On October 8, 2023, the youth of Bermuda came together during the annual Compassion Weekend to make a difference in the lives of their fellow citizens. Compassion Weekend is a heartwarming initiative orchestrated by the Bermuda Conference (BDA), where Pathfinder clubs joined hands to distribute food across the island. A culmination of compassion and community spirit, this event left an indelible mark on all involved.
Compassion Weekend is a joint venture, a symphony of efforts of three BDA departments: David Steede II, Youth Ministries director; LaGregg Smith, Youth Ministries associate director for Pathfinders; and Dora Baker, Adventist Community Services director. It’s a carefully coordinated series of events, including a Friday-evening program, a Saturday-night social gathering, and culminating with a grocery giveaway on Sunday.
The Hamilton church’s Community Centre served as the epicenter of this compassionate endeavor. Those residing nearby or with readily available transportation could collect their groceries from this central hub. However, what truly distinguishes Compassion Weekend is the personalized touch it offers to those in need.
According to Baker, each church within the Bermuda Conference has identified families they regularly serve and those they know are in need. These designated families receive extra attention and care, ensuring they are not left wanting. And for those unable to journey into the city of Hamilton, the organizers made arrangements for them to receive groceries.
Volunteers undertook the task of distributing these vital supplies with unwavering dedication. Church community service leaders, moved by a sense of duty and compassion, shouldered the responsibility of transporting the grocery bags to their respective churches for distribution. They also went the extra mile by directly delivering these much-needed provisions to individuals who lacked transportation.
At the heart of this benevolent effort were the Pathfinders, the youth group that took center stage in embracing the spirit of service. They lived and breathed their motto and pledge, embodying the ideal to “be a servant of God and a friend to man.” Their faces radiated enthusiasm, their spirits soared, and their dedication shone brightly as they actively participated in this day of selfless service.
Compassion Weekend was not just about distributing groceries; it was about forging connections, spreading hope, and embodying the true spirit of community. It was a testament to the power of unity and the transformative impact of serving others. As the Bermuda Pathfinder clubs and the wider community came together, they demonstrated that compassion knows no boundaries and that the bonds of kindness are unbreakable.
