PATHFINDER DAY
General conference Youth ministries department
SEPTEMBER 17, 2016
www.gcyouthministries.com
Table of Contents
reflections .......................................................................... 3
sermon: Jesus the center - refocussing.......................... 4
Statistics .............................................................................. 8
Pathfinder Day Service Suggestions ............................... 10
Contact ................................................................................ 12
reflections
Pako Mokgwane ►
GC Associate Youth Director
Anything that had to do with Pathfindering had my acknowledged in their LOCAL CHURCH. Among
attention. Being Captain of my unit fueled the passion the many people that we longed to see in Pathfinder
and the desire to keep the Pathfinder spirit alive. Uniform on Pathfinder day were the Pastor and the
Those who had come before us had set a strong legacy Elders. The Pastor and his Elders are the gate keepers
of leadership, commitment and discipline. of the LOCAL CHURCH. When we saw them in
Uniform we sensed support. I am sure in this day and
At any point, leaders are PASSING ON a certain age, a selfie with the church leaders would go a long
culture in the lives of Pathfinders. The manner in way instilling confidence and acceptance in the life of
which they execute their duties has a big influence. the Pathfinder.
My uniform was ever ready. I took great pride in
it. We were young soldiers of the gospel. We loved It’s a loud statement that says, “We are together in
to walk in small groups to church, “faithful as we this.” The Pathfinder day is not complete without
marched along, in truth and purity.” It created a vibe the Pathfinder Leader. In our days, the leader was a
and aroused interest from onlookers. We were happy notable catalyst.
to invite them to our programs and explain what the
Pathfinder Ministry is all about. Thank you to all the Pathfinder Leaders who sacrifice
their time and resources to make the day splendid.
That Pathfindering is actually a program that develops Jesus is coming with a reward. Stay faithful!!
seasoned leaders, young people who are on a
mission—that of finishing the gospel commission in
their generation. After all we have a message to tell,
“King Jesus the Savior is coming back for you and
me.”
The Pathfinder day is not only a day decorated in
green, white and yellow, it is a day designed to give
Pathfinders an opportunity to be seen, heard and
PATHFINDER DAY | 3
sermon:
Jesus the center
REFOCUSING OUR AIM
Josant Barrientos ►
Potomac Conference Youth Ministries Director
North American Division
Greetings: AIM” and our key Bible text is found in the Gospel of
Good morning and happy Sabbath! Today around the Matthew chapter 14 verse 28, which says:
world, our church is celebrating a very special ministry. A
ministry that has grown so much that today it is the second
largest ministry in our church in terms of participation; Scripture:
second only to Sabbath School; we are talking about to Peter said, “Lord, if it is really you, then command me to
the Pathfinder Ministry. Through this ministry, God has come to you on the water.” Matthew 14:28 (NCV)
touched the hearts of countless people and changed their
lives; through this ministry God will continue to bless
many more of all ages. Yes! Today we are celebrating the Intro/Illustration:
Pathfinders ministry and we are very happy and excited to
In our lives, we all have special and unique moments or
celebrate it with all of you.
experiences that we like to remember. Experiences that
Before we go any further, I would like to invite you to pray have left footprints in our hearts and minds. Experiences
with me, please close your eyes and bow your heads, let’s that have taught us important lessons that have shaped our
pray: lives. These experiences could include trips, graduations,
places, camporee, events, people, family reunions, etc. And
in the case of Peter, the experience described in this portion
Prayer: of the Bible was very special and unique. It taught him an
Dear heavenly father, we thank You for the many blessings important lesson, which is for us as well.
You have given us. We thank You for this wonderful It is great to remember all the special and unique
Sabbath on which we have come together to praise and experiences that we have enjoyed, and one of the best ways
worship You. Now, as we open Your Word, we ask You to to remember these special experiences is to look at pictures
please anoint us with the Holy Spirit so we can understand we have taken. (Show pictures of different events)
and hear Your voice. In the name of Jesus we pray, AMEN.
How many of us like to see pictures?
How many of us like to take pictures?
Sermon Title: What about a Selfie? Yes, that famous picture that we like
The title for our sermon today is “REFOCUSING OUR to take in an event, with our friends or family. (Dramatize
4 | Pathfinder Day
taking a selfie) Sermon
How many have already taken a Selfie today? ... I knew it! With this in mind, lets go back to our text. That text is
Many have done it already. like a perfect picture, one in perfect focus and as we lose
closely, we can observe 3 important lessons. Here we
Where do you keep all your pictures?
recapture a special and unique moment in the life of the
Some keep their pictures in albums; either in a binder or disciples. A moment that deserves clear and sharp pictures
their computers. Others keep their pictures in their tablets, that are not out-of-focus. They had just experienced an
and of course, the most popular place where to keep incredible event with Jesus; he had “healed those who were
our pictures is in our cell phones. Many of us have our sick” (Matthew 14:14) and then performed an amazing
phones packed with pictures, and sometimes we run out of miracle, where more than 5,000 people were fed with
memory that we have to erase old pictures. That is a really “only five loaves of bread and two fish” (Matthew 14:17);
difficult thing to do. still there were “twelve baskets with the leftover pieces of
How many have had that problem already? I know, many food” (Matthew 14:20). For the disciples, this was a day
of us, right? to remember! A day filled with moments and experiences
that left them with many footprints in their hearts and
Well, the truth is that we love pictures, because pictures minds. They had a part to play in the miracles that Jesus
remind us of those special moments that might never performed, but did not fully understand their reason and
happen again. Also, by looking at the pictures we can purpose (Mark 6:52). The disciples were not yet seeing
relive those special moments, because pictures bring with “missionary eyes.” Therefore, Jesus set them up
back memories, feelings, and emotions of the wonderful for another miracle that would touch their lives in a very
experiences we have lived. However, sometimes pictures personal way, in order to help them focus on the center of
don’t always look good; these do not help us to recapture all the miracles –Jesus himself!
the special moments and experiences we enjoyed.
#1 We all experience stormy situations
One of the most common mistakes in photography is
to take a picture in such as way that the “focus” -- the This brings us to our first lesson. Now the disciples are in
center of interest, concentration of activity, or attention a boat in the middle of the sea of Galilee. There is a big
is not where you want it to be (The Merriam-Webster storm happening with hurricane strong winds blowing
Dictionary) --, thus causing the picture to be blurry. When and huge waves rocking the boat, causing it to spin out of
that happens, you only see the figures but cannot clearly control and it felt like the boat was going to flip at anytime
recognize the faces, places, people, activities, etc. Or the and sink. The trip was not supposed to last a long time but
picture can also have too much contrast, in which there is because of the force of the storm they had drifted off-shore
a strong difference between the lighter and darker areas of for more than 3 miles. Now it was between 3:00 to 6:00
the image. As well as the picture can be overexposed or AM, known as the fourth watch of the night and they had
underexposed, having too much light or being too dark that been fighting for survival for more than 8 hours!
you cannot see anything. Can you imagine being in that situation?
Sadly, too often, we find out that the pictures are Out-Of- Can you imagine all the emotions and thoughts that the
Focus at the time when it is too late to take the picture disciples were experiencing?
again. The people have changed positions, have already
They were petrified, exhausted and filled with feelings of
left, or even worse, the event itself is over. In such
humiliation, disappointment, resentment, impatience, and
circumstances, it is so hard to accept that the uniqueness
unbelief (SDA Bible Commentary Vol. 5, 416). It did not
of the moment has been lost; the many details are gone,
make sense to them; they could not understand how just
and the picture is of no significance because the focus was
a few hours earlier, they had witnessed and experienced
not where it needed to be. The splendor of the moment is
amazing supernatural moments with Jesus; but now, they
forever lost. (Show some blurry or out-of-focus pictures)
were troubled, fearful, their faith was being tested and they
Have you ever had a picture Out-Of-Focus? were losing the sight of the center. Their focus was not
Do you still keep it? where it needed to be.
I know that many of us still keep the blurry, over or What about us? How many times have we experience
underexposed pictures. But how nice would it be to have wonderful moments filled with awesome encounters,
the opportunity to take the pictures again and have them experiences, and miracles? Maybe at work, school or at
clear, sharp, with all the beauty and details of that special home or in camporees, congresses, etc. that left wonderful
and unique moment? Because the aim of the picture was footprints in our hearts and minds; experiences that we
to capture the splendor of the moment so it can bring back cherish and love to remember. However, because of an
memories, feelings and emotions of the experiences of the unexpected storm in our lives, we find ourselves drifting
past. away for those memories; we become lost on a dark
and stormy sea of troubles, far away from shore. Tired,
Pathfinder Day | 5
exhausted, with feelings of humiliation, disappointment, and the strong wind, Peter told Jesus that he wanted to go
resentment, impatience, and unbelief because we also have towards Him (Matthew 14:28). I don’t know how many of
tried to control the situation but haven’t been able to do you are willing to go out of the house, car, tent, etc. in the
it. And our faith is being tested, our focus is not fixed on middle of a heavy storm. Well, maybe most us are more
where it needs to be and our pictures comes out blurry, comfortable in staying in a dry, warm, calm and secure
over or under exposed, and as a result we start to lose sight place while the storm lasts. Peter wanted to do everything
of our aim, Jesus. for the Lord, he was just waiting for Jesus to command him
to get out of the boat into the water; and he would do it;
#2: Jesus always comes to calm our storms at
and that’s what he did.
unexpected times
Can you imagine the scene? This was a perfect moment to
Look at the disciples; they were struggling, they were take a picture: Peter focusing everything on Jesus.
having a hard time desperately rowing because a strong
wind was blowing against them (Matthew 14:24). But in If you look at Peter’s special and unique moment, he had
the midst of all the turbulence Jesus shows up and comes to step out of the boat in faith. It was faith that sustained
close to them. And this brings us to the second lesson. him on the stormy waters and gave him buoyancy. But
faith was active only so long as he kept his sight fixed on
At the beginning, when the disciples “saw Jesus walking Jesus (SDA Bible Commentary Vol. 5, 417). When Peter
on the water, they were afraid. They said, “It’s a ghost!” was already walking on the water towards Jesus, with
and cried out in fear” (Matthew 14:26). At first they were his sight focused on Jesus, “apparently Peter forgot for
not able to recognize Jesus when they saw Him walking on that moment the wind and the waves. As his feet became
water but almost immediately the disciples recognized that accustomed to walking on the surface of the water he
the “ghost” was Jesus and He quickly responded to them evidently thought of his companions in the boat, and
“Have courage! It is I. Do not be afraid.” (Matthew 14:27) wondered what they thought of his newfound skill. Turning
And again they cried out but this time not because of fear his glance momentarily back to the boat, he lost sight of
but asking Jesus for help (SDA Bible Commentary Vol. 5, Jesus. At that moment he was in the trough between two
416), which of course He provided. waves, and when he returned his gaze again to where Jesus
Today, the same can be happening to us. We might be had been he could no longer see Him.” (Desire of Ages,
going through difficult situations in our lives; storms that 381). “Everything that Peter was able to see was turbulent
are making us feel that we are about to flip over and sink. water and the strong wind. In that brief instant the self-
However, Jesus is walking towards us, getting closer to us satisfaction had diluted faith with pride, so to speak, and
maybe not at the time that we think He should come. But faith lost its sustain power. Fear came upon Peter and filled
Jesus knows when is the best time for Him to show up in his heart and mind; there was nothing that he could do,
our lives. Look at the disciples’ experience - when the boat absolutely nothing, just cried out to Jesus for help.” (SDA
was far away from shore and all their hope was almost Bible Commentary Vol. 5, 417).
gone - it is at that time that Jesus came into the picture, Yes, Peter’s aim was to go to Jesus, he was focused on
bringing courage and peace. coming closer to him, no matter the storm, the wind, the
Something important to mention is that by walking on situation they were experiencing. However, the moment
water, Jesus demonstrated to His disciples that the very when Peter focused his sight on something else, when
thing that they were scared of, the intense, violent, raging he focused in his interest in himself, in what he wanted,
and furious storm in the sea, was the very opportunity everything fell apart. Now, for us today, how many of us
for Him to come close to them. The same is for us today. have had the same experience? Or how many are going
The difficult moments of experiences that we are scared through this experience? We already know on whom we
of, like friends or family problems, illnesses, financial need to focus, we know what our aim is, and we know that
crisis, disabilities, the loss of loved ones, etc. are only our faith will be strong to sustain us as long as we keep
opportinities that can bring Jesus closer to us. And when our eyes focused on Jesus. We already know all of this, but
He comes to our lives, He can give us the courage and sadly, many people have turned away from focusing on
peace that we are desperately looking for. Jesus and things are falling apart in their lives. Many are
sinking but are desperate for Jesus to help. Here is when
#3 Our aim must be focused on Jesus we must remember that when we keep our focus on Jesus’
Last but not least, there is an important individual that we power and His amazing love for us, our faith will be strong
need to make mention of; and this is Peter. Peter was a to endure any storm we might be suffering. Therefore, we
real Pathfinder. He was a leader, adventurous, sometimes a must do what Peter did, he refocused his sight in Jesus and
little stubborn but willing to do things that nobody else had cried out for His help!
done before. In the midst of the storm, the turbulent water
As soon as Peter asked Jesus for rescue, immediately the
6 | Pathfinder Day
help came. “We must have the assurance that there is no getting all the honors available to have the most packed
delay on God’s part to respond to the sincere prayer for sash and most decorated uniform.
deliverance from the waves of temptation that ever and Remember that the Aim of pathfinders, “The Advent
now sweep over the soul” (SDA Bible Commentary Vol. 5, Message to all the world in my generation”, must be your
417). As long as our sight and trust is focused on Jesus we aim as well. We all have been called to share the gospel.
never need to fear. His grace and power are always present To let everybody know that Jesus loves them that He gave
but as soon as we turn our gaze upon self and upon others His life for all of us and He is coming soon to take us back
we have good reason to be afraid. home, to the best camporee in the universe! (John 3:16)
This must be your Aim, and if you have lost focus of it,
Conclusion it is time to get back on track; it is time to refocus your
passion and sight on Jesus, “Set your minds on things that
Now we know that Jesus is ready to respond to our cry,
are above, not on things that are on earth.” (Colossians 3:2)
to our prayers, to our needs, It is up to us to allow him to
come close to us. It is only our decision to do something.
Just look at Peter’s experience, he was a determined Appeal
person. A disciple that said things that others were only
thinking about. He was a person willing to do things that The question remains: Do you want to have clear, sharp,
others were not. Peter was absolutely focused on Jesus. good, and beautiful pictures for each special and unique
Peter’s deepest desire was to follow Jesus with his whole moment of your life? Well, if that is your desire, now is
heart. But, many times he made mistakes and he turned his the time to refocus the center of your interest and course
focus away from Jesus and started to sink and drown. Well, of action; and that center must be Jesus! Peter did it and
let me ask you: Jesus rescued him, calmed the storm, and brought peace
not just for him but also for all the disciples. The truth is
Where do you see yourself in this story? that we all have difficult storms in our lives but Jesus is
Do you see yourself more like Peter? always ready to come and calm our storms at unexpected
times. We only need to keep our sight focused on Jesus.
Ready to ask God to use you?
He is ready to respond to our prayers, fulfill our needs, and
Willing to get out of the comfort zone and walk on water? bring us back to the safe place. Never forget that Jesus is
Do you see yourself with the need to refocus your sight on the Master in making what it seems to be a catastrophe, the
Jesus because you are sinking? most wonderful miracle of victory and restoration (Romans
8:28).
Or maybe you see yourself more like the disciples in the
boat? Just waiting to see what would happen to Peter. Therefore, if you know that you need to refocus your
sight in our aim Jesus, do not wait, just do it. We have the
What about our Pathfinders? We as Pathfinders have a assurance that there is no delay on God’s part to respond to
Motto, a Pledge and a Law, and we love them because they the sincere prayer. (Hebrews 12:2).
describe who we are, what we do, and why we do it. All of
them direct us and help us to prepare and be ready to fulfill
our Aim, our mission: “The Advent Message to all the Prayer
world in my generation.” This is not just a simple aim or
goal, this is a wonderful mission (Matthew 28:19-20) but Dear heavenly Father, thank You for Your love and mercy.
let me ask you: For always being ready to rescue, save, and calm the
storms in our lives. We only need to refocus our sight on
As Pathfinders, where do you see yourself in this story? You and whenever we call upon Your name, just as Peter
Do you see yourself as Peter, willing to get out of your did, we know that you will respond immediately. Tthank
comfort zone and share the good news in new and relevant You also for the opportunity to celebrate the Pathfinder
ways? day together with our friends and family around the
world. Please bless them all. In the name of Jesus we pray,
Do you also see yourself with the need to refocus your AMEN.
sight on Jesus because you have been distracted by
temptation?
Or maybe you see yourself more like the disciples in
the boat? Being comfortable in the Pathfinder club, just
waiting to enjoy the events, fairs, hikes, and camporees.
Maybe collecting as many pins and patches as possible and
Pathfinder Day | 7
Adventurers
28,376 Clubs
1,205,810 members
You may be wondering, “Why do they give us
the numbers?” The work of God and what He WORLD
accomplishes through the body of Christ is not
quanitfiable. Our aim is not to have the biggest DIVISIONS
number of members or the largest population of East Central Africa (ECD)
churces.
Euro Asia (ESD)
However, we want to make sure that you don’t end up
on the other side of the spectrum, feeling alone and Inter American (IAD)
doubting whether your hard work in the Pathfinder
Inter European (EUD)
Club really matters.
Here you can see that every single Pathfinder Club is North America (NAD)
a vital part of the overall ministry in the whole world! Northern Asia Pacific (NSD)
Whether your Club has 10 kids or 100, we remember
each of you every day and pray for all of you on a South America (SAD)
consistent basis. Southern Africa-Indian Ocean (SID)
Now you know about your counterparts from all
South Pacific (SPD)
the different parts of the globe. We hope this data
encourages you and makes you excited about the Southern Asia Pacific (SSD)
bigger picture. God is using Adventist youth in a
Southern Asia (SUD)
mighty way and the values of the Pathfinder Club
make a very big impact wherever they go. People Trans-European (TED)
from other religions and those who don’t know God
West Central Africa (WAD)
see the involvement of our youth and youth leaders. It
makes them curious about our faith and contributes to MENA
the growth of God’s heavenly kingdom.
8 | Pathfinder Day
Pathfinders
38,443 Clubs
1,491,483 members
2015 DIVISIONAL JUNIOR YOUTH STATISTICAL REPORT
ADVENTURERS PATHFINDERS
CLUBS MEMBERSHIP CLUBS MEMBERSHIP
7,261 203,117 8,137 302,901
149 705 362 1,996
3,999 81,375 5,366 132,896
539 6,116 352 6,910
1,660 22,530 2,380 56,625
49 374 394 7,535
4,398 70,267 8,483 210,765
5,489 701,267 6,889 608,910
1,424 26,426 1,731 36,219
2,006 62,965 2,069 76,345
281 14,245 260 19,645
257 5,762 331 7,862
853 10,533 1,677 22,684
11 128 12 190
28,376 1,205,810 38,443 1,491,483
Pathfinder Day | 9
PATHFINDER DAY Service PATHFINDER DAY Service
CHURCH SERVICE option 1 CHURCH SERVICE option 2
1. Prelude 1. Prelude
2. Ministers enter 2. Personal ministries period Pathfinder missionary
3. Silent prayer experiences
3. Processional Ministers, directors, pathfinders
4. Doxology 4. Introit (platform group kneeling) Choir
5. Invocation 5. Doxology
6. Presentation of Colors 6. Invocation Pathfinder
7. Pathfinders march in and take places Pledge and Law 7. Post Colors Color guard
8. Welcome Pastor
8. Post flags
9. Scripture Reading: 1 Timothy 4:12 Pathfinder
9. Honor Guard returns to seats 10. Hymn no. 529, “Under His Wings”
10. Congregation and Pathfinders seated 11. Prayer Two Pathfinders
11. Scripture reading: 1Timothy 4:12 12. Pathfinder Song Pathfinders
12. Hymn No. 529, “Under His Wings” 13. Pathfinder Happenings Teen Pathfinder
14. Pledge and Law Pathfinder choir
13. Congregational prayer
15. Song of Instrumental Selection Pathfinders
14. Offering 16. Pathfinder Objectives Club director
15. Special music 17. Offering
16. Pathfinder report--Pathfinder club director 18. Sermon Pastor, child preacher, or guest
17. Sermon by pastor, child preacher, or guest 19. Hymn no. 508, “Anywhere With Jesus”
20. Benediction
18. Hymn No. 508, “Anywhere With Jesus” 21. Recessional
19. Benediction 22. Ministers and directors
20. Postlude 23. Color guard
21. Congregation stands 24. Staff
25. Pathfinder units and counselors
22. Adult Sabbath School can also be directed by
26. Congregation
Pathfinders.
10 | PATHFINDER DAY
PATHFINDER DAY Service PATHFINDER DAY Service
CHURCH SERVICE option 3 Morning & Afternoon
1. Prelude 1. Introduction
2. Ministers and platform personnel enter 2. Sabbath School
3. Doxology and Invocation 3. Break
4. Processional: “Onward Christian Soldiers”. 4. Assemble for Processional Entrance
(Pathfinders march in led by the national and 5. Processional Entrance
Pathfinder flags. Color guards post themselves on 6. Pathfinder Song
floor in front of pulpit. All stand when flags enter and 7. Pledge, Law
remain standing until flags are posted on the platform.) 8. Welcome & Introductions
5. Pathfinder Song Pathfinders 9. Song Service
6. Pledge Led by a Pathfinder 10. Prayer
7. Law Led by a Pathfinder 11. Offering
8. Posting of Flags 12. Special Item (it can be music)
9. Scripture Reading: Proverbs 22:6; Ephesians 6:1-4 13. Scripture Reading
10. Prayer: Pathfinder 14. Sermon
11. Welcome and Director’s Report Pathfinder club 15. Special Item (it can be music)
director reports on year’s activities, goals for new year 16. Closing Song
and presents any recognition and awards. 17. Closing Prayer & Announcements
12. Special music Pathfinders 18. LUNCH
13. “Why I Am a Pathfinder” Pathfinder 19. Assemble for Street Procession
14. “How did it all begin?”* Director and some Pathfinders 20. Street Procession
15. Offering: Teen Pathfinder - (Pathfinders) 21. Concert
16. Special music: Pathfinder or Group of Pathfinders 22. Baptisms
17. Sermonette: Director, guest, child preacher 23. Closing Ceremony
18. Hymn no. 543, “Jesus, Friend of Little Children” 24. Small and impactant Devotional
19. Benediction: Pathfinder 25. Closing Prayer
20. Postlude 26. Farewell
PATHFINDER DAY | 11
Contact us
Gilbert jonatan
Cangy tejel
Jessica vanessa
oliver correa
GC Youth Ministries Department
12501 Old Columbia Pike
Silver Spring, Maryland
20904-6600 USA
Phone
+1 301 680-6180
Mail
oliverj@gc.adventist.org
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facebook.com/gcyouthministries
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