Perspectives By Ken Rogers
Southern Union Youth Director
We lived just a few blocks from the local Seventh-day Adventist Church in Aberdeen, Washington. One evening a white haired lady knocked on our front door, I answered the door and this lady came right in and sat down on the couch. She introduced herself and invited us to evangelistic meetings at the church. My mother, sister, and I attended the meetings, for what seemed to be at least 6 weeks or so, and found a church family to belong to. Somebody in that local church had a plan and following the evangelistic meetings, somebody planned a week of Vacation Bible School. We sang the theme song, “This is My Fathers World”, we had snacks, there were crafts, creative Bible stories, games to play, and did I mention snacks? Following VBS somebody in that church sponsored this youngster to a week of summer camp at Sunset Lake Camp. I made lifelong friends from that week and bonded with the youth director, Elder Don Blehm, although we got off to a challenging start since I was so new to the Adventist lifestyle. Following summer camp, somebody in that church signed me up for Pathfinders, and paid my initial fees so I could be involved with kids in my age group and learn more of the love of Jesus. And yes, somebody helped to provide a Christian Education that I will be eternally grateful for.
It was especially in Pathfinders that my love for Jesus grew and through the activities, and personal relationships that were formed I found a place to belong. Dedicated leaders involved me in music and camping skills that were instrumental in my skill development and growth. On attending Auburn Academy, a local Pathfinder Club Director, Mrs. Alice Kirkman, recruited me to help out with the Auburn Pathfinder Club. Pathfinder involvement carried over into College days and folks like Terry Snyder and Joe White and John Swafford and Don Livesay provided opportunities to lead and partner with them in club activities. Now some 40 years later, I am still involved with Pathfindering.
I doubt my story is stand alone unique. Whether here in the states or around the world, young people are being introduced to Jesus through the mentorship and direction of the wonderful people who lead Pathfinder ministries. One of the blessings in Pathfinder ministry is the importance of our Pathfinder history. Taking a tour through the displays that encompass the traveling Pathfinder Museum has provided cherished memories of events, and leaders who have impacted many countless lives. We are looking forward to having the traveling museum at our upcoming Southern Union Camporee in October, where another generation of young people will be able to witness the powerful impact that Pathfinders is having in this world.
So continued blessings to all Pathfinder people! And let’s be that ‘somebody’, who invests in the life of a young person for the kingdom of God!
Join us in preparing for a permeant learning center museum to be located in Battle Creek, MI where these stories will be available all the time.
