"Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war!” sang a throng of smartly uniformed Eager Beavers, Adventurers and Pathfinders on Sept. 20. Accompanying them were the Wahiawa percussion ensemble and Mario Nanguse-Lopez on the piano.

It was a special day, and they entered Honolulu Central Church with an extra bounce to their steps to receive patches, merit badges and long-awaited recognition for their outstanding performance. Some were there to participate in graduation from Eager Beavers to Adventurers or from Adventurers to Pathfinders. Others were there to support those receiving various awards, and all around were beaming parents.

“Yes, we are at war,” said one parent. “The world doesn’t value character, Hollywood glorifies violence and self-service, and good manners are seen by most as old-fashioned. But Pathfinders stand as living examples of what the Lord can do with young people.”

Yet it was more than just marching, singing and reciting the Adventurer pledge or Pathfinder law. This Sabbath featured more than pressed uniforms displaying awards of all sorts.

Rafael Molina, conference director of Pathfinders in Hawaii, delivered remarks reminding the young people that they are learning skills and developing habits which will serve Christ and advance the kingdom of God. While they go camping, engage in sports and undertake community service projects, it is really about developing a Christlike character and saving the world for Jesus.

“Investiture is not just an award ceremony,” noted one pastor. “It is a time to praise God for the way He has blessed in the past, thank Him for guiding us in the present, and prepare our hearts for the work He has planned for us tomorrow. Surely God will use young people like this to finish the work in Hawaii.”

“This has been a good day,” shared Febe Collo, Pathfinder director working with the Wahiawa young people. “They worked so hard to prepare for this day. They are having a wonderful time.”

Every child should be involved in a church’s club, urged Rafael Molina. “This is not just something to keep young people busy. This is about getting them active in church.”

In a book by Adventist theologian Richard Rice about behaving, believing and belonging, we are reminded that the sense of belonging is very important to one’s spiritual well being. On this day, many young people were reminded that they are not just spectators in church, but are full-fledged participants, active in the church’s ministry, and vital to its future.