6 Nov 2026, 12:46Blandine Damtse, edited by Mthoko Ndlovu and SM CommunicationsDundee, Dundee City, Scotland, United Kingdom
Nine New Master Guides Invested in Scotland Following Two Years of Training
Nine new Master Guides celebrated the culmination of nearly two years of training, marking an important investment in the future of youth ministry in Scotland and the development of the next generation of leaders.
Nine Master Guides-in-Training (MIT) candidates celebrated the completion of nearly two years of training at a graduation and investiture ceremony held on Saturday, 31 October 2026, at Dundee Seventh-day Adventist Church.
Their training included three camping skills camps and numerous in-person and online workshops, including first aid training. The programme was coordinated by Master Guide Mthoko Ndlovu, supported by Scottish Mission Pathfinder sponsors Paul and Yvonne Kanjewe, with contributions from trainers across Scotland and the UK.
The investiture of nine new Master Guides represents an important investment in the future of youth ministry in Scotland, strengthening the network of trained leaders equipped to mentor and nurture the next generation.
A Celebration of Faith and Service
The morning programme began with practical demonstrations of skills acquired during training, including CPR, water safety, reflector fire, drill and marching, and first aid.
Pastor Njabulo (Njay) Ndlovu, British Union Conference Youth Ministries Director, delivered a sermon entitled “Once a Master Guide, Always a Master Guide?”, emphasising that being a Master Guide is not simply a title, but a lifelong commitment to service, humility, continued learning and dependence on Jesus.
The afternoon programme featured an address by Scottish Mission President Pastor Obinnaya (Obi) Iheoma, who emphasised that leadership involves passing on not only knowledge and skills, but also faith and Christian character. Challenging the graduates to put their training into practice, he asked: “What will be the value of your scarf if you do not lead anyone after today?”
A Memorable Investiture
The afternoon's graduation and investiture ceremony was filled with moments of celebration and emotion.
Before receiving their Master Guide insignia, the graduates reflected on their journeys, expressing gratitude to God and those who had supported them. Several were moved to tears, while one graduate shared that this was the first graduation ceremony he had ever attended.
A particularly touching moment came when Master Guide Paul Kanjewe invested his wife, Yvonne Kanjewe, to the applause of family members and friends.
Musical performances by individuals and groups from across the Scottish Mission added to the celebrations, while knot boards and sanctuary models completed by the graduates during their training were also displayed.
Looking to the Future
Welsh Mission Pathfinder Sponsor Jonathan Nyengani delivered a concluding devotional, reminding the new Master Guides that their outward commitments should reflect a genuine relationship with Christ.
Pastors Njay Ndlovu and Obi Iheoma commended Scottish Mission Pathfinder sponsors, Paul Kanjewe and Yvonne Kanjewe, and Master Guide Training Co-ordinator Mthoko Ndlovu for their dedication to developing future youth leaders. Paul Kanjewe also received a long-service award in recognition of his contribution to Pathfinder ministry, while Pastor Iheoma reaffirmed the Scottish Mission Executive Committee's support for the ministry.
In her vote of thanks, programme coordinator Mthoko Ndlovu reminded the graduates that completing their training was not the end of their journey as Master Guides, but rather the beginning of a lifelong commitment to leadership, discipleship and service.
Could you be among the next group of Master Guides? Applications for the 2027–2028 training programme are now open. Apply by 30 November 2026.
Nine new Master Guides celebrated the culmination of nearly two years of training, marking an important investment in the future of youth ministry in Scotland and the development of the next generation of leaders.
Nine Master Guides-in-Training (MIT) candidates celebrated the completion of nearly two years of training at a graduation and investiture ceremony held on Saturday, 31 October 2026, at Dundee Seventh-day Adventist Church.
Their training included three camping skills camps and numerous in-person and online workshops, including first aid training. The programme was coordinated by Master Guide Mthoko Ndlovu, supported by Scottish Mission Pathfinder sponsors Paul and Yvonne Kanjewe, with contributions from trainers across Scotland and the UK.
The investiture of nine new Master Guides represents an important investment in the future of youth ministry in Scotland, strengthening the network of trained leaders equipped to mentor and nurture the next generation.
A Celebration of Faith and Service
The morning programme began with practical demonstrations of skills acquired during training, including CPR, water safety, reflector fire, drill and marching, and first aid.
Pastor Njabulo (Njay) Ndlovu, British Union Conference Youth Ministries Director, delivered a sermon entitled “Once a Master Guide, Always a Master Guide?”, emphasising that being a Master Guide is not simply a title, but a lifelong commitment to service, humility, continued learning and dependence on Jesus.
The afternoon programme featured an address by Scottish Mission President Pastor Obinnaya (Obi) Iheoma, who emphasised that leadership involves passing on not only knowledge and skills, but also faith and Christian character. Challenging the graduates to put their training into practice, he asked: “What will be the value of your scarf if you do not lead anyone after today?”
A Memorable Investiture
The afternoon's graduation and investiture ceremony was filled with moments of celebration and emotion.
Before receiving their Master Guide insignia, the graduates reflected on their journeys, expressing gratitude to God and those who had supported them. Several were moved to tears, while one graduate shared that this was the first graduation ceremony he had ever attended.
A particularly touching moment came when Master Guide Paul Kanjewe invested his wife, Yvonne Kanjewe, to the applause of family members and friends.
Musical performances by individuals and groups from across the Scottish Mission added to the celebrations, while knot boards and sanctuary models completed by the graduates during their training were also displayed.
Looking to the Future
Welsh Mission Pathfinder Sponsor Jonathan Nyengani delivered a concluding devotional, reminding the new Master Guides that their outward commitments should reflect a genuine relationship with Christ.
Pastors Njay Ndlovu and Obi Iheoma commended Scottish Mission Pathfinder sponsors, Paul Kanjewe and Yvonne Kanjewe, and Master Guide Training Co-ordinator Mthoko Ndlovu for their dedication to developing future youth leaders. Paul Kanjewe also received a long-service award in recognition of his contribution to Pathfinder ministry, while Pastor Iheoma reaffirmed the Scottish Mission Executive Committee's support for the ministry.
In her vote of thanks, programme coordinator Mthoko Ndlovu reminded the graduates that completing their training was not the end of their journey as Master Guides, but rather the beginning of a lifelong commitment to leadership, discipleship and service.
Could you be among the next group of Master Guides? Applications for the 2027–2028 training programme are now open. Apply by 30 November 2026.
