|
||||||||||
On Sabbath, November 14, 2020, Southeast SDA officially welcomed a new Pathfinder Club—the Southeast Panthers. Led by Director Delynia Mills (left) and her Deputy Director, Julia Reed (below), this club not only defied a pandemic to succeed in formation, but also achieved the completion of 24 honor classes. The classes were taken over the summer, and members received honor patches recognizing their accomplishments during their welcome to Southeast.
For those who are not familiar with Pathfinders, this is a club designed for youth with nearly 2 million members worldwide. According to the General Conference Youth Ministries Department website, “this Seventh-Day Adventist Church-sponsored club accepts any youth who promises to abide by the Pathfinder Pledge and Law regardless of their church affiliation.”
Additionally, “Pathfinders participate in activities that encourage a range from community/civic service projects in their community and across the globe to nature and environmental conservation studies to camping and high adventure trips. Activities include specialized skill development topics covering arts and crafts, aquatics, nature, household arts, recreation, spiritual development, health and vocational training. These often serve as a launching point for lifetime careers or hobbies.”
The pandemic has impacted almost every area of life and the Pathfinder’s are impacted, too. According to Delynia Mills, “some clubs are struggling, but God is still in control. Just because we are in a pandemic doesn’t mean we give up on our children. I am a child advocate. I stand for children. I fight for children.”
During the introduction of the Panthers to the Southeast congregation, a welcome letter from Jason Ridley, AWC Youth Director, was read by Julia Reed. Pastor Ridley stated that Southeast is a flagship church in Allegheny West and stressed that “we know many inner-city youths will be impacted and blessed by this ministry.”
Stan Hood, Senior Pastor of Southeast is actively involved in Pathfinders. He and his wife, Elder Alisa Hood, are both supportive of the club. Delynia Mills has solicited prayers and support from Southeast. The club is still in need of counselors and financial assistance.
Members of the newly formed Panthers include Shawn Mills, Brittni Brooks, Christian Lamley, Cassandra Reed, Jonathan Reed and Micah Hood.
Welcome, Southeast Panthers!
If you would like to learn more about Pathfinders, please visit Pathfinders (adventist.org).
--Cecily Bryant