In a beautiful ceremony on Sabbath (4/17/21), members of the Southeast Pathfinders Club, the Panthers, were officially inducted into the worldwide membership. Under the guidance of Pathfinder Director, De’Lynia Mills and her Deputy Director, Julia Reed, the Panthers were formed in 2020, working hard during a pandemic to complete classes and earn patches. Mills, who officiated the ceremony, presented medals to participants inscribed with two words on the back that simply read, “One day.” These two words are beautiful reminders that “One day they can be whatever they aspire to be.”

Cindy Washington, Area Coordinator, presented an excellent overview on the “spirit of Pathfindering,” described as “a ministry to develop a lasting relationship with Jesus Christ. The goal is heaven—we empower our youth.”

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.”

The induction featured a candle lighting ceremony and a special tradition where participants receive scarves that are loosely secured around their necks by family members.

A highlight of the service featured a surprise visit by Indianapolis Colts Cornerback, Travis J. Carrie (TJ). TJ Carrie shared his story of triumph over challenges. He spoke about the discovery of a “one in a million” birth defect early in his life. This birth defect impacted his coronary artery and could have sidelined his football career. Doctors gave him two choices, quit playing football or have surgery.

TJ Carrie stated that his family has strong faith and they prayed and fasted to make the right decision. That decision was to have surgery, which was successful, but the recovery and the road back to playing football was rough and lengthy. As he stated, “it took 6 years to finish college, but God allowed me to learn things I needed to know to get through.” And he did get through and can now celebrate 8 years in the National Football League.

TJ Carrie encouraged the Panthers by telling them to “make the dream big. With God’s hand and direction, those things are possible.” He also emphasized the importance of setting goals. “Dreams without goals are just dreams.”

The induction ceremony was beautiful and memorable. Pastor Stan Hood and Southeast congratulate the Panthers on their achievements and thanks to De’Lynia Mills, Julia Reed and Cindy Washington for their hard work in developing the club. Special thanks to TJ Carrie and his family for helping to make the day special for these young people.

--Cecily Bryant, Communications Leader

Photo credits—Janviere Lavender, Darrel Carter and Cecily Bryant