“Dare to Lead”
CCC Pathfinder Camporee Inspires a New Generation of Young Leaders
For several years, the Central California Conference did not hold a conference-wide Camporee due in part to COVID. As the conference emerged from the pandemic, the administration at that time chose to focus on supporting Pathfinder ministry through local and regional gatherings.
The new Central California Conference administration has embraced a renewed vision for this ministry, and I, together with our Junior Youth Department and dedicated lay leaders, am deeply grateful for their support in bringing back a conference-wide Camporee. Their belief in gathering our Pathfinder family has brought new momentum, joy, and a shared sense of mission to our work with young people.
From October 24–26, over five hundred Pathfinders, leaders, and staff gathered at Fresno Adventist Academy for our first conference-wide Camporee in six years. Our theme, “Dare to Lead,” drew strength from Joshua 1:9: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” It was a message not only spoken but embodied by our young people throughout the weekend.
From the moment tents were raised and flags lifted, it was clear our young people had come with hearts ready to learn, serve, and grow. For some, it was their first experience, for others, a long-awaited return, and together, we felt renewed joy and unity in the Spirit.
Young Preachers Leading the Way
Although the weekend held many special moments, the most unforgettable was witnessing young Pathfinders and TLTs preach the Word of God with clarity, boldness, and conviction. As their voices rose with confidence, I was reminded of the words of Isaiah 11:6, “And a little child shall lead them.”
This promise came alive before our eyes. These young disciples showed that God is not waiting for them to grow older before using them; He is using them now. Their leadership reminded us that the Holy Spirit equips believers of every age to serve, speak, and lead in the name of Jesus Christ.
Those who shared the Word included Diego Diaz (San Jose Ebenezer), Erika Bitzner (Waterford Warriors), Joshua Gikongo (Kings Crusaders), Joveney Macabeo II (Bakersfield Faithforce), Zachary Foll (Visalia Pioneers), Sarah Pikop and Ariana Rivas (Hollister Blue Jays), and Tristan Singh (Central Valley Golden Eagles).
One young speaker, Tristan Singh, described his experience: “I considered writing the message as a new opportunity to challenge myself on how much I know about the characters in the Bible and how they all point to Jesus. I prayed that God would give me the words to say and that I would write down whatever He impressed on my heart. The message taught me that true leadership is not about serving myself; it is about being a servant to others.”
— Tristan Singh, Central Valley Golden Eagles
Another speaker, Erika Bitzner, reflected on what inspired her to preach: “I wanted every Pathfinder and TLT to know that trusting in God is the most important trait of being a leader. People in the Bible faced difficult situations where they were called to lead, and we will face the same. We shouldn’t be afraid because God will always be with us. I chose Esther because she allowed God to use her to save her people. This was my first sermon, and I’m thankful for the opportunity. I want to encourage other Pathfinders to speak when given the chance.”
— Erika Bitzner, Waterford Warriors
Saturday night concluded with a special moment of blessing and affirmation as the young speakers were prayed over by Pastor David Pikop and Pastor Joseph Castillo. It was a powerful time of recognition, affirmation, and spiritual support, reminding both youth and adults of the importance of mentoring, guidance, and prayer in leadership development.
Growing Together
Throughout the weekend, Pathfinders joined honor classes, activities, worship, and reflection. Leaders poured into our youth, and friendships deepened across the conference in an atmosphere of fellowship, teamwork, and renewed faith.
I am grateful for the leadership of our conference administration, whose vision has reaffirmed the value of gathering as one Pathfinder family. Camporees help nurture identity, build community, and strengthen leadership as young people learn to follow Jesus.
Moving Forward with Courage
Pathfinder ministry is discipleship lived in real time. Here, young people discover courage, purpose, and the joy of serving Jesus. They learn that leadership is not defined by age or status but by faithfulness, compassion, and a heart willing to serve.
This Camporee reminded us that our youth are not only preparing to lead the church someday, but they are leading today. Their testimonies, messages, and prayers inspired us to believe that God is raising a generation who will stand firm, speak truth, and share the love of Jesus wherever He places them.
As we look ahead, we do so with gratitude and confidence in the God who guided Joshua. That same God continues to guide our young leaders as they dare to lead with courage, faith, and love.
By Norma Villarreal
Lay Elder Leads The Ark In Visalia Through Prayer and Community service
VISALIA, Calif. — Joseph Castillo never planned to lead a church. The physical therapist simply prayed, listened and said yes when God called.
Today, as elder and lay leader of Ark Church in Visalia, Castillo helps shepherd a congregation that has grown from about 25 members to roughly 100 regular attendees, without losing its focus on welcoming neighbors and serving the community. “Our mission is to be a safe place to learn about God and be welcomed right where you are,” Castillo said. “We want people to see that we’re just like them — diverse, imperfect and loved by Jesus.”
Foundation of Faith
Castillo’s parents left a rough neighborhood in Southern California to raise their family in the Central Valley. Born into a Seventh-day Adventist home, he attended Dinuba Junior Academy and Fresno Adventist Academy before earning a physical therapy degree from Loma Linda University in 2000.
Despite his Adventist upbringing, Castillo wrestled with doubts as a young adult. At Campus Hill Church in Loma Linda, Pastor Hyveth Williams addressed his specific questions about faith in consecutive sermons.
“By the third or fourth question being answered, I told God, ‘OK, I get it. You’re there,’” he recalled. “I didn’t want an emotional decision without commitment, or commitment without heart. God gave me both.”
Building Ark Church
When a church-planting opportunity emerged in Visalia, Castillo joined the launch team with Pastors Chad Stewart and Ed Urbina. He served first as a deacon and later as an elder. When Stewart accepted a call elsewhere and another pastor faced serious health challenges, Castillo stepped into leadership.
“I asked everyone if they wanted to keep moving forward,” he said. “If they did, I’d lead — but I’d need everyone’s help.”
The congregation progressed from church plant to company status and organized as a full church in 2019 — months before COVID-19 disrupted worship everywhere. Despite pandemic challenges, members purchased a building in 2022, a milestone Castillo calls “a miracle.” Today membership stands around 115, with weekly attendance near 100.
Balancing Work and Ministry
Castillo serves full time as Director of the Physical Therapy Assistant program at College of the Sequoias while carrying pastoral responsibilities at The Ark. Evenings and weekends go to preaching, mentoring leaders, visiting members and planning outreach.
“I see myself as a warrior for God,” he said. “That means obeying whatever God asks and protecting the flock — shepherding, not posturing.”
He credits his wife, Belinda, for anchoring his faith in seasons of doubt. Their three daughters — Elena, Annie and Celina — grew up serving at The Ark and continue to encourage the church family while studying at Southern Adventist University. He is quick topraise his leadership team and volunteers. “None of this is possible without the Holy Spirit and a committed group of volunteers,” he said. “God uses teams.”
Community Connections
The Ark’s outreach reflects a steady, neighbor-first posture. The Pathfinder Club draws about 25% of its participants from the community. A recent free ice cream social welcomed about 70 guests in two hours. “Friendship Sabbath” encourages members to bring a guest for a gratitude-centered service — a day promoted with the slogan, “The Ark - Where Friends Become Family.” “All Nations Sabbath” celebrates the congregation’s cultural diversity. A family fun fair is planned as a follow-up touchpoint for neighbors who visit.
Several families now attend after Castillo led a weekend seminar on pain and suffering — why a good God allows hurt and how Scripture speaks to grief. The final session was open Q&A. “We didn’t try to ‘sell’ anything,” he said. “We tried to listen, answer honestly and point to Jesus.” The church follows a simple rhythm: community events, relational Sabbaths designed for guests and clear next steps for discipleship. Pathfinders and family ministries serve as bridges, while sermons aim to be biblical, practical and easy to apply.
Looking Ahead
As The Ark expands its community presence, Castillo holds to the approach that shaped his journey: ask God hard questions, wait for His answers and do the next faithful thing.
For Castillo and The Ark, the focus is less on numbers and more on changed lives. “We’re just trying to be faithful in our corner of the valley,” he said. “If we listen and obey, God takes care of the rest.”
■ By Justin Kim
