Jose Briones – Loveland, Colorado … At Campion Academy in Loveland, Colorado, the pathways to growth take many forms—academic rigor, spiritual reflection, and, for senior student Damaris Lopez, a surprising discovery in literature evangelism. For Damaris, what began as a summer interest evolved into a calling, one that reshaped her faith and left a lasting impression on the people she encountered along the way.
“It’s funny,” she said. “I never thought knocking on doors would change me.” But change her, it did. Through Campion’s literature evangelism program and her summer Youth Rush experiences through the Rocky Mountain Conference (RMC), Damaris learned that faith is as much about action as it is belief. Going door-to-door, distributing religious materials, and striking up conversations, she saw firsthand how small moments of connection could transcend barriers.
Some encounters stand out vividly in her mind. “There were times when people would open the door and start sharing their struggles with me, a complete stranger,” Damaris commented. “Those moments didn’t feel random. I really believe God placed me there for a reason.” The phrase “divine appointment” became one she returned to often, those unplanned interactions where faith, empathy, and humanity intersected in profound ways.
Through these exchanges, Damaris’s own faith deepened. She learned to listen without judgment, to embrace vulnerability, and to trust in the quiet ways God works through ordinary moments. “It’s humbling,” she remarked. “You think you’re there to help others, but, so often, they end up teaching you something just as important.”
Her experiences in evangelism shaped more than her relationship with God. As class pastor, a role she’s held since her sophomore year, Damaris offers guidance and encouragement, often sharing Bible verses she’s kept on hand for those moments when someone needs reassurance. “I want people to know they’re not alone,” she said. “Whether it’s a study group or just a conversation, it’s about making space for connection.”
With graduation on the horizon, Damaris looks ahead with confidence, carrying the lessons learned during her time at Campion: “It’s more than just the books or the conversations. It’s about planting seeds—small acts of faith that God can grow into something beautiful.”
For Damaris, Campion Academy has been far more than an education. It’s been a launchpad for self-discovery, service, and spiritual growth, a place where every knock on a door revealed another pathway to grace. Watch Damari’s story below.
—Jose Briones is lead pastor at the Fairplay Seventh-day Adventist Church and is the RMC Stewardship Promotion and Content creator. Photo capture from RMC’s “Always Faithful” video series.
