North England Conference Pathfinder Rally
A pictorial report and testimonials from NEC Pathfinder Rally Day, Sheffield, 13 September 2008.

Testimonial from World Pathfinder Director, Jonatan Tejel: It has been my first Pathfinder Day since I arrived to the General Conference. I was excited because the only Pathfinder Day I attended was in Spain and now I had the opportunity to see how other countries organise this beautiful event. Pastor Trevor Thomas organised a very good event. He has a very good leader's team in NEC, all of them following the same path and trying to improve every year the Pathfinder activities.

Sabbath 13th was a long and busy, but a wonderful day where everybody enjoyed the blessings of fellowship and worship. After that I had the privilege of baptising 3 Pathfinders outside the Hall this being the biggest Evangelistic Moment of the day because we did it in front of the people of Sheffield and of course in front of the 2000 Pathfinders, the water was cold but the hearts were warm and full of joy. Trevor and NEC team, you are in my heart and in my prayers, God bless your ministry.

Message from Northampton: It was evident that Rally Day 2008 was well organised, time keeping was excellent, the Pathfinders and Adventurers were well behaved, order was good and there was a feeling of “togetherness” – as though everyone came to make the day memorable. The outdoor baptism of 3 young people was certainly the highlight of the day, identifying the true purpose of Pathfindering, which is leading young people to Christ. This public demonstration of their faith truly was a witness to Sheffield City, and I pray that those looking on will want to know about Jesus. Joan Fuller

Messages from Harper Bell school children, Birmingham: Juliet: "What I enjoyed about Rally Day was marching on the streets and people coming out of their houses to see you....and the water fountains. Kito, Benjamin and Amber were all excited by the drumming with the neon drumsticks in the dark. Amber said 'Everyone was screaming! It was fantastic.'" Tanisha: "I enjoyed the baptism, the place, the city hall was a nice place." Benjamin remembered the sermon. "The preacher said to 'hold on to God,' and I was blessed." Michael Baker (Teacher): "I too was blessed by the weather, the venue, the fellowship, the wonderful message, the tremendous witness of the marching Pathfinders and the drum corps. The sheer enthusiasm and energy of so many committed young people. But for me the highlight was that fantastic baptism! Three young lives publicly committing themselves to Jesus on the steps of Sheffield City Hall and 2000 plus people shouting Amen as they were each immersed. Awe- inspiring!"

Messages from Nottingham Pathfinders:  Ainsley: "I enjoyed marching through Sheffield and holding the club banner." "The music and singing was really good. The sermon was simple to understand." Symonne: "The march was just the right length. I enjoyed the outdoor baptism and I met some friends I had not see for a while." Zara: "I enjoyed the day, the marching and singing, the drum corps display was brilliant." Jamaal: "It was a really good day." Iris Johns: "The general sentiments of parents and carers who attended from Nottingham was that it was a really enjoyable day."

Message from a Pathfinder Mother: It was forecast to be a hazy cloudy day and with little hope of sunshine but with the grand backdrop of the Sheffield city hall and the fountains in Barkers Square no one really minded. The front steps were covered with excited young people of different ages proudly wearing their uniforms and scarves as their leaders made sure everyone was present and in proper gear. The visitors couldn't help smiling as they filed in to sit down in the majestic arena to participate in the Pathfinder Rally Day.  The service began on time with a lively Sabbath School by the Pathfinders and the Adventurers finished the programme with an equally lovely song that was learnt only that morning. It was then followed by a most interesting sermon by Pastor Tejel about how important it was to stay on the right side of the boat and that can only happen if we listen to Jesus and follow His instructions.

After lunch the Pathfinders and Adventurers held a brilliant display as they marched around the city hall with the drum corps leading the way. The Adventurers were excited to be in a parade while the Pathfinders marched in time with heads held high. Passers-by watched and waved at the young people as they went and were given tracts to coincide with the literature evangelism. By this time the sun had come out in full force in answer to the many prayers that had been made and in defiance of the weather man. It was just in time as the afternoon service was to be held outside, in front of the City Hall.

There was an upbeat drum display, lively choruses and a wonderful outdoor baptism. It was a powerful witnessing tool as people of all different genres came to see what all these young people were doing. One man who was going to a shop in the square turned around at the shop door and walked right up to the crowd to see what was going on. Another lady came only to get information on what was showing at the city hall only to be invited to stay, which she did. She thoroughly enjoyed the day and like the women at the well she called her family and friends to come and see this wonderful event.

After the baptism, everyone went inside for the closing ceremonies. Thanks were given to the fire department, the city of Sheffield, the first aid staff and various other organisers that were integral to the smooth running of the day and the newly baptized were welcomed into the church. Then to end the day the lights were turned down low and the drum corps made a dramatic finale with neon drumsticks that made sure this rally day would be remembered by young and old alike.

Everyone exclaimed how wonderful and blessed the day had been and looked forward to next year when it would happen all over again.

[Photo Gallery by: Donald McKenzie]