Story by Kim Hamilton
Mountain View Conference
By Elizabeth Anderson
Who knew art classes could warm hearts? Megan Garcia, who attends Mountain View Conference’s Charleston Boulevard church in West Virginia, is learning that sharing her gift of creativity comes with a lot of prayer, personal investment and waiting.
During her art classes held at the church, Garcia leads several types of projects—including a geode class. It doesn’t hurt that a four-course meal is part of the package, she says.
“There’s tons of people who come for the first time who would never set foot in a church, but it’s like a safe place,” Garcia says, noting that she is intentional about creating a positive family-style environment that is informal, yet Christ-centered.
Story by Liz Bailey
Join this year’s Mountain View Conference (MVC) Camp Meeting, June 16–24, at Valley Vista Adventist Center in Huttonsville, W.Va. There attendees will learn how to become soul winners. The first weekend’s featured speaker will be Kurt Johnson, Bible School director for the Voice of Prophecy ministry. The closing weekend will feature John Bradshaw, president of It Is Written, a media evangelism ministry based in Collegedale, Tenn.
Story by Liz Bailey
Daniel Venegas, district pastor of Mountain View Conference's Buckhannon, Braxton, and Glenville churches, planned to baptize four people at the Buckhannon church late last year.
One by one, the candidates entered the water, ranging from young to old—the oldest being 91-yearold Benny. As Venegas finished the baptisms, he asked if there was anyone else who wanted to commit their lives to Jesus. A little hand shot up. It was Vann Parker, a first grader who had been raised in the church. Venegas smiled and acknowledged him, stating, “That’s great, we will talk.”
Story by Liz Bailey
Fourteen-year-old Rachel Velez became friends with her public school teacher Lauri Nichols during their private tutoring sessions. As they met each week, Velez could not hide her love for Jesus, often talking to her teacher about God. One day, Velez invited Nichols and her husband, Joe, to church to hear her sing special music.