On September 19, Pathfinders around the world filled pulpits, marched in the streets, served their communities, and publicly made decisions to follow Jesus for World Pathfinder Day.
Under this year's theme, "Speak, Lord," drawn from 1 Samuel 3:9, Pathfinders preached sermons urging their friends and church families to follow Samuel's example: not only to respond, "Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening," but to act on what God commands.
"In a world crowded with competing voices, one of the greatest disciplines a Pathfinder can develop is the ability to recognize and respond to the voice of God. Like Samuel, every Pathfinder is called to listen with intention, respond with courage, and live with purpose," said Alfred Kwasi Asiem, General Conference (GC) Youth Ministries associate director, who oversees Pathfinder Ministries worldwide.
In a message to Pathfinders around the world, he said, "Pathfinders, when God speaks, listen; when He calls, respond; and when He sends, go. You are not too young to hear His voice, answer His call, and become a powerful force for His mission in the world."
In Brazil, Ivay Araújo, Central Planalto Conference Pathfinder Ministries director, described the day as a cause for joy and gratitude. "It is with great joy that we celebrate another World Pathfinder Day. Seeing each Pathfinder wearing the yellow scarf, serving the community, and growing in values renews our pride in being part of this ministry," he said. "I thank every leader who walks with us and makes possible the club's work of showing each member their worth, helping them develop their talents, and learning to hear God's voice."
In the Southern Africa-Indian Ocean Division, World Pathfinder Day marked a milestone for a community-based Pathfinder club that welcomes children with disabilities. Two children from the club were baptized on September 19, following two other baptisms at last year's Pathfinder Camporee.
The four Pathfinders' journeys began when leaders invited them to Pathfinder camps, prompting them to ask questions about baptism. Parents have supported their children's decisions, saying, "The children are happy to be part of this ministry, and if this is the church that brings them these teachings and helps them grow, then they can be part of it."
Kevin Sohn, Northern Asia-Pacific Division Youth Ministries director, traveled to Bangladesh to celebrate World Pathfinder Day. Christians make up less than one per cent of the country's population, and among them are approximately 3,000 Pathfinders.
Photo: South American Division
Photo: North American Division
Photo: North American Division
Photo: Northern Asia-Pacific Division
Photo: Northern Asia-Pacific Division
Photo: Northern Asia-Pacific Division
Photo: Southern Africa-Indian Ocean Division
Photo: Southern Africa-Indian Ocean Division
Photo: Southern Africa-Indian Ocean Division
"Witnessing the sincere passion, faith, and dedication of the Pathfinders in Bangladesh filled my heart with joy and renewed hope. Their commitment inspired me to dream even greater dreams for God's Kingdom and for a new generation of young people who will faithfully carry the Advent message to the world as they prepare for the soon return of Jesus Christ," Sohn said.
In Kiribati, more than 50 Pathfinders celebrated World Pathfinder Day by planting 1160 mangrove pods along the coastline in Tarawa on September 20. The Environment and Conservation Division of Kiribati's Ministry of Environment said the trees help strengthen the land and reduce the loss and degradation of natural resources.
"Our kids enjoyed planting and are looking forward to more community service activities like this," said Leeden Aluta, Kiribati Mission Youth Ministries director.
"As the Pathfinder ministry marks its 76th year, the stories from World Pathfinder Day show a generation not only listening for God's voice but also answering," said Asiem.
Pathfinder leaders said they feel called to continue creating spaces where every young person can hear God, say "Speak, Lord," and respond.
Information from this article was provided by the South American Division, Southern Africa-Indian Ocean Division, Northern Asia-Pacific Division, and the South Pacific Division.
