The Fifteen Mile Seventh-day Adventist Church (Papua New Guinea), newly established this year, celebrated a milestone on Sabbath (November 29) with the investiture of 43 Pathfinders and 36 Adventurers in its first official youth ceremony.
An investiture is a formal ceremony that signifies the successful completion of Pathfinders and Adventurers requirement. Its significance lies in formally recognising and rewarding the members’ commitment, dedication, and perseverance in completing their classes, honours, and activities throughout the year. The event not only celebrates their accomplishments but also inspires them to continue their active involvement in the ministry.
Just a few weeks earlier, three intending Master Guides were invested and qualified, joining one existing Master Guide already serving in the church. This brought the team to a total of four Master Guides, including the District Youth Director, who officiated the investiture program for the Pathfinders and Adventurers.
Since the establishment of the church, many children in the community have shown interest in the Adventist Youth Ministry (AYM) program. However, some of these children are without parents in the church, some live with a single parent, others with extended families, and some have parents who are not yet attending church.
The investiture also served as an appeal to church members to care for these children as their own, supporting their spiritual and moral growth.
During the investiture, Youth coordinator Abel Vagilama encouraged the young people to remain faithful, saying, “We as children of God must stand for truth and do what is right, even when no one is watching.”
A representative of the parents, Mr Kin, expressed heartfelt appreciation to the AYM leaders for their dedication and tireless efforts to instil values that will guide the children’s moral character, ethics, and standards for years to come.
Following the presentations and badge pinning, Pastor Minister Sinias Ray offered a consecrated prayer for the AYM ministry. The program concluded with the folding of the flag, symbolising the official closing of the Pathfinder and Adventurer clubs for the year. The clubs will resume their activities next year.
“The investiture marks a significant step in the spiritual and character development of young people at Fifteen Mile Church, highlighting the church’s commitment to nurturing future leaders grounded in faith, service, and discipline,” said church communications liaison Rose Maine Sinias.
