Southeastern California Conference Pathfinders gathered to celebrate World Pathfinder Day, which is commemorated each year on the third Sabbath of September.
This year’s theme was “Change Your World,” and the Pathfinders from San Diego County gathered to do just that. The South Bay, Maranatha, Paradise Valley, La Mesa, and Broadway Spanish clubs came together and prepared 200 care packages for the unsheltered. They also earned their gratitude honor, practiced drills, and held a fundraiser for the International Camporee.
“The highlight of the event for me was the opportunity for the Pathfinder clubs to get a chance to interact with each other and to get to know each other on a more personal basis. It was also wonderful to see them learn about truly being grateful for everything that God has blessed us with,” said Rhonda Williams, one of the organizers for this event.
Approximately 75 Riverside County Pathfinders and staff gathered at the Norco church to celebrate the ninth annual Riverside County Pathfinder Day. The Pathfinders worshipped together and were blessed with a message from Jose Juan Martinez, one of the Pathfinder coordinators for teens. The Norco, Kansas Avenue, Moreno Valley, Arlington, and Hemet Spanish clubs all participated in this event.
Many were moved when Erik Fernandez received his baptismal pin. He was one of five young men from the Norco community that the Norco church sponsored to attend summer camp at Pine Springs Ranch. While at camp, Fernandez accepted Christ and was baptized. All five young men are now active in Pathfinders.
“I was honored to be asked to put the baptismal pin on Erik. Pathfinders is an awesome ministry and a great way to spread God’s love to others in our community,” reflected Martinez.
At the Victorville church in San Bernardino County, Pathfinders gathered to celebrate and to share God’s love. Pathfinders from Barstow, Yucaipa, High Desert, and Victorville joined to celebrate Pathfinder Day together under the leadership of Director Margie Hood. Pastor Eliezer Benavides provided special music during Sabbath School. He brought a rich history to the day because in 1955 he was the pastor of the Santa Ana church—where the first Spanish-speaking Pathfinder Club was born.
Pathfinders from San Bernardino County led out in the service with Scripture reading, special music, and praise and worship. Jazmen Castenada, junior staff Teen Leadership Training leader, sang with the praise team. She was impacted by the support her church showed to the Pathfinders. “It was touching to feel comfortable and supported by my church and to feel God’s presence there,” she said.
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By Andrea King
