World Pathfinder Day: 7 Lessons After 70 Years

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As we celebrate the 70th World Pathfinder Anniversary, let us remember that the promise of the future is always greater than the pain of our past. Historically, the first Pathfinder Club of record began in the late 1920’s in Anaheim, California directed by John McKim and Willa Steen. 

Then in 1930 Lester and Ione Martin, with co-directors Theron & Ethel Johnston began a club in Santa Ana, California. Both of these first 2 clubs were in the Southeastern California Conference and encouraged by Youth Director Elder Guy Mann and his associate Laurence A. Skinner.  For several years there were no clubs of record. Years later, in 1946 John H. Hancock, then the youth director for Southeastern California Conference started a club in Riverside, California.  Director Hancock designed the Pathfinder triangle emblem and got a ministerial student, Francis Hunt to direct the club.   Both John and his wife Helen Hancock taught the pathfinder honors.

By 1947-48 Southern California Conference began having Pathfinder clubs, the first at Glendale, with Lawrence Paulson as director.  About that same time, the Central California Conference, under the direction of Youth Director Henry T. Bergh, began their Pathfinder program, starting 23 clubs that first year. It was not until 1950, that the Pathfinder Club became an official worldwide organization of the Adventist church, and grew rapidly.

The Pathfinder club is a community-centered multidisciplinary and intergenerational program designed for both boys and girls, grades 5 through 10.  One of the Pathfinder clubs’ basic purposes is to fulfill the Elijah message of Malachi in which the “hearts of the parents are turned toward their children and the hearts of the children are turned to their parents.”

The Youth Ministries Department of the South Bahamas Conference, since 2019, has seen a resurgence in exponential growth in the Pathfinder Club Ministries, with a total of 20 adventurer and pathfinder clubs, serving more than 600 Pathfinders. In 2019, 4 new Pathfinder Clubs were planted in Exuma, Eleuthera, San Pedro and Anatol Rodgers, respectively. Over 100 Community Service projects have been conducted by pathfinders through the monthly initiative, MissionTransform242. God is praised for the 94 Pathfinders baptized into God’s Kingdom since 2019. We congratulate the sacrificial dedication of our club directors, counsellors, and parents, and they are undisputedly the best to serve with. The SBC Pathfinder Band also continues to see increased enrollment and launched a new website at www.sbcpathfinderband.org in 2019.

The best days of the Pathfinder Club however are ahead, as we train youth to go to the digital world with the Three Angel’s Message, to preach, plan and prepare to usher in the Second Coming of Christ. Here are 7 lessons as we celebrate 70 years of Pathfinders, in preparation for Christ’s soon return:

1. “In the closing scenes of earth’s history…many children and youth will be endued with the Spirit of God and will do a work in proclaiming the truth to the world, that at that time cannot well be done by the older members of the church.”  Counsels to Teachers and Parents, pp. 166,167.  

2. “Every youth, every child, has a work to do for the honor of God and the uplifting of humanity.” Education, p.58.

3. “We have an army of youth to-day who can do much if they are properly directed and encouraged. We want our children to believe the truth. We want them to be blessed of God.” General Conference Bulletin, January 29, 1893, p.24. 

4. “They must be taught how to labor for the Master. They must be trained, disciplined, drilled, in the best methods of winning souls to Christ.” Gospel Workers, p. 210.1

5. “In order that the work may go forward in all its branches, God calls for youthful vigor, zeal, and courage. He has chosen the youth to aid in the advancement of His cause. To plan with clear mind and execute with courageous hand demands fresh, uncrippled energies.” Gospel Workers, p. 67.

6. “Never before was there so much at stake; never were there results so mighty depending upon a generation as upon these now coming upon the stage of action.” Counsels to Teachers, 536.

7. “Preachers, or laymen advanced in years, cannot have one-half the influence upon the young that the youth, devoted to God, can have upon their associates.” Messages to Young People, p.204.

The Pathfinder Club of Heaven is numberless, and registration is still open for you. The Pathfinder Club of Heaven is where we will be united with pioneers and former directors who now sleep from their labors, awaiting that glorious resurrection morning. At the Pathfinder Investiture of Heaven, we will be rewarded for our silent sacrifices. Until that day, we must use our Pathfinder youth to go where we are afraid, preach the Gospel to the World, “and then shall the end come!”

--Pastor Jamal Franklyn, Youth Director, South Bahamas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists


ADMINISTRATIVE NOTES 
Memorial Services for the Late Hugh A. Roach

Memorial services will be held for the late, Dr. Hugh A. Roach on Sunday September 20, & 22, 2020. On Sunday September 20th the service will be held via Zoom (Meeting ID: 925 9436 1791 Passcode: 949228) at 7:00p.m. – 8:30p.m. A link to watch on Youtube will be on our Conference Website. 

On Tuesday September 22, 2020 the service will be held at 11:00a.m. at the William Thompson Auditorium, Jean Street with health protocols in place as stipulated by the Government of the Bahamas. The link for the service can be found on the South Bahamas Conference website for our Youtube feed; and you will be able to connect on our Facebook page and via zoom at:
Meeting ID: 972 9405 2969
Passcode: 896455

The service on September 22nd will also be carried LIVE on the Adventist Television channel 658. We continue to pray for the Roach family during their time of bereavement.

--Administration


CALENDAR OF EVENTS 2020
September
19 Pathfinder Day

26 Sabbath School Guest Day
      Launch of Ingathering

October
9 – 11 SOAR/Solution to Obstacles
Adventist Retreat
18 – 31 Let’s Talk About Him (LTAH) Virtual Campaign – “The Cure, Are You Ready?”
25 - 31 CHAM Week of Prayer31 Climax to CHAM Week of Prayer Joint (Via Zoom)


CHILDREN & ADOLESCENT MINISTRIES DEPARTMENT
Celebrating 25th Anniversary

Talent Competition Ongoing
In conjunction with the General Conference’s Children’s Ministries Department we are celebrating 25 years of ministry to children and adolescents! To commemorate this event, we are calling all children and teens to join us in showcasing their talents and gifts in a competition called Kids Talents for Jesus. The theme is, ‘Jesus is My Best Friend’. We would love to see the talent of your children, please send in their best piece of art, or poetry, or media production emphasizing this theme. The deadline for submissions is October 16, 2020 (please submit to your CHAM leader). For more information please contact your local leader. Details, including rules and criteria for the competition can also be found on the Conference Website via the CHAM page.

Upcoming CHAM Events
November 21 – Children’s Day (Joint)A.M.
November 21 – Agape Praise (Joint) P.M.

–Mrs. Lavern Sturrup, Children & Adolescent Ministries Director


HEALTH MINISTRIES DEPARTMENT
Thank you
The Health Ministries Department would like to thank everyone who participated and attended the activities and events of the Health Emphasis Week which was under the theme, 'Health Leaders Pivoting for Ministry'. A special thank you to our local Health Leaders who were instrumental in planning and galvanizing all of the events and activities. We are grateful for the support of the South Bahamas Conference Administration and the Media Department. And last but, by no means least, our gratitude to Dr. Michael Toote, the officers and members of the Hillview church for hosting the Divine worship and Adventist Youth Hour. God certainly got the glory, and many were blessed! Be faithful, Jesus is coming soon.

Upcoming Events
October 4 - ‘Let’s Move to Live’ Virtual Fun Run Walk at 6:00a.m – 7:00p.m.  Come join in the fun and get moving!  Walk in your yard, house or your neighborhood (if permitted).  Once you complete your walk/run take a screenshot and upload it to Health Ministries Facebook Page. Churches are encouraged to wear their church colours when walking.  For more information, please contact your local Health Leader. Official opening via zoom. Meeting ID: TBA

--Mrs. Nathelyn Lacroix, Health Ministries Director, South Bahamas Conference

Health Tip
Pure, fresh air is one of the necessities of good health. According to an article written by Genevieve Cunningham, fresh air has three important benefits: it boosts your mood, improves the immune system and it energizes.

Since March, The Bahamas has been in the fight against the worldwide pandemic, known as COVID-19. Many of us have been confined to our homes for long periods. We have not had the luxury of visiting the beach or the park as often as we’d like. As a result, we are seeing more cases of depression and mental illness. According to “The Washington Post”, ‘The coronavirus pandemic is pushing America into a mental health crisis’. The Bahamas is no exception. Our Minister of Health, the Honorable Renward Wells states that “the global pandemic has compounded an already strenuous situation on the heels of Hurricane Dorian, adding he has seen first-hand how many have struggled with mental health”.

The key to better management of this already trying situation is to incorporate good health practices and one of them is taking in clean, fresh air. This can be done by exercising during the early morning hours or visiting the beach to exercise where you will have access to negative ions which increase serotonin, relieve stress and increase your energy.

Fresh air is free. It is one of the natural doctors given by God for our wellbeing. Genesis 2:7 states “And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul”. 

–Sister Majorie Pennerman


STEWARDSHIP DEPARTMENT
‘21st Century Stewardship’
The South Bahamas Conference’s Stewardship Department will be hosting a seminar for all Pastors, Elders and Stewardship secretaries on Sunday, September 20th, 2020 at 4:00p.m. Come and learn about coping strategies for the Pandemic and beyond.
Meeting ID: 979 9879 3815
Passcode: 891504


WOMEN’S MINISTRIES DEPARTMENT
This week’s “Sisters for Sisters” words of empowerment and inspiration, coming from women across our Conference – the submission today is by Sis. Genevieve D. Been-Sturrup from the Exuma District.

Why Are You Anxious?
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” - Matthew 6:33 (NIV)

During this pandemic, most of us if not all have had the opportunity to seek God in a way like we never have before. Why? It could be that we have lost jobs. Perhaps for some, salaries have been reduced. For others it could be a business, the source of fueling that business no longer exists. There are mortgages and other bills to be paid. The creditors still expect to be paid. Hungry bellies still must be fed. For some, we find we need a spiritual revival. Where or who do we turn to?

Our memory text reminds us to first seek God and His righteousness. All these things shall be added unto us. If we look at the context where this verse correlates, we see here that Jesus is speaking about being concerned for daily necessities. In the previous verses 25 through 32 of the same chapter, Christ encourages us not to worry about what we drink, eat or wear. Then He directs our attention to nature to prove His point. The birds do not toil or spin, or save up food yet they are fed. He reminds us that we are more valuable than they are, yet our Heavenly Father provides for them, so why worry. The grass and flowers are clothed. Solomon in all his splendor cannot be compared to the beauty of the Lily.

Our first duty is to seek to obtain the character of God and to do that which is right. The condition of this promise is that if we do this, our Heavenly Father will provide for us. He reminds us that worrying about tomorrow will not change anything for us. Take one day at a time and trust Him to provide all our needs. Focus on Him and He will Keep us in perfect peace.

Let us pray. Heavenly Father, thank you for the promise in your word that reminds us that if we seek you first and do right, you will provide for our needs. Please redirect our focus when we are tempted to worry and cause us to trust you when we cannot trace your hand. Revitalize, gladden and sustain our spirits in the one who redeemed us. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen. 

Upcoming Events
Banana Baking Bread Tutorial
Sunday, September 20, 2020 10:30 a.m. We Care, so we will Share. Bake two loaves and give one away as a Random Act of Kindness- “God in Shoes” Initiative.
Zoom - Meeting ID: 988 0553 2503
Password: 471585

The Gathering: “Pandemic births Prayer and Praise”
October16-18th, 2020. Stay tuned for more details on this Women’s Ministries event.

ATCU Vesper Service Celebrating 25 years of Women’s Ministries
Friday, October 30th, 2020. Details to follow.

Pause and Pray Wednesday
Don’t forget our weekly Pause and Pray appointment on Wednesdays at noon.

Donation Request: Used, But In Good Condition Devotionals
Kindly donate to your local Women’s Ministries Leader for distribution during our community outreach projects this year.

--Mrs. Jacqueline Gibson, Women’s Ministries Director


WORD SBC 88.3FM
New Show Coming Soon!
A new show will debut on 88.3FM on Tuesday October 6, 2020 called ‘Life & Finances – With Sacrifice & Service’ with host Mr. Anthony Burrows.

Proverbs 13:11 states that dishonest money dwindles away but whoever gathers money little by little makes it grow. The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed our lack of financial knowledge and the need for each Adventist to have a daily personal relationship with Jesus to seek his guidance in the handling of their personal finances. The radio program Life and Finances through the Holy Spirit can serve as a flickering light to assist in accomplishing those financial goals.  

–Mr. Anthony Burrows, Host


YOUTH TIDBITS
World Pathfinder Day Sabbath, September 19, 2020
As we celebrate the 70th Anniversary of Pathfinders, this morning local clubs will lead Divine services in their local churches. In the afternoon there will be a JOINT ATCU Virtual Pathfinder Congressoree with Pathfinders from across the 4 Conferences at 6:00p.m.

--Pastor Jamal Franklyn, Youth Director


Power of Truth 
Television Broadcast To launch ON September 27, 2020
On Sunday, September 27, 2020, the first episode of the Power of Truth broadcast will air on the Adventist Television Cable Channel 658 (Hope Channel) at 5:30p.m.- 6:00p.m. This half-hour weekly program will be dedicated to reaching atheists, agnostics, and persons categorized as having a secular mind. This will be done through the production and distribution of television and radio programs designed to awake interest in the study of the Bible, and the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. The Power of Truth program will be repeated on Tuesday evenings at 8:00p.m.

If you have family members, friends, co-workers who do not believe in God; or if you know persons who no longer have an interest in attending church, studying the Bible or having a relationship with Jesus, this is the program for them. The Speaker/ Host for the program is Pastor T. Basil Sturrup.


Please Email Weekly Announcements
To: sbclogos@gmail.com
Or logos@sbcadventist.org.bs
By Tuesday at 3:00p.m.

CALL 341-4021
SUN SETS NEXT SABBATH
September 26, 2020 - 7:01p.m.

Happy Sabbath!