Pathfinders from across North America gathered in Battle Creek, Michigan, on April 26, 2025, for the North American Division-level Pathfinder Bible Experience (PBE). The event took place at Kellogg Arena and brought together 191 teams who had spent months studying and memorizing the books of Romans and 1 Corinthians. The goal? Not just to win—but to grow spiritually and build a lasting relationship with Jesus.
PBE is more than a Bible quiz. It’s the official Bible study program of the North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists. While many affectionately call it “Bible Bowl,” the experience goes far beyond memorization. Pathfinders learn to reflect on what the Bible says and how to apply its teachings at home, school, and church.
From local testing to the final division-level event, young participants moved through area, conference, union, and division rounds. Despite busy school schedules and other personal responsibilities, they stayed committed to diving into God’s Word. Youth Directors, Area Coordinators, and Pathfinder Directors across the Mid-America Union proudly supported them every step of the way.
All 17 teams that placed first at the Mid-America Union level made it to the national stage. Out of those, 16 received a first-place ranking, and one team earned a strong second-place ranking—an outstanding showing that reflects not only the dedication of the Pathfinders but also the commitment of their churches and families.
“Participating in PBE is one of the most rewarding ministries I’ve had the privilege to be part of,”
said Elder Tyrone Douglas, Church Ministries/Youth and Young Adult Director for the Mid-America Union. “I’m confident it will leave a lasting impact on the lives of our youth.”
Pastor Sean Lee from the Southview Seventh-day Adventist Church in Minnesota said his teams’ success was the result of full church involvement. “We did several sermon series on those books,” he said.
“Elders gave Bible studies, and everyone strategized to help the kids not just memorize the book, but understand it. It was a team effort—church leaders and parents came together to support the kids with passion and excitement.”
At Chapel Oaks Church, prayer and sacrifice were key. “First of all, we prayed together,” said Kevin Rosado.
“And as parents, we sacrificed time and gave financially to support our kids. We pray that whatever they learned, they keep it in their hearts for the glory of God.”
Support came in many forms. Jackline Nyamagwa from Ramsey Seventh-day Adventist Church shared that their church community made a strong commitment to their Pathfinder team. “Parents studied with the kids and helped financially,” she said. “We got so many messages the morning of the event saying,
‘We’re praying for you.’ That made us feel grateful and encouraged.”
For some, the experience brought back powerful memories. Yesenia Rosatto from Chapel Oaks reflected on how PBE changed her life.
“If I’m in the church today, it is because of the Bible Experience,”
he said. “Now I get to coach my daughters and their team. It’s a blessing to pass this on to the next generation.”
Scott Thayer from the Southview Seventh-day Adventist Church in Minnesota said PBE helped his entire church grow closer.
“It’s a way for families to come together and study scripture,”
he shared. “I’ve seen mothers and fathers studying with their children and children gaining a deeper understanding of the Bible than ever before. It bonds us as families and as a church.”
The 2025 season may be over, but the journey continues. The study books for next year’s Pathfinder Bible Experience will be Isaiah chapters 1–33. The next Division-level event is scheduled to take place in Florida in 2026.
With scripture in their hearts and the support of their families and churches behind them, these young Pathfinders are proving that a strong walk with Jesus begins with time in His Word—and that the journey is even more meaningful when taken together.
More pictures can be found on our Flickr site.
Dakota
- Church: Cleveland; Club: Cleveland Prairie Trails; Team: The SIRS – 1st Place
Iowa-Missouri
- Church: College Park; Club: College Park Tigers; Team: Roaring 4 Christ – 1st Place
- Church: Sedalia; Club: Sedalia Pioneers; Team: Pioneers – 1st Place
- Church: Mountain Grove; Club: Mountain Grove Trailblazers; Team: Trailblazers – 1st Place
- Church: Ankeny; Club: Ankeny Sonseekers; Team: FBI – 1st Place
- Church: Ankeny; Club: Ankeny Sonseekers; Team: CIA – 1st Place
- Church: Cedar Rapids; Club: Cedar Rapids Timberwolves; Team: Rome – 1st Place
Kansas-Nebraska
- Church: College View; Club: College View Trailblazers; Team: Aristibulus – 1st Place
- Church: Chapel Oaks; Club: KC Explorers; Team: The Household of Stephanus – 1st Place
Minnesota
1st Place Ranking
- Church: Kenya Community; Club: KCC Heaven’s Crew; Team: KCC Doves – 1st Place
- Church: Southview; Club: Southview Sabers; Team: Spears – 1st Place
- Church: Southview; Club: Southview Sabers; Team: Thunder – 1st Place
- Church: Rochester; Club: SE MN Rangers; Team: Swords – 1st Place
- Church: Ramsey; Club: Light of the World; Team: Warriors for Christ – 1st Place
2nd Place Ranking
- Church: Kenya Community; Club: KCC Heaven’s Crew; Team: KCC Eagles
Rocky Mountain
- Church: Campion; Club: Loveland Cougars; Team: Loveland Cougars – 1st Place
- Church: Aurora Hispanic; Club: Las Aguilas; Team: Las Aguilas – 1st Place
