Its always great to take step back to reflect on how God has moved in our lives and blessed the ministries that he has called us to, then to step forward and celebrate those blessings and rejoice alongside those who have joined us along the journey and those who have tracked a similar path. That is what the Oregon Conference Pathfinders did on Sunday May 21st as over 500 Pathfinders and staff gathered at the Lane County Event Center in Eugene, Oregon to celebrate at the annual Pathfinder Fair.
After the ‘Covid years’, many Pathfinder groups had either closed completely or had reduced in size. In Fall 2021, there were less then 20 clubs still active in the Oregon conference. Last year many clubs began to start back or move towards that goal, allowing us to end the year with almost 25 active clubs. This current year that has just wrapped up ended with 37 active clubs in our conference, 33 of which were able to join us at the Pathfinder Fair.
Being part of a Pathfinder ministry is not always easy. It involves not only a love and passion for working with young people, but a sacrificial commitment. It requires individuals who are willing to give week to week and sometimes entire weekends to provide wholesome personal growth opportunities in young people's lives. Mature Christian men and women who are willing to provide healthy intergenerational mentorship to these young people as they journey through life and search for spiritual meaning and understanding. We are grateful for these men and women throughout the conference who have committed and responded to this calling. It is thanks to them, by God’s grace, that celebrating another Pathfinder year in the Oregon Conference has been possible.
Many clubs made it a weekend event by camping in an area park, or at Emerald Christian Academy, enjoying various trailheads and outdoor activities on Sabbath. The Fair activities begin at 10:00 AM on Sunday with the Pleasant Valley color guard bringing the colors. Pastor Nate Hellman shared a message on our year’s theme: Let’s Go, based on John 20:21. There were various recognitions made, but the one that stands out is the 25 Pathfinders that came forward who have been baptized this past year. After a few words of encouragement, Pastor Gemedi Geleto had a special prayer for them as they were surround by many of our awesome pastors. When opening ceremonies had concluded, the Pathfinders participated in various marching competitions, and over 30 different activity opportunities to enjoy with their club friends, all while making new friends. As part of the closing ceremonies, the Pathfinder directors were recognized for their hard work this past year and challenged to a friendly game of tug-of-war.
We look forward to God opening even more doors next year and inspiring more people to take on the challenge of leading a Pathfinder club. Next year we will be having our international camporee in Gillette, Wyoming (previously Oshkosh, Wis.) and hope to provide this opportunity to as many young people as possible.
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