NewsNuggets – Page 9 – Rocky Mountain Conference of Seventh-day Adventists

08 Jan

COMMENTARY: THE DISCIPLERS WE OFTEN IGNORE

By Shaun Brooks

I am blessed to know some of the finest people in this world who happen to be persons with disabilities. They also happen to be the ones who are discipling me.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about a quarter of the population in America has a disability, and the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that over 1 billion individuals worldwide, or just about 15% of the world population, can identify with a disability. It means that wherever you may live, there will be someone you know, if not yourself, who is a part of this community. Society, including the church, has often overlooked this community. In the minds of some, those with a disability are to be constantly prayed for until they are healed. Rarely are they considered whole but are seen as lacking an ability that would make them truly happy and complete. Thankfully through the Possibility Ministries, our church is making strides in addressing these concerns and oversight.

For many who consider themselves non-disabled and Christian, there seems to be a mission mandate to make disciples of those with a disability, totally disregarding that they should be the ones to be discipled by those who happen to have a disability. If a disciple is a student per se who listens and takes notes from a teacher, it begs a few questions. What can you teach a person who is blind about trust when in their daily interactions, they rely upon others for various tasks? What can you teach a person confined to a bed about patience when many who are non-disabled were losing their patience in the brief time they were confined to their homes during the pandemic? What can you teach a person with developmental disabilities about forgiveness when they may be shown scorn and ridicule, yet they still demonstrate love for that community? What can you teach a person about perseverance, whose body does not respond to their commands but somehow, they push through life, craving to see another day?

I hope you are getting the picture that even if someone cannot cognitively respond to you, they are teaching you daily about the love of God. God continually responds to us even when we cannot adequately compute the mind of God. Providentially, God has allowed the disabled and non-disabled community to minister to each other mutually. Though we may live in different vessels, we are experiencing the same storm of sin; it’s just that we are affected in different ways. God desires us to grow and reflect His character, and we can do so through our daily interactions with those made in His image, for we are all made in His image and bear His likeness.

When we lock away our fellowship and refuse to interact with individuals with various disabilities, the church is no longer as effective as it could be. The church loses its Christ-centered distinctiveness when it is unable to see Christ in each person. It seems we have forgotten that when we are in heaven, Jesus will continue to bear the scars of a crucified body and that for time and eternity, as we see our Savior, we will view the marred yet precious body of our Lord. If we cannot fellowship and look upon those with disabilities here on earth, how can we be so sure that we will look upon Christ, who bears the hallmarks of visible disabilities upon His body? Another way of putting it is how can we love God, whom we have not seen, if we don’t know how to love those we see?

Each time I come across someone with a disability, I have a deep admiration for what I can learn from them. Through my continued interaction, I have grown in my emotional intelligence, and I’m learning more about the love of God. I am also learning to be more patient with myself and with others and I’m constantly learning from some of the greatest of Christ’s disciples as we journey through life together.

—Shaun Brooks, DMin, pastors the All Nations Seventh-day Adventist Church in Lilburn, Georgia. He also serves as the Possibilities Ministry Coordinator for Georgia-Cumberland Conference. Republished by permission from North American Division Ministerial Association Best Practices for Evangelism Newsletter post, November 11, 2022. Photo by Zhuo Cheng You of Unsplash.

08 Jan

ADVENTHEALTH CASTLE ROCK EARNS 2024 LEAPFROG TOP HOSPITAL AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING QUALITY AND SAFETY

AdventHealth – Castle Rock, Colorado … Highlighting its nationally recognized achievements in patient safety and quality, AdventHealth Castle Rock has been named a top hospital by The Leapfrog Group. The Leapfrog Top Hospital award is widely acknowledged as one of the most competitive awards American hospitals can receive.

The top hospital designation is awarded by The Leapfrog Group, a national watchdog organization of employers recognized for setting the highest standards in healthcare quality and safety.

“Providing high quality, clinical care is the core of our business,” said AdventHealth Castle Rock President and CEO, Michelle Fuentes. “I want our community to know they can feel confident trusting us with their care and if we just happen to be one of the best in the nation, that is the cherry on top!”

Nearly 2,400 hospitals nationwide were evaluated for the award, with only 134 selected, placing AdventHealth Castle Rock among the top 94% of hospitals in the United States. Additionally, AdventHealth Castle Rock received an ‘A’ hospital safety grade from the Leapfrog Group in November.

“We take our responsibility to provide excellent care very seriously, and I am proud of our brilliant team for receiving this recognition in addition to the ‘A’ safety grade from the Leapfrog Group in November,” said Fuentes. “This is a major step toward becoming the preeminent faith based, consumer-focused hospital in the areas as we continue on our mission to extend Christ’s healing ministry.”

The quality of patient care across many areas of hospital performance is considered in establishing the qualifications for the award, including infection rates, practices for safer surgery, maternity care and the hospital’s capacity to prevent medication errors. The rigorous standards are defined in each year’s Top Hospital Methodology.

To qualify for the distinction, hospitals must rank top among peers on the Leapfrog Hospital Survey, which assesses hospital performance on the highest standards for quality and patient safety and achieve top performance in their category. To see the full list of institutions honored as 2024 Top Hospitals, visit www.leapfroggroup.org/tophospitals.

—AdventHealth. Republished with permission from the AdventHealth Castle Rock The Newsroom website. Photo supplied.

07 Jan

UNDERSTANDING RELIGIOUS LIBERTY – AN RMC PODCAST REVIEW

Jose Briones with RMCNews – Denver, Colorado … The Rocky Mountain Conference (RMC) launched a new podcast series “Living Generously,” December 17. This series is dedicated to exploring what it means to live generously, not just financially, but in all aspects of daily life. The host, Jose Briones, RMC Stewardship Promotion and Content creator, dives into themes with his guests that challenge listeners’ perspective of their faith journey.

The second episode of the series, released January 6 and titled “Freedom for All: Religious Freedom from an Adventist View,” featured guest speaker Nathaniel Gamble, RMC Public Affairs and Religious Liberty director. The conversation delved deeply into the core importance of religious liberty, particularly within the context of the Seventh-day Adventist faith.

Briones opened the episode by reminiscing about his upbringing in an Adventist church, emphasizing prophecy and the importance of observing Saturday as the seventh-day Sabbath. This religious observance sets Adventists apart from other Christian denominations, and he wondered during his teenage years why the Adventist Church often engaged in legal proceedings to protect the religious practices of non-Adventists, seemingly contradictory to the denomination’s teachings.

Gamble clarified in his commentary that religious liberty comprises two main focuses: defending the religious freedoms of Seventh-day Adventists and safeguarding the freedoms of others, even if their beliefs diverge dramatically from Adventism. “This dual approach is rooted in the Adventist conviction that God grants humans the freedom to choose, reinforcing that respecting others’ choices is a divine mandate,” commented Briones.

The podcast further explored the prevalent theme of religious liberty across scriptural narratives. “Gamble offered insights into how God interacts with diverse peoples and nations throughout the Bible, providing freedom without coercion and demonstrating a commitment to religious liberty that extends beyond the nation of Israel,” Briones continued. “This underscores that God’s respect for human freedom is a consistent Biblical principle.”

The discussion then shifted to the contemporary issue of religious liberty during the COVID-19 pandemic. Gamble reflected on how the Adventist Church handled the contentious issue of vaccinations and government-imposed assembly restrictions. He acknowledged that the Church’s response was perceived as “lukewarm neutrality,” suggesting that the Church could have done more to support dissenting individual convictions while explaining the distinction between corporate and personal religious liberties.

Briones and Gamble also linked support for religious liberty to the Adventist eschatological belief, or the theology of end times, in the impending second coming of Jesus. They addressed the misconception that advocating for religious freedom could impede Christ’s return and clarified that the Adventist understanding of Jesus’ return should be grounded in a message of love and salvation, not destruction.

Concluding the episode, Gamble offered practical advice for living out religious liberty principles in daily life. “He encouraged listeners to be good neighbors, engage in community service, and approach conversations with love and openness, reflecting Jesus’ inclusive and redemptive love,” closed Briones. “The episode underscores the importance of balancing the defense of personal beliefs with respecting others’ freedoms, enriching the Adventist perspective on living a generously inclusive faith.”

CLICK HERE to listen to the full episode, and CLICK HERE to see the full list of previous and future series episodes.

—Jose Briones is the RMC Stewardship Promotion and Content creator. Photo by Aaron Burden of Pexels.

23 Dec

CAMPION STUDENT COMES SECOND IN STUDENT WRITING CONTEST

Jill Harlow – Loveland, Colorado … Senior student Damaris Lopez-Morquecho from Campion Academy in Loveland, Colorado, was recently announced as the second-place winner in OUTLOOK Magazine’s third annual High School Student Writers Contest. She was awarded a $200 scholarship and a $100 Amazon gift card for her efforts.

The contest centered around the benefits of Adventist Education. Lopez-Morquecho explained why she felt she could write for the contest, “I’ve gone to Adventist schools all my life, and my experience has been great. I know that there are others out there who are wondering if they should go to an Adventist school, so I wanted to try to get the word out that it is actually really great and helpful.”

While this was not a class assignment, the contest was open to all students around the Mid-America Union. “My teacher, [Jordan Dubini] encouraged us to write for the contest, and even though I didn’t really think I would win, I thought it was worth trying,” Lopez-Morquecho continued; “And, when I got second place, I was really surprised and happy.”

Lopez-Morquecho credits her parents’ sacrifice to send her to Adventist schools. “My parents were so surprised when I won. When I called her [to say] that I won, she didn’t believe me. I had to translate the email to them [in Spanish] but they were so happy and proud. I’m just glad because, to be honest, this is for them. In my article, I talk about how my parents left everything for me, and I’m just grateful for them.”

Her article will be printed in the February issue of OUTLOOK.

—Jill Harlow is the Campion Academy communication director. Photo supplied.

23 Dec

CHRISTMAS FESTIVITIES BRING JOY AND CELEBRATION TO MILE HIGH ACADEMY

Karrie Meyers – Highlands Ranch, Colorado … Christmas is in full swing at Mile High Academy (MHA) in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, as students, staff, and families come together to celebrate the season in meaningful and creative ways.

Throughout December, MHA has been abuzz with festive activities. The annual Christmas door-decorating contest brought out the staff’s and students’ creativity and holiday cheer, filling the halls with vibrant displays. The Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) also played a big role in making the school shine this season, transforming the campus with beautiful decorations including a custom-made gingerbread house proudly displayed in the school lobby.

Adding to the holiday cheer, the school hosted a Christmas card art competition where students submitted their creative designs. This year’s winning artwork, designed by seventh-grade student Elizabeth P., features a festive stocking filled with symbols representing MHA’s community spirit—sports, music, and the Christmas season. The design is a beautiful reflection of the school’s love for faith, fun, and fellowship.

As students balanced their excitement with academic responsibilities, field trips added a touch of adventure and finals kept the Upper School busy. Despite the bustling schedule, the highlight of the season was the all-school Christmas concert, “Hear the Angels Sing,” held December 17.

The gym was filled to overflowing as the Mile High Academy community and guests gathered to experience an evening of music and worship. Students showcased their musical talents through a mix of traditional carols and festive performances. The program also portrayed the birth of Christ, featuring a live donkey and a real baby as Jesus, bringing the nativity story to life in a deeply moving way.

Reflecting on the season, MHA principal Andrew Carpenter shared, “We are incredibly blessed this Christmas season. The joy and talent of our students, the dedication of our staff and PTO, and the love of our Mile High Academy family remind us of the greatest gift of all—Jesus. We are grateful for His blessings and excited about what He has in store for us as we move into the new year.”

As the Christmas season continues, Mile High Academy is looking forward to a much-needed Christmas break before returning for second semester on January 8. Additionally, the school is excited to announce that Open Enrollment for the 2025-26 school year is underway. “God has great plans for Mile High Academy,” Carpenter added. “We are already seeing Him work as we prepare for a new chapter and welcome more families into our school community. We wish everyone a holiday season filled with joy, peace, and the love of Christ.”

To watch MHA’s “Hear the Angels Sing” Christmas Program, visit: https://milehigh.link/christmas

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

23 Dec

CAMPION ACADEMY CHRISTMAS CONCERTS RING IN THE SEASON

Gabriel Costa – Loveland, Colorado … The Music Department at Campion Academy (CA) in Loveland, Colorado, presented a Christmas concert to celebrate the holiday season, December 14. All the ensembles that played the music at the concert included the Cantores Chorale, Koinonia, Symphony, Jazz Band, Beginner Band, and Handbells.

CA music director Naomi Fernandez commented on the concert: “I am proud of all seven groups that performed, including the debut of our new beginner band. All the music students worked hard, progressed, and each group brought a unique sound and flavor to our Christmas concert! It was great fun to see the students in their Christmas costumes. The whole evening was a lot of fun, from top to bottom.”

One song that was loved by the audience was “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” featuring student soloists, Justin Ticonuwu, Marc Winokan, and Phoebe Wullur. Ticonuwu said, “The concert was really fun, but having two concerts on the same day really tested our endurance. Being a soloist was really scary, but the experience was great.”

The Jazz band played a variety of Christmas favorites including “Deck the Rockin’ Halls” in which CA student Michael Shannon had a trumpet solo. “I was very nervous at first,” Shannon recalled. “But once I started playing, I had fun.”

After a successful but busy first semester at Campion Academy, Fernandez furthered, “I’m looking forward to our spring programs, the music tour and the Union Music Festival!”

To watch the livestream of the performance, go to: Campion’s YouTube page

—Gabriel Costa, Campion Academy Student News Team. Photos supplied.

23 Dec

VISTA RIDGE STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN THE GIVING TREE

Rachel Fetroe – Erie, Colorado … The second and third grade class at Vista Ridge Academy in Erie, Colorado, participated in a community Giving Tree in lieu of a student-to-student gift exchange this year.

The students were so excited to share with a kid in our community whose family wasn’t able to provide gifts for them this Christmas. Students brought a few dollars to contribute towards the gift, including a $5 bill from a newly lost tooth.

The kids wrapped and decorated the presents together, talking about what our unknown 7-year-old friend might like or enjoy. It was a fun opportunity to make Christmas merry for someone else in this season of joyous giving and receiving.

—Rachel Fetroe is the second and third grade teacher at Vista Ridge Academy. Photo supplied.

19 Dec

FIRST DENVER INDONESIAN CHURCH FAMILY GROWS WITH TWO BAPTISMS

Kenneth Mambo – Commerce City, Colorado … Herol Ngongoloy and his wife, Hetty, made a life-changing decision to accept Jesus as their personal Savior through baptism at the First Denver Indonesian Seventh-day Adventist Church in Commerce City, Colorado, December 7.

The couple had been deeply involved in Protestant church life for many years, dating back to the time they lived in Indonesia. They served in the church where they played a pivotal role in fostering unity and growth among the congregation. Their dedication and influence were key in bringing new members into the church.

In addition to their church leadership, Herol held high political standing having served as the head of the local municipality for an extended period. His involvement in both the church and the community was vital, and his leadership in both spheres had a lasting impact on those around him.

Since their arrival in the United States, the Ngongoloy family was introduced to the Seventh-day Adventist Church as their family has been actively involved at First Denver Indonesian Church. They were deeply influenced by their family’s commitment to the church and the warm, accepting atmosphere they experienced.

Benny Lumowa, the Ngongoloy family’s brother-in-law, shared, “I didn’t have any influence over their decision to join the Seventh-day Adventist Church. They made that decision on their own, and I am blessed to see my extended family become part of this movement.”

The Ngongoloy family was extremely grateful for the support they received from both their family and the First Denver Indonesian Church, which warmly welcomed them as part of the church family. Through Bible studies with Widy Gara, the First Denver Indonesian Church lead pastor, they spent time deepening their understanding of Scripture and their faith. After a period of study and reflection, they made the heartfelt decision to accept Jesus as their personal Savior and were baptized into the church.

“Mr. Herol and Mrs. Hetty Ngongoloy have accepted Jesus as their personal Savior through baptism,” Gara expressed. “We wish them the best as they begin their new life in Jesus Christ.”

—Kenneth Mambo is a member of the First Denver Indonesian Seventh-day Adventist Church. Photo supplied.

19 Dec

RMC STAFF AND CAMP MINISTRIES IMPACT HIGHLIGHTED AT AACP CONFERENCE

Jonathan Carlson – Ward, Colorado … The annual Association of Adventist Camp Professionals (AACP) conference took place this year in the scenic surroundings near Idyllwild, California, December 3- 7. This year’s event proved to be another fantastic opportunity for camp professionals to connect and grow, leveraging the many resources available within the Adventist and Non-Adventist camp community.

One of the highlights of the conference was the meaningful connections made with volunteer resources provided through organizations like the North American Division (NAD) Office of Volunteers, Maranatha, and HeSaidGo.org. These partnerships are instrumental in empowering the work done at camps across the country but especially at Rocky Mountain Conference (RMC) Youth camps, Mill Springs Ranch (MSR) in Casper, Wyoming, and Glacier View Ranch (GVR) in Ward, Colorado.

A particularly striking statistic revealed during the event was that 80% of all Seventh-day Adventist Conference employees have worked at summer camp at some point in their lives. This highlights the significant impact that summer camps have, not just on the lives of the campers but also on the individuals who serve there.

Additionally, a large percentage of youth baptisms within the Seventh-day Adventist Church occur at camp settings, further emphasizing the spiritual importance of the programs. In the RMC in 2024 alone, there were over 30 baptisms at MSR and GVR.

This insight serves as a powerful testament to the vital work carried out by the youth department at camps like GVR and MSR. These camps provide transformative experiences where young people can encounter Christ and make life-changing decisions.

Stefan Teal, GVR Food Service manager, remarked, “The coolest aspect was meeting all of the other people that had similar experiences that they encountered while serving groups in the kitchen.”

RMC also celebrated the leadership contributions in the Conference. Jade Teal, RMC Youth assistant director, was elected as the vice president of Communications for the AACP, while Brandon Westgate, RMC Youth director, was voted to serve as President-Elect. These appointments are a recognition of their dedication and passion for youth ministry.

“The 2024 AACP Conference was an incredible experience that brought together Christ-centered servants committed to making a difference in the lives of young people,” reflected Jonathan Carlson, RMC Camp Ministries director. “It was a reminder of the profound impact of camp ministry and the ongoing collaboration that fuels its success.”

—Jonathan Carlson is the RMC Camp Ministries director. Photo capture from Pine Springs Ranch.

17 Dec

CAMPION ACADEMY ANNOUNCES KALEB LEEPER AS INCOMING PRINCIPAL

Jill Harlow – Loveland, Colorado … Kaleb Leeper has been announced as the incoming principal for Campion Academy in Loveland, Colorado, beginning in July 2025. Leeper will be coming to Campion from Shenandoah Valley Academy in New Market, Virginia, where he has been serving as the vice principal for Spiritual Life.

Diane Harris, the Rocky Mountain Conference (RMC) Education director, commented, “We see God’s hand at work in bringing him to our community, and we are excited about the vision and leadership he will bring to Campion Academy.”

Leeper began his educational ministry after he graduated from Southern Adventist University with a B.A. in Religious Education. Over the last 12 years, Kaleb has worked at two different boarding academies in various roles: Bible teacher, math teacher, coach, vice principal for Student Life, guidance counselor, recruiter, and vice principal for Spiritual Life, and head of Campus Ministries.

He has a passion for Adventist Education and believes that boarding schoolwork holds a unique opportunity to develop students in body, mind, and soul. Through his role as principal, Kaleb plans to come alongside the students, faculty, and staff, and empower them to aim high and achieve great things for the glory of God.

The Leeper family looks forward to meeting new people, joining an active church community, experiencing more snow, traveling to some of the amazing nature sights in the region, and Kaleb is also very excited that he won’t have to stay up as late to watch his favorite baseball team, the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Campion staff and students look forward to welcoming the Leeper family to campus next summer.

Harris furthered, “We are also profoundly thankful for the faithful leadership of Dr. Allison, who has served Campion Academy with dedication and grace throughout this year. His guidance has been a blessing, providing stability and direction as we await this next chapter.”

—Jill Harlow is the Campion Academy communication director. Photo supplied.

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