The Village Seventh-day Adventist Church came alive on Sabbath, March 29, as young scholars from across the Lake Union gathered for the 2025 Union-level Pathfinder Bible Experience (PBE).
The Village Seventh-day Adventist Church came alive on Sabbath, March 29, as young scholars from across the Lake Union gathered for the 2025 Union-level Pathfinder Bible Experience (PBE). Pathfinders from Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Wisconsin and the Lake Region Conference tested their knowledge on the books of Romans and 1 Corinthians, as well as the corresponding Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary.
Craig Harris, Lake Union PBE coordinator, was excited that to see the youth memorize large swaths of the Bible, which hopefully leads to a lifelong relationship with God. “It’s so exciting to know that these young people have hidden God’s Word in their hearts.”
The Pathfinder Bible Experience—commonly referred to as PBE—has become the official Bible study program for the North American Division Pathfinders. It invites teams of six Pathfinders to immerse themselves in designated books of the Bible, often memorizing not only chapters but entire books and study commentaries reflecting on how biblical principles apply to their daily lives at home, school and church.
Among the 16 teams at the Union-level, seven earned first-place scores and will advance to the Division-level challenge to be held in Battle Creek, Michigan. For many, it’s more than just a competition—it’s a transformative experience.
Shiloh Trailblazers from Lake Region Conference expressed joy in drawing closer to God through Scripture: “We’ve had lots of fun studying the Word of God. We feel like we’ve grown spiritually.”
The Berrien Springs Golden Eagles said they learned perseverance: “We weren’t sure if we were going to pass this round. But thanks to God, we did. This experience showed that we’re all capable.”
As part of the upcoming division-level testing in Battle Creek on April 26, participants will tour the Adventist Historical Village and explore historic Adventist sites—including the very roots of the movement they’ve spent months studying.
Teams advancing to the Division Level:
Shiloh Trailblazers
Eau Claire Critters – The Aquarium
Kalamazoo Kampers – PBE and Jam
Ann Arbor Anchors – Conquerors in Christ
Stevensville Challengers – Team Bread
Holland Huskies – God's Homies
Golden Eagles – Alabare: We Will Praise
Stanton Witherspoon is a freelance journalist based in Berrien Springs.
