White Memorial church was packed and buzzing with energy as 62 Pathfinder clubs—about 1,400 attendees total—gathered for the annual Pathfinder Convocation this February.
“For more than 20 years, the Southern California Conference (SCC) has held the annual Pathfinder Convocation to celebrate, reward, and inspire the next generation of Pathfinders in Southern California,” said Sal Garcia, youth ministries director.
The program began with song service and familiar exercises, such as the color guard, Pathfinder pledge and law, pledge to the Bible, and the Pathfinder song. Opening prayer was spoken in multiple languages, including English, Tagalog, Spanish, and Mandarin.
Velino A. Salazar, SCC president, thanked all who have contributed to the spiritual growth of young people through the Pathfinder ministry in SCC. “This is the perfect place to inspire these young people to continue carrying the gospel of Jesus Christ,” he said. “Jesus is coming soon, and we need to be ready for that day.”
Pathfinders voted on pins to trade at the International Pathfinder Camporee in Gillette, Wyoming, this summer, 15 clubs were awarded trophies, and 24 teams from 16 clubs received pins recognizing their participation and achievement in the Pathfinder Bible Experience. A special choir of 25 to 30 Pathfinders—seven clubs—provided music throughout the program.
Armando Miranda Jr., North American Division youth and young adult ministries associate director, shared an encouraging message on the prodigal son, emphasizing the importance of God’s forgiveness and how nothing can separate us from His love.
“No matter how much you’ve messed up, or are messing up right now, the Father still looks out for you,” Miranda said. “The Father still calls you His son or daughter. Nothing changes His love for you.”
At the end of his message, he made a baptism appeal to Pathfinders, inviting them up front to fill out decision cards, and he prayed for their decisions in saying “yes” to Jesus.
“The purpose of the convocation is to bring together all SCC Pathfinders to celebrate God’s work of salvation in their lives,” Garcia added. “We believe the event is important because it uplifts Jesus as Savior and Friend and invites Pathfinders to be servants of all and friends to mankind.”
