rocky mountain conference news
DESCRIPTION
2010 MarchTRANSCRIPT
R O C K Y M O U N T A I N
Conference1 S T Q U A R T E R + S P R I N G + 2 0 1 0
Education Department News – Mile High Academy and Campion Academy serve their world. + PG4
Camping Ministries throughout Rocky Mountain Conference – Glacier View Ranch and Mills Spring Ranch. . + PG6
A Tribute to Orlando Magaña from his fam-ily, friends and coworkers for Christ. + PG8
Departmental News – Youth, Women’s Ministries, Family Ministries, Adventist Community Services and the Bible Worker Training Program. + PG10
O U R V I S I O N : T O T O U C H E V E R Y
P E R S O N I N O U R R E G I O N F O R
C H R I S T .
What is Our Greatest Challenge?By Gary Thurber, President
People ask everywhere I go, “What are your first impressions of our confer-ence, and what do you see is our greatest need?”
Having been in the Rocky Mountain
Conference for nearly seven months now, I
feel blessed to be a part of this family. My wife,
Diane, and I have traveled to many parts of this
field already and have enjoyed meeting new
people as we visit churches, experience a few of
our schools and gaze at some of the most beau-
tiful scenery anywhere. What has brought the
most encouragement to me, however, has been
witnessing the passion so many people have for
the mission of our church.
Everywhere I go people ask, “What are your
first impressions of our conference, and what
do you see as our greatest need?” My answer is
simple: We have an amazing group of people
here with an incredible opportunity to do great
things for the Lord. Our greatest challenge?
If there is one area I would like to encourage
us in it is unity. Psalm 133:1 says, “Behold, how
good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell
together in unity!” If there is one thing I can see
that may hold us back from moving forward in
a great way with our mission to save the lost, it
would be our lack of unity.
Unity does not mean that we all should look,
act and think alike! One of the greatest strengths
we have as a church is our diversity! It would be
a sad day for our church if everyone thought just
like me. Everyday we can learn and grow from
each other’s perspectives and opinions. God
wants us to do so. Isaiah 1:18 says, “Come now,
and let us reason together.” Romans 12:10 says,
“Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give
preference to one another in honor.”
New Employees – Pastor Harold Alomía, Pastor Chris Evenson, Cheri Barber, Pastor Mitch Williams, Pastor Joel Kratzke and Pastor José Rodriguez. + PG12
Camp Meetings – Western Slope, Cowboy, Wyoming, Northeastern Colorado and Hispanic. + PG14
2
Gary Thurber, President
The New Testament describes the church
as a body with Christ as the head and each of
us having our part to play to make the church
complete. Ellen White penned these thoughts
about diversity and unity:
“We seldom find two persons exactly
alike. Among human beings as well
as among the things of the natural
world, there is diversity. Unity in
diversity among God’s children—the
manifestation of love and forbearance
in spite of difference of disposition—
this is the testimony that God sent His
Son into the world to save sinners” (Sons
and Daughters of Christ, p. 286).
It is just this simple. When we are united we
are strong – when we are divided we are weak.
So in our diversity, what is it that unites us as a
church? Just what are those things that bring
us together for a common purpose? Obviously,
our passion to fulfill The Great Commission
is at the heart of what draws us together. In
this world full of chaos, taking this gospel to
our own neighborhoods and to the remotest
parts of the world simply won’t happen unless
we unite and organize ourselves to work in
harmony as the body of Christ. Below, I have
listed a few areas in which I believe the Lord
has called us to unite together, intent on
winning this world for Jesus and preparing the
way for His soon return.
First is our common passion for the Word
of God and to be people of prayer. I am not
sure if anything else we do will matter if we
are not united in this area. There is a dearth of
knowledge and understanding of God’s Word in
this world which leads to transformed lives, and
I believe God wants us to shine a light into that
darkness. We simply can’t do that if we do not
have His light in us. Through study and prayer,
we will surely come to know and understand
more greatly God’s purpose in our lives and we
will be changed each day to be more like Him
as we share our witness with others.
Second, are our church’s 28 fundamental
beliefs. There are
some who have
tried to add or
take away from
them. None of us
individually have
the authority to
do so. However, if
anyone does feel
they have new
light, our church
has a process in
which it can be
considered. But
until the church
at large votes
otherwise, our
fundamental beliefs
remain what we rally behind.
Third, our Church Manual is another
means that unites us. It is filled with common
sense about how we will work together as a
sisterhood of churches. Some churches may
vary on procedural issues, but the spirit of the
Manual should always remain intact. At the
heart of the Manual is the wisdom it shares that
the body of the church is the final authority
for how it organizes itself and chooses its’
leadership – not any one individual.
The fourth way unity makes a difference is
our service to our fellowman and community.
Together, we can truly affect lives and help
those the Lord places in our path and have
a more powerful witness in our evangelistic
efforts.
Fifth, we also must unite behind our schools.
If we look at why schools were established in
the beginning, the reasons they need to exist
today are only more profound and relevant.
In future issues we will be sharing wonderful
information regarding professional research
that has been done on how our students
perform academically and the spiritual benefits
of being part of our schools. But beyond those
amazing results, the most important asset our
schools provide is teachers who understand the
Gospel, creation,
the character of
God, and who
are prayerful
about each
student in their
room. Providing
education has
never been
easy or cheap,
just worth it.
United, education
becomes possible.
Sixth, I would
like to mention
how we work
together to
support and
spread the gospel. We, as a church, have
always worked under the philosophy found
in Romans 15:1: “Now we who are strong
ought to bear the weaknesses of those without
strength…” As the body of Christ – His church
– it was established from the beginning that
the Conference would be the storehouse for
tithe, which in turn goes to support pastors
and other spiritual leadership such as Bible
teachers for our schools in the Rocky Mountain
Conference and literally around the globe. It
is estimated that somewhere between 25 and
Unity in diversity around ...
1. Our passion for the Word of God and to be people of prayer
2. Our 28 Fundamental Beliefs
3. The wisdom of the Church Manual
4. Service to our fellowman – both in our local communities and in the world
5. Our schools
6. How we work together to support and spread the gospel
7. Love
3
30 million people around the world worship in
Seventh-day Adventist churches each Sabbath.
That has been made possible largely because
we pool our tithe and then think both locally
and globally how to best use the resources
God has given us. Even though the rest of the
world is beginning to be able to support more
of its own ministry needs, the North American
Division is still supplying about 60 percent of
the ministry needs around the globe. What a
privilege we have here in North America to
support the world church the way we do and
what an astounding difference it is making!
There are some who have expressed to
me that they don’t want to return tithe to
the church because they do not see the
church as relevant. Others have called the
church “Babylon” and divert their tithe in
other directions. Do we have a perfect church
organization? No, of course not! We should
always be looking at ways to be more effective,
so we can reach more people for Jesus. But one
thing is for sure – splintering ourselves in this
area results in the body of Christ becoming
weaker, not stronger.
During the past two years, our Conference
has experienced a decline in our regular tithe
by over one million dollars. Our reserves were
disappearing and the financial challenges were
great. Thankfully, there were several generous,
unexpected windfall tithe contributions, which
restored our reserves (equal to three months
of operating expense) and helped ministry
continue in our conference. Regular tithe
is still down, and we continue to face more
cutbacks in order to balance our budget which
ultimately means less pastoral coverage and
support for our churches and schools.
United as one, I have no doubt all of our
financial needs will be met to carry out God’s
work in the Rocky Mountain Conference and
beyond. I invite each of you to test and see if
the Lord will not “Open the windows of heaven”
as we are faithful in returning both our tithes
and offerings to Him.
There are many other areas of unity I could
cover, but let me end with one Paul empha-
sizes. He says that if we don’t get this one right,
nothing else will be of any effect. In Colossians
3:14, Paul says, “And beyond all these things, put
on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.”
According to John, Jesus agreed when he
said, “By this you shall know you are my disciples,
if you love one another.” (John 13:34)
Wouldn’t it be a shame to not be able to
share this last-day message in the Rocky
Mountain Conference because we are not rec-
ognizable as Christ’s disciples? This thought did
not escape Ellen White. Take a look at what she
wrote about 1 Corinthians 13 in the Review and
Herald, July 4, 1904, in an article entitled, “The
Value of Christlike Love.”
The Lord desires me to call the attention of
his people to the thirteenth chapter of First
Corinthians. Read this chapter every day,
and from it obtain comfort and strength.
Learn from it the value that God places
on sanctified, heaven-born love, and let
the lesson that it teaches come home to
your hearts. Learn that Christlike love is
of heavenly birth, and that without it all
other qualifications are worthless.
In order for us to move our mission forward,
we must display love for one another! Read fur-
ther what Ellen White says about this issue as it
relates to our vision for winning the lost:
If we would humble ourselves before
God, and be kind and courteous and ten-
derhearted and pitiful, there would be one
hundred conversions to the truth where now
there is only one. But, though professing
to be converted, we carry around with us a
bundle of self that we regard as altogether
too precious to be given up. It is our privilege
to lay this burden at the feet of Christ and in
its place take the character and similitude of
Christ. The Savior is waiting for us to do this
(Testimonies to the Church, Vol. 9, p. 189)
In this newsletter, you will find various trans-
lations of 1 Corinthians 13. Let me challenge
you to find your favorite version and take the
counsel Ellen White gave – read it everyday. Let
the words guide us as together we move for-
ward as a church family with the work the Lord
has given us to do.
United with Christ and one another, we can-
not be stopped from doing our part to fulfill
the Great Commission here in RMC!
If I speak with human eloquence and angelic ecstasy but don’t love, I’m nothing but the creaking of a rusty gate. If I speak God’s Word with power, revealing all his mysteries and making everything plain as day, and if I have faith that says to a mountain, “Jump,” and it jumps, but I don’t love, I’m nothing. If I give everything I own to the poor and even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr, but I don’t love, I’ve gotten nowhere. So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I’m bank-rupt without love.
Love never gives up. Love cares more for others than for self. Love doesn’t want what it doesn’t have. Love doesn’t strut, Doesn’t have a swelled head, Doesn’t force itself on others, Isn’t always “me first,” Doesn’t fly off the handle, Doesn’t keep score of the sins of others, Doesn’t revel when others grovel, Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth, Puts up with anything, Trusts God always, Always looks for the best, Never looks back, But keeps going to the end.
Love never dies. Inspired speech will be over some day; praying in tongues will end; understanding will reach its limit. We know only a portion of the truth, and what we say about God is always incomplete. But when the Complete arrives, our incompletes will be canceled.
When I was an infant at my mother’s breast, I gurgled and cooed like any infant. When I grew up, I left those infant ways for good.
We don’t yet see things clearly. We’re squinting in a fog, peering through a mist. But it won’t be long before the weather clears and the sun shines bright! We’ll see it all then, see it all as clearly as God sees us, knowing him directly just as he knows us!
But for right now, until that completeness, we have three things to do to lead us toward that consum-mation: Trust steadily in God, hope unswervingly, love extravagantly. And the best of the three is love.
–1 Corinthians 13, The Message Bible
4
Students Put Their Mission in Motionby Cheryl Chiasson
Helping Haiti
The students in 6-12th grade at Mile High
Academy raised money and partnered with the
South Denver Kiwanis Club to package food on
February 10 for families in Haiti. Their efforts
brought in a total of over $2,500, which result-
ed in the packaging of 10,000 meals.
Prior to the packaging event day the high
school students personally invited their MHA
neighbors to participate. They knocked on
doors and appealed for donations as well as
inviting the neighbors to come to the school
during the packaging process on February 10.
This is the second packing event that MHA
conducted with the South Denver Kiwanis for
their “Kids Against Hunger” project. “It is a privi-
lege to network with community leaders and
have them on our campus. They work hand-
in-hand with our kids to reach out and make
a global difference,” said Jeremy Wall, Campus
Ministries Coordinator. Gary Philpott, Mile High
Academy Development Board member, con-
nected the school with Kiwanis for this com-
munity activity.
Local news stations 7 (CBS) and 9 (NBC)
shared the story on their broadcasts later that
day.
Students at Mile High Academy are Making a
Difference for Kids in Africa and Haiti.
Clothing for Africa
Recently the preschool through 5th
grade classrooms at Mile High Academy col-
lected clothing, toys, and other items for the
“Children’s Clothing for Africa” project.
The donations are on their way to children
in rural Kenya. Included in the shipment is
fabric for an orphanage where women with
treadle sewing machines will make curtains and
dresses for the girls. “You can scarcely imagine
the joy on the faces of these destitute children
when they receive their very first underwear
and socks!” said Dr. Stanley Wheeler who sorted
and shipped the donations.
The missionaries in Kenya will make a DVD to
send back to Mile High Academy. It will show
the Kenyan children wearing the clothes and
playing with the toys.
Education Department
5
For the second year, Campion Academy has
participated in ASSIST. The initiative provides
work for students, assists parents with tuition,
and provides opportunities for community
outreach.
Students involved
in the program are
matched up with
senior citizens in
nursing/ rehabilita-
tion homes and oth-
ers in the commu-
nity who need some
assistance with daily
living needs. The
assistance does not
cost the recipients anything, but the students
receive $8- 10 an hour; the pay goes directly
toward tuition. The plan is funded 80% by a
donor through the Department of Social Work
and Family Studies at Southern Adventist Uni-
versity (SAU) and 20% from money raised by the
partner school.
This school year ten students are involved;
they work 15-20 hours a week. Jim Lynch,
manager of the work program at Campion,
says more students could be hired if the
donor base from SAU or money raised locally
were increased. To participate, a student must
apply. Applicants are then selected by a fac-
ulty committee on the basis of financial need
and the student’s willingness to be a good
witness and a good representative of God
and Campion Academy. Lynch reports that, to
date, the students enjoy the challenges and no
one has dropped out of the program.
A supervisor at the Sierra Vista Nursing
Home where six of the students work testifies,
“Our residents have formed deep and last-
ing relationships with the different kids. They
have been a monumental help to our activ-
ity program in many ways including running
programs, individual one-to-one visits, and the
responsibility of an entire wing. I am grateful
for the Academy and hope to have the ASSIST
program for years to come!”
Transportation to the work sites is provided
by the Academy.
Campion requires
all students to be
involved in a work
program.
News in Brief
SCHOLARSHIP
BRUNCH Thirteen
students received
a total of $8,200 in
specific scholarships at a brunch January 31 for
scholastic accomplishments or financial needs.
Dean Helm, financial officer, reports that 50%
of Campion students receive financial help. “In
today’s economy and with parents struggling,
we are glad we can help worthy students.” Two
of the recipients, Heidi and Lena Nagaard, are
pictured here with Larry Howard who present-
ed the Billy Howard scholarship.
BELIZE MISSION/ITALY FINE ARTS TRIPS
For ten days, ten students and 15 adults will
be touring Italy to study art, music, and history.
Melia Williams, head of the Music Department
will be heading the tour. Joe Martin and other
faculty will take 28 students to Belize for a mis-
sion trip to build a school, hold a VBS, and give
literature in prisons. More details will be on the
Campion website: www.campion.net.
ASSIST Program Assists Campion Students Academy Student Service Initiative Stipend Tuition
by Ardis Stennbakken Calendar of EventsMarch
11-22 Belize Mission Trip
11-21 Italy Fine Arts Trip
25-27 RMC Music Festival
26-27 Parents; Weekend
April 2-4 Mother Daughter Retreat, GVR
(Stephanie Johnson, presenter)
7-11 Southwest Spring Band Tour
(Grand Junction, Cortez,
Alamosa, Cañon City)
12-17 Week of Prayer (Buell Fogg)
18-19 Academy Days
20-27 Senior Class Trip
May
6-9 Sophomore Biology Field Stud-
ies Trip (Moab, Utah)
14-15 Weekend of Prayer
23 Music Awards Brunch, Pops
Concert, Scholar’s Reception
28-30 Graduation
August
22 Registration for 2010-2011
September
24-26 Alumni Homecoming
6
by Clayton and Wanda Hart
Looking out the front window, the snow is
falling lightly and the clouds occasionally give
way to the sun which shines through and glis-
tens on the trees like millions of tiny diamonds
sparkling brightly. The majestic mountains of
the Continental Divide are covered in a blanket
of white and stretch upward to the Heavens
as if to proclaim the glory of God our Creator.
Meanwhile, at our sis-
ter camp in Wyoming,
the entire landscape is
painted pure white like
a new canvas ready for
God to paint the beauty
of nature as He meant it
to be. The landscape out-
side brings pure bright-
ness as if He were cover-
ing us with His robe of
righteousness. As we experience God all around
us, we send you greetings and salutations from
your two camps in Rocky Mountain Conference.
We are honored to serve the ministry and recre-
ational needs of our Constituents in RMC and to
minister to Christians of other faiths at Glacier
View Ranch and Mills Spring Ranch.
Glacier View RanchBack at the Ranch we are beginning to get
busy again after some much needed down
time over the last two months. Last year we
hosted over 137 groups, not including individu-
als and day guests. We were excited to minister
to great groups like RMC Pastors Retreat and
RMC Bible Conference. We just recently hosted
the University of Colorado Campus Ministries
with 166 Christian college students. We also
enjoy hosting the RMC Pathfinder Invitational
Bible Bowl each March. We are excited to note
that we have most of our weekends booked
with groups both small and large. Did you
know that we are here for individual events and
family events as well as any size group event?
Check out Rustic Cabin for your family’s next
get together.
When you enter GVR, you will soon notice
that we have made many improvements to
your camp facility including much-needed
site upgrades, building upgrades, landscaping
around the lodge build-
ing, etc. We are currently
erecting a new elevated
tent cabin in Pathfinder
Village where you can
experience outdoor
camping in an open-air
shelter. We are excited
to announce that all
Pathfinder Clubs in RMC
can use the GVR path-
finder Village area free for planned Pathfinder
events. The only catch is that clubs must do
some form of clean-up project or community
project at GVR. Don’t miss this great opportu-
nity.
We are open year round here at GVR and
would love to host your next event any time
of the year. Please visit our web page at www.
glacierviewranch.com or drop us an e-mail at
[email protected] to check things out
and plan your next event. You can call us at any
time 303-459-0771 with any questions. Come
spend some quality time with us.
Mills Spring RanchOn top of Casper Mountain surrounded by
trees you will find we have a beautiful camp
located on over 200 acres. If you decide to visit
Mills Spring Ranch (MSR) you will soon find
that you love the place as you enjoy fellowship
together in a natural setting where God can be
discovered through the beauty of His creation.
At MSR we have family cabins, youth cabins,
meeting rooms, assembly rooms, developed
RV sites, daily picnic areas, wedding areas
and unlimited camping. MSR will re-open this
spring and host a number of group activities
like Wyoming Camp Meeting, summer camp,
women’s ministries groups, youth groups,
church groups, and a number of other groups.
We are making some changes at MSR includ-
ing needed building upgrades, miscellaneous
facility repairs, site improvements and so much
more to make your stay enjoyable. We have
begun an active marketing campaign including
an updated web site, new contact informa-
tion, past group follow-up, new group contacts
and distribution of brochures to all Wyoming
churches, schools and other community areas.
You won’t want to miss seeing the progress
happening at our spectacular camp property
located in Wyoming. Please visit us at our web
site www.millsspringranch.com or drop us an
e-mail at info@
millsspringranch.
com to check
things out and
plan your next
event. You can
call us anytime
at 307-235-2022
with questions.
Camping Ministries
7
November 19, 2009, was a big day for the
Wurth family of Frederick, Colorado. They
opened their arms not just to the new daughter
they were adopting, Hannah Ellen, but also to
her birth mother and father along with their
extended families.
“My husband and I felt strongly
that we wanted an open adop-
tion,” says Lori Wurth. “We
wanted a young couple that we
could be part of their life and
they could be part of ours.”
Hannah was born at Parker
Adventist Hospital, the only
hospital in Colorado to provide
a Family-to-Family Adop-
tion Support Program. This program provides
support and education for birth families and
adopting families from the moment a woman
begins considering adoption through the birth
and beyond to parent education. As part of the
program, birth moms can be referred to a sup-
portive physician and receive private birthing
classes.
“We work to make sure the birth moms feel
validated and respected,” says Rebecca Vahle,
adoption liaison for the hospital. “We work with
crisis pregnancy centers, physician offices and
many adoption agencies to create a supportive
environment.”
We would love to give you a personal tour of
the facility and assist in planning your next
event. We are located just 20 minutes from
Casper, Wyoming, on top of Casper Mountain.
Come spend some quality time with us.
Summer Camps We are excited to host our summer camps
this year as we discover what love Jesus was
showing for us when He “DIED 4 U”. We will
be exploring the character of Christ with the
campers as we go through the Spiritual Gifts.
Again this year we will be hosting six RMC
summer camps including Family Camp and
Wyoming Camp at MSR. We will continue to
host three Friendship Camps with our part-
ners at Centura Health and the Seventh-day
Adventist hospitals. We are having Blind Camp
again this year with our friends from Christian
Record Services.
As you can see, we will have a busy but fun
summer as we teach kids to explore Jesus
through the beauty of nature. Come and
explore some of our activities like horseback
riding, high ropes, rock climbing, swimming,
and mountain biking, just to name a few.
Campers will enjoy making new friendships and
discovering the joys of recreation and the fan-
tastic programming. Most young people make
a life-changing decision for Jesus at camp! We
plan to have 500 campers this year at GVR and
MSR. Our camps run from June 6, 2010, until
July 18, 2010. We would love to have your child
come and share in the fun this year at camp.
From your entire Camp Ministries Team at
RMC, we want to wish you a wonderful and
blessed experience as you plan your next event
at one of your beautiful camps in Colorado or
Wyoming.
Hospital Supports Open Adoptionsby Parker Adventist Hospital
The hospital also offers support and education
to the adopting family. If desired by the birth
mom, the adopting mom can be in the room
during the birth. Adopting families also can stay
in the hospital for free, if space is available, until
the baby is ready to go home.
“This was such an incredible experience that
we knew it was God’s wish for us to be at this
hospital,” Wurth says.
8
A Tribute to Orlando MagañaAfter serving for eight years in the Rocky Mountain Conference, Pastor Magaña passed away February 2, 2010.
Orlando Julio Magaña Correa was born on April 16, 1952 to Marcial and Rosa Magaña in Belize, Central
America. He had four siblings: Romeo, Ruby, Oswaldo, and Ivan. Early in his childhood, his parents learned
about the imminent return of Jesus. This belief became his passion and desiring to do something to actively
share this news, he decided to become a minister.
While studying Theology at CADES (Centro Adventista de Estudios Superiores), he met and married a young
woman named Ruth with whom he had 3 children: Orlando, Dennis, and Kenneth. During this time, he served
as a minister and administrator in various capacities in Belize, Central America. In 1980, Orlando received a call
to serve in the United States. Over the next 19 years he served as a minister and Hispanic ministries coordinator
in the Illinois and Nevada-Utah Conferences of Seventh-day Adventists. During the time he was in Illinois, he
obtained his Masters in Divinity degree at Andrews University. In 2002 he received a call to the Rocky Mountain
Conference to serve as its Vice President for Multicultural Ministries and Evangelism. During his years at Rocky
Mountain Conference, the ethnic churches in his department saw an increase of 55.2% in membership with at
least 280 evangelistic campaigns conducted. He always attributed any and all accomplishments to the glory of
God, and to the work of the lay and pastoral teams. His professional career spanned 33 years.
He is remembered for being a man of a quiet, thoughtful demeanor both at home and at work. He was a
strong leader, respected by his family, coworkers, and church. Over all, he is remembered not only for his love
of God, but also for his devotion to sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the very ends of the world. He will always be remembered by his family as a patri-
arch, provider, and spiritual leader. We look forward to seeing him upon Christ’s return – the day he helped many others long for.
Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.
Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away.
When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.
And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.
– 1 Corinthians 13 New King James Version
9
Youthby Marlene Perry
Braxton is a young man who lives out in the
country with his
parents and three
siblings. He has
always been home
schooled, which
was great for his
schooling but it left
him a little shel-
tered from outside
activities and social
exposure. Braxton
has always been a
bit on the quiet side, adventurous in outdoor
activities but shy when it came to meeting
and interacting with other kids his own age.
He attends a small church in his home town.
His church only has a few kids, mostly younger
than he.
Braxton had heard of Pathfinders, but never
had been exposed to a club or any other activi-
ties. He was told about the Oshkosh Pathfinder
Camporee and given the promotional video to
watch. For the first time, he showed excitement
about the possibility of meeting new kids and
experiencing something new and exciting. The
only drawback was with three siblings and the
expenses of the family farm, he and his parents
just didn’t know how they would be able to get
the funds to pay the registration, let alone the
airfare to attend the event. After much prayer,
they felt that if Braxton were to participate in
this event, God would have to make a way.
Otherwise, he would have to wait until another
event came along that was less expensive.
After learning
of Braxton’s desire
to attend the
Camporee, a spon-
sor covered all his
expenses. You can
only imagine how
excited he was to
learn God had pro-
vided a way.
Upon arriving at Oshkosh, he was amazed to
see so many people working together to set up
the camp. He quickly found out about the pin
trading between kids. At first he was not too
sure that he had all the skills to negotiate, but
was quickly pulled into the excitement. Every
evening he would pull out his pin “treasures” to
look at each one in detail. It was an outstand-
ing way for him to build his self confidence and
meet new friends from all over the world. He
was always quick to head off to the evening
programs, soaking it up like a sponge.
This shy young man that left for Oshkosh was
not the same by the time he returned home. He
was energized to make a difference in the lives
of others. The experience was overwhelmingly
positive for him in so many ways. Braxton has
since committed his life to sharing the Gospel
of Jesus wherever and whenever he can. He
has now enrolled in an academy and is taking a
leadership role in his small church. The oppor-
tunity afforded to Braxton has changed his
life forever. It will be amazing to see how God
will use him to further His work. He is already
planning on attending the 2014 Pathfinder
Camporee. He will be too old to attend as a
Pathfinder, but is planning on going as a vol-
unteer to help other kids experience this life-
changing event. He is already registered for the
North American Division Just Claim It Prayer
Conference and the YPAC Leadership Training,
all taking place this April in Ohio.
Women’s Ministriesby Ginger Bell
Women’s Ministries is many things: ministry and
fellowship within the local church and commu-
nity, one-on-one ministry through Bible study
and prayer, yearly retreats, and more!
Beautiful Glen Eyrie Christian Conference
Center in Colorado Springs is the place where
women’s retreats are held on even years. This
hide-a-way tucked among red rock boulders,
well manicured grounds, comfortable accom-
modations, and the opportunity to view wild-
life, sets the atmosphere for a spiritual experi-
ence in God’s beautiful nature. As women enter
this campus, there is a feeling of joy as friends
gather together, new friends are made, and a
renewal of God’s presence is felt.
Many lives have been changed. For instance,
one woman who wasn’t planning on attend-
ing had a friend who asked her to go in her
place due to an unforeseen circumstance. This
was a new experience for her. She had never
attended a retreat before and didn’t really know
what to expect, but God and His Holy Spirit
touched her heart! She experienced an uplift-
ing spiritual renewal, especially through one of
the break-out seminars. As a result, she made
a re-commitment to God, returned home and
was re-baptized. God works in marvelous ways!
The next Women’s Retreat at Glen Eyrie will be
September 10-12 of this year with Brenda Walsh
as the key-note speaker. Plan now to attend –
and watch for further information!
Departmental News
10
Valentine’s Workshop by Pastor Wayne Nazarenus
Adventist Community Servicesby Cathy Kissner
Believing in the whole Bible, and nothing but the Bible, has led many people into the Adventist
Church. This same belief leads many into the discipleship of Adventist Community Services.
Disciples realize that they have the gift of seed planting. How do they know what services they are
to do? Isaiah 58:6-12 states very clearly what the Father wants/demands from His children in dis-
cipleship. Those verses describe how Christ’s followers are to serve others the way Christ did.
In Rocky Mountain Conference, Adventist Community Services includes medical ministry, tutoring
and mentoring, food pantries, feeding the homeless, distributing clothing, classes in health, stop-
ping smoking, and weight loss, and disaster response. This list is not all that can or should be done.
Each church needs to survey their community in order to know the services needed in their com-
munity.
At the time of a disaster, Adventist Community Services Disaster Response responds according to
the guidelines established by the North American Division. Each time ACSDR has become involved
in a disaster, I have seen many seeds planted. The team of responders is often asked, “Why are you
here, you don’t have a church in my community.” “What do you believe?” ACS is seed planting—
come join us.
Departmental News
Eight couples from the Pueblo First, Pueblo
West and Canon City Seventh-day Adventist
Churches participated in a Couples Enrichment
weekend at the Pueblo First Church on
Valentine’s Weekend, 2010.
The purpose of the three-session workshop
was to help couples build stronger relationships
by using skill-building exercises. In preparation
for the sessions, couples completed a detailed
PREPARE-ENRICH assessment tool which gives
couples insight into over twenty areas of their
relationship.
The Workshop was directed by Al Williams,
Family Ministries Director of the Rocky
Mountain Conference, with the assistance
of Wayne Nazarenus, Pueblo Pastor; Steve
Schwarz, Canon City Pastor; and Kay Wakefield,
professional counselor and chaplain from
Denver.
Suppose I speak in the languages of human beings and of angels. If I don’t have love, I am only a loud gong or a noisy cymbal. Suppose I have the gift of prophecy. Suppose I can understand all the secret things of God and know everything about him. And suppose I have enough faith to move mountains. If I don’t have love, I am nothing at all. Suppose I give everything I have to poor people. And suppose I give my body to be burned. If I don’t have love, I get nothing at all.
Love is patient. Love is kind. It does not want what belongs to others. It does not brag. It is not proud. It is not rude. It does not look out for its own interests. It does not easily become angry. It does not keep track of other people’s wrongs.
Love is not happy with evil. But it is full of joy when the truth is spoken. It always protects. It always trusts. It always hopes. It never gives up.
Love never fails. But prophecy will pass away. Speaking in languages that had not been known before will end. And knowledge will pass away.
What we know now is not complete. What we prophesy now is not perfect. But when what is perfect comes, the things that are not perfect will pass away.
When I was a child, I talked like a child. I thought like a child. I had the understanding of a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me.
Now we see only a dim likeness of things. It is as if we were seeing them in a mirror. But someday we will see clearly. We will see face to face. What I know now is not complete. But someday I will know completely, just as God knows me completely.
The three most important things to have are faith, hope and love. But the greatest of them is love.
– 1 Corinthians 13 – New International Reader’s Version
11
Out of the Darknessby Karen Lewis
“When things begin to get very dark, those of us who have at one time had some kind of relationship with God, no matter how shallow, turn to God out of desperation,” said Brenda.
Brenda is the daughter of Joan, a woman
Linda Benningfield Hashman studied with a
couple of years ago. Linda is one of the Bible
workers from the “Lifting up Jesus” training
programs at the Chapel Haven church. Joan
had been out of the church for 40 years and
rejoined the church after studying with Linda.
Brenda was a constant subject of prayer as
her mother, Joan and friend Linda often prayed
together over her. Not long after her mother
surrendered her life to Jesus, Brenda called
Linda and asked her out to lunch. As they sat
across from each other at lunch, Linda looked
into her face and knew she was in the process
of conversion. There’s nothing like that look!
Linda began the “Lifting up Jesus” Bible studies
with Brenda a short time later.
Brenda recently recounted to Linda how she
came to Jesus. “When things begin to get very
dark, those of us who have at one time had
some kind of relationship with God, no mat-
ter how shallow, turn to God out of despera-
tion. That’s what I did,” said Brenda. “I thought
I invited you to lunch to help you to see how
the business I was in could enhance your busi-
ness – not to talk about coming back to Jesus.
I planned on coming back, but on my own
time. It was so easy to talk to you, and dur-
ing the studies, it just seemed right to make
the commitment to
Jesus. Once I did, it
felt like a lifetime of
weight and dark-
ness had been lifted
off of my shoulders.
My next hurdle was
struggling with when
I would get ‘good
enough’ to be saved.
When I expressed this
and you explained
that I was already
saved, I burst out
crying. It was such a
relief! I ‘got it”’right
at that moment. That
moment enabled me
to move forward on
my journey and not
be stuck in that ter-
rible place. I could
never have moved
beyond the grief with-
out the light of the
words God gave you
to say to me. He also
gave me light as to what that meant – I was
already saved! All I had to do was reach out and
grab onto it, then share it with others that God
has brought into my life.”
Bringing people to Jesus can happen easily
through honest friendship and by taking time
to know and really listen to their stories. Several
women from Chapel Haven joined our study
and offered Brenda love and acceptance, and
we only got about half way through before she
was baptized. She had been an Adventist as
a child and she knew the doctrines. What she
didn’t know was Jesus. And when she met Him,
she fell in love.
Brenda’s study group continues every
Monday night at her house. Almost
immediately after Brenda was baptized,
she began studying the Bible with her
neighbor Terri and that study continues.
Terri now regularly attends Chapel Haven
and is currently attending the Bible work-
er training program. It’s the most beauti-
ful thing in the world to watch how the
Lord works when we cooperate with Him.
To learn more about how to share Christ with
others, consider attending the next 16-week
Lifting up Jesus training session with Karen
Lewis. This course gives you the tools and con-
fidence you need to begin studying the Bible
with others in a very relaxed and effective way.
For more information call Karen Lewis at 303-
282-3620.
12
J. Harold Alomía, pastoring SW Wyoming and NW Colorado
Born in Peru, Pastor Alomía grew up in Berrien Springs, Michigan for a short time, and Peru. In
2003, Harold immigrated to Farmington, New Mexico where he worked at the Piñon Hills Adventist
Church as a contract Bible worker and Spanish Pastor. When it seemed that ministry was not to
be his path, the Lord opened doors in miraculous providence and called Harold to be a part-time
pastor in the “Mountain District” of Colorado. That same year he married his wonderful wife, Rosie
Alvarado. Harold pastored the Mountain District for two years before heading to Berrien Springs
to work on his Masters of Divinity (MDiv) degree. Today, the Alomía’s are back ‘home’ serving the
“ColoYoming” district of eight church in the Rocky Mountain Conference. Having eight churches
is a challenge, but ministry is about “team” so Harold and Rosie are striving to follow their Head
Coach, Christ. As they follow Him, the challenges result in sweet victory in Jesus.
Cheri Barber, Administrative Assistant in RMC Office
Excited to be on the Rocky Mountain Conference team, Cheri Barber began working at the confer-
ence office on a full-time basis on January 1. A graduate of Campion Academy, Andrews University,
and the University of Nebraska School of Nursing, Cheri serves the RMC office as an administrative
assistant.
In her free time, Cheri enjoys spending time with her family and friends, her small study group, read-
ing and traveling. Cheri and her husband, Byron, have four grown children, three of whom live in the
Denver area.
Chris Evenson, assisting in Youth, pastoring Aspen Park, CO
Chris Evenson graduated from Union College with a Theology degree in 2005. His wife Lisa also
graduated in 2005 with a degree in Physician Assistant studies. Following their graduation, they
moved to the Denver area where Chris began ministry at the Denver South Church. After two won-
derful years, the Evenson family moved to Berrien Springs, Michigan, where Chris began the MDiv
program. After 2 ½ years, Chris completed his MDiv degree and the Evenson family, who left as two,
returned to the Rocky Mountain Conference as three. Jakob Gunnar Evenson joined the family on
Oct. 8, 2009. Chris, Lisa and Jakob are currently serving the Aspen Park Church as well as assisting in
the Youth Department at the conference office.
New Employees
13
Joel Kratzke, pastoring Twin Peaks in Louisville, CO
“A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps” Prov. 16:9 NKJV. Having served in the
RMC and having left for other work in Minnesota, then having been called back to the RMC, Pastor
Joel can attest to the truth of the proverb. His desire and goal in ministry is be used to bring people
into a fuller and deeper relationship with Jesus Christ while, at the same time, fulfilling the call God
has given to His end-time church – to declare the “Three Angels Messages.” Pastor Kratzke under-
stands that we must learn to “live” that message if it is to have any power in the lives of those we
meet. Joel and his family are pleased to be called to serve at Twin Peaks Adventist Fellowship in
Louisville and are looking forward to finding those who are searching for Christ.
Joel and his lovely wife, Valerie, have two children, Victoria (14 years) and Jeremiah (11 years).
Mitch Williams pastoring the Adventure in Greeley, CO
Mitch Williams is pastor for the Adventure Seventh-day Adventist Church in Windsor, Colorado.
Mitch has been married to Lena for approximately 15 years, and is blessed with four daughters,
Gabrielle, 12, Colette, 7, Jenna, 7 and Olivia, 3. Pastor Mitch, a former entrepreneur, entered full-time
ministry in 2005. He graduated from Andrews University Theological Seminary in 2009. Previously,
he and his partner founded and operated a medical supply business for 10 years. Like the Apostle
Peter, Mitch sensed Jesus calling him to a different vocation, to be a fisher of men.
Pastor Mitch believes we are at the two-minute warning of earth’s history. Mitch’s vision is founded
on the principle of community as revealed repeatedly in the Bible. Ministry therefore is done best
in community. To be introduced to Jesus, to grow in Jesus, to model Jesus, to survive in Jesus,
we’ve got to live in Him as a supernatural, Spirit-led community – through corporate worship, small
groups, God-centered homes, friendship-evangelism and group-led service.
José David Rodriguez, planting a Hispanic Church in Arvada, CO
Pastor José David Rodriguez was born in Cali, Colombia. The youngest of seven brothers, David
started knowing Jesus from a very young age. His mother Ana was a fervent Adventist. Due to his
love for Christ and the urgent need to preach the present truth of the Second Coming of Jesus, David
attended Adventist University Of Colombia where he graduated from the theological seminar. Pastor
Rodriguez has served in Colombia, Ecuador and the US where many people have come to know the
love of Christ through his ministry.
Pastor David Rodriguez and his wife Angela have two daughters, Gabriela and Katarina
(baby Katie May). They enjoy visiting the mountains, and are all artistically
inclined. His wife teaches Art and Spanish. David enjoys drawing and he
enjoys playing the guitar with the entire family singing with him. They are
excited to be able to serve in Denver and Northern Colorado.
14
Western Slope Camp MeetingJune 3-5, 2010
Montrose Adventist School
Speakers includeJim Nix, the Director of the White Estate
Gary Gibbs, Associate Director of Hope ChannelAndrea Jacobsen, Andrews University – for the Youth
This summer’s Western Slope Camp Meeting will be held Thursday evening, June 3, through
Sabbath, June 5. The meetings will begin with a keynote by Rocky Mountain Conference Presi-
dent, Elder Gary Thurber, at 7:00 pm on Thursday evening. On Friday there will be seminars
and presentations by the two featured speakers for the weekend, Elder James R. Nix, Director
of the Ellen G. White Estate, and Gary Gibbs, Associate Director of the Hope Channel. The ABC
(Adventist Book Center) will be coming out and youth programs are being planned. For more
information call (970) 249-4942.
2010 Regional* Camp Meetings
*All regional camp meetings are locally sponsored and funded. For information, comments and
feedback, please contact the regional pastoral leadership for that area.
2010 Regional* Camp Meetings
July 7-10 Cowboy Camp Meeting
www.cowboycampmeeting.org
July 13-17 Wyoming Camp Meeting
Mills Spring Ranch
July 22-24 North East Colorado
Camp MeetingCampion Academy
September 3-6 Hispanic Camp Meeting
Glacier View Ranch
• I may talk the talk, but my words mean nothing without love. If you don’t truly mean it, it’s just rambling.
• I may have faith that fears nothing, and the ability to see the future, and I may be really smart, but without love I am worthless.
• I may give all my money to a homeless shelter, and sacrifice myself for others, without love it is worthless.
• Love is endearing and is laid back, not quick to get angry, and does not want what others have. Love is not conceited.
• Love does not talk smack, love doesn’t look out for oneself only, is not irritable, thinks positively.
• Is not happy with wrong doing, does not keep score, but is happy with the truth.
• Love can handle anything, believes all things, gives hope, it never gives up. Love is always there for you.
• Love will never end. Ideas will become irrelevant, languages will be over, technology will vanish.
• The little we know, we will tell.
• When perfection comes, imperfection disappears.
• When I was young, I was immature in the way I talked, acted and thought, but when I became an adult, I put those childish ways behind me.
• Now God only allows us to see a small picture but when we are with God, we will be able to see the big picture, like God knows us now.
• There is faith, love, hope. Love is the greatest.
1 Corinthians 13, translated by a Youth Group at
LifeSource in 2002.
15
Goes upthru system
BenefitsRMC Locally
Goes up, but comes back as local benefit
R O C K Y M O U N T A I NC O N F E R E N C E
2 5 2 0 S D o w n i n g S t r e e tD e n v e r , C O 8 0 2 1 0
Upcoming Events in RMCApril, 20107-11 Just Claim It Youth Prayer Conf. (YPAC) Columbus, OH
8-10 Denver ASI Rally (Asscherik & Gibson)16-17 Grand Junction Youth Rally (Jerry Mahn)18-19 Campion Academy Days21 Association Board (9:30a RMC Office)23-25 ACS Disaster Response. Train. (Aurora)23-25 NAD Children’s Ministry Training (CO. Spr. Central)24-25 The Message of the Music – Derrol Sawyer (Nucla) 24 Pathfinder Council25 Adventure Fun Day
May, 201010 Campion Board16 Pathfinder Fair in Canon City16-22 ACS Nonprofit Leadership Cert–123 AdventSource Website Training (RMC Office)25 Executive Committee
1 . 8 0 0 . 2 5 4 . 9 6 8 7 + W W W. R M C S D A . O R G
29 MHA Commencement30 Campion Commencement31 RMC Office Closed for Memorial Day
June, 20103-5 Western Slope Camp Meeting – Montrose16 Association Board (9:30a RMC Office)24 General Conference Session begins27 Wyoming Youth Camp begins at Mills Spring
July, 20103 General Conference Session ends5 RMC Office closed for Independence Day7-10 Cowboy Camp Meeting–Silver Jack Reservoir (www.cowboycampmeeting.org)10 Pathfinder Council11 Pathfinder Village Clean-up
13-17 Wyoming Camp Mtg.–Mills Spring22-24 NE CO Camp Mtg. at Campion23-25 Adventurer Family Campout25-31 Pathfinder Teen Survival Outing27 Executive Committee
August, 20105-8 Pathfinder Camporee at GVR8-11 Family Pastors’ Meetings at GVR18 Association Board (9:30a RMC Office)