The Malaysia Union Mission participated in the SSD-Wide Pathfinder Camporee for the first time, making it a historical moment for Malaysian youths. The Malaysians were amongst the last groups to arrive at Mountain View College, Bukidnon, Philippines, for the camporee hosted by the Southern Asia-Pacific Division Adventist Youth Ministries, from February 23 to March 2, 2025. Led by the MAUM Youth Director, Elder Farrel Gara, together with the Mission Youth Directors, Pr. Tan Wei Siong from Peninsular Malaysia Mission, Pr. Chan Tin Loi from Sarawak Mission, Pr. Lysoniel Juji Lamam from Sabah Mission, Pr. George Ebbie from Northern Sabah Mission and his associate, Pr. DJ Herjai Zahari, the contingent, was reported as the largest international contingent, with 131 delegates in total.
The camporee, themed ‘REBUILD THE ALTAR’, featured powerful messages from and President of the Southern Asia Pacific Division, Pr. Roger Caderma and Associate Youth Director of the General Conference, Pr. Pako Edson Mokgwane. He shared “Recite God’s Word daily and store scripture in your heart.” His words emphasized the importance of grounding ourselves in God’s Word, allowing it to guide and shape our lives each day. This resonates with a strong presence of the holy spirit, reinforcing the experience of rebuilding the altar along with more than ten thousand pathfinders strong from throughout the Southern Asia-Pacific Division territory.
The delegates from MAUM engaged in numerous events, from the morning devotion to the bible quiz bowl. On top of the active engagement in various activities, our Pathfinders had the opportunity to be a part of the camp tradition of flag-raising and flag-retreating ceremony. In addition, Grace Note Musicale, comprised of Pathfinders from Goshen Adventist Secondary School from the Northern Sabah Mission, rendered a beautiful message in song.
There were also several Honor classes at the camporee, taught by our very own Master Guides (MGs). MG Farrel Gara taught the Honor class for Voice of Youth, while MG DJ Herjai led the ‘Preach It’ class. The Prayer Honor class and the God’s Messenger class were taught by MG Ratna and MG Macklin Peter, respectively. Additionally, MG Dave Keith Mina taught the Honor class for Stewardship, MG Chan Tin Loi offered the Family Life class, MG Daniel Victor taught the Old Testament Hebrew Honor class, and MG Alden Robinder Singh Gill presented the Honor for Creationism. The Pathfinders and Master Guides benefited in skills improvement and knowledge and more over the opportunity to grow spiritually through these offered Honors. Besides, the Honor classes, Pathfinders, and Master Guides were able to enjoy and participate in 24 various activities, especially the Sanctuary experience, a tour of a real-sized replica of the Mosaic Sanctuary.
The Bible Writing Project was a one-of-a-kind activity during the camporee. The organizers wanted to emphasize the importance of the scripture and its sacred work of handwriting God’s Word. The main objective for this project was to creatively urge Pathfinders to invest wholeheartedly and be brought together in a stronger spiritual connection with the Biblical Scriptures. We were glad that many of our Pathfinders took up the challenge, showing their desire to preserve their faith and devotion to God’s word by taking part in this initiative, cementing their legacy for years to come.
We were excited and pleased with the feedback of our Pathfinders. Pathfinder Cheeryvale Shine Aloysius from Northern Sabah Mission also gave the morning devotion and expressed how she is incredibly grateful for the opportunity to deliver a sermon to a large audience, as it was her first time standing before such a crowd. Despite her nerves, she felt that God was guiding her throughout.
Pathfinder Tejes Sree, a delegate from the Sarawak Mission, also shared a meaningful reflection from her experience at the camporee. She was given the opportunity to join the team responsible for lowering the camporee flag, and it was her first experience in this role. She explained that it was a mix of nervousness and excitement. As part of the flag ceremony, Tejes Sree had the chance to learn how to tie the rope and properly fold the flag alongside her team of newcomers. Both reflected on how their experiences at the camporee highlighted the significance of working as a team. They learned firsthand how the camporee fostered spiritual growth, collaboration, and a sense of purpose within the Pathfinder community. Their personal stories stand as examples and testaments shared by all of the MAUM delegation of how each individual’s involvement, whether through speaking, serving, or learning, contributes to the overall success and impact of the camporee.
We also praise the Lord for the nine Master Guides in Training (MIT) invested as Master Guides, taking a step toward a full dedication to spiritual leadership. Furthermore, heaven rejoices as one of our youths decides to surrender her life to Christ. During the event, Pr. Chan Tin Loi represented MAUM as the ordained minister for the baptism.
With our participants actively making wonderful memories and experiences, the 2025 International Pathfinder Camporee was certainly a great and historic event for MAUM. It will be remembered for years to come. Reflecting on the impact of this gathering, we recognize how the bonds formed, and the lessons learned will inspire future generations of youth leaders. The collaborative spirit displayed by all involved enriched the experience and laid a strong foundation for the continued growth of our community. The MAUM Pathfinder and Master Guide are now looking forward to the next SSD-Wide Camporee in Thailand in 2027.
Reported by Alleyhandra Celio anak Anis, Media Volunteer Sarawak.
27, March 2025, Thursday.