The Burnt Mills church (BMC), in Silver Spring, Md., has recently been blessed with a new pastor. Pastor Daniel Royo and family moved to Maryland in the fall and the church was glad to receive him and his young family. The church family at BMC celebrated their new pastor with a huge potluck after Pastor Royo’s first sermon and continued with a meet-and-greet that same afternoon. The members of BMC are supremely overjoyed to add the Royos to their family.
Pastor Royo has hit the ground running at Burnt Mills; visiting with members and beginning a new Sabbath school class, among other events. On Sabbaths, November 18 & December 2, the
BMC family welcomed five new young members of the church through baptism–Pastor Royo’s first baptism at his new church. During the interim period prior to Pastor Royo, Head Elder Jaime Foronda prepared the young members for baptism. The baptized youth were welcomed into the ranks of the church, and already have positions in which to volunteer at church.
The church family also welcomed a new Thanksgiving season with the annual food blessing; another first for the Pastor. Pastor Royo has lead out in many activities; notably, the Men’s Breakfast, where the Men’s Ministry came together to hear a short devotion and fellowship together over a delicious breakfast meal. The men bonded over pancakes and good conversation. Also, Burnt Mills has hosted a health clinic and a game night since the Pastor’s family arrival to the church. There is always a lot going on in the Burnt Mills family!
Previously to Burnt Mills SDA Church, Pastor Royo and family pastored a three church district in South Central Virginia. Pastor Daniel grew up in Richmond, Virginia where he graduated from Richmond Academy. He studied theology in Southern Adventist University. His lovely wife Danielle grew up in Texas and Michigan. She graduated from Andrews Academy in Berrien Springs, Mich. and went on to study Social Work at Southern Adventist University (Tenn.). Daniel and Danielle met during their college years, where they also both served as missionaries. They have two sons, Ethan (5) and Elijah (2). The Royo family looks forward to continuing their hobby of long distance sports during their time in Maryland.
Article by Joanna B. Foronda, Esq.
