More than 60 Pathfinders and instructors from Wildlife (North East district) and 15 Mile (Bisiatabu district) Seventh-day Adventist churches (Bisiatabu district), Central Papua Conference, Papua New Guinea (PNG), including their branch churches, successfully completed a combined hike from Bisiatabu to Furimuti along the Yamagi Mountain Range.
The three-day journey helped the young people fulfil their investiture requirements while focusing on teamwork, endurance and spiritual growth based on the fruit of the Holy Spirit.
“Before the hike, we expected the Pathfinders to demonstrate commitment, discipline and teamwork throughout the journey,” said Pathfinder director Jeremy Lem. “Spiritually, we wanted them to reflect on Galatians 5:22–23 and identify how the fruits of the Spirit could be lived out in practical ways during the hike.”
Pathfinders took part in pioneering activities such as building bridges, towers and tables using knot-tying techniques, learning survival skills and exploring nature. Daily morning devotions and evening campfire worship strengthened their faith and unity as they faced the challenges of the trail together.
“At first, I was nervous because the track was steep, but as we hiked and prayed together, I felt God giving me strength,” said 16-year-old Pathfinder Meck. “I realised that leadership is not about being in front, it’s about serving others with kindness and showing the fruit of the Spirit in how we walk, speak and help one another.”
The hike concluded with prayer and thanksgiving upon arrival at Furimuti.
“I would like to encourage parents and church members to see Pathfinder ministry as more than just an outdoor club,” said Mr Lem. “When we invest in Pathfinder ministry, we are nurturing the next generation of committed Christians who will serve both the church and the world with integrity and courage.”
Bisiatabu holds a special place in Papua New Guinea’s Adventist history as the first Seventh-day Adventist mission station, established in 1908 by Pastor Septimus and Edith Carr. Situated along the Sogeri Plateau at the entrance of the Kokoda Track, it became the birthplace of Adventism in PNG.
