Thousands of young Pathfinders from across the Adventist Church in the Southern Asia-Pacific region (SSD) united in a remarkable feat of faith and dedication, completing a handwritten copy of the Old Testament during the SSD-Wide Pathfinder Camporee held at Mountain View College from February 23 to March 2, 2025.
As part of the camporee’s spiritual activities, the Bible Writing Station was established, where Pathfinders and Master Guides meticulously transcribed the Scriptures from Genesis to Malachi. The project began on the first day of the gathering and continued throughout the week, culminating in a fully handwritten Old Testament manuscript—an inspiring testament to the campers’ commitment to God’s Word.
With the theme “Rebuild the Altar," the camporee emphasized restoring spiritual discipline and dedication among the youth. The handwritten Bible project was not just an activity but a profound experience that strengthened the participants’ connection with Scripture.
On the final day of the camporee, the handwritten Old Testament was officially handed over to Pastor Roger Caderma, SSD president, in a special ceremony recognizing the dedication and efforts of the young people. The document will be preserved and archived at the Adventist Heritage Center at SSD, ensuring that future generations can witness this extraordinary contribution to faith and history.
Pastor Ron Genebago, SSD Youth Director, expressed his gratitude for the dedication of the young people in immersing themselves in God’s Word. “This project is more than just writing—it is about internalizing the Scriptures. Our prayer is that as these Pathfinders wrote every word by hand, they also wrote God’s Word in their hearts.”
Sir Anakul Ritchil, SSD Pathfinder Director, highlighted the significance of the initiative in the Pathfinder movement. “This handwritten Bible is a legacy of faith. It demonstrates that Pathfinders are not only adventurers and leaders but also torchbearers of God’s truth. We look forward to completing the New Testament in our next camporee in Thailand.”
The New Testament is set to be completed during the next SSD-Wide Camporee in Thailand in 2027, which will carry the theme “Run the Race”, inspired by Hebrews 12:1-2 and the life of the Apostle Paul.
This handwritten Bible stands as a powerful testimony of faith and devotion, reflecting the dedication of the young people in the SSD territory. “May we allow God to write His Word in our hearts,” expressed one of the coordinators, encouraging fervent prayers for the next phase of this historic endeavor.