The first Pathfinder camporee in the West-Central Africa Seventh-day Adventist church region saw some 3,000 young people from 22 countries assemble Aug. 22 to 28 in Lomé, Togo’s capital city.

Komlan Valentin, mayor of Lomé, along with other Togolese leaders and a former Minister of Youth and Sport, attended the opening ceremony with comments of appreciation for the young people.

“This ceremony that is opening today is an honor to our president and our country,” said Mayor Valentin. “Lomé is blessed by the presence of those thousands of young people from various places. Our president supports your initiative because he is the herald of African unity,” she added.

“We wish the church could spread its message here in Togo and you can rely on our support as traditional leaders,” said Togbe Adjale, the chief superior of Lomé.

In reference to the community service projects planned by the event, the visiting Ewe Chief commented, “Too often our youth are not interested in our tribal roots nor in preserving our heritage. I am very surprised and pleased to know that these Adventist youth from all over Africa and from diverse tribes not only are proud of their heritage, they wish to learn more about other tribes and are spending time during these days helping our communities to lift their heads in pride.”

Robert Holbrook, Adventist world church Pathfinder leader, held special seminars for club leaders, focusing on careful program planning that would lead to mentoring Pathfinders.

“The leaders here are very excited and thirsty for information,” Holbrook told ANN. “The depth of their questions encourages me to understand that Pathfindering in the West-Central Africa [region] is entering a new level of excellence as a result of this camporee.”

Another world church representative, Pastor Matthew Bediako, offered a direct challenge to the young people present: “You, young ladies, must stand tall and proud of your relationship with Christ and its application to your personal lives and your relationship with young men. You, young men, must show the world what being a real man is all about by your respect for the young ladies and your willingness to preserve sexual activity for a married relationship as is His plan.”  As a result, nearly all the delegates stood in rededication to sexual purity, Biblical relationships, and forgiveness for past sin.

The camporee offered young people the opportunity to make new friends and learn more about topics such as evangelism, health, prayer, finance, communication and education. They participated in community welfare initiatives such as donating blood, repairing a flooded road with the help of the Adventist Development and Relief Agency-Togo (ADRA), and passing out leaflets.