7 Oct 2025, 11:47Romeo Ngwenya; edited by Yvonne Kanjewe, SM CommunicationsDunfermline, Fife, Scotland, United Kingdom
Hundreds Gather in Dunfermline for Pathfinder World Day Celebration
Over 350 Pathfinders, leaders, and church members gathered on 20 September at the Vine Centre in Dunfermline to celebrate Pathfinder World Day 2025 with worship, fellowship, and inspiring lessons on living a life of purpose for Christ.
World Pathfinder Day 2025 in Scotland was celebrated with great joy and thanksgiving as over 350 Pathfinders, leaders, and church members gathered at the Vine Centre in Dunfermline to worship, learn, and fellowship. The theme for this year’s celebration was “Pathfinders on Purpose” — a beautiful reminder that being a Pathfinder is about living with purpose, courage, and service for Christ.
Morning Worship and Interactive Lesson
The Sabbath School programme was lively and engaging as Pathfinders explored what it means to be a Pathfinder on purpose — a true follower and disciple of Jesus. Joy Banda led the lesson using an interactive polling and Q&A tool, Mentimeter, encouraging active participation from everyone. The session was both fun and spiritually enriching.
Divine Service Inspires Courage and Compassion in Action
The message for the day was delivered by Pastor Ian Sweeney of the Trans-European Division. Inspired by Jeremiah 38:7–10, Pastor Sweeney drew lessons from the story of Ebed-Melech, who bravely intervened to rescue the prophet Jeremiah. He reminded everyone that God calls His people to act with courage and compassion, to speak out against injustice, and to support those in need. His message inspired both young and old to live boldly for Christ in a world that often remains silent.
During the divine service, Pathfinders also presented a special plaque of appreciation to Dr Njabulo and Mthokozisi Ndlovu, former Scottish Mission Pathfinder and Adventurer Sponsors, honouring their 11 years of dedicated service to the department.
Afternoon Awards and Pathfinder Inspirations
In the afternoon, Mthokozisi Ndlovu and SM Pathfinder Sponsor Yvonne Kanjewe led an awards ceremony to celebrate and recognise outstanding Pathfinder Inspirations — individuals whose lives reflect leadership, excellence, and service.
Honourees included:
Pastor Ian Sweeney – Recognised for his lifelong ministry and leadership. Among his many achievements, he was named The Times Preacher of the Year (1998) and featured recently on BBC One’s Songs of Praise.
Audrey Mutongi-Darko – CEO of a leading befriending organisation in Glasgow and recipient of the British Empire Medal (BEM). (Master Guide)
Olanrewaju “Larry” Adegbite – Honoured for his outstanding contribution to social care and public health. Among numerous other achievements, he was appointed Fellow of the Royal Society of Public Health (FRSPH) in 2025. (Master Guide)
These recognitions reflect stories of perseverance, professionalism, and, above all, a passion for serving others. Beyond titles and awards, these honourees continue to inspire Pathfinders across Scotland and beyond through their commitment to service, compassion, and excellence.
Growing in Emotional and Spiritual Strength
The focus later shifted to emotional and spiritual well-being with sessions led by counsellors Joanna Daniel and Natalia Harris. They shared practical guidance on managing emotions in a godly way — emphasising honesty, fairness, and Christlike love. These sessions equipped Pathfinders with tools to handle life’s challenges while growing in faith and emotional maturity.
A Joyful Conclusion
The celebration ended on a high note as the Pathfinder drum corps led an energetic display of drilling and marching.
Afterwards, everyone enjoyed a delicious variety of cakes, marking the close of a truly uplifting Sabbath. The day served as a powerful reminder of the Pathfinder ministry’s mission to nurture spiritual courage, emotional maturity, and purposeful living, guiding young people to grow as faithful servants of Christ and leaders in their communities.
Organisers would like to extend heartfelt thanks to all Pathfinder leaders, sponsors, pastors, parents, and volunteers across the Scottish Mission who worked tirelessly to make this event a success.
Over 350 Pathfinders, leaders, and church members gathered on 20 September at the Vine Centre in Dunfermline to celebrate Pathfinder World Day 2025 with worship, fellowship, and inspiring lessons on living a life of purpose for Christ.
World Pathfinder Day 2025 in Scotland was celebrated with great joy and thanksgiving as over 350 Pathfinders, leaders, and church members gathered at the Vine Centre in Dunfermline to worship, learn, and fellowship. The theme for this year’s celebration was “Pathfinders on Purpose” — a beautiful reminder that being a Pathfinder is about living with purpose, courage, and service for Christ.
Morning Worship and Interactive Lesson
The Sabbath School programme was lively and engaging as Pathfinders explored what it means to be a Pathfinder on purpose — a true follower and disciple of Jesus. Joy Banda led the lesson using an interactive polling and Q&A tool, Mentimeter, encouraging active participation from everyone. The session was both fun and spiritually enriching.
Divine Service Inspires Courage and Compassion in Action
The message for the day was delivered by Pastor Ian Sweeney of the Trans-European Division. Inspired by Jeremiah 38:7–10, Pastor Sweeney drew lessons from the story of Ebed-Melech, who bravely intervened to rescue the prophet Jeremiah. He reminded everyone that God calls His people to act with courage and compassion, to speak out against injustice, and to support those in need. His message inspired both young and old to live boldly for Christ in a world that often remains silent.
During the divine service, Pathfinders also presented a special plaque of appreciation to Dr Njabulo and Mthokozisi Ndlovu, former Scottish Mission Pathfinder and Adventurer Sponsors, honouring their 11 years of dedicated service to the department.
Afternoon Awards and Pathfinder Inspirations
In the afternoon, Mthokozisi Ndlovu and SM Pathfinder Sponsor Yvonne Kanjewe led an awards ceremony to celebrate and recognise outstanding Pathfinder Inspirations — individuals whose lives reflect leadership, excellence, and service.
Honourees included:
Pastor Ian Sweeney – Recognised for his lifelong ministry and leadership. Among his many achievements, he was named The Times Preacher of the Year (1998) and featured recently on BBC One’s Songs of Praise.
Audrey Mutongi-Darko – CEO of a leading befriending organisation in Glasgow and recipient of the British Empire Medal (BEM). (Master Guide)
Olanrewaju “Larry” Adegbite – Honoured for his outstanding contribution to social care and public health. Among numerous other achievements, he was appointed Fellow of the Royal Society of Public Health (FRSPH) in 2025. (Master Guide)
These recognitions reflect stories of perseverance, professionalism, and, above all, a passion for serving others. Beyond titles and awards, these honourees continue to inspire Pathfinders across Scotland and beyond through their commitment to service, compassion, and excellence.
Growing in Emotional and Spiritual Strength
The focus later shifted to emotional and spiritual well-being with sessions led by counsellors Joanna Daniel and Natalia Harris. They shared practical guidance on managing emotions in a godly way — emphasising honesty, fairness, and Christlike love. These sessions equipped Pathfinders with tools to handle life’s challenges while growing in faith and emotional maturity.
A Joyful Conclusion
The celebration ended on a high note as the Pathfinder drum corps led an energetic display of drilling and marching.
Afterwards, everyone enjoyed a delicious variety of cakes, marking the close of a truly uplifting Sabbath. The day served as a powerful reminder of the Pathfinder ministry’s mission to nurture spiritual courage, emotional maturity, and purposeful living, guiding young people to grow as faithful servants of Christ and leaders in their communities.
Organisers would like to extend heartfelt thanks to all Pathfinder leaders, sponsors, pastors, parents, and volunteers across the Scottish Mission who worked tirelessly to make this event a success.
