Nevada-Utah Views - October 2023

Youth Rush Spreads Hope and Faith in the Nevada-Utah Conference

By Joelis Colmenarez

Jeremiah Yang and Isabel Cruz share the gospel through the printed page.
Jeremiah Yang and Isabel Cruz share the gospel through the printed page.

In the scorching summer heat, a group of dedicated young individuals embarked on a spiritual mission across the territory of the Nevada-Utah Conference. Armed with a passion for sharing God’s love and a collection of inspiring literature, the Youth Rush team made a significant impact on communities in areas such as Reno, Elko, Tonopah, Las Vegas, and Saint George. Over the course of eight weeks, these enthusiastic canvassers demonstrated their commitment to serving others and spreading the word of God.

The Youth Rush program was a resounding success in blessing the English-speaking community. Through their efforts, more than 2,830 devotional books, 1,474 health books, and 502 books for children found their way into the hands of those seeking spiritual enlightenment. By offering literature that nurtured the soul and promoted wholistic well-being, the Youth Rush team fostered a sense of hope and inspiration among the people they encountered.

The program’s impact extended beyond the English-speaking population, as the dedicated canvassers also catered to the Spanish-speaking community. With unwavering commitment, they distributed over 1,009 devotional books, 363 health books, and 81 books for children in Spanish. By providing literature in their native language, the Youth Rush team effectively connected with Spanish-speaking individuals and fostered a stronger sense of faith and community among them.

Pastor Dan Hilasaca prays for the team and their leaders, Joelis Colmenarez and Isabel Ingelse
Pastor Dan Hilasaca prays for the team and their leaders, Joelis Colmenarez and Isabel Ingelse

The success of the Youth Rush program would not have been possible without the dedication of the 14 missionary students who wholeheartedly embraced the opportunity to serve. By willingly sacrificing their summer, these young individuals displayed their commitment to doing the Lord’s work. With their combined efforts, they knocked on over 10,000 doors and engaged in meaningful conversations with more than 6,000 people. Their dedication resulted in numerous individuals expressing interest in Bible studies, further supporting the church planting project, and fostering spiritual growth within the community.

Among the participants was Abel Gonzalez, whose heartfelt dedication resonated with the entire Youth Rush team. Reflecting on his experience, Abel expressed his desire to return home with a clear understanding of how to continue working for the Lord. His testimony serves as a testament to the profound impact that the Youth Rush program had, not only on the communities they served but also on the personal growth and spiritual development of the participants.

Serving the Youth Rush program in the 
Las Vegas area were Isabel Ingelse, 
Isabel Cruz, Jerelyn Trejo, Jeremiah Yang, Sofia Malakov, Izaiah Copca, Q Melidor, Lex Esparagus, Nika Chevelon, 
Matthew Chung, Frantz Etienne, 
Abel Gonzalez, Pedro Moralez, 
and Geencie Castillo
Serving the Youth Rush program in the Las Vegas area were Isabel Ingelse, Isabel Cruz, Jerelyn Trejo, Jeremiah Yang, Sofia Malakov, Izaiah Copca, Q Melidor, Lex Esparagus, Nika Chevelon, Matthew Chung, Frantz Etienne, Abel Gonzalez, Pedro Moralez, and Geencie Castillo

The Youth Rush program in the Nevada-Utah Conference proved to be a life-changing experience for both those serving and those who received the literature. Through their tireless efforts, the dedicated canvassers blessed thousands of individuals with devotional and health books, nurturing their spiritual and physical well-being. The program’s success was a result of the unwavering commitment of the missionary students who selflessly dedicated their summer to serve others. By engaging with thousands of people and generating some interest in Bible studies, the Youth Rush program played an integral role in the church while inspiring the next generation to continue working for the Lord.


NUC’s New Teachers for the 2023-24 School Year

The Nevada-Utah Conference welcomes six new members to our education team. Praise the Lord for Adventist education.

Sharing the teaching responsibilities with Larry Proctor, Wanda Brimmer is the new 1-8 grade teacher at Fallon Adventist Christian School in Fallon, Nevada.

Tai Stamp is the new 3-4 grade teacher at Vegas Valley Adventist Academy in Las Vegas, Nevada.

(left to right) Hayley Hamel is the principal at Riverview Christian Academy in Reno, Nevada.  Carol Ramirez is the new director of Rainbow Connection Preschool in Bishop, California. Larry Proctor is the new 1-8 grade teaching principal at Fallon Adventist Christian School in Fallon, Nevada. Cassie Navarro is the new 3-4 grade teacher at Bishop Adventist Christian School in Bishop, California.