"Thank you for what Pathfinders means to each of us—what we learn, the examples set before us,” prayed Kevin Morris, associate pastor of the White Memorial church. The occasion was the 2007 Pathfinder Convocation, and his prayer reflected core elements of Pathfindering that draw capacity attendance each year.

The program was studded with features inviting Pathfinders’ participation and response, including three sermonettes by Pathfinders on the Ten Commandments.

Michael Davidson, clinical manager of the Loma Linda University Department of Orthotics and Prosthetics, and nephew of Morris, described his days as a Pathfinder and student who gradually became a sports spectator because he thought he was not good at sports. He shared the stories of Willie, Rudy and Emmanuel, three amputees who chose to look at their possibilities rather than at what they lacked. Each of them participated in triathlons. Davidson made prosthetic devices for each of the men and, as a result of watching his clients in competition, decided to begin running. When Willie told him, “You need to do a triathlon,” Davidson decided to try it and was exhilarated when he finished the race.

“Pathfinders are an important community; it’s about getting to be what God has in store for you," Davidson advised. "Don’t think that there’s anything you can’t do that you want to.” He invited Pathfinders to consider entering the next PossAbilities Triathlon on April 29, which starts from LLU’s Drayson Center in Loma Linda (mypossabilities.com).

Eagle Rock Pathfinder Leader Steve Clement invited clubs to submit designs for camporee pins to exchange with other Pathfinders at the 2009 Camporee. Pin exchanging is a major networking feature at camporees, Clement explained. “Southern California Conference had the best set of pins in 2004, and we want the 2009 design to be just as great.”

Junior Youth Ministries Director Bob Wong baptized six Pathfinders, concluding with an altar call. “We had nearly 80 decisions for baptism, and several more young people came up after the meeting,” he reported. “Seeing the baptisms of six of their peers was impressive for the Pathfinders and an inspiration for those making decisions. Several adult staff who are not members of the church responded positively as well, saying that they needed to make decisions, too.”