Pathfinders in the Central States Conference are moving in the right direction. “Building While Moving Forward” has been adopted as the 2026 theme by the conference’s Pathfinder Leadership Council. This theme is already taking shape across the conference as clubs step up to move Pathfinders forward. Three of those clubs are the Guerreros de Dios (Warriors of God) Pathfinder Club, the Indonesian Unity Seventh-day Adventist Church Pathfinder Club, and the Denver Park Hill Roho Rafikima Pathfinder Club. Here’s what these clubs have to say.
Warriors of God Pathfinder Club
By Irma Castro (Viki)
In mid-2014, at Central Hispanic Church, under the leadership of Pastor De Gives, a need arose to establish a Pathfinder Club so the children and youth of the church could develop a closer relationship with the Lord Jesus.
Cristian and Irma Castro (Viki), Master Guides who had previously founded the God of Victory Pathfinder Club at Maranatha KC Church, were contacted to take on this new challenge. They were invited to help open a club at Central Hispanic Church, which had a strong number of children and youth eager to participate.
Along with their children, Emanuel and Kristin, the Castro family began building relationships within the church. At the same time, parents of future Pathfinders were trained, forming the first Master Guide Club with 22 members who would later become leaders of the Pathfinder Club.
After several months of training, the group officially launched the Pathfinder Club at Central Hispanic Church under the supervision of Director Rachel Banks. In 2015, the first board of directors was formed, with Viki Castro serving as General Director; Cristian Castro as Associate Director; Edith Díaz as Adventurers Director; José Villaseñor as Pathfinders Director; and Denise Villaseñor as Secretary. Master Guides in training served as instructors and counselors—many of them parents of club members—creating a highly engaged and enthusiastic church environment.
During a meeting with the children and youth, several names were proposed, and the club voted to become “Warriors of God.”
At the end of 2015, the first Lock-In Camp, titled “Walk with Jesus,” was held with great success at the CSC gymnasium.
The first investiture followed on February 27, 2016, when 12 Pathfinders and 27 Adventurers received their class pins. Twenty-one Master Guides in training supported the event.
In 2017, the Master Guides in training set a goal to complete their coursework that year. Through dedication and teamwork, they achieved this milestone and were invested on September 30, 2017, in a ceremony certified by Director Rachel Banks.
Fourteen members were invested as Master Guides.
Each year, club members participated in baptismal classes, and both Pathfinders and Adventurers made decisions for baptism. Over time, the club hosted numerous field trips, campouts, Lock-Ins, and educational activities. When the pandemic began in 2019, meeting regularly became difficult. In 2023, Viki Castro resumed her role as director, and with new members, counselors, and instructors, the club moved forward with a new generation of Pathfinders and Adventurers.
With the certification of the new Central States Conference Pathfinder Director, Elder Ian Francis, the second post-pandemic investiture was held on December 13, 2025. The celebration also included the baptism of one Pathfinder. The club gives thanks to God for His love for children and for blessing everyone willing to serve Him.
To God be the glory.
Denver (Park Hill) Pathfinder Club
The Roho Rafikima Pathfinder Club of Denver Park Hill Seventh-day Adventist Church has served the community for 55 years.
The name Roho Rafikima is Swahili and means “Soul Friends.”
It reflects the club’s philosophy of unity among youth of every nation, kindred, tongue, and people—servants of God and friends to humanity.
Founded in 1969 by Genevieve Palote, the club included members such as the Paris family, including Rachel Paris—now Rachel Banks—who later served as both Central States Conference Pathfinder Director and director of the Roho Rafikima Pathfinder Club.
Under the leadership of Pastor Shane John, the club held its Induction Ceremony on October 25, 2025. Pathfinders were excited and eager to begin a new Pathfinder year.
Indonesian Unity Seventh-day Adventist Church Pathfinder Club
The newly established Indonesian Unity Seventh-day Adventist Church youth department is thriving. Pathfinder Director Pastor Martinus Kornelis shared insights about the club’s beginnings and vision.
The Pathfinder Club was formally established on October 18, 2025. While the church itself was organized about two years earlier, leadership recognized the need for a structured, Christ-centered ministry to support the children, youth, and young adults within the congregation.
“As a multicultural Indonesian community representing many ethnic backgrounds, we felt a strong need for a ministry that nurtures spiritual growth, character development, and evangelism,” Kornelis said.
The initiative began as a personal burden for youth ministry and was prayerfully shared with church leadership. With strong support from parents, members, and Master Guides, the vision quickly became a shared mission.
Currently, the club includes 15 registered participants—eight Adventurers and seven Pathfinders—along with five individuals enrolled in Master Guide training.
The club is named NUSANTARA, a term referring to the Indonesian archipelago and symbolizing unity in diversity.
“The name reflects our mission to guide young people to follow Christ together,” Kornelis explained.
With 12 active Master Guides volunteering their time, the church is grateful for the support of the Central States Conference. Leaders pray the club will continue to disciple, empower, and inspire young people to serve both the church and the wider community.
by Ian Francis
Central States Conference Pathfinder Director
