Arizona News - June 2025

 

Clearview Church Supports Honduras Mission Project

BY JOEDY MELASHENKO

In February, Clearview church members traveled to Guanaja, Honduras, to participate in a building project at the Instituto Adventista de Guanaja in Bonacca Key. The school had been destroyed in a devastating fire in 2021 that also claimed more than 200 homes and businesses on the small island off the coast of Honduras. The school had received insurance funds to rebuild, but it ran out of money before completion, and the building still lacked a roof, windows, and doors. Administrators and staff have faced enormous challenges as they kept the school in operation for the past three years, despite its unfinished condition.

...church members went far beyond the call of duty and raised more than $30,000.

When presented with the project's needs, including $15,000 for roofing materials, church members went far beyond the call of duty and raised more than $30,000. With these additional funds, all the doors and windows needed for the three-story, 21-classroom school were purchased.

There is a long history of Seventh-day Adventist involvement in the region. The first church was established on Bonacca Key in 1892, and the school was later attached to the English-speaking church. The bilingual school, which had 130 students enrolled at the time of the fire, now has 150 students. The school has become a major evangelistic center for the islands, as many of the students have joined the church and gone on to serve the church in other areas of Central America.

There is still more to be done to finish the school project and renovation. Project organizers are hopeful to complete it with additional resources and funding.

 

The exterior of the school prior to the project’s start.<br />&nbsp;
The exterior of the school prior to the project’s start.
 
Windows and doors were added to the school structure,
transforming the appearance of the school.
Windows and doors were added to the school structure, transforming the appearance of the school.

 

 

Local workers laying support beams for the trusses for the new roof.
Local workers laying support beams for the trusses for the new roof.
The completed roof now allows the school’s staff to have full
use of the building for classrooms.
The completed roof now allows the school’s staff to have full use of the building for classrooms.

 


 

Pathfinders and Adventurers Gather for Large Events

BY JEFF ROGERS

Pathfinder Fair – April 13, 2025

What do you get when you fill the athletic fields at Thunderbird Adventist Academy with hundreds of Pathfinders? A scene that is electric with energy and enthusiasm.

Pathfinders from across the Arizona Conference gathered for the annual Pathfinder Fair. Themed “Jesus Camps with You,” this year’s event celebrated the spiritual journey and camaraderie of young Adventists dedicated to service, learning, and leadership.

Clubs from various regions participated in a full day of activities designed to test their skills, teamwork, and creativity. The event featured a parade with colorful float displays, drill competitions, relay races, and games. Adding to the festive atmosphere, registered clubs operated food booths offering a variety of culinary delights. These booths provided nourishment and served as fundraisers to support club activities throughout the year.

None of these events would be possible without the dedicated men and women who are regional directors, Pathfinder leaders, and supporters. The team assembled by Arizona Conference Youth, Children’s Ministries, and Club Ministries Director Manny Cruz works hard to ensure that events are well run, managed, and organized.

Adventurer Family Camp – May 2-4, 2025

This year's Adventurer Family Camp, centered on the theme “Travel with Faith,” had an international focus and encouraged participants to trust God’s guidance. The retreat featured a variety of engaging activities—including crafts, games, and the annual Bible trivia competition—for children ages 4 to 9 and their families. Nearly 900 people gathered at Camp Yavapines for the weekend event. The Chandler Adventurers and Angela Anderson led the worship team. The guest speaker, Pastor Josh Murillo from the Gulf States Conference, delivered engaging messages filled with great stories during the weekend.

“Sabbath morning included an activity that allowed the attendees to learn about various countries and cultures from around the world,” said Manny Cruz. “Each Adventurer Club displayed a booth representing a different country, and attendees ‘traveled’ from booth to booth experiencing activities and presentations about that particular country.”

This is the first year parents were included in the Bible trivia game, allowing them to participate in the activity. On Sunday morning, every club received its awards for the year and its certificate of participation in the Bible trivia game.

The Sabbath evening vespers program featured a parade of nations. Each club carried the flag of the country it had chosen, and Adventurers donned the country's traditional garb.

The Adventurer Family Camp continues to be a highlight of the year for many families, providing a memorable and meaningful experience that strengthens their community.

 


 

Cochise School Celebrates 10 Years

BY JEFF ROGERS

Cochise head teacher Julibee Roberts.
Cochise head teacher Julibee Roberts.

On Sunday, April 27, Cochise Adventist Christian School in Bisbee, Arizona, marked a significant milestone—its 10th anniversary—during a Spring Fling celebration. The event brought together students, families, church members, and community supporters to reflect on a decade of growth, faith, and educational excellence.

Established in 2015, the school began as a bold vision that quickly transformed into a reality. Within weeks, land was secured, permits were obtained, and 17 students were enrolled, thanks to the collaborative efforts of local churches and volunteers. Audine and Phil Dieter were instrumental in the financial founding of the school, and Susan and Arnie Suntag were vital to the project, as Susan served as the school's first teacher. Strong support from the Bisbee and Sierra Vista churches has allowed the school to grow.

(From left to right) Pastor Alvin Schnell,
School board Chair David Allen and wife
Connie take part in the festivities.
(From left to right) Pastor Alvin Schnell, School board Chair David Allen and wife Connie take part in the festivities.

Cochise Adventist Christian School has expanded its facilities to include a state-of-the-art classroom building, a multipurpose center, an agricultural learning area, and outdoor recreational areas, all supporting its mission of wholistic Christian education.

As Cochise Adventist Christian School looks to the future, it remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering a nurturing environment where students can thrive academically and spiritually.