Lake Region—Sabbath is a happy day, and this Sabbath was no different. The Capital City Church Pathfinders and Adventurers filed into the church bus to go to the grand opening of Anna’s House in Indianapolis, Ind., for a service project. Anna’s House is a clinic and learning center that opened on July 29 to offer food, dental care, medical help, and educational services, including tutoring and computer training for Indianapolis children in need. Before the event, the Capital City Guards Pathfinder club leaders were contacted by Bob Haverstick, founder of the Indianapolis-based Never Too Late organization that makes dreams come true for senior citizens, and Lucious Newsom, a senior who, for 18 years, has provided hands-on care for the poor in Indianapolis. The Pathfinders were to assist Haverstick and Newsom as they distributed 1,000 grocery bags filled with bread, cereal, canned vegetables, and beef stew to senior citizens at the grand opening.

By the time we got there, they were already an hour into the special program. News reporters, volunteers, and the organizers were there. Mitch Daniels, Indiana’s governor, was there, too. It was a very hot day, and the event was held outside.

Just before the group began to serve, they were pulled aside to meet someone important—the governor himself. He personally chatted with each of the young people and even commented that they had beautiful names. The governor said he had heard of the Pathfinder and Adventurer organizations, and he wished all young people could belong to such organizations.

Each young person was assigned an area and capacity in which to assist. They assisted senior citizens by helping them select food items needed and then the young people carried the food to their cars. More than 1,000 individuals were served that day. The service project went very smoothly and gave the young people an opportunity to be of service yet again.

Each month, a service project is planned for the young people at the Capital City Church. Other service projects have included visiting area nursing homes and sick church members, cleaning and stocking the Adventist Community Service Center, and helping to beautify two community parks. Future plans include involvement with Youth as Resource, sponsored by United Way. In this program, community youth plan activities to benefit the community and execute the plans. The adults only mentor and give guidance.

"It is extremely important for the children to be involved in service because children who serve will be adults who serve," said Sibhekile Washington, Pathfinder director.

In December, the Pathfinder and Adventurer Club leaders will host a speech contest. Each person participating receives a consolation prize, and winners are named for first, second, and third place prizes. Topics are suggested, and the young people do research and write their speeches. Last year's winner was Kaydra Bailey, who presented a speech entitled, "HIV in the Black Community."

Leaders look for a variety of ways to teach leadership skills. The Capital City Guards Pathfinder club publishes a newsletter, The Pathfinder Pinnacle. The newsletter is edited by one of the Pathfinders, Areisa Peters.

Whether it's serving those less fortunate, honing speaking skills, or editing a newsletter, we hope our young people use their skills and talents for the Lord throughout their lives.

Sibhekile Washington, Capital City Pathfinder director, and Guirlene Durosier, Capital City Adventurer director