When we pause to remember the works of God, memory becomes an act of worship. Mal. 3:16 speaks of a “book of remembrance” written before the Lord for those who revere Him and remain faithful to His name.
With grateful hearts, we remember how God has blessed the ministries of individuals, churches and schools throughout the Rocky Mountain Conference during the last five years.
We have seen His hand in the partnership between pastors and educators. In Cortez, the church school has witnessed baptisms through the prayerful cooperation of pastor and teacher. In the Fort Morgan district, students have been introduced to Jesus through the shared ministry of church and school. Similar testimonies of grace continue to be shared by the dedicated staff at Campion and Mile High academies.
We have also seen God move at Glacier View Ranch and Mills Spring Ranch. Each summer, children and young people arrive with varied beliefs and experiences. Some come with questions, doubts or no faith at all; many leave having made a wholehearted commitment to Jesus. Such moments remind us that the Holy Spirit is tenderly drawing our youth to Christ.
We remember, too, the International Pathfinder Camporee in Gillette, Wyoming. Though shortened by weather, it became a sacred place of decision: many young people were baptized, while others chose continued study and preparation for baptism.
God has also worked through evangelistic initiatives, including Pentecost 2025, supported by the North American Division. Through the faithful stewardship of members, the RMC matched division funds and helped assist evangelistic meetings across our territory.
Yet outreach is not confined to public campaigns. At the Colorado Springs Central church, more than 50 individuals have given their lives to Jesus and been baptized over the past three years through steady, faithful, day-to-day ministry.
Engaging and growing disciples
As we give thanks for what God has done, we also lift our eyes to what He is calling us to become. Jesus reminds us in Matt. 13:52 that a disciple brings from the storeroom both new treasures and old.
With gratitude for the past, we turn prayerfully toward the next five years.
A re-articulated mission and vision will keep Jesus’ Great Commission at the center of renewed engagement and discipleship. Whether as churches, schools or individual members, we are called to grow as disciples and disciple-makers. First Peter 4:7-11 reminds us that, because “the end of all things is near,” we must begin with prayer and faithfully use our gifts to minister God’s grace in its various forms.
Prayer must be our foundation as we seek the Holy Spirit’s direction and power.
We will create opportunities for ministry leaders to pray for one another and encourage churches and schools to pray specifically for, and connect intentionally with, one another.
Another expression of this calling will be an annual Mission Worship Weekend, designed to help churches, schools and our partner, AdventHealth, celebrate what God is doing, deepen our gospel vision, and encourage children, youth and communities to follow Jesus. The first gathering is scheduled for Oct. 2–3 at LifeSource Adventist Fellowship in the Denver area.
We will also strengthen communication among churches and between local congregations and conference leadership, encouraging one another as we “see the day approaching.”
Training, planning and praying
As resources become available, we will expand training for pastors, teachers and local leaders, nurturing both the spiritual and practical dimensions of leadership.
Because every church and school serves a unique community, each entity will develop contextual outreach plans. Not every plan will unfold as expected, but we are called to pray, act, evaluate and adjust as we reach our friends, neighbors and surrounding communities.
Finally, we must devote time, energy and resources to our precious youth, asking God to bless summer camp ministries at Glacier View Ranch and Mills Spring Ranch, along with year-round young adult, Pathfinder, and Adventurer ministries.
Join me in praying for open hearts and open doors to reach someone for Jesus.
As He said, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field” (Luke 10:2).
Dave VandeVere is president of the Rocky Mountain Conference.
