This year's Adventurer and Pathfinder Bible Experience (ABE & PBE) programme has been a resounding success, as evidenced by the record number of participants in the recently organised British Union Conference (BUC) Finals in Aberdeen, Scotland. A total of 124 teams from the BUC territory participated in the ABE and PBE Union Finals, hosted at the P & J Live multi-purpose indoor arena on Sabbath 9th March 2024. Organised and hosted by the Scottish Mission, this year's Union finals aligned with the vision of BUC Youth Ministries Director, Pastor Kevin Johns, to rotate the BUC finals across the conferences and missions. The winning teams are now gearing up for the Trans-European Division (TED) Finals, set to take place in Schiedam, Netherlands on Sabbath 13th April 2024.
I had the privilege of accompanying my local club, the Doncaster Doves ABE team, on the 750-mile round trip to the northeast of Scotland. For me, this was a nostalgic return after years of service in the National Health Service in Scotland. Our team was enthralled by Aberdeen's rich history, which stretches back centuries, and its vibrant city life, where modernity and tradition converge. Known as the Granite or Silver City because of its distinctive granite architecture, Aberdeen lived up to its reputation.
Aberdeen: A City of History and Modernity
Aberdeen's human history, traceable to the Stone Age, and its strategic North Sea coast location have made it a crucial trade and commerce hub, evolving into a significant port and fishing town. Granted Royal Burgh status by King David I in the 12th century, Aberdeen became a pivotal commercial and political centre. Through the centuries, the city flourished, with the granite deposits and nearby oil fields transforming it into an industrial and commercial powerhouse. Aberdeen's skyline, dominated by grey granite buildings, stands as a testament to this prosperous era, earning it the nickname of the Granite City. The city also played a significant role in the North Sea oil boom of the 1970s, ushering in a period of remarkable economic growth and development, including the construction of modern landmarks.
Aberdeen Today
Despite rapid modernisation and growth, Aberdeen has retained its historic charm and character. Its old town features well-preserved medieval architecture and quaint cobbled streets, while museums and cultural institutions celebrate its rich history and the diverse influences that have shaped its identity. Today, Aberdeen remains a global oil hub and a centre for education, industry, and innovation, yet its connection to the past continues to captivate visitors and instil pride in its residents.
The Triumphs of ABE & PBE
On the Sabbath morning, participants, greeted at the venue’s registration desks, embarked on a day filled with activities. The ABE programme took place in the morning, followed by the PBE in the afternoon. The opening colour party ceremony, highlighted by a lone Scottish Piper and a drumming team, was a spectacle of beauty. The North England Conference (NEC), through the dedicated efforts of Pastor Ikwisa Mwasumbi and his team, had the largest representation with 58 teams. Among these, the ABE teams saw 18 achieve first place, 2 second place, and 8 third place. For the PBE teams, 19 secured first place, 8 second place, and 3 third place, enabling 37 out of 58 NEC teams to compete at the TED Finals in April 2024. While these achievements are notable, the highlight was the young people's response to the altar call, choosing Jesus as their Saviour, making the ABE and PBE a crucial part of their spiritual journey.
Let us continue to support and pray for our teams as they represent their clubs and the NEC. Together, we celebrate the success of the ABE & PBE programme and look forward to the next stage in April.
