Ninety-two Master Guide candidates from churches across the Northeastern Conference (NEC) of Seventh-day Adventists were invested during a special service held January 10 at the Mount Vernon Seventh-day Adventist Church, Mt. Vernon, NY. Representing ten conference regions, the newly invested Master Guides completed the highest level of leadership training within the church’s Pathfinder organization and are expected to strengthen youth leadership throughout the Conference.

The service opened with a formal procession of Master Guide candidates, established Master Guides, platform officials, and color guards, led by Michael Cuffie, Northeastern Conference Drill Master, and coordinator. The ceremony underscored the significance of the Master Guide role as a model of servant leadership and spiritual mentorship. Following the procession, attendees recited the Pledge to the American Flag, along with the Master Guide pledge, law, and song.

Worship was led by a praise team that created a reflective tone for the service. Pastor Javier Alcon, an assistant to the president of the Northeastern Conference, offered a dedicatory prayer, asking for the Holy Spirit to be a part of this special service and expressing gratitude for “the efforts and accomplishments of the candidates and youth leaders across the Conference.”

A special cording ceremony was conducted by Pastor Emmanuel Contreras, Vice President for Youth and Adult Ministries in the Atlantic Union Conference, and Irwin K. Lawrence, newly appointed NEC director for Uniformed Services, was affirmed for his service within Atlantic Union Adventist Youth Ministries.

Director Lawrence later officiated the investiture ceremony, presenting candidates by region. Participants represented Brooklyn South, Staten Island, Franco-Haitian churches, Long Island, New England North & South, New England North Hispanic, Queens, the RockWest, Southern New York Hispanic, and Western New York regions.

Among the invested master guides was a family of three including: father, Papillon Cox, mother, Kerry-Ann Cox and daughter, Shantana Smith. Mr. Cox, the proud father said, “being invested the same time as my family made it especially meaningful. It is a rare and profound blessing to grow, serve, and be affirmed together as a family in ministry.”

A charge was delivered by Pastor Andrés Peralta, a lieutenant chaplain in the United States Navy. Speaking from Philippians 2, Peralta emphasized humility as the foundation of Christian leadership.

“In God’s kingdom, elevation does not begin by going up; it begins by going down,” Lieutenant Peralta said. “Jesus flipped everything for the church. If you want to be something, if you want to be on the throne, you have to go through the valley first.”

Hermia Watson, Pathfinder regional executive coordinator, led a moment of silence in remembrance of deceased Master Guide leaders before offering the closing prayer. Watson asked God to “give us the wisdom that we need, the humility, courage, and the strength to lead by example and guided by Your Spirit.”

The Master Guide program is designed to equip adult leaders to mentor youth through spiritual development, service, and discipleship. With the investiture of these 92 leaders, the Northeastern Conference continues its commitment to developing dedicated leadership for Pathfinder Ministries across its territory.