ne of the most important programs for Pathfinders in many regions throughout the world is the camporee—an event in which Pathfinders demonstrate their skills in various areas, participate in specific tests, strengthen their faith through topical Bible study, and increase their circle of friendships by meeting youth from other clubs. But recently, in São Paulo, Brazil, more than 2,000 youth from 75 different Pathfinder Clubs participated in a new approach to the Pathfinder experience—an “online camporee.”

Online Camporee is an innovative project that connects the clubs through tests developed on computers, and it’s been a hit.

RADICAL CHANGES: Online Camporee is a hit with Pathfinders in Brazil.

"“I like to go camping, sleeping in a tent, participating in activities with my friends,” says Brenda Raíssa, a 13-year-old member of the Órion Pathfinder Club in Brazil, when describing a typical Pathfinder Camporee experience. “With the Online Camporee the feeling is also neat, because I do the things that I like to do via the computer. I’m used to exchanging ideas with my friends through the Internet, and the camporee had a chat room and interactive competition. It was fun. Everyone enjoyed it.”

The Online Camporee test marathon took one and a half hours. Participants divided into units from their respective clubs and, connected via the Internet, answered questions about the Bible, Pathfinder history, general activities, and the annual Reading Club books, which are distributed by the Brazil Publishing House. About 270 units participated in the activities, which included a chat and “lightning round” questions that had to be answered within a limited time.

“Young people currently spend a large amount of time navigating on the Internet, and our idea is to utilize this tool for the preaching of the gospel,” said Jose R. Venefrides, Youth Ministries leader of the São Paulo area. “The Online Camporee has this objective. It was wonderful to see thousands of computers interconnected for two or three hours involving young people in wholesome competition and activities that contribute to mental and spiritual development”

—Adventist News Network/AR.

ENGLAND: Adventists and Muslims Share Perspectives

n a joint venture between the Global Center for Adventist-Muslim Relations (GCAMR) in Loma Linda, California, United States; Newbold College in Binfield, England; and the Shia Muslim community in the United Kingdom, Adventists and Muslims met recently to share their perspectives on last-day events. About 50 Adventists from Newbold College and the South England Conference attended the event.

Jerald W. Whitehouse, director of GCAMR, was the main speaker on behalf of the Adventist Church, and Sheikh Bahmanpour, head of the undergraduate and postgraduate departments of Islamic Studies at Islamic College, located in London, England, was the featured Muslim speaker on behalf of the Islamic Center of England. Other presenters included Oscar Osindo, also of GCAMR, and Sheikh Ali Al Hakim, researcher for the Islamic Center of England.
Many common biblical beliefs and perspectives were discussed, including the second coming of Jesus and how both Adventists and Muslims look forward to His coming and see it as the time when peace and justice will be restored.

“I hope that many more similar events will take place between Adventists and Muslims in the future,” says Whitehouse.

—Global Center for Adventist-Muslim Relations/AR

ENGLAND: Two “Radical Discipleship” Programs Reach Young Adults

COME AND SEE: A London Live team member invites a woman on Oxford Street in London to attend a community outreach event.

Two Hundred Attend First London Live Event
An idea that started with a few friends sitting together at lunch eventually developed into an innovative community outreach program called London Live.

London Live was kick-started with a program held in a central London café that featured praise music, spiritual drama, and a motivational message by local Adventist pastor Eddie Hypolite, who challenged the 200 attendees from throughout London to make a commitment to “things that matter” and wage a “war on indifference.” Program organizers reported that several people made life-changing decisions as a result of the event.

For more information, go to www.mylondonlive.com.

TUNING IN:  The simple, basic methods used by CAYA to teach the gospel message are capturing the attention of young adults.

A New Way to “Do Church”
“Come as You Are,” or CAYA, is a nontraditional way to “do church” developed at Stanborough School, a 200-student Adventist boarding academy in Herts. The program was developed for students who have little church background. CAYA strives to present the gospel message in simple, basic ways through programs such as dramatic monologues, sketches, and group activities. The mission is to help young adults learn to apply gospel principles to their daily lives.

Although adults are currently involved in leading out in the program, plans are being formulated to allow young adults to eventually take over total leadership responsibility—making it a church for teens by teens.
Even though CAYA is still in the experimental stage, church and school leaders say the results so far have been very positive.

—British Union Conference/AR.

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