NewsNuggets Page 79

15 Jul

WYOMING CAMP MEETING BEGINS WITH HAIL AND FOG

In

By RMCNews– Casper, Wyoming … Wyoming camp meeting reconvened on June 13 to an opening night of attendees focused on what was failing from the sky rather than on the speaker. Hail coated the grounds of Mills Spring Ranch in one-inch piles.

Tom Lemon, vice president for the world church, began the gathering on Tuesday evening by inviting the early group of campers to join him on a journey of being fearless of God’s power. He tied in examples of God’s creation power which engenders a respectful fear toward God.

The first full day, Wednesday, began with MSR socked in a layer of dense fog and drizzle, and with temperatures in the low 50’s; but those gathered were not going to the let the wild swing of weather dampen their joy at being back on top of Casper Mountain.

“People are excited to be back because being at home they have missed the connections with their church family. This is the highlight of the year for Wyoming,” Steve Nelson, pastor of the Cody district said.

The theme “Fearless” features presentations on how to live a life of respect for God without fear.  The morning devotions. led by Mickey Mallory, RMC ministerial director, began with the example of David, who faced Goliath without fear because he trusted in God to protect him.

Later in the morning, Doug Inglish, RMC vice president, continued the meetings with a discussion on how everyone stands on the shoulders of others or are themselves the shoulders of others to stand on, illustrating that individual in the church need not be filled with fear, for they are not alone.

The afternoon offered four seminars on various topics, including health, photography, rock climbing, and fly fishing or individuals could choose to explore the picturesque scenery that MSR has to offer. The seminar on fly fishing, presented by Dr. Arnie Sybrant, was very popular among outdoor enthusiasts. “I didn’t know anything about fly fishing until the classroom seminar. Now I know almost everything about fly fishing,” Shayne Vincent, pastor of Casper district expressed.

Attending Wyoming camp meeting for the first time, you can expect the following according to Vincent.  “Relaxation, nature, quiet, good services, and stars at night.”

For church members in the region, it’s not too late to experience the fellowship, fun, and culture Wyoming has to offer. The meetings continue through Sabbath, July 17, at MSR, located on top of Casper Mountain.

–RMCNews; photos by Jon Roberts, Samantha Nelson, and Rajmund Dabrowski

14 Jul

COWBOYS AND COWGIRLS REUNITE AT COWBOY CAMP MEETING

In

By Jon Roberts – Montrose, Colorado … After a mandatory year off, the 21st annual Cowboy Camp Meeting assembled with some 75 attendees experiencing five days of a past lifestyle where the only worries were, “Do we ride the horse or the ATV to the meeting tent?”

The meetings, nestled in the heart of the National Forest, were attended by individuals from seven states, including a few outlaws, or non-cowboys, from Denver. The common thread of conversation among everyone was, “It’s good to be back!”

“It feels great to be back. This is one of the most beautiful spots in Colorado,” Ron Johnson, secretary treasurer of Cowboy Camp Meeting Association, enthusiastically exclaimed.

“It’s wonderful to be back,” Sharon Fisher, from Montrose, commented about returning after a five-year absence.

For others it was all about renewing friendships and connections. “I love seeing people I haven’t seen for a long time–people from all over the conference. It’s a real joy,” Wesley Cooper, a church member from Montrose, expressed. He added, “It’s such a great environment up here in the mountains. I’m a Colorado boy and I’ve lived in Colorado all my life. The mountains are home. I love it.”

The mornings featured Nathan James, pastor of the Moab, Utah district. His presentations focused on understanding the times in which we live and knowing what we ought to do.

For James, this was a unique experience. “I love the setting. It’s amazing. I enjoy the flexibility of the schedule, and the fact that there is some really great spiritual food, morning and evening, and discretionary time during the day.”

The evening concluded with Dick Duerksen, Oregon Conference story teller, doing what he is known for–telling stories. One story he told with gusto was about a couple living a not-so-licit lifestyle who started to attend an Adventist church. He explained how the man tested God in his tithe.  At first, nothing happened and the man was losing faith till his girlfriend convinced him to start tithing on his “not-so-legit” business. The couple was financially blessed until one evening they called the pastor asking him to do three things for them that weekend–marry them, baptize them, and help them start over with a lawful life in another location. Duerksen explained that this story is proof that when we fully trust in Jesus, our lives will improve.

Duerksen, who drove to the camp from Portland, Oregon, enjoyed the gathering immensely. “I think what I have enjoyed most is the spontaneity and spiritual interest in the people that are here. People who are just as thrilled to be at 9000 feet as I am–closer to God.”  What he hopes individuals will take home from his stories—“You can trust God; He’s a good friend.”

–Jon Roberts is RMC communication/media assistant; photos by Jon Roberts and Ron Johnson

14 Jul

Keeping Your Kids Safe Around Water

In

By AdventHealth … Spending time in a swimming pool, at the beach or playing in water is a fun way to beat the heat and keep kids active during the hot summer months.

But, unfortunately, with water comes risk. And active adult supervision is critical to avoiding trouble.

“Many times, near-drowning occurs in the middle of a crowd,” explains Sara Kirby, MD, board-certified pediatric emergency medicine physician and Medical Director at AdventHealth Tampa’s Pediatric Emergency Room.

Dr. Kirby explains that assumptions are dangerous; if all adults assume someone is watching the children, it’s possible that no one actually is.

“Make sure small children are no more than an arm’s-length away at all times and there is an adult assigned to watch older children playing. Use a bracelet or lanyard to designate who is responsible for watching that shift,” she advises.

If you incorporate these helpful tips, you and your family can enjoy water fun while also lowering your risk for a water-related accident.

Tips for Parents

Follow these important safety guidelines to ensure your kids don’t have an accident around water.

1. Always swim in areas that are monitored and avoid taking the plunge in ponds or canals that don’t have a lifeguard and could have hazardous wildlife
2. Be mindful when young children are in the bathtub and never leave them unsupervised; it doesn’t take a lot of water to have a near-drowning incident
3. Enroll in a CPR class and keep the number of your local Emergency Medical Service saved in your phone
4. Enroll kids in swimming lessons to teach them how to be comfortable and not panic in the water
5. If you go boating, make sure that you have a U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device for every passenger on board
6. Install a secure gate around your pool or spa at home to make sure kids don’t wander into the area without an adult
7. Make sure that whenever they’re swimming, children are actively supervised

Tips for Children

Teach your kids these water safety habits to help them be safe when they’re enjoying the summer sun.

1. Always swim with a buddy so you’re never alone if you need help
2. Unless a grown-up says it’s okay, never jump or dive into a body of water; it’s safer to wade in if you don’t know how deep it is
3. Have fun, but don’t roughhouse when you’re swimming; jumping on top of someone or pushing them down isn’t nice, and it could lead to a scary situation
4. Know what to do if something goes wrong: tell an adult and call for help right away

Remember — although swimming pools are where most of the submersion injuries that come into the emergency room occur, it only takes an inch of water for a child to drown. Keep an eye on little ones and follow these safety precautions, and you can significantly reduce the chances of something going wrong.

–photo supplied

This article was originally published on AdventHealth’s website.

14 Jul

Mile High Academy High School Students Meet and Greet

In

By‌ ‌MHA‌News‌‌ ‌–‌ ‌Highlands‌ ‌Ranch,‌ ‌Colorado‌ ‌…‌ ‌Mile‌ ‌High‌ ‌Academy‌ ‌continued‌ ‌with‌ ‌their‌ ‌ summer‌ ‌of‌ ‌reconnect‌ ‌on‌ ‌July‌ ‌12‌ ‌with‌ ‌a‌ ‌meet‌-‌and‌-‌greet‌ ‌event‌ ‌for‌ ‌incoming‌ ‌high‌ ‌ school‌ ‌students,‌ featuring ‌fellowship,‌ ‌food,‌ ‌and‌ ‌new‌ ‌connections.

The‌ ‌event,‌ ‌attended‌ ‌by‌ ‌50‌ ‌students,‌ ‌staff,‌ ‌and‌ ‌families,‌ ‌was‌ ‌a‌ ‌chance‌ ‌to‌ ‌welcome‌ ‌new‌ ‌students‌ ‌to‌ ‌MHA.‌ ‌

“It‌ ‌was‌ ‌fun‌ ‌meeting‌ ‌the‌ ‌new‌ ‌students,‌ ‌getting‌ ‌a‌ ‌chance‌ ‌to‌ ‌see‌ ‌my‌ ‌classmates‌ ‌and‌ ‌spending‌ ‌some‌ ‌time‌ ‌visiting‌ ‌with‌ ‌the‌ ‌families,”‌ ‌Logan‌ ‌Bryant,‌ ‌high‌ ‌school‌ ‌student‌ ‌commented.‌ ‌

The‌ ‌evening‌ ‌began‌ ‌with‌ ‌Andrew‌ ‌Carpenter,‌ ‌new‌ ‌MHA‌ ‌principal‌, ‌sharing‌ ‌plans‌ ‌for‌ ‌the‌ ‌upcoming‌ ‌school‌ ‌year.‌ The‌ ‌gathering‌ ‌continued‌ ‌with‌ ‌a‌ ‌friendly‌ ‌game‌ ‌of‌ ‌kickball‌ ‌ ‌between teams‌ ‌consisting‌ ‌of‌ ‌students‌ ‌and‌ ‌families.‌ ‌While‌ ‌some‌ ‌were‌ ‌enjoying‌ ‌participating‌ ‌in the‌ ‌game,‌ ‌others‌ ‌enjoyed‌ ‌watching‌ ‌the‌ ‌competition,‌ ‌while‌ ‌relaxing‌ ‌and‌ ‌socializing,‌ ‌and‌ ‌cooling‌ ‌down‌ ‌with‌ ‌ice‌ ‌cream‌ ‌treats.‌ ‌ ‌

“It‌ ‌truly‌ ‌was‌ ‌a‌ ‌special‌ ‌evening,”‌ ‌Jocelyn‌ ‌Aalborg,‌ ‌vice‌ ‌principal‌ ‌of‌ ‌finance‌ ‌and‌ ‌ development,‌ ‌expressed.‌ ‌“We‌ ‌really‌ ‌appreciate‌ ‌our‌ ‌[high]‌ ‌school‌ ‌teachers‌ ‌for‌ ‌organizing‌‌ the‌ ‌evening‌’s ‌events‌ ‌so‌ ‌our‌ ‌students‌ ‌and‌ ‌families‌ ‌could‌ ‌reconnect.‌ ‌It‌ ‌felt‌ ‌good‌ ‌to‌ ‌be‌ ‌ together,‌ ‌to‌ ‌laugh,‌ ‌to‌ ‌answer‌ ‌questions‌ ‌and‌ ‌to‌ ‌once‌ ‌again‌ ‌see‌ ‌what‌ ‌a‌ ‌great‌ ‌group‌ ‌of‌ ‌ students‌ ‌and‌ ‌parents‌ ‌we‌ ‌have‌ ‌in‌ ‌our‌ ‌school‌ ‌family.”‌ ‌

As‌ ‌‌summer‌ ‌lingers,‌ ‌MHA‌ ‌continues to offer ‌fellowship‌ ‌events‌ ‌for‌ ‌students‌ ‌and‌ ‌families.‌ ‌There‌ ‌are‌ ‌weekly‌ ‌Monday‌ ‌evening‌ ‌baseball‌ ‌pick-up‌ ‌games‌ ‌for‌ ‌the‌ ‌third‌ ‌through ‌fifth‌ graders‌ ‌plus‌ ‌monthly‌ ‌events‌ ‌for‌ ‌others.‌ ‌The‌ ‌next‌ ‌family‌ ‌gathering‌ ‌is‌ ‌for‌ ‌the‌ ‌incoming‌ ‌preschool‌ ‌through‌ ‌second‌ ‌grade‌ ‌at‌ ‌Redstone‌ ‌Park‌ ‌on‌ ‌July‌ ‌21.‌ ‌

–MHA‌News‌;‌ ‌photos‌ ‌supplied‌ ‌

14 Jul

COMMENTARY: SUMMER IS FOR PASTORS, TOO …

In

By Mickey Mallory … The other day, I was using my cell phone when suddenly, the screen went black. I thought initially something was wrong with my phone. “Oh no, I am out of warranty, what will I do?” But then I remembered that my phone had given me a number of warning readings that my battery was dying and I needed to plug in for a recharge. Unfortunately, I got so busy doing other things that I forgot to plug in.

Like cell phones, pastors need recharging also. They need to set aside time when they can get away from the stress and pressure of ministry and be refreshed.  If they choose not to do this, they could eventually end up like my cell phone – DEAD!  And while resurrection power is possible, I think God would rather keep pastors alive and see them thrive in ministry.

One thing that recharges me personally as a pastor is taking vacation time. Whether going to the mountains or to the beach, I always come back refreshed and ready to deal with life and ministry again.

Last week, I took some vacation time and received these benefits:

  • Lots of Rest and Relaxation – It felt great to not be in a hurry and to sometimes just do nothing.
  • Reading – I enjoyed some extended time for reading.
  • Meditating – I loved being able to spend extra time reflecting on how good God has been to me and my family.
  • Exercise – A three-hour-long hike in the mountains was such a great de-stressor.
  • Fun with my family – We had great talks in the hot tub. We even played the board game called Life. Unfortunately, my son stole my salary card, and I didn’t have enough “Life Tiles” to win.

Some pastors will look at everything that is dependent on them and feel that they cannot afford to take vacation time. Though the possibility exists, the things they worry about happening while they are gone will most likely never happen.

Take for example, my recent vacation when I took a whole week off. Thank God that while I was gone:

  • Neither my house nor my office collapsed or burned down.
  • I did not lose post-vacation contact with my fellow workers.
  • I did not miss any earth-shaking decisions.

So, while I was tempted to worry about the work that didn’t get done while I was gone, in reality, everything went as well as could be expected in my absence. Big thanks to those who were available to help if needed, but an even bigger thanks to God who watched over everything while I was gone. I believe the main reason He blessed me so much is because He is pro-vacation. As a pastor Himself, He knows how important it is to get away and “rest awhile”. (Mk. 6:31)

In order for your pastor to have peace of mind while on vacation, below are a few things the church can do:

  • Encourage your pastor to take vacation time. Most get at least two weeks a year. This time is meant to be used for a recharge.
  • Make sure the pastor’s vacation date(s) is on the church calendar. This way there won’t be anything on those days that is solely dependent on the pastor.
  • Make sure the core leadership team of the church knows the pastor’s vacation dates and what to do in case of an emergency.
  • Ask the pastor before they take off on vacation to contact a pastor close to where the church is located to cover in the event of an emergency, like a funeral.
  • Put an announcement in your bulletin/email that communicates to the church members that the pastor is on vacation and who to contact in their absence.
  • Pray for your pastor when they are taking vacation time. Pray that God will protect them and bless them with a great time.

As much as pastors are on the giving end, they also need to be on the receiving end. Vacations are a great opportunity for them to receive a recharge. Trust me, the time they spend away from ministry will help them be even more effective when they return.

The next time you plug your cell phone in, I would like to invite you to think of your pastor and, for that matter, all of the spiritual leaders who serve in the church. Once they are recharged, they will be able to perform great tasks so their Light will shine much brighter.

Mickey Mallory is RMC ministerial director; photo by iStock

08 Jul

Reflection: SINAI SUNRISE

In

By Andy Nash … We wake up at 2:30 a.m.—my daughter and I—more eagerly than we’ve ever woken up at 2:30 a.m.

This is the morning we’ve waited for—we’re climbing Mount Sinai at sunrise.

At 17, Summer knows I’m not the mountain climber she is. “I’m proud of you, Dad,” she says.

“This one is different,” I tell her. “It’s biblical.”

We both laugh.

We attach our head lamps and head out, joining four dozen travelers on our Egypt study tour. Our group is all ages–eight to eighty–just the way I like it, a traveling family, like the Israelites themselves.

Fortunately, we have ready help for the first two hours of our climb. Fifty camels sit steaming in the darkness at the base of the mount, sizing us up along with their Bedouin owners.

The always-awkward experience of mounting a camel is exceeded only by the camel’s sudden rise—a desert roller coaster: a startling dip, and then . . . stateliness. One by one, I hear the gasps, then the delighted laughter, of our travelers. Just wait till the camel drops to its knees again.

In the darkness, we begin the ascent, and I get to . . . rest. On these tours, I’m nearly always working or teaching, so that others can rest, learn, and enjoy the journey. I love nothing more than their contented smiles.

But now and then, I get to rest too—the boat at Galilee, the ferry at Patmos, and now the camel at Sinai (Not far from here, Jethro once reminded Moses about resting).

So here, on Sabbath morning, I let the tranquility wash over me, so grateful to rejuvenate, reflect, and watch the story of redemption unfold just a little bit more.

Bathed in fresh light, Mount Sinai is both harrowing and comforting—I keep returning to that word “bulwarks.” “Shut in by the bulwarks of the mountains, Moses was alone with God” (Patriarchs and Prophets 248). To be climbing the very mount where Moses met Yahweh? It overwhelms me until I remember the words: “You (plural) will be my treasured possession . . . a kingdom of priests” (Exodus 19:5-6). This was His plan all along–you and me entering directly into His presence, through the flesh-veil of Christ, by the blood-cover of Christ.

Jewish tradition holds that, right here, Yahweh spoke the Ten Commandments—more accurately, the Ten Words (devarim)—in every language on earth: meaning these Ten Words were for all peoples (In this way, the Ten Words are distinguished from the 613 commandments).

If the Ten Words were for everyone, I reason, then that includes the Egyptians too. Indeed, as the second most-mentioned place in Scripture (700 times from Genesis to Revelation), Egypt often comes off as the enemy of God’s people. But in God’s eyes, the Egyptians have always been His people. “So, the LORD will make Himself known to Egypt, and the Egyptians will know the LORD on that day” (Isaiah 19:21, NASB).

And the LORD personally introduced himself to Egypt—when He traveled here as a toddler: Jesus in the shadow of the pyramids. Three decades later, Egyptian God-fearers traveled to Jerusalem for the Feast of Pentecost, which, ironically, celebrated the giving of the Ten Words at Sinai. At that final Pentecost, 50 days after the final Passover, the Egyptians heard not Ten Words, but only one: Jesus. And today, 10 in 100 Egyptians believe.

My realizations will grow with time. So will Summer’s, and the four dozen others experiencing Sinai at sunrise. For now, it’s time to let our animals rest, and hike the final hour to the summit, together with my daughter and her Father.

–Andy Nash is lead pastor of Littleton Adventist Church. He leads study tours each summer to Israel, Jordan, and Egypt. Email him at: [email protected]; photos supplied

Pastor Chris Morris reads the Ten Commandments.

 

08 Jul

IGNITE CAMPERS LIGHT UP GVR

In

RMCNews with John Boone – Ward, Colorado … After a quiet week at Glacier View Ranch after its closure by the threat of Covid, the excitement returned on July 4, when 80 Ignite campers arrived for five days of fun-filled adventures.

Ignite Camp, designed for ages 12 to 14, gives campers variety and choice in the activities that interest them. They have the opportunity to participate in outdoor rock climbing and can step up to the challenge of Rocky Mountain biking.

The week began with a boom. To celebrate Independence Day, the camp was filled with music, food, and fireworks. No explosions, but the evening concluded with a gymnastics show.

After the day of celebrations, campers dug in to the numerous activities that awaited them, while learning that “because God sees me, I know I’m His child.”

One of the ventures some decided on was the Shredder’s Pump Bike Track, an action-filled mountain bike track with many obstacles.

One camper exclaimed, “The pump track is awesome!”

Joy came for the staff in the simple moments. “I got to teach a camper how to ride a bike for the first time,” Nathaniel Sanchez, mountain bike instructor at the camp, said.

Ignite Camp wraps up on Friday, July 9, in time to prepare GVR for Summit Camp, created for teenage campers ages 13 to 17.

To learn more about GVR check out their website www.RMCYouth.org/camp

–RMCNews with John Boone who is GVR’s camp PR and marketing intern; photos supplied

08 Jul

COMMENTARY: Retirement in the Light of the Second Coming

In

By Dr. David Ripley … My wife and I, both pastors, began our retirement in August 2019. We started our ministry so young, believing that we likely would never need to retire because of the soon coming of Jesus. Should we further our education or save for retirement in the light of this imminent second coming? Would saving for retirement be a lack of faith in the message we were preaching? Jesus is coming!

As we began our pastoral ministry, we had no resources to administer. Without any financial training or modeling, we were not always the best money managers. We slowly learned and even purchased our first house. When we were moved, as pastors are, the economy took away all our investment in that home. For another home we put $35,000 down, then we had to add $7,000 to sell the house. Pastoral moving is hazardous!

We ended up in our mid 40’s, tens of thousands of dollars in debt with nothing saved for retirement. We knew something had to change. If Christ delayed a few more years, we would need resources. We had witnessed too many aged pastors who could not retire and were struggling every day.

While we were still confident of our message of the soon coming of our Savior, retirement was a clear probability. As recent empty nesters, we began our climb out of debt and preparation for this likelihood.

The first step was to eliminate consumer debt. Researching several strategies, we chose one and worked through it till we were debt free. We took vacations visiting different parts of the country to determine where we would like to retire. After choosing, we purchased land in our selected location. That mortgage we were determined to pay off quickly; we eliminated the debt in about 10 years. We built a home on the property debt free.

We started a savings account and conservative investments to grow our cash. We also took advantage of the matching towards retirement offered by the church to increase our percentage over time.

Even starting later in life, we were able to retire comfortably, and we have not paid any interest for 10 years. When needed, we paid cash for our car. We travel to our grandkids scattered across the country. We are so glad that while preaching the soon coming of Jesus we still prepared for the tarrying of the bridegroom.

Not being a financial management expert, or early on a good role model, I can simply tell you what we intentionally did to prepare for retirement. Here are some suggestions, whether you are in your 20’s or your 50’s.

-Get out of debt. Determine that you will not accumulate consumer debt. Do not pay high interest rates in perpetuity. If you have consumer debt, research plans to eliminate it, choose a strategy, and stick to it.
-Start a savings account for a car. Instead of paying interest, earn interest. When it is time to buy your next car, you can pay cash or a large portion of the cost.
-Start a retirement savings account. Even if it is a very small amount each month, increase it slowly over time. Find a professional financial advisor you trust and begin a conservative diversified investment portfolio.
-Maximize matching towards retirement. Increase your percentage over time. While in conference administration, I was amazed at how many pastors do not take advantage of the church’s matching investment.
-Do not opt out of Social Security. I know the theory that if you invest for yourself you will be ahead, but I have seen too many who opted out and then the pressures of life and emergencies left very little for retirement. Spending a significant number of years struggling is not a scenario you want.
-Determine where you would like to retire, perhaps 15 years out, and purchase a home, lot, or land. Work to pay it off.
-Monitor regularly all the moving parts of your retirement plan. Be ready to adjust as needed. It takes discipline and sacrifice to stay on track.

Preach the soon coming of the Lord while you prepare for the possibility of retirement. If Jesus appears before you retire, you have not lost anything. You have gained the ultimate retirement! If Jesus tarries, then you will be ready to retire and continue to be a voice for His second coming. God will bless you as you seek to be responsible with your plans.

–Dr. David Ripley currently resides in Fredricksburg, Texas

This article was originally published on the NAD Ministerial Association website

06 Jul

NEWDAY HOSTS FREE FARMERS MARKET

In

By Agape Hammond – Parker, Colorado … The line is already forming and the produce hasn’t even arrived. This is a common experience at Newday Adventist church free farmer’s market.

Individuals line up ahead of the 2 p.m. opening to ensure they get a bag of the fresh fruits and veggies. With a smile and a “thank you for coming,” everyone is greeted warmly and they leave with what might be their only fresh produce that week.

This summer marks Newday’s fourth annual Free Farmer’s Market. It has taken three years of dedication to build relations with the community and to gain traction for the event.

During the first few years of the Free Farmer’s Market, it took hours to give the produce away. Often, volunteers went door to door to make sure those who needed it received the fresh fruits and veggies being offered. Now, there is a line when volunteers arrive each week. Currently serving approximately fifty families per week, Newday volunteer Shawna Sajdak commented, “We are seeing more and more families coming and [we] look forward to serving them as the summer progresses.”

The gathering includes young families and the elderly who sometimes need a little help taking their bags home.

What makes the weekly market so important? For Newday members and volunteers, it’s hearing the words from the community, “You don’t know how much this helps. Thank you for what you are doing.”

–Agape Hammond is director of social media and communication at Newday; photos supplied

06 Jul

RMC HISPANIC MINISTRIES HOST FEJA FÚTBOL TOURNAMENT

In

By Wilmer Martinez – Highlands Ranch, Colorado … For the first time in two years, the Rocky Mountain Conference Hispanic ministries hosted the yearly fútbol (soccer) tournament at Mile High Academy on June 27.

The FEJA, also known as Youth Adventist Federation, organized the match-ups which featured members of more than ten churches. Nine teams registered for the games and two-hundred individuals assisted with the activities.

For some individuals, this event expanded the mission of the church. “I’ve been here for only four months and it makes me happy that despite the pandemic, there is an effort to get together as a church, to go beyond the four walls of the building,” Hugo Guillen, pastor of Denver South and Central Hispanic churches said.

He added how great it was that many individuals turned out for the event from around the conference, including New Mexico. “It is really a blessing to see everybody here from different churches for this event organized by FEJA.”

Leslie from the Littleton church added that although it was really hot, she felt happy and was having a good time with the people from her church. Genaro, also from Littleton, was happy to see the acceptance of girls playing on the teams and to see all the young people playing on the teams.

David Rodriguez, pastor of Westminster, Loveland, and Denver (Pecos) churches, commented on the large presence of young adults at the event. “To see these kids here today is the evidence that the seed of the truth is bearing its fruits. It is brotherhood, a team effort, and it is really a delight.”

Herbert Hernandez, pastor of Chapel Haven and Northglenn Hispanic churches added that he hopes and prays for this event to be the beginning of many other activities for the enrichment of the spiritual and social lives of the Adventist Hispanic Youth.

–Wilmer Martinez is pastor of the Pagosa, Spring, Bloomfield, and Durango Hispanic churches; photos supplied

1 … 77 78 79 80 81 … 83