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On September 20, twelve Pathfinder clubs from the southwest district gathered at the Forest Glade Community Center in Windsor, Ontario, to celebrate World Pathfinder Day with the theme, “Pathfinders on Purpose.”

This Sabbath marked the 75^th anniversary of the Pathfinder organization.  The clubs in attendance were the Hamilton Hylanders, London Sparrow, Niagara Penn, Brantford, Kitchener-Waterloo, GTA Burlington, Windsor Cougars, London Northern Lights, Guelph Omega, St. Thomas The Engineers, Niagara Falls Phoenix, and Living Faith Warriors.

“The thing I love the most about Pathfinders is the discipline they teach us in the community,” said Beryl Impundu-Harerimana. “I've been a Pathfinder since 2021, and the best part is the friends that I have made.”

During the midday worship service, the new Pathfinder director for the Ontario Conference, Pastor Selburn Fray, gave a charge to the audience.

“A message to tell the world. A truth that will set us free! King Jesus is coming for you and me! Our theme today, Saints, is ‘Stand Tall! Speak Truth and Serve Boldly!’ May God bless us as the Pathfinder Ministry progresses to victory!” Pastor Fray proclaimed.

The worship service was packed with young people from various clubs who shared the theme through songs, poetry, praise time, musical orchestra, and short sermons.

The Pathfinders in attendance were between the ages of 10 and 15. Being part of their Pathfinder clubs has helped these young people in various ways, such as through community service, relationship building, and leadership development.

“Pathfinders have helped me get better at public speaking. [At church] I have to do closing and opening prayers, the offering, and even speak for a sermon. It definitely helped me,” said M.J. Manning.

Under the direction of MG Sheryl Street, Pathfinder area coordinator, the Southwest Mass Choir performed inspiring special music. Consisting of nearly 50 young people from various Pathfinder clubs in the southwest district, the choir added a special touch to the event.

Pathfinders Joshua Gob, Cynthia Akrabo, and Fitzroy Elliott Jr. gave the sermonettes.

A procession of Pathfinders, flag bearers, dignitaries, and drum corps marched in and out of the community room to open and close the worship service.

After lunch, the Pathfinders split into seven color groups for community outreach. They visited places in Windsor, such as the Ouellette Campus of Windsor Regional Hospital, the Windsor Youth Centre, and the Street Help Centre. The groups also did door-to-door ministry, visited the Riverside area, distributed tracts, and went on a prayer walk.

MG Chester Lewis, the executive coordinator for the Ontario Conference Pathfinder Council, was thrilled to see Pathfinders in action. "Pathfinders are called to a holy purpose, and I’m glad to see them impacting the community by sharing the love of Jesus," MG Lewis emphasized.

The young people in the Orange Group visited the Riverside Nursing Home, where they led the elderly residents in song and prayer. The residents enjoyed the visit, and the Pathfinders were happy to receive their love and prayers.

"Service is what we are all about. Our pledge says that we are servants of God and friends to man, and it's important for the Pathfinders to live by that example,” said Rosanna Bullock, a Master Guide leader.

The Pathfinder Blue Team visited the Downtown Mission. They brought non-perishable food items and sang a few songs, including "Because He Lives," in the main hall. Afterward, Pastor Fray encouraged those in attendance by saying, "You need to understand this: It's not over. Hang in there. It will be all right… Just live. Keep living. Keep hoping. Have faith… When your hope is in Jesus, you have all you need.”

Everyone headed back to the Forest Glade Community Centre for vespers and the closing program. District Coordinator Sam Ncube described the day as both glorious and exciting for the Pathfinders, who had the opportunity to engage in worship at the Centre and participate in community outreach.

What a fantastic way to celebrate 75 years of Pathfinder Ministry!

Chris Perrotte

OCN Reporter