Mountain View Conference

West Virginia Conference

Story by Valerie Morikone

Longtime Mountain View Conference (MVC) members may know interesting facts and statistics about the conference. Recent members who have moved here from other areas may be unaware of its early history. In either case, reviewing the past brings one face-to-face with God’s miracle-working power and what He has accomplished. As Ellen White says, “We have nothing to fear for the future, except as we shall forget the way the Lord has led us, and His teaching in our past history” (Review and Herald, October 12, 1905).

Did You Know?

“Nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon You” (2 Chron. 20:12, NKJV).

Once I “found” this verse, it became a favorite of mine. One Bible that I own is full of verses colored in blue to remind me of God’s special promises. This is one of those special verses that has not only helped me handle those tough moments in life, but I believe it has also strengthened those with whom I’ve shared this verse.

Why do we think we can go through life without leaning on the Lord for His guidance and deliverance? My husband, Dan, and I have faced some pretty tough situations in life—dead-end battles—or so they’ve seemed. But I’ve discovered that, as our walk with God continues, we need to keep our eyes on Him and go along for the ride. It’s not always easy though.

Mountain View Conference Church Planting

Story by Valerie Morikone

In 2017, the Mountain View Conference Executive Committee met to strategically plan for the future. With the assistance of Celeste Ryan-Blyden, vice president of Strategic Communication and Public Relations for the Columbia Union Conference, we prayerfully asked, “Who is the Mountain View Conference, and what should our focus be?” Committee members suggested several ideas, including church planting.

To grow a garden, you must first prepare the soil, then put the seed in the ground. If conditions remain favorable, the plant begins to sprout. If the new plant continues to get nourished, it will grow and prosper into full maturity.

Given the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s history and distinctive focus on the second coming of Jesus Christ, it’s not surprising that, during tough economic times, after natural disasters or amid seasons of great uncertainty, many members speculate how “near” the end is. The Visitor team talked with four pastors and captured excerpts of their perspectives.

Cesar Gonzalez, pastor of Chesapeake Conference’s Cambridge and Beacon of Light churches on the Eastern Shore of Maryland

Story by Valerie Morikone

On Wednesday, December 16, 2020, Mountain View Conference (MVC) constituents and friends were saddened to receive the news that Larry Boggess passed to his rest. Boggess retired as MVC president in 2017. He and his wife, Jo’an, then moved to their country home in Ohio to live near family.

Boggess arrived to MVC in 1989 to pastor the Beckley (W.Va.) church, and pastored several churches for more than a decade. In 2002, Boggess was elected to the office of executive secretary, and, in 2006, became MVC president, a position he held for almost 12 years, also adding the title of superintendent of education for several years.