The North Pacific Union Conference (NPUC), in consultation with conference Pathfinder directors, announced that the Union-level Pathfinder Bible Experience (PBE) event in Chehalis, Washington scheduled for March 14, 2020 has been canceled.
Several counties in western Washington declared emergencies this week. In addition the state governor has urged Washington residents to avoid major events and large gatherings of people.
“The current civic concern over the coronavirus and the potential danger of infection is why we’ve decided to cancel the union PBE,” says Rob Lang, NPUC Pathfinder director. “We’re really disappointed that we have to take this precaution.”
Lang said Pathfinder leaders across the union are working hard to create a live online union PBE event. The event will still allow NPUC Pathfinders to test their Bible knowledge with their teams. Details will be shared in the coming days.
“No, it won’t be the same as coming together in person,” says Lang, “but I think it can still be a fun and rewarding experience.”
In additon to the union PBE cancellation, the NPUC Pathfinder Coordinator’s Retreat, traditionally held at the same time, was also canceled.
The North American Division (NAD) PBE event, scheduled for April 18, has been moved to an online event as well. The NAD Youth Department says an online broadcast will be held on April 18, 2020, at 5 p.m. EDT from the NAD headquarters.* This online event will allow clubs from all over the NAD to tune in and answer a selection of questions from the biblical books of Ezra, Nehemiah, Hosea, Amos, Jonah and Micah.
For future updates on the 2020 Pathfinder Bible Experience, please visit clubministries.org/pathfinders/pathfinder-bible-experience/.