The North American Division Pathfinder Bible Experience finals occurred in Tampa, Florida, at the Florida State Fairgrounds. One hundred fifty-five teams, five virtual, participated in this year’s event. Approximately 3,000 people attended, and Pathfinder teams from Korea and the United Kingdom also participated. The teams answered 90 questions from the book of John. Out of the 155 teams that competed, the 10 representing Mid-America ranked first or second. Four teams from our territory received a 1st place ranking. Iowa-Missouri Conference youth director, Denison Sager, co-hosted the weekend’s live-stream program.
Results:
- IA-MO Sedalia, Sedalia Pioneers – First place
- IA-MO Ankeny Son Seekers, Devoted – Second place
- IA-MO Cedar Rapids, Timberwolves, Wonders – Second place
- KS-NE College View Trailblazers, Aenon – First Place
- MN Ramsey Light Of The World, Messengers Of Christ – First Place
- MN Faith Church International, Faith Warriors, Jaguars – Second place
- MN Kenyan Community Church, Heaven’ Crew Eagles – Second Place
- MN Southview, Southview Sabers, Swords – First Place
- RMC Aurora, Aurora Las Aguilas – second place
- RMC Campion, Loveland Cougars, Cougars – second place
The Pathfinder Bible Experience, sometimes referred to as a Bible Bowl, is the official North American Division Pathfinder Bible study program. Pathfinders from across North America and other countries are committing to memorizing verses, chapters and books of the Bible as part of The Pathfinder Bible Experience. Each year, teams of six club members study a book of the Bible (alternating Old Testament and New Testament), memorizing large portions of God’s word.
PBE is a wonderful starting point for Bible study and a life-changing relationship with Jesus Christ. But memorization is just the beginning. You can get a taste of what it was like by viewing this video put together by Pastor Dejan Stojkovic, youth director from the Trans-European Division, who was one of the speakers during the weekend.
The Pathfinder Bible Experience was developed to help Pathfinders and young people meditate and reflect on what the Bible says and how it applies to their lives. It features ideas for application to help Pathfinders use what they study and apply it to their daily experience at home, school and church.
There are two objectives for this guide: 1) Pathfinders can learn more about the passages they are studying as part of PBE, examine their lives and grow stronger spiritually; and 2) Pathfinders can use these guides to become involved in outreach by leading out in small group Bible studies with their friends and peers in Pathfinders or at school. The goal is to see young people grow spiritually both in their personal walk with Jesus and as they minister to others.
This resource has the potential to revolutionize Pathfinders’ lives. It can help them go beyond the reading and memorizing—and get into the application and be ready to experience what a difference God can make in them and through them. It can show Pathfinders that they don’t just need to memorize Scripture—they can also live it.
There are four levels of competition – Area, Conference, Union, and Division. The Pathfinders are tested over the assigned study books as well as the SDA Bible Commentary’s introduction to each study book.
At each level, the teams scoring 90% or higher of the highest score at their testing site make 1st place and are invited to go on to the next level. The winning teams are extreme students of the Bible and in most cases memorize chapters and in some cases the entire book(s).
We pray for these dedicated youth that God may continue to use them to use what they learn to spread the gospel in their respective areas. And who knows? Some of these Pathfinders may be future teachers or pastors within our church.
Resource: https://nadpbe.org/
* https://youtu.be/EtrhXq9dSkc
* https://www.youtube.com/live/V6ChMky9cbY?feature=share
