Pathfinders Converge in DC for Bible Experience

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Created date: Apr 26, 2012   Last edit: May 02, 2012 at 7:57 PM

by Lynetta Murdoch; Source: North American Division, lynetta.murdoch@nad.adventist.org
[News]


By Tanisha Greenidge
 
Excitement filled the air as Pathfinders from across the country gathered at the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists (SDA) for the first annual North America Division (NAD) Level Pathfinder Bible Experience (PBE) on Saturday, April 21, 2012. The NAD Youth Ministries Department created and sponsored this event as a way to standardize the Bible Bowl format that is traditionally used in many churches throughout the

	Youth Ministries Director James Black, Sr., stands with Pathfinder Coordinator Glenn Clapp and Youth Ministries Associate Director Manny Cruz.

world. Gene Clapp, who served as moderator, was very instrumental in the event. He also wrote the questions that were used. At this competition, 26 teams tested their knowledge of Bible books 1 Samuel and Mark, along with specific areas chapters from the Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary.
 
“It’s more than just studying the bible and knowing facts and figures,” said James L. Black, Sr., director of the NAD Youth Ministries department. “We are hoping that this sparks renewed interest in Gods’ Word and that there is resurgence [among the youth] of their love for God’s word and that they will embrace the mission of the church.”
 

Altamonte Springs Knights (Florida Conference, Southern Union) collaborate on the right answer.

During the two-hour testing, Pathfinders responded to 90 questions that ranged from: "What will God's response be if we do not forgive others?" to "How much did Goliath's coat of mail weigh?" Many clubs began studying in October 2011. To reach the division level, clubs tested against other teams within their district or conference before advancing to the union level.
 
Excitement rippled through the auditorium as the testing ended. Any hardships that teams encountered to reach the division level resulted in smiles, fist bumps, and satisfied relief.

	Miami Central Spanish Pathfinders (Florida conference, Southern Union) led a spontaneous and energetic song service as the audience waited for the judges results.

“It was an amazing experience! Hopefully, we’ll do better than we think,” said an expectant Aryn Flaig, 16, of the Piedmont Park Thunderbirds from the Mid-America Union Conference. Her mood reflected the sentiment of many Pathfinders.
 
As the judges tallied the votes, the Miami Central Pathfinders led the audience in a spontaneous rousing song service. A total of 24 teams placed at the PBE and received award certificates. Teams that scored 90% or higher received top spot. There were 11 First Place winners, eight Second Place teams, and five Third Place title holders.
 
Creators of the event hope that the Pathfinder Bible Experience will transcend young lives. “I would like for them to walk away knowing that their church loves them and that they continue to study the word of God,” said NAD Youth Ministry Associate Director Manny Cruz. Next year the testing site will be held in Lincoln, Nebraska.
 
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