Much attention was paid by the Anguillian public to this year’s hosting of the Pathfinder Congressoree on the island last weekend. It was when some two to three hundred young people and many adults, from Anguilla and other neighbouring islands, came together for one of the largest religious events here in recent times.
The Congressoree, a term used by Pathfinders for a large multi-island camp-style gathering of young people, had as its theme: “A Powerful Generation: God Restores To Save and Serve”. The October 9-11 event was organised under the aegis of the Youth Department of the North Caribbean Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, through Dr. Vincent A. David, the Youth & Chaplaincy Ministries Director, assisted by a number of Area Coordinators and Directors. The Pathfinders represented Anguilla, St. Martin/St. Maarten, St. Eustatius and, for the first time, Saba.
The event was attended in part by Government officials from Anguilla and the other islands as a show of support for the young people and their positive aims, objectives and example to other youth. Friday and Sabbath, October 9 and 10 were the first major gatherings when the spacious Rodney MacArthur Rey Auditorium was filled to capacity for a Consecration Service and Morning Worship respectively. At both events, the main speakers were Dr. David and former Youth Director, now an international motivational speaker, Dr. Clive P. Dottin. Other weekend large gatherings were an Investiture Service when a large number of Pathfinders were invested as members of various clubs; a March of Witness in The Quarter, Rey Hill and The Valley areas for Restoration, Drugs and Abuse Prevention and the Promotion of Positive Living; a Drum Fest and a Uniform Inspection.
The Uniform Inspection was performed by Superintendent of the Royal Anguilla Police Force, Mr. Elliott Forbes. He commended the young people on their activities and performance; advised them to protect themselves from crime, which he said was on the increase in the various islands; and stressed the importance of reporting criminal activities coming to their attention rather than remaining silent.
Dr. Vincent A. David, the Youth Director, expressed commendation for the Area Coordinator and Youth Directors and their associates in Anguilla, and the other islands, for organising the Pathfinder Congressoree. “The experience was a powerful one,” he told The Anguillian. “It was very innovative and interactive in its spiritual, social and educational aspects. The young people who represented their territories did a fantastic job ensuring that the communities can see clearly that the Pathfinder Ministry is strong and growing.”
He continued: “I think we have a great group of young people in Anguilla, and other islands, who still believe that it is right and alright to live right; to be pure; to be honest; to be loyal; that it is still okay to know that they belong to a Christian organisation and part of God’s great family; and that it is still okay not to use drugs and that the life they live is approved not only by church and community but by God. We had visits by the Honourable Chief Minister; the Leader of the Opposition; representation by the Ministry of Youth Affairs; the Superintendent of the Royal Anguilla Police Force and various officials from the other islands – all coming to lend their support. This speaks volumes to see that these are leaders who could have been at other places, but showed up to support our young people.”
