The 1st National Pastoree of Egypt, titled Guardians of the Shore, was held from April 23 to 25 at the Beit El Wadi retreat center, bringing together more than 30 Pathfinder Club leaders , including directors and pastors, for a program of training sessions, interactive activities, and formative moments designed to strengthen leadership across the ministry and equip those directly working with youth
The 1st National Pastoree of Egypt, titled Guardians of the Shore, was held from April 23 to 25 at the Beit El Wadi retreat center, bringing together more than 30 Pathfinder Club leaders , including directors and pastors, for a program of training sessions, interactive activities, and formative moments designed to strengthen leadership across the ministry and equip those directly working with youth.
Organized by the Egypt Field’s Pathfinders and Adventurers Department under the leadership of Pastor Aislan Bonetti, the event focused on developing more intentional and prepared leaders, encouraging the exchange of experiences and aligning strategies for the growth of clubs throughout the country.
International support and shared vision
The program also featured a team from Northern Brazil, including Pastor Herbert Cleber Cadeira, Youth and Pathfinder leader of the North Brazil Union. For him, the experience went beyond technical training: “It has been very special. We have lived incredible moments here—connecting with the culture, learning about the mission projects, interacting with local pastors, and participating in the Pastoree. There is great potential for the growth of clubs in this region,” he said.
He also emphasized that the event strengthens unity among leaders from different contexts, reinforcing a shared mission and a common vision for the future of the ministry.
Local impact and leadership transformation
Among the local participants, Pastor Philip Samuel emphasized the encouragement generated among pastors. “This Pastoree has encouraged all the pastors,” he stated, pointing to a renewed commitment to support the ministry.
He also noted that the event strengthens the role of Pathfinders within the church, helping leaders see it as a key instrument for youth development and growth. “This event will help my club to grow more. The Pathfinders are the future of the church,” he added.
Pastor Girgis Malak highlighted a shift in personal vision. “Now I am thinking… to establish a Pathfinder Club in each church, because this is the revival of the church,” he said.
Indirectly, his testimony shows that many pastors are now better equipped with practical knowledge and motivated to take concrete steps in implementing clubs in their local churches.
From vision to action
According to Aislan Bonetti, the Pastoree stood out for its practical approach. “It was not just a theoretical event, but a space where pastors and leaders could clearly understand the purpose of the Pathfinder ministry as a strategic tool for discipleship and mission,” he explained.
He highlighted that participants received direct training on club organization, leadership principles, and safety procedures, combined with hands-on experiences such as outdoor activities, drills, and spiritual moments. He pointed out that this combination helped shift the mindset of many pastors, who began to see the Pathfinder Club not merely as a youth activity, but as a structured ministry for retention, character development, and evangelism.
Looking ahead, he emphasized that the main challenge is continuity. In his words, “inspiration must be translated into structured action.” He stressed the need for intentional follow-up, ongoing mentoring, and strategic planning across regions to ensure sustainable growth.
Aislan also outlined that investing in continuous leadership development, organizing future events, and maintaining strong pastoral involvement will be key factors in transforming what was learned into real expansion of Pathfinder Clubs throughout Egypt.
A strategic beginning for the future
For Kim, the Pastoree represents a turning point. “We thought we were not prepared… but now we realize that we can start as we are, with what we have,” he said.
His remarks reflect a broader shift among leaders, from hesitation to action, recognizing that growth begins with available resources and a willingness to take the first step. He also emphasized that progress will require patience, local adaptation, and steady development of leadership.
The Pastoree marks an important step in strengthening Pathfinder Clubs in Egypt, reinforcing that investing in leadership is the starting point for consistent and sustainable growth in the ministry.