Doug Inglish – Fort Morgan, Colorado … The pandemic presented challenges to businesses, churches, schools, and other enterprises. Not every organization survived, and those that did often found themselves with very real obstacles to continued operation.

Fort Morgan Lighthouse School emerged from that period with a $50,000 debt. That is a daunting amount for a small school with most students coming from outside the church family. To make things even more difficult, the teacher shortage forced them to look outside the United States to find a qualified Adventist teacher, and immigration red tape held up her admission to the country until after the school year ended.

The second problem was answered when retired teacher Kathy Goley stepped forward. It was only supposed to be temporary, but the weeks turned into months and finally, the entire year had passed. Kathy stayed at the helm and provided quality teaching to grateful families all the way through. Our appreciation for her dedication is beyond words, and all parents voiced strong support for the work she did.

The first problem seemed far more daunting. How could a small church in a small community retire that debt while keeping up with current commitments? How could they do it while searching for a pastor, as the pastor shortage is only slightly less severe than the teacher shortage?

The answer began with interim pastor, Rex Bell, who challenged the church to step forward in the interest of the next generation, the community, and the church’s mission. The rest of the equation came when not only did the Fort Morgan Church accept the challenge, but so did the rest of the district churches. Yuma, Sterling, Akron, and Burlington may not be within driving distance for sending students, but the members embraced the Lighthouse School as their own and lent their support in tangible ways.

Pastor Rex Bell commented, “What a joy and privilege to serve God’s people in northeast Colorado! Truly they are God’s family united in serving God. It is incredible to witness God’s blessings upon His churches and school!”

On May 27, Pastor Bell and Kathy Goley stood in front of the church with a chart representing the final few dollars raised. A check was in hand to deliver to Doug Inglish, RMC vice president for administration, who was in attendance that day.

This story is about the determination of God’s people. It is about the value of Adventist education not just to the local church, but to the local community. And it is about the dedication of people from other communities who value Adventist education enough to support it even when they don’t have a student of their own at the school they support. God’s power through His people to His children is an awesome thing to witness.

—Doug Inglish is RMC vice president for administration. Photos by Susan Inglish.