Nestled within the scenic campus of Mountain View College, thousands of young Pathfinders have come together for a highly anticipated camporee, running from February 23 to March 2. With the theme “Rebuild the Altar,” this week-long gathering goes beyond outdoor adventure—it serves as a transformative spiritual retreat. Campers participate in Bible-based activities, leadership training, and character-building experiences, all designed to deepen their faith and renew their commitment to God.
One of the camporee’s key attractions is the Sanctuary Station, an interactive exhibit that brings to life the biblical sanctuary described in the Old Testament. For centuries, this sacred structure served as the center of worship for the Israelites, symbolizing God’s presence and His plan of salvation through Jesus Christ. At the camporee, the station provides visitors with a guided tour through the different parts of the Sanctuary—such as the Altar of Sacrifice, the Table of Showbread, the Ark of the Covenant, and other key elements—helping them understand their deep spiritual significance.
Each day, Pathfinder volunteers lead groups of campers through this immersive experience, explaining how every detail of the sanctuary points to Christ’s mission of redemption. But for one tour guide, what began as a routine night at the station turned into an unforgettable moment of divine intervention.
An Unplanned Tour with Purpose
Following the evening worship service, a group of Sanctuary tour guides returned to their post, expecting to welcome more visitors eager to explore the biblical exhibit. To their surprise, the station was empty. Instead of being discouraged, they decided to use the time to rehearse their tour routine, refining their presentations for future guests.
In the midst of their quiet preparations, three young students unexpectedly entered through the eastern gate, requesting a private tour. Two of them, siblings, had already visited the station earlier in the day, but the older sibling had returned—this time bringing along a close friend.
One of the guides stepped forward, leading them through the sacred symbols of the sanctuary. As they walked through the exhibit, what started as a simple tour turned into something far deeper. The students, no longer just passive listeners, engaged in meaningful dialogue, asking thought-provoking questions and sharing personal experiences.
A Personal Revelation
By the end of the tour, one of the students was visibly moved. Overcome with emotion, he began to shed tears—not out of sadness but from the overwhelming joy of discovering a truth he had never fully grasped before.
He openly shared his past doubts, admitting that he once believed Jesus to be nothing more than a fictional character—someone confined to the pages of a book. But that night, standing in the presence of the sanctuary’s message, he found himself transformed. With conviction in his voice, he declared, “I see Jesus as a personal God.”
For the tour guide, witnessing this moment was both humbling and awe-inspiring. “God, indeed, dwells among us,” he reflected, realizing that ministry is not about being perfect but about being available.
A Call to Experience Christ
As the Pathfinder Camporee continues, many more young people are expected to experience similar encounters—where knowledge transitions into faith and where the reality of God’s presence becomes undeniable.
For those still planning to visit, the invitation remains open: step into the Sanctuary station, immerse yourself in the plan of salvation, and see Jesus revealed in a way that could change your life forever.