Illinois—Carefully organized each year by Pathfinder leadership, Camporee is a special weekend at the beginning of the Pathfinder season in which Pathfinders earn honors and receive awards for their accomplishments. This year Christine Taube received her Master Guide, and Javier Alencastro received the Pathfinder Leadership Award. The high point of the 2007 Fall Skills Camporee did not, however, appear on the schedule of events—the baptism of 20-year-old Oscar Fuentes.

Although Fuentes attended numerous church services as a child, he felt a void in his life. When he got older, Fuentes decided he would no longer attend church. At age 13, his mother was diagnosed with breast cancer, and the family prepared the best they could for her death. Where is God? Fuentes wondered. When his mother's "Last Will and Testament" was read, she left him with these words, "Just find God, my Son."

After his mother's death Fuentes met an Adventist young lady. He was impressed with her lifestyle; she exuded a peace he desired to experience himself, so Fuentes began to study about Adventists. He searched the Internet for information, read many articles, and became impressed with the church's history. Fuentes even submitted a school paper on the information he discovered.

Soon Fuentes began to attend the Berwyn Seventh-day Adventist Church and started Bible studies with Gabriel Rodriguez. After the Bible studies were finished, Fuentes was ready for baptism, but the church was without a pastor. His baptism had to wait.

Majoring in education, Fuentes decided he could gain valuable experience for his chosen occupation if he worked with the Pathfinder program at church. Fuentes discovered that he must be a baptized member to continue in club leadership.

On Sabbath morning at the camporee, pins were given to Pathfinders who were baptized to go on their dress uniform. A pin was offered to Fuentes. "I can't wear this pin," he said as he handed it back. "I'd like to be baptized, but our church has no pastor."

"There are two pastors here," the club leader suggested. "Why not get baptized here, now?"

Wow! the desire of his heart would be fulfilled. Although caught off-guard, Fuentes was ready. During the next couple of hours a flurry of activities ensued; phone calls and arrangements were made so Fuentes' baptism could be held at Camporee during the worship service. At the conclusion of the worship service, surrounded by more than 500 Pathfinders and staff members, Fuentes was lowered into the water for baptism by Adilio Herrera, a pastor who was no stranger. The two had met once before at a youth event at Camp Akita.

Illinois Pathfinders continue to be flexible in their ministry, touching lives for Jesus at any time and at every level of their organization—even prompted by such a simple thing as a lapel pin.

Rachel Terwillegar, former assistant to the president for communication, Illinois Conference of Seventh-day Adventists