CHOSEN!
Last week, I had the privilege to attend the International Pathfinders Camporee in Oshkosh – Aug 12-17. It provided me with a wonderful opportunity to get a bit more acquainted with our BC Conference Pathfinder Clubs, Directors, and hundreds of Pathfinders. Of course, I was blessed by being able to support our Pathfinders Clubs during that amazing event. A heart-felt “Thank you” to Brian Wahl (BC Conference Youth & Pathfinders Director & his team), Local Pathfinders Club Directors, Pastors, and all of those who supported and helped to make it possible for our Pathfinders to go to Oshkosh! Please, keep them in your prayers!
Over 50,000 people attended that spiritual gathering. The Pathfinders had hundreds of choices to complete honours, socialize and make new friends, do “pin trades”, but above all, to strengthen their relationship with God during the Oshkosh Camporee. The daily evening program was the highlight. Powerful messages were presented in practical and audiovisual formats. They inspired the hearts of all who were present at the Camporee and blessed those who watched on livestream.
The theme of the Camporee was Chosen. It portrayed the life of David, from his “shepherd boy stage” to becoming the King of God’s people. Everything on the camp grounds highlighted the beautiful message that we are Chosen by God in Christ. That was conveyed in a special and tangible way with a simple and encouraging language to all Pathfinders. Also, a specially composed theme song for the event was played and sang joyfully throughout the week and it captivated everyone in Oshkosh. The word Chosen and its meaning brought much joy and confidence to every heart.
Why Pathfinders and Oshkosh…? Adventist statistics show that young people who accept Christ during the ages of 12-14 have a lasting spiritual commitment to God. Then, the efforts, planning, vision, investment, and above all prayers for that incredible Camporee were worthwhile. Over 1,000 Pathfinders were baptized during the evening programs and concluded on the last Sabbath. I had the privilege to baptize a BC Conference Pathfinder on that occasion – God is good!
Yes, the message of being Chosen by God should be very dear to all Christians. It is found in the Old and New Testaments. Moses reminded God’s people that they were Chosen by Him and of His plans for their lives (Deut. 7:6-9). Then, He called Peter to re-confirm that promise, including you and me on it — “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light…” (I Peter 2:9, NKJV)
Today, I want to praise God with all my heart for His amazing love for me, for having Chosen me to be His child by providing me with the most wonderful friend, Whom is also my personal Saviour — Jesus!
Would you join me in this praise?
Happy Sabbath!
In His Service,
Wesley Torres, D.Min.
President
