YOUTHin Action - Lake Union Conference - General Conference of ...

He invited the crowd to repeat in unison, “I will stand,” if it
was their desire to stand for Jesus, which they did with much
enthusiasm.
A Truth that Will Set Us Free
Pathfinders were encouraged to contemplate the life of
Esther, a young Jewish girl who was placed in King Xerxes’
palace to accomplish God’s purpose for His people at that
time in history. In his opening message to Pathfinders in the
“PathfinderTODAY” newsletter, Ron Whitehead, camporee
executive director, challenged those at the camporee by
saying: “Even if those around you compromise and fall, I
challenge you to always have the ‘courage to stand’ because
He stood for you on the cross! He loves you so much! And
He is coming back for you soon, so stand strong!”
At each evening program, Pathfinders sang “Courage to
Stand,” the theme song, written by Emily Beth Bond of
the Southwestern Union. At other times, Pathfinders were
heard singing or humming the song, which will no doubt
inspire them to stand for Jesus, and the truth they believe,
long after the camporee has past.
Nightly, the Pathfinders sat with rapt attention as “Courage
to Stand: The Story of Esther” was portrayed by a
24-member cast and approximately 40 extras and guards.
Esther’s story of courage in adversity and her stand for truth
encouraged many Pathfinders to also stand with courage
against the many temptations they face. Some were so inspired
by Esther’s stand for the Lord that they decided to
join the Sabbath afternoon baptism service where 516 Pathfinders
publicly made a commitment to Jesus and were baptized.
Gary Burns
Gary Burns
King Jesus the Savior’s Coming
Back for You and Me
As the sun set before the closing night’s program, whispers
and gasps were heard throughout the assembly field as
many pointed to a cloud formation in the sky. An airplane
intersected a vertical cloud formation, and the plane’s exhaust
created the shape of a cross that was prominently displayed
in the sky.
After the last Esther play concluded, the 2014 International
Pathfinder Camporee, “Forever Faithful,” theme was
introduced. The next camporee will focus on the life of
Daniel, a courageous Hebrew boy who remained faithful to
the Lord through much adversity in his life.
Ron closed the camporee by saying, “See you at the next
camporee ... or in Heaven.” Though many enjoyed the
camporee, they expressed their belief that a reunion in
Heaven would far surpass the experience. A much-appreciated
fireworks display followed and punctuated the end of a
memorable camporee.
The next camporee in North America is scheduled for
August 12–16, 2014, in Oshkosh. Pathfinders may learn
more about the 2014 International Pathfinder Camporee or
mission trip opportunities by visiting www.adventistyouth.
com.
Diane Thurber is the assistant director of communication for the Lake Union
Conference.
*Bibles may be sent to ProjectWord, 1848 Grange Rd., Buchanan, MI 49107.
Page 22 (left): On Sabbath morning of the camporee, James Black, youth
director of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in North America, challenged the
Pathfinders to stand for Jesus; (right): Lake Union Pathfinders march in full dress
uniform in the on-site parade; Page 23 (top): Pathfinders marched in with flags
of their country at the opening ceremony; (bottom): Thousands of Pathfinders
impacted Oshkosh and surrounding communities as they participated in service
projects.
Vi s i t w w w. L a k e Un i o n He r a l d . o r g L a k e U n i o n H e r a l d • Oc t o b e r 2 0 0 9 | 23