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June 6, 2025 David VandeVere Accepts Call to be New Rocky Mountain Conference President
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June 2, 2025 Liberal Hispanic Adventist Church Celebrates Mortgage Burning Ceremony
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June 2, 2025 Vital Connections: St. Louis Church Becomes First Adventist Disaster Shelter in Conference
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Adventist News
Iowa-Missouri Conference Hosts Annual Music Festival at Sunnydale Academy Caleb Durant – June 9, 2025
The Iowa-Missouri Conference Education Department hosted its 2025 Music Festival at Sunnydale Adventist Academy last April. The event brought together approximately 98 elementary students from nine Adventist schools across Iowa and Missouri, along with 13 homeschool/public school students and 66 academy students. The festival featured Mr. Joseph E. Choi directing the choir and Ramón Araújo leading the band. The weekend program included Friday evening vespers, Sabbath school, a worship service featuring festival participants, and concluded with a special concert on Sabbath afternoon in the academy gymnasium. During the program, three teachers received service pins for their years of service: Heidi Nicholas (10 years), Karli Kuehmichel (15 years), and Pennie Wredberg (30 years). Student artwork winners Alyssa Sanchez, Gael Nelson and Judy Hoyt were also recognized for their designs featured on T-shirts and the program cover. Special recognition was given to Karen McCarthy, education administrative assistant, for her many years of service in the Education Department. Melissa Morris, education superintendent, was also recognized for her significant contributions in the Education Department as she transitions to the executive secretary position. The festival showcased musical selections including “Genesis” and “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing” by the band, while the choir performed “Because He Lives” and “Amazing Grace (My Chains are Gone).” The event concluded with a combined performance of “My Jesus I Love Thee,” arranged by Ramón Araújo, demonstrating the students’ musical talents developed “to the glory of God.”
Read more...AdventHealth Rocky Mountain Region Sends First Clinical Team to New Partner Hospital in Lesotho AdventHealth – June 9, 2025
Global Health Initiatives (GHI), the Rocky Mountain Region branch of AdventHealth Global Missions, recently launched a new partnership with Maluti Adventist Hospital in Lesotho, a small mountainous country in southern Africa. This past March, the GHI team led its first clinical mission trip to Lesotho, focusing on collaborative projects with the hospital and outreach efforts in the surrounding communities. “The first AdventHealth Rocky Mountain Region team to serve at Maluti Adventist Hospital in Lesotho was very successful,” shared Greg Hodgson, director of GHI. “The partnership with the hospital was outstanding with full support of Maluti staff and logistics.” The team from AdventHealth was made up of several specialized groups, including community health, Helping Mothers and Babies Survive (HMBS), a hospital-based team, and a clean water team. During the mission week, the community health team served 1,164 patients, providing screenings for HIV, tuberculosis and cervical cancer. They also offered well-being consultations to support overall patient health. The HMBS team led a weeklong master class for nursing leaders from Maluti Adventist Hospital and the affiliated College of Nursing at Maluti Adventist College. During the training, AdventHealth’s team identified local champions from both the hospital and nursing school to help lead future trainings for local nurses and midwives across the region. The hospital-based team collaborated closely with local medical staff to address a variety of needs. Their work ranged from assisting in two surgeries to leading suturing workshops for hospital and nursing school personnel. The team focused on meeting the Maluti Adventist Hospital team where they are while also encouraging a shared vision for advancing the quality of care moving forward. The clean water team, led by GHI partner Rob Miller with Global Access 2030 – a Colorado based nonprofit organization and longtime partner of GHI— distributed nearly 400 clean water filtration systems across four villages. To help ensure the long-term sustainability and effective use of the filters, a representative from Maluti Adventist Hospital was designated to provide ongoing support and follow-up within the communities, mirroring the sustainability model used in the HMBS program. These initial steps mark the beginning of a meaningful and lasting journey with our new partners at Maluti Adventist Hospital. “As in any first project, some areas for improvement were acknowledged, yet everyone was impressed with the overall success of the partnership,” expressed Hodgson. “As we prepare for the next visit in October, we will continue to build on the foundation laid during this important visit.” To learn more about this and other AdventHealth Rocky Mountain Region Global Mission sites, please reach out to Courtney Haas at Courtney.Haas@adventhealth.com. Courtney Haas is a development officer at AdventHealth Rocky Mountain Region.
Read more...David VandeVere Accepts Call to be New Rocky Mountain Conference President Hugh Davis – June 6, 2025
RMCNews with Hugh Davis – Denver, Colorado … The Rocky Mountain Conference (RMC) is pleased to announce that David VandeVere has accepted the nomination to become the new RMC president, effective August 1. After careful consideration during a special evening session on June 2, the RMC Executive Committee voted to extend an official call to VandeVere. The presidential search began after Mic Thurber, former RMC president, announced his retirement starting March 1 of this year at the RMC Executive Committee meeting held February 18. The committee received and vetted over 50 nominations, with the facilitation of officers from the Mid-America Union Conference (MAUC). “This process was marked by genuine cooperation on the part of the Executive Committee. Every name submitted was thoughtfully followed up on, and the committee prayerfully considered each one,” recalled Gary Thurber, MAUC president, who chaired the process. “After much discussion, review, and prayer, they voted to extend the call [to David VandeVere],” he continued. “I was so grateful to work with this committee. They took their task very seriously, were committed to prayer, and worked well together. It was a blessing to be part of the process. David VandeVere is a man who loves his Lord and loves his church. He will be an outstanding leader for the Rocky Mountain Conference.” VandeVere graduated from Southern Adventist University with a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree in accounting. He then earned his Certified Public Accountant license and received Trust Certification from the General Conference Trust Committee. In 2006, he completed the Pastoral Coaching Systems program through Ministry Advantage in Dallas, Texas, and was ordained in 2007. VandeVere has held various leadership roles throughout his career, including serving as a public accountant, treasurer/secretary for the Minnesota Conference, and lead pastor of Damascus Grace Fellowship in Damascus, Maryland, for 10 years before returning to financial ministry in 2014. While serving as the vice president of Finance for the Potomac Conference, VandeVere led several strategic initiatives, including restoring adequate working capital reserves, developing an integrated finance committee for the conference and its institutions, implementing a debt-relief program for academies, and launching a recruiting process to attract young accounting graduates from Adventist colleges. VandeVere currently serves as vice president for Finance for the MAUC, a role he has held since October 2021. In this position, he serves the members of the Mid-America Union by overseeing finances and promoting stewardship. As the ninth RMC president since its restructure and merger with the Wyoming Conference in 1981, VandeVere will serve as the spiritual and administrative leader to the churches, schools, and ministries within the conference. He will guide the conference’s mission and vision, fostering unity with the broader mission of the Global Church and serve as a chairperson for various committees. Additionally, VandeVere will emphasize team and leadership development in the pastoral, educational, and administrative spheres. He will also represent the conference at broader organizational levels. “I’m humbled, yet excited by the invitation to lead the team in the Rocky Mountain Conference,” remarked VandeVere. “I believe the Spirit is calling us to unity of purpose, especially in this time of societal turmoil and chaos. He will empower the uplifting of our Savior Jesus Christ and His soon return.” Doug Inglish, RMC vice president for Administration, commented, “I have known Elder VandeVere for years, and he is a very spiritual, capable, and humble leader. I am very excited at this opportunity to work with him, and I believe RMC will prosper with him as our president.” “I have gotten to know Dave quite well over the past several years in his current role, and I am really looking forward to working with him here,” RMC vice president for Finance Darin Gottfried remarked. “I believe that Dave’s approach to leadership will help strengthen our employees and grow the Church in exciting ways.” —RMCNews with Hugh Davis, MAUC Communication director. Photo courtesy of Mid-America Union Conference.
Read more...Liberal Hispanic Adventist Church Celebrates Mortgage Burning Ceremony Saul Dominguez – June 2, 2025
On March 22, the Liberal Hispanic Seventh-day Adventist Church marked a joyful milestone: the burning of their church mortgage. Led by Pastor Brayan Maldonado, the celebration commemorated the full payment of their church building and served as a witness to God’s faithfulness through years of dedication, faith and perseverance. Located at 901 N Kansas Ave in Liberal, Kansas, the church has become a steady presence in the community. The celebration was attended by leaders from the Kansas-Nebraska Conference, including Ron Carlson, conference president, Jim Jenson, treasurer, Alejandro Dovald, director of multilingual ministries, and Miriam Dovald, director of women’s, children’s, and family ministries. The church began as a planting effort. A small group of members traveled weekly to Liberal to give Bible studies. During this time, Brother Max Elvira met Pastor Michael Valentier at Walmart—a chance encounter that led to a significant turning point. Pastor Valentier encouraged Brother Elvira to move to Liberal to support the growing group. “It was a difficult decision,” said Pastor Elvira. “I had to leave my job, but God opened doors. My wife found part-time work, and I began selling church books while continuing Bible studies.” Interest grew, and a Revelation seminar brought new people in. The team divided the city by zip code and personally visited homes to offer Bible studies. The English-speaking Adventist church generously shared their space with the Hispanic group, reflecting a spirit of unity. The results were encouraging. People from different backgrounds began attending. One visitor shared, “In six months I’ve learned more than in 20 years at my previous church.” Some of the original families, including Brother Isaías Gutierrez and Sister Novia Salgado, are still active today. When Pastor Elvira was later called to serve in Oklahoma, local leadership passed to Roberto Fraire. As the group continued to grow, their space became insufficient. After praying and searching, they found a hall to rent. Although the original rate was $200 per day, the owner reduced it to $40 upon learning it was for a church group. Eventually, the need for a permanent space became clear. One day, the members of the English-speaking church shared their plans to purchase a larger building—a former bank—that would accommodate both groups. However, their plans changed. When Roberto asked what they would do with their current building, they responded that they hoped to sell it to another Christian church. Fraire asked, “Why not sell it to us?” After some discussion, the American church agreed. The initial price was too high for the Hispanic group, but after more prayer, the building was offered at half price—a gesture of unity and mutual support. “It was a blessing,” said Fraire. “They told us: we are one church, even if we speak different languages. We want to help you.” Now, with the mortgage paid off, the church reflects on how far God has led them. The celebration was not just about financial freedom, but about what can be accomplished through prayer, partnership and a shared mission. “We’ve been waiting for the conference leaders to come,” Fraire said with a smile, “so we can tell them we no longer fit in this church—we need more space.” The dream continues: to keep growing and to create more room for ministry and outreach in the community. Information provided by Brayan Maldonado, Liberal and Garden City District pastor.
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Blogs
- Helping You to Healthy Christian Living Fulfilling Your Purpose Jeanine Qualls – June 8, 2025
I am offering my services free of charge to assist anyone who is interested in consulting with me. We are living in the last days. It is important for us to be healthy and sometimes we need a little push. I am here to help with lifestyle changes, holistic remedies, losing weight, starting an exercise program and continued motivation. https://youtube.com/shorts/TGjsRkwtsA4?si=MDs886Nu4LusCYgL
Read more... - Lower Your Risk Part 2 Healthy Christian Living Jeanine Qualls – June 8, 2025
This video is part 2 of our journey to lowering our risk for chronic disease and taking charge of our health. God has provided tools for us to use and has given us a specific diet that can reverse disease and allow us to be healthy to serve him better. https://youtube.com/shorts/FeCY5ejmTA0?si=4341yRdllx5VFaBU
Read more... The Teacher’s Notes–Ruth and Esther, Lesson 11 Adult Bible Study Guide--2025 2 Q, "Allusions Images Symbols" The Teacher's Notes – June 7, 2025
Sabbath School Lesson for June 7-13, 2025 Introduction of Lesson 11, Ruth and Esther Memory Text: “So it was, when the king saw Queen Esther standing in the court, that she found favor in his sight, and the king held out to Esther the golden scepter that was in his hand. Then Esther went near and touched the top of the scepter.” Esther 5:2 NKJV It’s totally understandable why a study of women in the Bible might be helpful to our study of prophecy. God likens His church to a woman. As a matter of fact, two kinds of women are spoken of repeatedly in Revelation–one a pure, chaste woman (representing God’s true followers) and the other an adulterous prostitute (representing a false religious system, claiming to be God’s church, but in reality listening to and worshiping Satan). Examining two particular women, Ruth and Esther, who have books named after them in the Bible, will help inform us of the proper response we must strive for as Christians who struggle to remain close to God in the perilous times of the end. Their thrilling stories contain powerful allusions, images, and symbols that will make many prophecies about the last days seem more alive and real. In Esther’s case, a plot was developed by hate-filled, arrogant Haman to destroy Esther’s people, the Jews. Esther bravely came before the king to plead for their lives, proclaiming herself to be one of them. Sound familiar? Sunday: Famine in “The House of Bread”–There was a famine in Bethlehem, a town whose name meant “The House of Bread”. Monday: Ruth and Boaz–God had not forgotten Ruth and Naomi. Tuesday: Boaz as Redeemer–Boaz was a type of Christ and the gate of Bethlehem was a type of the judgment scene in Daniel 7. Wednesday: Haman and Satan–Haman’s lust for power and arrogant nature remind us of Satan. Thursday: For Such a Time as This–God will use His church to deliver warnings to the world and give hope to the last generation. Sunday: Famine in “The House of Bread” Many allusions can be drawn from the story of Ruth and Naomi, which occurred during the earliest period of Israel, when the judges ruled (Ruth 1:1). The famine in Bethlehem that sent Naomi’s family away to the land of Moab seems ironic with the name Bethlehem meaning “The House of Bread”. But, in Amos 8:11, we find in the last days that there will be a famine of hearing God’s word. Christ, the Bread of Life, will be difficult to find then as well. Adam and Eve were told that of “every tree of the garden” they could eat freely (Genesis 2:16). They were given the task of taking care of the garden, of subduing it, a pleasant task to be sure. But after sin, “in the sweat of their brow” (Genesis 3:19), they would begin to experience the fallen world subduing them. Natural disasters, famines, and wars have consistently made our planet a place of tragedy for man and beast alike–shown in Ruth and Naomi’s personal episodes of loss and grief. The story of Ruth is full of the power of kindness and love though. Her courage, despite her setbacks in life, helps us see that God’s love will triumph, too. Our Redeemer wants us to stay close to Him. Just as Ruth was invited to stay close to the gleaning fields of her kinsman Boaz, we are invited to tighten our hold on God, no matter what anguish and pain we may be experiencing in the world. Verses and questions: Ruth 1:1-5 What personal losses did Naomi experience and how do we normally deal with such tragedies? Genesis 2:16 and 3:19 What kind of world did the Lord create for us, and why has it deteriorated into something so much more uncomfortable and unbearable today? Monday: Ruth and Boaz After so many personal losses, Naomi changed her name, which meant “pleasant”, to Mara, which meant “bitter” (Ruth 1:20). So devastated was she about her dismal life that it totally changed her feelings about herself and her future prospects. It must have been some comfort to have her daughter-in-law Ruth by her side, but it wasn’t until she discovered that Boaz, a kinsman, might be interested in Ruth that her bitterness began to melt away and be replaced by welcome thoughts of hope again. Boaz was indeed a type of Christ, in that He chose to be our kinsman too. Jesus was not just the Son of God, but often called Himself the Son of Man. Despite our spiritual poverty, God looks down on us with compassion and wants us as His bride, just as Boaz desired to marry Ruth. God easily identifies with our suffering, because He also suffered extreme grief and loss during His brief stay on earth. Verses and questions: Ruth 2:5-20 Besides her beauty and the fact that she stood out as a foreigner, what was it about Ruth that Boaz noticed and found attractive (v. 11)? In what ways can we, as Christians today, show the same love and kindness to others, as portrayed in Ruth’s story? What can we do to stand out in our communities and draw them closer to God? Matthew 12:8, Mark 8:31, Luke 22:22, and John 3:14 Why did Jesus refer to Himself as the Son of Man on different occasions? Why is Jesus uniquely qualified to be called the Son of God and the Son of Man, and what does that mean to you personally? Tuesday: Boaz as Redeemer We may be familiar with the story of Ruth and Boaz, but perhaps have not paused long enough to consider who the “close relative” was that threatened their marriage. He must have represented Satan, who, after introducing sin here, claimed ownership of the earth by “walking back and forth” on it (Job 1:7). He also claimed the body of Moses when God resurrected him (Jude 1:9), and later was so bold with his claim as to tempt Jesus <a class="cat-post-excerpt-more" href="https://www.outlookmag.org/the-teachers-notes-ruth-and-esther-lesson-11/" title="Continue reading The Teacher’s Notes–Ruth and Esther, Lesson 11 Adult Bible Study Guide–2025 2 Q, “Allusions Images Symbols”“>Read more…
Read more...Strength in Unity ...focus on Jesus! The Teacher's Notes – June 4, 2025
The concept of “divide and conquer” has long been recognized as a way to gain military or political dominance. Divisions cause weakness, but unity makes a group stronger. Jesus prayed fervently that His followers, back then and now, be united—that they be one, as Jesus and His Father were one (John 17:21). It should come as no surprise then that Satan, master creator of divisions, has split Christians into 45,000 denominations worldwide, with over 200 of them here in the United States! Satan has left no area of our lives untouched by division. He has managed to distract our attention away from God and divide families in various ways. Racial and cultural differences have also divided us, causing wars and oppression on a massive scale in many countries. Jesus had reason to worry about the unity of His beloved followers. Today, we are witnessing troubling division within many Christian denominations, including the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Besides worship-style differences, with some church members described as either liberal or conservative in their religious practice, the current political atmosphere of the country has also become a major distraction for the church, putting us at risk of becoming further divided and weaker. Satan’s strategy to “divide and conquer” is working well in the church setting. We long for ways to counter Satan’s persistent attempts to make us weak. Perhaps, the way Jesus stayed focused and addressed division can give us some reliable tools to maintain healthy relationships with others and get closer to God at the same time. Prayer comes immediately to mind. During His ministry, Jesus often spent hours in solitary places, in communion with His heavenly Father. Almost all of us would do well to increase our time spent with God. Both prayer (our communication with Him) and Bible study (His communication with us) are great ways to put aside those distractions of the world that lead to division. Next we notice that when Jesus did associate with others, He showed respect and a willingness to have an open, honest dialogue with them. He gave them His full attention and showed that He understood their feelings. His responses were always appropriate for the situation and showed empathy and compassion, even when His answers were not what they expected or what they wanted to hear. We, too, can develop better communication skills that will strengthen our relationships, instead of weaken them. We can actively listen to people with an awareness of the feelings behind their words. (“I believe you are saying that —. Is that correct?”) We can graciously accept the value of their viewpoint, acknowledging and thanking them for sharing it. (“I appreciate your logic and clarity on this. It helps me understand how others think about the issue.”) And finally, we can ask permission before we share our thoughts and ideas or give advice. (“Would you mind me sharing how I have come to think about this?” or “I have some suggestions about what we can do to make this situation better. Can I share them with you?”) Observing these simple, courteous boundaries (remember them as L.A.P.–listen, accept, and permission) will go a long way toward building better relationships and causing fewer divisions among those we want to see in heaven. Who knows, they might be our “next-door neighbor” there! Let’s stay focused on God’s methods to achieve and maintain unity.
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Featured Stories
Adventist Community Services: A Beautiful Calling Gary Thurber – June 9, 2025
Have you said, “Thank you!” to your Adventist Community Services director and their team for your church lately? If not, do not let another Sabbath go by without seeking them out and thanking them for their gracious ministry to our communities. I have such respect for those who volunteer their time to serve those who live in the community who truly need our help. The ACS mission statement states their goal is to “serve communities in Christ’s name, bringing hope, compassion, and practical support to those in need.” You may not realize this, but while ADRA has a similar mission, their territory is comprised of the world outside the North American Division. It is the ACS program that provides care for our communities here in Canada, the United States and Bermuda. Here in Mid-America, our ACS-Disaster Relief team is so important in our territory for providing help in the aftermath of a disaster. In our region of the country, our response to wildfires, tornadoes and flooding hitting our communities is an important service we provide as a church. I am sure 95 percent of our members do not realize this, but the government looks to the Adventist Church to provide leadership for the warehousing needed for their emergency supplies sent to help those in need. This can be a huge undertaking, requiring weeks to facilitate and complete. If there is a ministry in our church that needs our time and talents, it is our ACS programs throughout our territory. Whether you want to help with the disaster relief efforts or with your local ACS program for your community, your time and talent will make a significant difference in the way our communities receive the help they need. One shining example I have heard my daughter-in-law, Baylie Thurber, talk about her grandmother’s service as an ACS leader. Karen Reed, and her husband, Bill, ran the ACS program for the Galentine Seventh-day Adventist Church in Missouri for 45 years. Everyone in town knew them and loved them for the way in which they cared for their community. Karen had a way of collaborating with other community leaders no matter what their faith background was. As the director of the ACS center, she would have between 10 and 20 volunteers working there with her every week from all different faith backgrounds: Baptists and other Protestants, Catholics and Mormons. Together they met the needs of those who lived in Galentine. I was able to attend Bill Reed’s funeral. The town’s people asked that his service not take place in the Adventist Church because so many people from the community wanted to attend and that church simply would not be big enough. Baylie recently shared a story that highlighted Bill’s character. While she was visiting her grandmother, her car needed a mechanic before she could drive home. Karen suggested someone who Bill had used when he was alive. Baylie called him and he took care of her and fixed her car very quickly. When Baylie tried to pay him, he said, “Oh no, I am not taking any money from you. Bill was the finest man I have ever known and did more for me than I could ever repay.” What a beautiful legacy the Reeds have left in Galentine, Missouri, through the ACS program and the way they served and loved their community. ACS is a beautiful calling and the work our leaders and volunteers do is so impactful. Thank you to all of you who do so much selfless work for others through this ministry!
Read more...A Mid-Century Modern Church Building Addressed Mid-Century Problems The Colorado Springs Central Seventh-day Adventist Church was built to serve the community. Adventist Historical Footprints – June 8, 2025
Drive past the Colorado Springs Central Seventh-day Adventist church at 1305 North Union Boulevard on any day of the week, and all you see is an aging mid-century modern house of worship, not all that different from thousands of others of a similar vintage across the nation. However, hidden in the basement of the Central Church is a largely forgotten history shaped by world events. The first Seventh-day Adventist congregation in Colorado Springs was admitted to the Colorado Conference in 1890. It was a group of about twenty people organized into a church by Elder Smith Sharp (1847-1931), a Seventh-day Adventist minister who worked in Kansas, New Mexico, and Colorado before spending his later years in Tennessee (watch for a future post that tells more of his story). Throughout the first half of the twentieth century, the Colorado Springs church relocated frequently, moving ever eastward from downtown. By 1963 the congregation had grown to 277 members, and they were no longer all able to fit in the building on North Wahsatch Avenue at the same time. This property was sold, the congregation started meeting in a rented Baptist church, and plans were begun for the construction of a new church on North Union Boulevard. The congregation broke ground for the new church in 1965. World at Risk As the design of the new church building took shape, it became more than just a place for the local congregation to worship. On October 20, 1963, the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists voted to contribute $7,500 to the new church building Colorado Springs. (The Central Union Reaper later reported that the General Conference contributed $6,000. The discrepancy between the magazine report and the General Conference meeting minutes has yet to be resolved.) Local churches are the property of the local conference—the Colorado Conference at that point—so this unusual grant indicated that something different was happening in Colorado Springs. Since the United States had ended World War II by dropping the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945, the world had come to feel increasingly unsafe. Americans lived, if not in fear, at least in anxiety that the Soviet Union might attack with nuclear weapons. In the 1950s, civil defense (what we now call emergency management and homeland security) focused on evacuation and mass casualty plans. In September 1961 President John F. Kennedy’s administration began a campaign to designate fallout shelters in which people could safely live for a period of weeks until radioactivity following a nuclear blast decayed to safer levels. Throughout the 1950s, Seventh-day Adventists worked with civil defense in their communities in a number of ways. Dorcas societies (now Adventist Community Services) collaborated with local authorities and the Red Cross in disaster response. Both Union College (Lincoln, Nebraska) and Walla Walla College (College Place, Washington) hosted civil defense drills in which Medical Cadet Corps, nursing, and home economics departments demonstrated how to manage mass casualties and feed crowds of displaced people. In 1961, Adventists began designating buildings as fallout shelters as part of a national campaign for building such facilities under President John F. Kennedy’s administration. A community fallout shelter, capable of 460 people for two weeks, became part of the plan for the new church in Colorado Springs. This space (now the Adventist Community Services room) was not all that big. Church member Ron Baptist was about twelve years old when the room was completed. He remembers how crowded it was during a test run of the shelter. It was the first church building in Colorado Springs to qualify as a public fallout shelter. However, this was not the reason the General Conference used its own funds to support the project. World at War In April 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson increased American troop strength in Vietnam to over 60,000. While most Adventist soldiers in the 1960s trained as medics at the Medical Replacement Training Center at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas, once trained they could be sent anywhere, including one of Colorado Springs’ several military installations. These installations encompassed both Army and Air Force. Camp Carson was constructed in 1942 as an Army training site for World War II. In 1954, it became Fort Carson. While Camp Carson was under construction, Colorado Spring’s municipal airport was converted to an army airfield, named Peterson Field in 1942 (the airport moved to adjacent land on the south side of the army airfield). Although Peterson Field was deactivated for several years after World War II, when Ent Airforce Base (AFB) was opened in 1951 at the corner of East Boulder Street and North Union Boulevard, Peterson Field became an ancillary installation to Ent AFB (two years after the Army closed Ent AFB, it became the United States Olympic Training Center). In 1961 construction began on the Cheyenne Mountain Complex, which was completed in 1965, and over the next several years its capabilities were expanded. Meanwhile, the Air Force acquired land in northern Colorado Springs on which to establish a service academy. Classes moved from their temporary location in Denver to Colorado Springs in 1958. While the academy’s mission was officer education, the Air Force installations focused on national defense through early warning detection systems for incoming missiles. Fort Carson was processing and mobilizing soldiers for deployment to Southeast Asia. Because Adventist men were encouraged to wait for draft selection rather than volunteer and due to an informal understanding between the Seventh-day Adventist National Service Organization and the United States Army in which Adventist were assigned to the Army Medical Corps, it is probable that most, if not all, Adventist servicemen coming through Colorado Springs were soldiers at Fort Carson. Between 1965 and 1967, just when the Central Church was under construction, 29,000 soldiers were mobilized through Fort Carson for service in Southeast Asia. In October 1965 Fort Carson was home to 9,658 soldiers; in March 1967 it housed 24,735 soldiers. How many of those were Seventh-day Adventist is impossible to know, but it was enough for the <a class="cat-post-excerpt-more" href="https://www.outlookmag.org/a-mid-century-modern-church-building-addressed-mid-century-problems/" title="Continue reading A Mid-Century Modern Church Building Addressed Mid-Century Problems The Colorado Springs Central Seventh-day Adventist Church was built to serve the community.“>Read more…
Read more...Advice to New Students from the Class of 2025 Union Adventist University – June 2, 2025
Four years fly by quickly, and just as students start feeling like they’ve figured college out, they are marching to “Pomp and Circumstance” and preparing for life’s next challenges. As Union Adventist University interviews graduating seniors each year, they are always asked what advice they have for new students. Here are the responses from five of Union’s newest alumni. Quinn Gillespie Having given many campus tours and greeted many lost new students while working in Union’s Ortner Center, Quinn Gillespie has a lot of advice to give incoming freshmen. “By the time you finish college, you’ll be a completely different person,” Gillespie said. “Someone told me that before I went into college, and I thought, there’s no way, but I am. Just trust the process and know that God is working in all things. He’s going to shape you into who you need to be.” Another recommendation is to ask a favorite professor to be a spiritual mentor. “By the time I started HeartScan with Dr. Byers, I had finished taking classes from her,” Gillespie said. “Instead of never getting to see her, we would meet and color together while we talked about life and God.” Next school year, Gillespie will be on the other side of the desk as she teaches third and fourth grades in Manassas, Virginia, and like her mentors in Union’s Education Program, she has no plans to give up coloring or talking about God. Carter Alger When reflecting on his time here at Union, Carter Alger thinks about the community he’s found. “I originally came to Union for the IRR program but I found so much more. I found community,” he said. “At Union, you can strike up a conversation with anyone. Events like Project Impact have brought me lots of friends, and I’ve really appreciated the spiritual life here at Union.” Alger’s advice for incoming freshmen is: “Don’t be afraid to make connections. Those connections will help you in classes, friendships and jobs. Over my time here, I feel like I know 40 to 50 percent of the campus. I have also made great relationships with my professors. I feel like I can have conversations with them at any time.” Jailly Gadea-Sanchez “I remember coming to Union for tournaments and music festivals during high school and seeing how powerful the worship here was,” Jailly Gadea-Sanchez said. “I saw how intentional Union was with their worship programs, and I wanted to be a part of that.” That vision of herself helping lead in praise and worship came true during her time at Union. “I have enjoyed being able to lead others to Christ through music, which is something I always dreamt of as a kid,” she said. “I’ve really appreciated how Union changed my view of Jesus for the better. That is something I will be eternally grateful for!” Gadea-Sanchez advises her students and new freshmen to lean on God. “For three years, I was trying to go through school on my own,” she said “It wasn’t until junior year that I got burnt out and realized something had to change. I realized how important it is to pray for strength and to bring your worries and burdens to God; He can make your load light. Take some time in your day to be still and to reflect, relax and pray whether that means waking up a little earlier in the morning, taking some time in the middle of your day, or even at night.” “I promise you, even on the busiest day, when you pray and bring your worries to God, you will end the day having done everything you needed to and with little to no anxiety and stress,” Gadea-Sanchez continued. “God is there waiting to help; all we need to do is open the door just a little bit for Him to come in.” Ahchen Edwards Ahchen Edwards transferred to Union from Antillean Adventist University to study music, and he has been blessing the campus with his voice and instrumental artistry ever since. During the Christmas Concert last December, he even directed the orchestra in the debut of a song he composed, “An Afternoon Adventure.” His advice to new students, whether freshmen or transfers, is to get involved. “There’s so many different groups and communities within this grander community of the university. You can just say, ‘Hi, I want to join in,’ or ‘I want to start doing something new,’ and that’s all it takes. You’re a part of it now.” Ella Foster Ella Foster’s Union experience took her to the other side of the world when she volunteered to serve with Adventist Frontier Missions in Palawan, Philippines. “My student missionary experience changed my life and how I see the world,” Foster said. “It was amazing and hard. During my time there, my eyes were opened to see how God works in my life and the lives of others around me. Now, I see Him in all aspects of my life.” A biomedical science major, Foster plans to continue her education next year in Union’s new Master of Public Health Program. Foster’s advice for those who are just beginning their college journey is to try everything. “It’s OK to change your major, emphasis, whatever,” she said. “Try new things and get involved to learn more about what you like to do. It’s OK if you don’t have it all figured out when you start.” Compiled by Rebekah Fingerson, an English education major from Wisconsin, and Scott Cushman, director of public relations at Union Adventist University
Read more...Does Jesus Care? Kids Column – June 2, 2025
“Grandpa, will you please pass the potatoes?” Silence. “GRANDPA!” “HUH?” “Will you please pass the potatoes?” “HUH?!” “PASS THE POTATOES!” Talking to my grandpa was difficult. A lifelong farmer, years of working around loud machinery had damaged his hearing, and his hearing aids didn’t help much. It was hard to have a conversation when I wasn’t even sure if he could hear me. “HUH?!” seemed to be his favorite word. Plus, he was usually covered in dirt and smelled like cows—not exactly someone you’d want to cuddle up with for a story. As a result, I didn’t spend much quality time with him. One day during a visit, my mom told me that Grandpa wanted to take me on a 3-wheeler ride around the farm. I climbed up to sit behind him and held onto his overalls. “Where are we going, Grandpa?” “HUH?” “Never mind…” Off we went, bumping across the pasture as Grandpa pointed out grazing cows and fields of golden wheat in the distance. As we looped back along the gravel road, a neighbor drove by and stopped to chat. I was shocked when Grandpa said, “And this is my granddaughter Kelli, visiting from Minnesota.” He then went on to share what grade I was in, that I was taking piano lessons, and even details about my school projects. I sat there, dumbfounded. I had assumed he didn’t care because it was so hard to talk to him, but all along, he had been paying attention. He knew all these things about me! Sometimes, talking to Jesus feels a lot like talking to my grandpa. “Dear Jesus, I’m struggling with…” Silence. “JESUS, DO YOU HEAR ME? DON’T YOU CARE? TURN UP YOUR HEARING AIDS!” In the Bible, people asked Jesus the same thing (check out Mark 4:35-41 and Luke 10:38-42). But at least they got to speak to Him face-to-face and hear His response. It’s much harder when we send our prayers into the air and have to trust that He hears us, cares about us, and is responding—even when we don’t see it. But here’s the truth: Jesus never says, “Huh? What did you say? I wasn’t paying attention.” It is impossible for Him not to hear us! Next Sabbath, open the hymnal to #181, “Does Jesus Care?” The chorus says: “Oh yes, He cares; I know He cares! His heart is touched with my grief; When the days are weary, the long nights dreary, I know my Savior cares.” I can picture Jesus turning to an angel in heaven and proudly saying, “That’s my beloved child! Let me tell you how amazing they are!” So keep talking to Jesus. He knows you. He loves you. And He cares—deeply. Kelli Wasemiller is a former Adventist educator who now stays home with her twins Thomas and Hazel. She and her husband, Stephen, live in Rapid City, South Dakota.
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