The uniformed groups of the Seventh-day Adventist Church are among the most prestigious and dignified of all. They are set apart by their well-ordered attire, perfectly choreographed drills, and confidence in various skills and crafts. But perhaps the most important feature of the uniformed groups, from the Busy Bees to the Senior Youth, is the primary focus on preparing the youth and young adults for service in this life and the next.
On January 21, surrounded by teachers, pastors, and family, the Greater New York Academy supported 10 students as they gave their lives to Jesus in baptism at the Jackson Heights church in Woodside, New York. After the COVID-19 pandemic, like every other church, Jackson Heights realized that the decreased attendance had affected the young people. So the church leaders decided to place a special ministry focus on youth and family.
The head elder, Orville Labuga, and the deputy director, Ven Nobleza, observed that most of the youth in the Pathfinder club were not baptized. Christian Genao, the church’s associate pastor, with the help of Steven Siciliano, the church’s pastor, organized a Bible study group that met every Sabbath afternoon. Grace Ann Ashley, the club director, facilitated club meeting devotional times allowing Pastor Genao to conclude their Bible studies and reaffirm their decision.
The Children of Light Pathfinder Club began the year with an induction, an investiture, and, more importantly, the baptism of 10 young people. In his reflection on the significance of the moment, Enmanuel Contreras, Greater New York Conference Youth and Young Adult Ministries director, said, “The influence of a mission-oriented Pathfinder club is beyond measure. The Pathfinder club is not only able to bring parents, friends, relatives, and even classmates who do not go to church as regular members, but through the club, they can see another phase of ministry. Every time a Pathfinder is baptized, they receive a baptismal pin, but also that name is written in the book of life. The Pathfinder club is one of the funnels used by God to protect, preserve, develop, and highlight His love for the youth.”
“I feel so happy and honored to have been there for them through one of the most important decisions of their lives,” said Pastor Genao. “This is the result of their love and commitment to Jesus and the support of their parents, the church, and the Greater New York Academy where some of them attend. These young people are highly active and involved in the church, and, as their pastor, I am proud of each one of them and excited that the rest of them are getting ready for their big day.”
