Elisabet Kirkland

Eli González – Ward, Colorado … “I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude to the Rocky Mountain Conference’s (RMC) Pathfinders community for making the recent Club Ministries Leadership Weekend at Glacier View Ranch in Ward, Colorado, October 16-18, another resounding success,” praised Eli González, RMC Club Ministries executive coordinator. “It was a successful and blessed time surrounded by many volunteers who attended from New Mexico, Wyoming, and Colorado.”

“Every year, this event challenges those of us on the leadership team to step outside our daily routines, align our vision, and push the boundaries of what we can achieve together. This weekend was no exception,” he continued. “The energy, collaboration, and breakthrough ideas generated over the weekend proved once again that our team is deeply committed and intentional about ‘Making it Easy for Kids to Know God.’”

“We are grateful and proud for the opportunity to be motivated by these great leaders and speakers sharing personal testimonials and presenting God’s word to endeavor our willingness to serve in this ministry.”

The featured speaker for the event was James L. Black, Sr., a prominent Seventh-day Adventist author, youth leader, and current senior pastor at the Miami Bethany Seventh-day Adventist Church in Miami, Florida. Known as a long-time voice in youth and young adult ministry, Black previously served as director of Youth Ministries for the North American Division (NAD), overseeing Pathfinders, Master Guides, and Teen Leadership Training (TLT).

An additional speaker and Master Guide class instructor was Tyrone Douglas, the Mid-America Union Conference Church Ministries director. Douglas’s focus includes children’s, club, youth, and young adult ministries and Adventist Community Services. He remarked, “I am always amazed at the commitment of our volunteers who serve in Pathfinders and Adventurer ministries. Club Ministries is the perfect place to see intergenerational ministry at work.”

He was joined by another speaker, Brandon Westgate, the RMC Youth Director.

“Kudos to all of the teachers and presenters. Your classes, introductions to seminars, and tutorials to leadership were indispensable and essential,” remarked González. “The cross-functional workshops spark ideas that will directly improve our operational efficiency and team culture. And we successfully mapped out our core priorities for the upcoming events, ensuring Adventurers, Pathfinders, TLTs, and Master Guides are moving in the same direction.”

Beyond the strategy sessions, participants had the chance to connect, build trust, and laugh together as a team. González continued, “Thank you for your vulnerability, your sharp insights, and your unwavering dedication. A special thank you goes out to everyone who worked behind the scenes to handle the logistics and make this weekend run so smoothly.”

The weekend also held special acknowledgement for long-time RMC Club Ministries leader and executive coordinator, Sue Nelson. “It’s an honor to highlight a special leader. RMC has been blessed by the leadership and dedication of Sue Nelson.”

“Sue, this weekend, we salute you and thank you for years of patience, wisdom and care,” praised González. “Your influence on our youth will be felt for generations, adding your legacy measured in lives changed. Pathfinders are proud of you showing up for them every step of the way. Congratulations on a ‘race well done’ and for doing ‘your honest part.’”

González would like to remind club members and supporters that, “Pathfinders, now, the real work begins! Let’s carry this incredible momentum back into our churches, clubs, and homes and turn our weekend vision into reality. I am incredibly proud and humble to be part of this awesome team, and I am more confident after this weekend that God has plans for our ministry, and His spirit will lead and guide us to accomplish God’s great commission for pathfinders. What an awesome inspiring Leadership Weekend!”

—Eli González is an RMC executive coordinator. Photos supplied.

Jill Anderson – Estes Park, Colorado … Nearly 200 women from across the Rocky Mountain Conference (RMC), and many from as far away as Florida, gathered at the YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park, Colorado, to “retreat” together, October 16-18. They registered for a weekend with the theme “Renewed in the Rockies.”

“Renewal happened for almost 200 hearts,” reflected Jill Anderson, a long-time Women’s Ministries lay leader in RMC, “and friendships with one another and Christian walks with Jesus were truly revived.”

North American Division Women’s Ministries director, DeeAnn Bragaw, served as keynote speaker for the weekend and those in attendance mentioned being truly blessed by her “witty and contagious way of seeking after God through His Word.” One attendee was noted to say, “I’ve never known how to study the Bible the way DeeAnn taught us. I think my walk with God is about to truly change.”

“Donna Brown, the Mid America Union Conference Women’s Ministries director, regaled the ladies with charm, passion, and leadership as only she could as the regional leader for this amazing ministry effort throughout the heartland of the nation,” praised Anderson.

Anderson rounded out the weekend with Bible lessons that strengthened the hearts of women and reminded attendees that women are meant to stay and work together for the Glory of God.

This retreat was very special to those who participated as it was held in a natural setting in the Rocky Mountains. The beautiful Fall weather was matched only by wonderful scenery, fantastic food, and beautiful accommodations well-suited for all those who attended.

“I was so happy to see so many women blessed by the spiritual renewal, the beautiful weather we had, renewal of old friendships and the making of new ones. We were all so blessed,” remarked Marlene Poole, RMC Women’s Ministry director.

—Jill Anderson is the Prayer Ministries coordinator and member of the Cañon City Seventh-day Adventist Church. Photos supplied.

Bruno Lopes – Loveland, Colorado … The soccer and volleyball teams at Campion Academy (CA) in Loveland, Colorado, welcomed their sister school, Mile High Academy (MHA) in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, for the Senior Night, October 17, with both schools ending up with a win.

The event started with the CA Cougars leading a sundown worship to close the Sabbath day with the Mile High Mustang teams. Campion’s athletic director, Caleb Jahn, spoke about the importance of being someone that people look up to in our actions. The joint worship was followed by competitive, yet friendly games in the gym and field.

The CA Cougars held the MHA Mustangs back in the soccer game. The Campion boys’ team once again showed their dominance with a final score of 5-2.

Jonny L., sophomore student, demonstrated great skills, scoring four goals. He shared, “Even though we came from a not-so-good record in the last four games, I believed in my team the whole time. Once we got in the rhythm, we took charge.”

While Campion has held the upper hand in soccer throughout their competitive history, Mile High has led in girls’ volleyball in recent years. Campion lost their match against MHA but the CA girls’ team demonstrated great sportsmanship and team spirit, showing up in all pink with their fans to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Natalie B., the CA team captain, said, “It was rough to lose on senior night, but it was amazing to play with these girls. They’re such an amazing group, and I’m ready to carry good energy and sportsmanship to Union this next week.”

The CA soccer, volleyball, and cross-country teams are currently in Lincoln, Nebraska, to play at the Union Fall tournament, where they will compete against other Seventh-day Adventist academies from across the country.

—Bruno Lopes, Campion Academy Student Yearbook editor. Photos supplied.

By Joshua Profir, Campion Academy Student News Team

By Isaac Perez Valles, Campion Academy Student News Team

Jill Bales – Cedaredge, Colorado … There is new light that shines in Cedaredge, Colorado, at the local Seventh-day Adventist church. The Cedaredge Church’s once-called “fellowship hall” has been renamed the “Lighthouse Fellowship Hall” and is ready to serve and reach members of the community.

“All our members decided to find a way to reach people in our community and share Christ with them. So, we transformed our fellowship hall into a multi-purpose modern space dedicated entirely to connecting with the community. We wanted to create an environment where the Cedaredge community can come and feel comfortable, supported, and at home as they step foot through the doors,” remarked Jill Bales, Cedaredge Church member.

Renovations to the fellowship hall included a new full kitchen and a flexible sitting area that will host dinners and presentations with a new sound system and television. Leonardo Balaguer, lead pastor of the Montrose District in western Colorado, has already been hosting specialized programs that offer insight into the Bible.

“Our prayers as a body of believers is that the Lighthouse will stand true to its name—shining the light of Christ across our community,” reflected Bales. “The Bible reminds us that a city on a hill cannot be hidden, and here in Cedaredge, a familiar beacon has renewed to shine bright for God!”

—Jill Bales is a member of the Cedaredge Seventh-day Adventist Church. Photos supplied.

Cindy Roldan – Highlands Ranch, Colorado … For Mile High Academy (MHA) in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, the games at Campion Academy (CA) in Loveland, Colorado, October 17,  were about more than friendly competition. They were a chance for the MHA family to come together and cheer one another on.

MHA’s soccer and volleyball teams traveled to their sister school, Campion Academy, for the games. The students look forward to weekend competitions because they give family, friends, and members of their home churches time to join them. This weekend, members of the MHA community made the hour-and-a-half drive to show their support.

Several alumni who were home for fall break came to cheer on their friends. MHA Board chair Stephanie Lind attended with her family, and several lower school families came out to watch, too. Fourth-grade teacher Elizabeth Negrete was delighted to see many of her students there and had the chance to connect with them outside the classroom. “The kids really all know each other, even though they are in different sections of the school.”

The MHA family also showed up on the sidelines and on the field. Eden Chavez-Casanova (Class of 2019), Erik Espinosa (Class of 2021), Buzz Espinosa (Class of 2023), and Daniel Villarreal (Class of 2025) helped coach soccer, while Delanie Prowant (Class of 2025), Jazel McDaniel (Class of 2025), and Jocelyn Curiel Ruiz Baham (Class of 2020) coached the volleyball girls. Their time and encouragement helped make the day special for the students.

“We are so excited to have our alumni involved and influencing the lives of our current students. It’s a full-circle moment,” said RD Gallant, MHA principal, and soccer head coach. “Our goal is to train all of our students to serve our community in every possible manner.”

From alumni returning to support their friends to families and teachers making the trip, Saturday’s games reflected the close connections that make MHA feel like family. The students had a cheering section filled with people who care about them, and the community had another opportunity to serve and encourage one another.

—Cindy Roldan is Mile High Academy director of Student Services and Registrar. Photos supplied by Kris Fritz and Cindy Roldan.

RMCNews – Denver, Colorado … What does it look like when an entire conference pauses to remember why it exists? For two days, October 2–3, reaching up to 480 members from across the Rocky Mountain Conference (RMC) gathered at LifeSource Adventist Fellowship (LAF) in Denver, Colorado, for the 2026 Mission Summit—a weekend designed to inspire, equip, and send people back into their communities with a renewed sense of mission.

Centered on the theme “Our Calling to Serve and Share,” the summit brought together worship, mission stories, practical training, fellowship, and hands-on outreach. More than simply another conference event, Mission Summit was intended to help participants see how individual acts of service and witness connect to the larger mission of the Church and spiritual calling.

“My hope for Mission Summit was to stimulate thought and action,” reflected Heidi Carpenter, LAF pastor. “I was praying we would individually come face to face with the mission God has for us and wrestle with our own calling to serve and share.”

Friday evening opened with mission spotlights from RMC churches and the AdventHealth healthcare system. Through guided interviews by Sean Lee, RMC Ministerial director, and music from a praise team led by Godfrey Miranda, lead pastor at Littleton Seventh-day Adventist Church, consisting of members from several local churches, participants were reminded that God is already working in communities across the Rocky Mountain territory.

Saturday morning Sabbath worship started with an interactive Sabbath School panel lead by Carpenter, Phil Mills, lead pastor Franktown Seventh-day Adventist Church, and RD Gallant, Mile High Academy (MHA) principal, featuring thoughtful dialogs breaking out into small group discussions amongst the participants.

“I love how the Book of Acts ends on a cliffhanger. The story of God working through His people isn’t over; we’re called to help write the next chapter,” remarked Mills. “That was my hope for the panel: to help people see their place in that story and equip them to share Christ with those around them. Imagine every member becoming a missionary, carrying forward work those first believers began. Let’s finish it!”

Gary Krause, associate secretary of the General Conference and director of Adventist Mission, served as the featured mission speaker during the Sabbath School session. His ministry experience, which includes oversight of Global Mission Centers, church planting, and mission promotion, brought a global perspective to the weekend while challenging participants to consider what mission looks like in their own communities. His session even included a Zoom interview from the mission field in the Middle East.

Sabbath worship services continued with additional mission spotlights from RMC’s young adult ministry Vine + Branches, MHA, and AdventHealth. Dave VandeVere, RMC president, provided the Sabbath Service message. The quartet “4ever His” from the Rocky Mountain Indonesian-American Seventh-Day Adventist Church and the MHA Upper School Strings music ensemble provided special music offerings for the Sabbath service.

Following an international potluck, participants could choose from workshops focused on Bible truth witnessing, fundamentals of discipleship, service teams, World Mission in the local church, and growing in Christ in the Spanish language.

The afternoon moved from learning to doing as participants joined outreach projects, including assembling hygiene kits, preparing appreciation gifts that were delivered to healthcare workers at AdventHealth Porter, and participating in a door-to-door kindness project giving free batteries for smoke detectors to local residents.

“I was blessed by the stories we heard of God’s grace being shared and the lives impacted here in RMC and around the world,” reflected VandeVere. “Then, to worship God in his awesome ‘Sabbath-presence’ with individuals from various churches was a real privilege. And how could we have been more blessed than to connect with our neighbors during the afternoon?”

The day concluded with a vespers service and an evening of recreation at Mile High Academy with a fellowship meal of homemade pizza provided by members of Vine + Branches.

“Praise Jesus! It was a wonderful weekend. I am grateful for the way God pulled everything together. There were many moments throughout the weekend I saw God at work—encouraging hearts in mission, bringing conviction towards personal calling and answering our prayers as a leadership team,” praised Carpenter.

She continued, “It was encouraging to hear how God was working on hearts at the end of the day in our closing vespers. It reminded me again that this is His mission we’re a part of and we can trust Him to see it through.”

“It was a very good weekend,” remarked Sally Donga, attendee and ministry leader at Littleton Church. “There were so many people who had the same focus and ideal of witnessing, reaching out, and getting to people that that need to have that energy from Jesus Christ—having people who are all together in one place that have the same focus is very energizing.”

Ultimately, Mission Summit 2026 was a reminder that mission is not confined to a particular program, weekend, or group of people. When churches, schools, ministries, and individual members share what God is doing, encouragement multiplies and a stronger sense of unity emerges. It is the calling of every follower of Jesus—to serve, to share, to follow, and to make Christ known wherever God has placed them. Mark your calendars for August 28, 2027, when RMC will gather again in mission.

—RMCNews. Interviews conducted by Liz Kirkland, RMC Communication director. Portions of the article were curated by ChatGPT with interviews, additions, revisions, and editing by Liz Kirkland. Photos by Sean Lee, Tim Olaore, and Liz Kirkland.

Hallie Lah – Loveland, Colorado … Campion Academy (CA) in Loveland, Colorado, welcomed 26 students from the Rocky Mountain Conference and the Kansas-Nebraska Conference for Academy Days, October 11-12. The students got to experience life at Campion, from staying in the dorms and eating in the cafeteria to attending worship and hanging out with current students.

The weekend started with a welcome party featuring performances from choir, Koinonia, jazz band, and bells. Walter Rogers, CA chaplain and Bible teacher, also shared a short message. After the party, students participated in a photo scavenger hunt around campus, giving them a fun way to explore and get to know each other.

“I really liked the opportunity to come to Campion and hang out with my old friends. I’ll probably join the school next year!” said Brayden L., a visiting sophomore student.

On Monday morning, student ambassadors led the visiting students to different classes, where they met teachers and experienced a typical day at Campion.

The event was planned and led by Denison Sager, Campion’s director of Admissions and Recruitment. “I believe the prospective students enjoyed the activities,” Sager reflected.

“The kids also had the opportunity to visit the classrooms and meet with their future teachers although some of them weren’t too sure about feeding the chickens in our new agriculture program.”

Erin Johnson, CA English and Drama teacher, along with the Student Association, also helped plan activities for the visitors. Johnson concluded, “Academy Days is important because we can show what we love about our Campion community to potential students and families.”

—Hallie Lah, Campion Academy Student News Team. Photos by Jayden Mambu.