All posts by Nesco Lettsome

Damascus Grace Fellowship Pathfinder and Adventurers Club Sabbath

Damascus Grace Fellowship Club Ministries Investiture Day – September 6, 2025

A joint celebration of Adventurers and Pathfinders

On September 6, 2025, Damascus Grace Fellowship Church in Damascus, Maryland, hosted a combined Adventurer and Pathfinder Club induction and investiture service. Families, club members, and supporters packed the church to celebrate the accomplishments of these young disciples and the adults who mentor them. The Pathfinder leader invited master guides and coordinators from across the Potomac Conference, and more than ten master guides and conference coordinators attended to support the young people. The praise team opened the service with stirring songs, and Pastor Rahul Moses welcomed visitors in the announcements.

The service began with announcements, music, and a moving induction ceremony for both clubs. Children, youth, and staff stood proudly as they received scarves, pins, and certificates that marked their commitment to club ministry. Later in the program, Pastor Shawn Kelley delivered a succinct twenty-minute sermon. His message, urging everyone to live by the Pathfinder Pledge and Law, served as the powerful conclusion to the event. After the sermon, the congregation sang “Jesus Loves Me,” and a potluck meal followed in the fellowship hall.

Highlights from the day

  • Investiture of club members. Young people from kindergarten through high school were inducted into their respective clubs. Club scarves were placed on new members, and certificates were presented, recognizing their achievements. The investiture also welcomed several staff members who will lead and mentor the clubs during the coming year.

  • New Master Guide invested. Helber “Alex,” the deputy director of the Damascus Pathfinder Club, earned his Master Guide status. His wife, Beverling, directs the Adventurer Club. Their dedication to serve—even though their own child is still too young to join—demonstrates the selflessness and commitment that make these ministries strong.

  • Support from families. Zazil and Paul, active supporters of the Adventurer Club, participated even though their son is in the Pathfinder Club. Their willingness to support both programs highlights how the clubs rely on parents and guardians to model service and leadership.

  • Community involvement. More than a dozen master guides and conference coordinators attended the service. Their presence affirmed that the Damascus clubs are part of a larger network of clubs across the Potomac Conference.

Commitment of families and leaders

The success of Damascus Grace Fellowship’s clubs is built on the selfless service of parents and leaders. Helber “Alex” received his Master Guide sash during the service and will continue as the deputy director of the Pathfinder Club. His wife, Beverling, serves as the Adventurer Club director. Even though their only child is too young to join either club, they invest their time and energy in building a vibrant ministry.

Parents Zazil and Paul volunteer with the Adventurer Club while supporting their son, who is in the Pathfinder Club. Their example shows how families can nurture younger children while still cheering on older siblings. Such commitment from parents and staff ensures that every child feels supported and valued.

Conclusion

Damascus Grace Fellowship’s investiture day was a joyful reminder that youth ministry is a partnership between church, home, and conference. The presence of so many master guides, coordinators, and parents underscores how much the church values its children. By nurturing both Adventurers and Pathfinders, the congregation is investing in the next generation of disciples and leaders. With dedicated leaders like Helber and Beverling and supportive parents like Zazil and Paul, the future of these clubs looks bright.

Photos from the event

Members of Damascus Grace Fellowship’s Adventurer and Pathfinder clubs pose together after the service.

 

 

[1] adventurer-club-director.pdf

https://edmondsonheights.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/adventurer-club-director.pdf

[2] About Adventurers – Club Ministries – North American Division: https://www.clubministries.org/adventurers/

[3] Potomac: https://potomacclubministries.org/

 

The Baptism of Gabriel Wilkerson

New Birth In Baptism 

On 8/26/2023, Gabriel Wilkerson became the newest member of the Breath Of Life SDA church and was publicly immersed in the water to demonstrate his commitment to follow Jesus’s example through Baptism. We celebrate with his family and pray that he will continue on trusting God as he serves his country as a member of the US Air Force.
Four years ago, at the International Pathfinder Camporee, Gabriel and his mother searched for a Teen Leadership Training program bring offered by a Pathfinder Club in the DC Metro area. They found the Beltsville Broncos Club in the Potomac Conference. Gabriel had completed his Guide level and wanted to do more and receive Christian Leadership Training. He brought his three younger brothers to join the  club with him. The commitment he demonstrated throughout this four year program has been exemplary. Two years ago he also began his Master Guide Journey  with the club counselors. Towards the end of this journey, his study of the Master Guide requirements, combined with his collective study, and Pathfinder experiences with his counselors over these many years helped him realize the importance baptism. He understood that making the very public declaration to follow the examples of Jesus begins with baptism. This is the link to witness a new birth for yourself: Gabriel’s Baptism
We are looking forward to continue our journey with him and his brothers as mentors and family no matter where this life takes them. May the God of peace protect and keep him safe throughout all his life journeys, so that he may continue to be a powerful witness to the supreme power of the living God of Creation.

 

July 11 Directors’ Meeting

Welcome to 2021-2022 Pathfinder Year

July 1 is the beginning of our 2021-2022 Pathfinder Year.  It was good to have our club directors and their deputies join us for our July 11 directors’ meeting. Pastor Sherilyn O’Ffill and the Potomac Conference Coordinators are looking forward to a wonderful and challenging year filled with many opportunities to share Jesus Christ with your Pathfinders. We are posting the full video of the meeting here for you to review so club directors can successfully plan the 2021-2022 Pathfinder Year.
As information becomes available, it will be added to new posts on this website, so check-in for updates.

Directors Meeting Power Point – Director_Meeting_2021

Directors Meeting PDF – Director_Meeting_2021