The Sarawak Southern Region churches celebrated World Pathfinder Day at the SUPP Hall, Kuching, Sarawak on 21 September. The event brought together 7 churches with approximately 830 individuals, including Pathfinders, Master Guides, Adventurers, and members of the local community.
The event was hosted by Batu Kawa Seventh-day Adventist Church in collaboration with Kuching English Church. The Pathfinder clubs that attended came from Bau, Lundu, Kuching Rural, Padawan, Penrissen, Serian, Tebedu, Mongkos, and Asajaya. Also present were the leaders of the Adventist Church in Sarawak, President, Pr. Semilee Tajau, Executive Secretary, Pr. Joggery Gelu and Treasurer, Elder Dave Ngali.
The World Pathfinder Day event began in the morning with skill demonstrations by various Pathfinder clubs. The show featured abilities in leadership, emergency preparedness, and physical readiness, which pathfinders learnt in the various pathfinder classes. The presentation demonstrated pathfinders’ desire to pursue skill learning with passion and determination.
The celebration was further heightened by the presence of the Political Secretary to the Premier of Sarawak, Madam Ko Teck Wan, who represented Yang Berhormat Prof. Datuk Amar Dr. Sim Kui Hian. In a speech delivered on behalf of Dr. Sim, she emphasized that the future of society lies in the hands of the younger generation. “I hope that all those present today, especially the Pathfinders, will continue to strive to develop their potential and contribute to the betterment of society. May the Pathfinder Club continue to be an important platform in guiding and shaping a brighter future for our youth,” said Madam Ko Teck Wan.
In the latter part of the morning service, the Pathfinders participated in a spiritual service, including praise and worship songs led by selected Pathfinders and choir performances. The highlight of the service was the message by Elder Farrel Gara, Malaysia Union Mission Director of Youth Ministries who spoke on the title Jesus Camps with Us, inviting and reminding all that Jesus wants to be with us and camps with all at every stage of our lives. The powerful message was translated to Bahasa Malaysia by Pr. Chan Tin Loi, Sarawak Mission Director of Youth Ministries.
The celebration continued in the afternoon with a Community Service event for the local communities of Kuching, Matang, Sigandar, Bunga, and Simunjan. Over 200 Pathfinders from Batu Kawa Church and Kuching English Church participated in distributing food baskets to families in need, instilling compassion and caring in the community. The recipients expressed heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to the Adventist church for their care and support.
The Sarawak Pathfinder Club expressed profound Yang Berhormat Prof. Datuk Amar Dr. Sim Kui Hian for his contributions and support to the Adventist Youth Ministries and the Adventist Church of Sarawak. This celebration not only recognised the achievements of Pathfinders and Master Guides but also fostered a culture of cooperation, dedication, and leadership among the Sarawak Seventh-day Adventist Church’s youths.
Reported by Alleyhandra Celio anak Anis, Media Volunteer Sarawak and Hazel Ginajil, MAUM Communication Department
8, October 2024, Tuesday.