Life of Gideon Will Guide Reflections as Inter-American Pathfinders Camporee Kicks off in Jamaica - Jamaica Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventist

April 5, 2023 | Trelawny, Jamaica | Libna Stevens, Inter-American Division News

Voices, cheers, songs, and shouts were heard while the sun was setting and the breeze waved dozens of flags at the Trelawny Multipurpose Stadium in Jamaica, as thousands of Pathfinders dressed in their uniforms made their presence known during the Inter-American 5^th Pathfinder Camporee opening night on Apr. 4, 2023.

Nearly 10,000 gathered from 51 countries to witness the welcome from Adventist leaders and Jamaican government officials. The opening ceremony included a marching band, a parade of nations, a musical drama performance on the biblical story of Gideon, fireworks and a spiritual message that set the tone for the five-day event.

Delegates of El Salvador Union cheer while waiting for the opening program to begin. [Photo: Daniel Gallardo/IAD]

“I know that every day you spend here will be extraordinary, a good opportunity to listen to each other, to listen to the Word of God, and learn from the life of Gideon, to be like him with courage and determination to do the will of God,” said Pastor Elie Henry, president of the Inter-American Division.

Pastor Henry thanked the government of Jamaica and event organizers for being instrumental in hosting the event.

Pastor Elie Henry, president of the Inter-American Division speaks to thousands of Pathfinders during the opening night of the camporee, Apr. 4, 2023. [Photo: Daniel Gallardo/IAD]

Mayor of Falmouth Colin Gager welcomed the international delegations and congratulated the young people for continuing to be engaged in actions for Jesus.

Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Olivia Grange wished Pathfinders and all travelers a spiritually enriching experience while in Jamaica and wished them to “increase God’s presence with greater peace and better love for ourselves and our fellow man,” she said.