Since its inception in 1927, the Master Guide program has been a cornerstone of youth ministry within the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Designed to equip adult lay members with the skills to mentor and lead young people, it has long been intertwined with the Pathfinders’ journey. However, despite its rich history, no Master Guide investiture had ever taken place on Bermuda soil—until now.
After months of preparation under the dedicated guidance of Joann Furbert, eight members were ready to be invested during the International Pathfinder Camporee in Gillette, Wyoming. However, due to weather conditions, the investiture service was canceled. This unexpected turn of events led to an opportunity for the Bermuda Conference (BDA) Youth Ministries. Under the leadership of Dwayne Caines, the newly-appointed director, BDA Youth Ministries hosted its first-ever Master Guide Investiture Service. On September 7, eight dedicated members of the Bermuda Conference celebrated a milestone for the island’s youth ministry.
David McKenzie, Atlantic Union Conference Youth Ministries director, officiated the special service. The inductees included some of Bermuda’s most dedicated leaders, including David Steed II (posthumously), DeJaun Tull, Kenneth Manders, Richard Martin, Stanley James, Michael Simmons, Loida Ratteray, Kristina Dickinson, and Pattie-Jean Roberts.
Furbert, whose vision played a key role in this historic event, expressed her hope for the future: “My goal was to get pastors involved and invested so that the Master Guide program would continue to grow in Bermuda.”
This investiture service marks the first of its kind on the island and sets a foundation for greater involvement and leadership in Youth Ministries, ensuring that the Master Guide program will flourish for years to come.
