. Logan worked with her professors through the application process, and she was offered the position.

Now, as an occupational therapy assistant, Logan is fitting well into her new role. “I feel like I was well prepared, and I am very thankful that this is the path I chose,” she said. “And I’ve been really impressed with the environment at Madonna. The other therapists on the team I’m working on have been really helpful, giving lots of feedback. They’ve all been really kind.”

Working as an OTA has already impacted Logan’s life, not only as a career path. “It doesn’t quite hit you as hard until you’re standing in a room with someone who has just experienced one of the most difficult traumatic times in their life,” Logan said. “Working with my patients has grown my empathy and given me a lot of perspective on my own life.”

One patient Logan worked with was unable to communicate and struggled to participate in activities of daily living at the beginning of therapy. As time went on, the patient improved, learning to communicate through nonverbal means. “It was wonderful to see this patient use the communication board to communicate with their mother and others around them and continue to form relationships in that new way,” Logan said. “It was amazing how much of a difference time and skilled care made. I’ve been able to see changes in patients’ lives as they’ve improved in their abilities, and I love helping to make that difference.”

–Ryan Teller is public relations director for Union College; photo supplied

This article was originally published on Outlook Magazine’s website

09 Nov

MOUNTAIN ROAD CHRISTIAN ACADEMY CELEBRATES PASTOR’S HEALING

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RMCNews with Traci Pike – Casper, Wyoming …Mountain Road Christian Academy welcomed back Shayne Vincent, pastor of the Casper district, after several weeks of being seriously ill, with a celebration two months in the planning.

Tie-dyed shirts with “Faith over fear” were made and worn by the students. Students decorated the classroom with balloons, banners, and streamers to create a real party atmosphere, and they bought a cake to help celebrate the occasion.

Why the party atmosphere to welcome back the pastor? Because it was a miracle the students had a chance to witness over the last few months.

Vincent is a valued member of Mountain Road Christian Academy, and the students genuinely love him. Thursdays are known as “Pastor Shayne Day.” Students count down the days every week, asking over and over, “How many more days until Pastor comes?”

“Pastor Shayne presents chapel to our students and then plays games with the students. The favorite is Hide-and-seek. They run all over the school building for the last 30-45 minutes of the day every Thursday to find the very best hiding places,” Traci Pike, headteacher at Mountain Road Christian Academy, said.

In September, Thursday fun day came to an abrupt halt as Vincent contracted COVID.

“We found out he had COVID. At first, he was just sick and at home, but then the situation turned deadly, and our dear Pastor Shayne was hospitalized,” Pike recalls.

While Vincent was battling for his life in the hospital, multiple students lifted their prayer requests that “Pastor Shayne” would get better and come play Hide-and-seek with them again every morning.  Students were given daily updates by Pike, who received them from Vincent’s wife Gabriela, and would hold open discussions about how he was doing and would pray for both Shayne and Gabriela after the updates.

Pike recalls when things took a turn for the worse for Vincent.  “Then Pastor got really, really sick. He was moved to the ICU unit at the hospital. Students prayed. And prayed. And sometimes teachers and students cried together.”

Vincent was anointed on October 2, and as Pike shared this with the students and James 5:13-16 was read and claimed by them. Their faith that he would be healed never wavered.  And God began healing Vincent, bringing him back from the threshold of death.

Recalling the joyous moment at school when the news was released to the students that Vincent was being discharged from the hospital, Pike said, “The day he got out of the hospital, we celebrated at school with songs of praise! We sang, ‘Hallelu, hallelu, hallelu, hallelujah, Praise ye the Lord!’ and thanked God for answering our prayers.”

“November 4 was a sweet reward to see our pastor and friend once again. He still can’t run around the school building, so instead of Hide-and-seek, he played Sardines with the students,” Pike added.

In the game of Sardines, one person who is “It” hides, and everyone else looks for them. When they find where “It” has hidden, they hide with them.

Pike finished by stating, “Mountain Road Christian Academy students and teachers know that they have witnessed a miracle of healing in our pastor. Praise God that He hasn’t run out of miracles yet!”

–RMCNews with Traci Pike is the headteacher at Mountain Road Christian Academy; photo supplied.

08 Nov

Colorado Indonesian-American Adventist Church Welcomes New Pastor

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By Barry Manembu – Denver, Colorado … In September, the Colorado Indonesian-American Adventist church welcomed their new pastor, Praban Barna Lim, with a special induction service.

The gathering included 300 attendees from five states and many more viewing online. The service was the first official event for Mic Thurber, RMC president, who began on September 1.

Addressing the congregation, Thurber said, “You are getting a pastor who is very committed to doing ministry. You should be thankful to God, and I hope you love and embrace him and his family. As a conference, we also feel very privileged to have pastor Praban. He will be a great asset to us.”

The former pastor Yoram Tumbarante, who retired this year after pastoring for more than 20 years in RMC, commented to the crowd that “Pastor Praban had been sent by God to us. I have known him for a long time, and I believe he’s the right person to lead and shepherd our church.”

Parban Barna Lim remarked in his inaugural address that the decision to move to RMC was difficult.  “Honestly, it wasn’t an easy decision for my family and me. My congregation at Upland Indonesian Church in California loved me, and my younger daughter is still attending La Sierra University.”

He added, “I felt that it’d be very hard to be separated from my daughter. But surprisingly, she supported whatever decision I was making. She, along with my older daughter in New York, suggested that I just need to pray about it.”

Parban concluded by thanking his wife, Wanda Lim, for her unwavering support. “I wouldn’t” be here, doing this ministry, if not for my wife.”

He moved from Bloomington, California where he served as senior pastor of the Upland Indonesian Adventist Church.

–Barry Manembu is the Pathfinder director for the Colorado Indonesian-American Adventist church; photos supplied

08 Nov

RMC PATHFINDER LEADERS MEET TO DISCUSS 2022 EVENTS

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RMCNews with Sue Nelson – Ward, Colorado … Rocky Mountain Conference Pathfinder Council recently gathered on October 15 – 17 for a weekend of planning, fellowship, and spiritual refueling at the annual Adventurer and Pathfinder council meetings.

The group of 40 gathered at Glacier View Ranch to discuss and strategize and organize next year’s Pathfinder events.

The weekend began with ice breakers led by teen coordinators Roberto and Adriana Mira, which got everyone a little twisted.  The evening concluded with the group spending time in prayer.

Sabbath began with training and discussion with area coordinators. The training focused on equipping the coordinators with the knowledge to assist new clubs in forming and being mentors to the club directors. The teen representatives gathered to discuss what their responsibilities were and how they could help.

The morning continued with a worship service led by Chris Morris, Littleton church associate pastor, focusing on putting our trust in God and how we are a masterpiece.

The afternoon offered a hike led by Brent Learned, RMC assistant youth director, where the group was joined by a family of moose.

The weekend concluded on Sunday by discussing a long list of agenda items at the general business meeting for Pathfinders.

The Pathfinder leaders departed GVR reenergized and looking forward to what 2022 holds for RMC Pathfinder clubs.

–RMCNews with Sue Nelson, the co-coordinator for RMC Pathfinders; photo supplied

04 Nov

ARMY CHAPLAIN YEPSICA MARENO COMMISIONED TO THE GOSPEL MINISTRY

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RMCNews – Colorado Springs, Colorado … In front of family, friends, co-workers, and fellow soldiers, Yepisca Mareno was commissioned to the Gospel Ministry on October 30 at the Colorado Springs Central Adventist church.

“This is an affirmation by the church of Chaplain Moreno’s call to the Gospel Ministry, which she has demonstrated by her experiences as a pastor to the Navajo and as a chaplain in the US Army, both in the Reserve and on Active Duty,” William Cork, assistant director of the North America Division Adventist Chaplaincy Ministries said.

Echoing Cork’s sentiments Mike Maldonado, lead pastor of Colorado Springs Central, reflected on the significance of this recognition by the North American Division on a female pastor’s calling.

“Hosting and participating in Chaplain Moreno’s commissioning service was one of the most special events I have had the privilege to be a part of. The fact that she is a Captain in the United States Army, and a female, makes this recognition by the NAD and RMC of greater significance,” Maldonado commented.

Moreno was grateful for the support.  “I praise the Most High because He chose a broken vessel like me to be in His service. He has fought for me! I’m grateful for the people who have supported me in this path, and the ones who tried to discourage me too have taught me that with God, everything is possible. I’m grateful for my Adventist Church and its leaders who put their vote of confidence in me,” Chaplain Mareno said.

Former director of Adventist Chaplaincy Ministries at the General Conference and a Vietnam veteran, Dick Stenbakken, commenting on the service said, “It was a high privilege to see one of our Seventh-day Adventist military chaplains receive commissioned credentials from the church. It is a privilege for us to provide chaplains that can give a wide range of services for our members and others. It was especially interesting to see a female military chaplain who has developed a wide range of ministry skills, receive recognition from the church.”

Moreno has a special partner in her ministry to the Army and Native Americans–her mother.

“Moreno honored her mother, who has been her ministry partner throughout her career. Moreno’s service throughout her ministry was recognized, including being the first female to be hired by the Texico conference as well as her work with native groups,” Jade Covel, Colorado Springs associate pastor, said.

RMC administration was honored to participate in the event.

“It was an honor to have a role to play in supporting someone who provides a vital service to those who serve our country,” Doug Inglish, RMC vice president of administration, said.

“Chaplain Moreno is on fire for Jesus. Her exceptional service in the military is a testimony of her close relationship with Him. We are very grateful for Chaplain Moreno and all the chaplains that serve in our territory,” Mickey Mallory, RMC ministerial director, stated.

Cork wishes church members to know that being a chaplain in the Army is not easy. “The work of an Army chaplain today is emotionally intense, with high rates of sexual assault and suicide. We are grateful for the support Chaplain Moreno has from the Rocky Mountain Conference and the Colorado Springs Central Church,” Cork said

Chaplain Moreno is one of 130 Seventh-day Adventist pastors serving as military chaplains today.

–RMCNews; photos by Susan Inglish

04 Nov

REFLECTION: CHEERING FOR YOUR PASTOR

In

By Mickey Mallory — In the sports world, players tend to do better when someone cheers them on. Why is this the case? Because when people cheer them on, it encourages them to try harder. To illustrate this point, NBA player Joel Embid remarks, “Every time I’m on the court, every time a fan cheers for me, I just want to go out and make a play for them to cheer even more.”

Just curious, what would happen in the church if we cheered for each other like fans cheer for their favorite player? For example, suppose we made it a point to cheer for our pastor, we chose to respond with a hearty “Amen” when they preached, or we told them in person or via email/text that we appreciate them and believe God is using them. Can you imagine how that would be received? Can you imagine how it would impact their ministry? My guess is it would serve as a huge source of encouragement.

Last month, I was thrilled to hear that several churches in the Rocky Mountain Conference have been cheering their pastor on by showing them appreciation. I asked a few pastors recently to share what it meant to them to experience such appreciation.

“I was so blessed by the way my church family shared their appreciation for me this month! I could tell by the thoughtfulness and enthusiasm that they showed that they meant it from the bottom of their hearts, and it was so gratifying and encouraging to hear how they said ‘Thank you for being one of our pastors,’” Michael Taylor, associate pastor of the Campion church, said.

Godfrey Miranda, Fort Collins church lead pastor, is thankful for his members. “As our church has expressed appreciation in big and small ways the last couple of weeks, I’ve been deeply humbled. It’s awesome to realize that God truly is fulfilling His good plans and purposes, especially since the varying seasons of ministry make you wonder at times. The gestures of appreciation have also communicated a tangible sense of support, that we’re all in this together, that what the church appreciates isn’t just my ministry for them, but with them.”

Way to go, church members. That’s impressive. What you did made not only your pastor smile, but even God Himself, who called them to ministry and is their biggest cheerleader. In the final seconds of the game of life, I believe He is calling every church to join Him in cheering for their pastor and everyone who serves. The following counsel from the writer of Hebrews makes this point very clear:

“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Heb. 10:24-25)

These are powerful words. Just think what would happen if every church followed them. Imagine what it would do to the morale. My guess is that church members would be so encouraged that they would want to accomplish even greater things for God. The church would then become a model to the sports world of the benefits of cheering for others.

–Mickey Mallory is RMC ministerial director

04 Nov

STUDENTS DIG INTO THE EXODUS FOR WEEK OF PRAYER AT CAMPION

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By Hyacinth Cookenmaster – Loveland, Colorado … Students gained a deeper understanding of Moses and the Exodus during Campion Academy’s week of prayer.

The meetings featured archeologist Scottie Baker Jr., Ph.D., who presented a clear picture of Moses and the Exodus using artifacts and his knowledge of ancient Egyptian culture. Baker captivated the audience in person and those students joining in on Zoom.

“I absolutely loved Week of Prayer. It was one of the most interesting Weeks of Prayer I have ever experienced. I love learning how history proves that God is a just God, and He knows what He is doing,” Brianna, senior, expressed.

If students could answer questions on previous lectures, Baker gave away pieces of ancient pottery found on archeological digs. Having the chance to win a part of history brought some extra excitement for the students.

“I was excited about winning a piece of pottery! I basically got a piece of history, and it could’ve even been owned by a person in the Bible,” Toby, freshmen, expressed.

Baker’s lectures helped students understand that the Bible can be explained and known better through studying the historical context. “Dr. Baker helped me understand that when we study the history and background of the way people thought, we can better apply the Bible’s teachings to our own personal lives today,” shared Christine, senior.

“Even though a lot of us attended this Week of Prayer on the other side of a screen, I was deeply blessed and learned the importance of making God a habit in my life and ultimately making Him front and foremost in my everyday life,” Savage stated.

–Hyacinth Cookenmaster is a senior at Campion Academy; photos supplied

04 Nov

IN-PERSON CLASSES RESUME AT CAMPION

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By Campion Academy News – Loveland, Colorado … Campion Academy has returned to in-person classes and programming after all the students and staff remaining on campus tested negative for COVID-19 last Friday.

“I am amazed and inspired by the resilience and determination of our staff and students to continue education while being faced with so many challenges,” commented Don Reeder, Campion Academy principal. “I am so thankful that God has helped us make it through the worst of it, and that we are back together!”

Michael Goetz, pastor of the Campion church, commented on Sabbath during the worship service, “We’ve never been so happy to be so negative.”

While a few students who did test positive are still completing their isolation time at home this week, the vast majority have returned to campus.

Students who went home also had to have a negative test to return to campus.

–Campion Academy News; photo supplied

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