19 Mar 2025, 09:00Dr Mandela Thyoka
When God Moves: A Gripping Testimony of Lives Changed by the Pathfinder Bible Experience
An Interview with Jacynter Were, Architect of the PBE Programme in Kenya
I had not prepared myself for what I would encounter when I attended this year's Adventurer and Pathfinder Bible Experience (ABE & PBE) union-level testing at Newbold College on Sabbath 8th March 2025. It was a pivotal event for many young Adventurers and Pathfinders seeking to qualify for the Trans-European Division (TED) finals in Budapest, Hungary. This Sabbath saw young people from the Irish, Scottish, and Welsh missions, as well as the South England Conference (SEC) and the North England Conference (NEC), test the limits of their Bible knowledge.
A total of 50 ABE teams participated in the British Union Conference (BUC) finals (SEC 18; NEC 21; SM 2; IM 7; and WM 2), with 39 (78%) achieving first place and qualifying for the TED finals. Meanwhile, 59 PBE teams competed in the BUC finals (NEC 23; SEC 20; IM 12; SM 2; and WM 2), and 34 (58%) secured first place, advancing to the TED finals. However, this was not the end of the story—rather, it was just the beginning.
The Virtual Testing: A Testament to God’s Leading
I was surprised when, by divine appointment, I crossed paths with one of the SEC Pathfinder Area Coordinators, Vernon Noel. Casually, I asked him why he was late for the Bible test. He replied, "I am just coming back from another Bible test." Intrigued, I wanted to learn more about this other event, which I knew nothing about.
This year, SEC’s Vernon Noel and Susan Miller-Preston served as virtual quizmasters, while the previous year, Pastor Clifford Herman, the former SEC Pathfinder Director, had conducted the quiz.
The virtual testing is an inspiring story of how God moves among His people—a gripping testimony of lives changed by the Pathfinder Bible Experience (PBE). The story began in 2022 when Jacynter Were, a Kenyan Adventist, attended an online prayer line. There, she met Pastor Ikwisa Mwasumbi, NEC Pathfinder Director, clad in his full Pathfinder Director's uniform.
During the prayer session, amidst various prayer requests, one stood out: a prayer about PBE. Jacynter, eager to learn more, asked Pastor Mwasumbi about the programme. On another occasion, her friend Sarah—who had heard about PBE during a Camporee visit in the US—also met Pastor Mwasumbi in the same prayer group and mentioned both PBE and Jacynter’s interest. These two seemingly unrelated encounters planted the seed of PBE in Kenya, a seed that would soon flourish.
Although new to PBE, Jacynter and her friend were determined to bring this programme to Kenya.
A Conversation with Jacynter Were
In my pursuit of clarity on the PBE story in Kenya, I decided to learn more from Jacynter Were (JW). Below is my WhatsApp phone interview with her following the BUC PBE finals at Newbold on Sabbath 8th March 2025.
MT: Jacynter, I am excited to learn more about this inspiring story. How did you start your PBE journey in Kenya?
JW: Thank you for your call. It is all by God's grace. After meeting Pastor Mwasumbi during the online prayer meeting, my friend Sarah called me to inform me that Pastor Mwasumbi was inviting them to Greece and the USA for the TED and NAD finals, respectively, so they could witness and learn how PBE tests are conducted.
This journey of faith started in March 2023 when I applied for visas—our first miracle—as we secured an interview date and, finally, the visa itself. I then joined the NEC team for the tour of Greece, visiting ancient Corinth and Areopagus, bringing to life the Acts 17 story! On the day of the PBE test, I was invited to observe the duties of the judges and graders, as well as join the ABE and PBE officiating panel in scoring the participating teams. The same process was followed at the North American Division finals in Florida, USA. I learned as much as I could comprehend in that short space of time.
MT: It must have felt like a whirlwind tour of the two PBE finals! How did you then put all this new experience into practice when you got back home to Kenya?
JW: On my return, I initially started PBE at Newlife SDA Church in Kenya, as our sister churches did not fully comprehend this new programme. I searched online and found the South England Conference (SEC) online registration form, which I duly completed and registered a total of 14 teams for PBE—even without knowing anyone in the SEC.
However, later on, I met Pastor Herman Clifford, the SEC Adventurer and Pathfinder Director at the time, who graciously adopted the Kenyan teams and placed them with the London Ghana Church under Daniel and Roz. I learned so much from Daniel, including discovering PBE websites with online resources such as PBE Academy, PBE Prep, PBE Quiz Engine, and Ready Answers. We were privileged to have a dry run organised to help our Pathfinders get a glimpse of PBE testing. SEC Area Coordinator Vernon Noel advised me to reorganise the teams to ensure that each team had a full set of six members. This brought the total number of teams to seven, with two teams (Flying Marine Orcas and Flying Marine Bowhead Whales) progressing from the Area Testing in January 2024.
These two teams secured first place in successive rounds and proceeded to the conference, union, and division finals that year. At the TED finals in Schiedam, Rotterdam, one of our teams, Flying Marine Orcas, achieved first place and created history by becoming the first team to reach that feat in their maiden appearance. We saw the hand of God and owe everything to Him—it was the Lord's doing. We are so grateful for all the support from SEC, London Ghana, and the parents of Newlife SDA Church. Similarly, we were also very grateful for the support from Pastor JP Maiywa, Youth Director of the East Kenya Union, and Pastor Mwebaza, Youth Director of the East Central Africa Division (ECD).
MT: After such a successful start, how has the journey been since your inaugural participation?
JW: The progress of PBE in Kenya has been tremendous! In 2025, we recorded growth both in the number of teams participating and the jurisdiction covered by PBE teams. The East Kenya Union Conference (EKUC) was represented by South Nairobi Kajiado Field (SNKF) and East Nairobi Field (ENF), while the West Kenya Union Conference (WKUC) made their first appearance, represented by Central Nyanza Conference (CNC) and Ranen Conference. However, the Ranen PBE team did not participate in the tests due to late registration.
SNKF had a total of 16 teams from two Pathfinder clubs—Flying Marine Pathfinder Club of Newlife SDA Church contributed 14 teams, and Salems Pathfinder Club of Laiser Hill contributed two teams. ENF was represented by the Golden Eagles of Nairobi East Church with three PBE teams. CNC was represented by The Warriors of Kenya-Re SDA Church with four teams. All the teams registered with the SEC, but as the number of teams from Kenya grew, the SEC created an additional Area 9 for them.
This year, a total of 23 Kenyan PBE teams gathered at the Adventist LMS Guest House for the PBE Area Test on January 11 2025, with the Warriors traveling over 350 kilometres overnight from Kisumu to Nairobi to attend their maiden PBE test! With excitement and determination written all over their faces, the teams set out to showcase their prowess in Bible study.
There was one challenge for one of the PBE teams, whose member was unable to participate as permission to travel to the event was not granted by their boarding school. On the day of the test, the team (Flying Marine Great White Sharks) quickly divided the five chapters assigned to their absent member among themselves, spending the entire morning before the test memorising their friend's parts. God moved in the hearts of our Pathfinders, and when the test results were announced, Great White Sharks were among the 11 teams that secured first place at the Area Level Test and advanced to the Conference Level.
The Conference Level Test was held at Kenya Bankers Hall on February 8 2025, with three teams (Flying Marine Orcas, Flying Marine Amazon River Dolphins, and Flying Marine Sea Lions) securing first place and proceeding to the Union Level Test on March 8, 2025. The Union Level Test took place at SDA Church Newlife, where all three participating teams achieved first place and are now preparing for the Division Test in Budapest, Hungary.
Thus far, the Lord has been our Ebenezer. The teams are working hard to maintain their high standards and are in pursuit of a perfect score.
MT: What, in your opinion, is the secret to your success?
JW: Parents of Team Flying Marine Orcas will tell you, "Those kids are very prayerful." This Kenyan PBE team has taken the PBE programme seriously, independently searching the Scriptures and testing themselves using the PBE search engines. The young people inform us whenever new questions are posted on the sites, demonstrating their total commitment.
It was easy for me to start the PBE programme at Newlife SDA Church since I was the incumbent Pathfinder Director at the time. However, even after my tenure ended and I was out of the country, I continued to coordinate PBE activities in Kenya, ensuring timely registration and working closely with the Pathfinder leadership at my church in Kenya.
Growth and Expansion of PBE in Kenya
The growth of PBE in Kenya has been phenomenal. By 2025, the programme had expanded significantly, with participation from the East Kenya Union Conference (EKUC) and the West Kenya Union Conference (WKUC).
At the 2025 PBE Area Test, held at the Adventist LMS Guest House, 23 Kenyan teams participated. Some Pathfinders even traveled over 350 kilometres overnight to attend their first-ever test!
A particularly moving story was that of the Flying Marine Great White Sharks. One of their team members could not attend due to boarding school restrictions. In a show of determination and teamwork, the remaining members divided his assigned chapters among themselves, memorising them that very morning before the test. When results were announced, the team secured first place and advanced to the next round.
At the time of this article going to press, the three qualifying Kenyan teams—Flying Marine Orcas, Flying Marine Amazon River Dolphins, and Flying Marine Sea Lions—are preparing for the TED finals in Budapest, Hungary.
A Bright Future for PBE in Kenya
According to Jacynter, the secret to their success lies in prayer and dedication. "The parents of Team Flying Marine Orcas will tell you, ‘These kids are very prayerful.’" The Pathfinders take ownership of their studies, self-testing using PBE search engines and staying ahead of next year’s book—Isaiah.
Looking to the future, Jacynter envisions PBE tests conducted locally within the East-Central Africa Division (ECD), in both English and Swahili, ensuring broader accessibility. Meanwhile, parents and church members are working tirelessly to fundraise for their children's journey to Hungary.
Thus far, the Lord has been our Ebenezer.
An Interview with Jacynter Were, Architect of the PBE Programme in Kenya
I had not prepared myself for what I would encounter when I attended this year's Adventurer and Pathfinder Bible Experience (ABE & PBE) union-level testing at Newbold College on Sabbath 8th March 2025. It was a pivotal event for many young Adventurers and Pathfinders seeking to qualify for the Trans-European Division (TED) finals in Budapest, Hungary. This Sabbath saw young people from the Irish, Scottish, and Welsh missions, as well as the South England Conference (SEC) and the North England Conference (NEC), test the limits of their Bible knowledge.
A total of 50 ABE teams participated in the British Union Conference (BUC) finals (SEC 18; NEC 21; SM 2; IM 7; and WM 2), with 39 (78%) achieving first place and qualifying for the TED finals. Meanwhile, 59 PBE teams competed in the BUC finals (NEC 23; SEC 20; IM 12; SM 2; and WM 2), and 34 (58%) secured first place, advancing to the TED finals. However, this was not the end of the story—rather, it was just the beginning.
The Virtual Testing: A Testament to God’s Leading
I was surprised when, by divine appointment, I crossed paths with one of the SEC Pathfinder Area Coordinators, Vernon Noel. Casually, I asked him why he was late for the Bible test. He replied, "I am just coming back from another Bible test." Intrigued, I wanted to learn more about this other event, which I knew nothing about.
This year, SEC’s Vernon Noel and Susan Miller-Preston served as virtual quizmasters, while the previous year, Pastor Clifford Herman, the former SEC Pathfinder Director, had conducted the quiz.
The virtual testing is an inspiring story of how God moves among His people—a gripping testimony of lives changed by the Pathfinder Bible Experience (PBE). The story began in 2022 when Jacynter Were, a Kenyan Adventist, attended an online prayer line. There, she met Pastor Ikwisa Mwasumbi, NEC Pathfinder Director, clad in his full Pathfinder Director's uniform.
During the prayer session, amidst various prayer requests, one stood out: a prayer about PBE. Jacynter, eager to learn more, asked Pastor Mwasumbi about the programme. On another occasion, her friend Sarah—who had heard about PBE during a Camporee visit in the US—also met Pastor Mwasumbi in the same prayer group and mentioned both PBE and Jacynter’s interest. These two seemingly unrelated encounters planted the seed of PBE in Kenya, a seed that would soon flourish.
Although new to PBE, Jacynter and her friend were determined to bring this programme to Kenya.
A Conversation with Jacynter Were
In my pursuit of clarity on the PBE story in Kenya, I decided to learn more from Jacynter Were (JW). Below is my WhatsApp phone interview with her following the BUC PBE finals at Newbold on Sabbath 8th March 2025.
MT: Jacynter, I am excited to learn more about this inspiring story. How did you start your PBE journey in Kenya?
JW: Thank you for your call. It is all by God's grace. After meeting Pastor Mwasumbi during the online prayer meeting, my friend Sarah called me to inform me that Pastor Mwasumbi was inviting them to Greece and the USA for the TED and NAD finals, respectively, so they could witness and learn how PBE tests are conducted.
This journey of faith started in March 2023 when I applied for visas—our first miracle—as we secured an interview date and, finally, the visa itself. I then joined the NEC team for the tour of Greece, visiting ancient Corinth and Areopagus, bringing to life the Acts 17 story! On the day of the PBE test, I was invited to observe the duties of the judges and graders, as well as join the ABE and PBE officiating panel in scoring the participating teams. The same process was followed at the North American Division finals in Florida, USA. I learned as much as I could comprehend in that short space of time.
MT: It must have felt like a whirlwind tour of the two PBE finals! How did you then put all this new experience into practice when you got back home to Kenya?
JW: On my return, I initially started PBE at Newlife SDA Church in Kenya, as our sister churches did not fully comprehend this new programme. I searched online and found the South England Conference (SEC) online registration form, which I duly completed and registered a total of 14 teams for PBE—even without knowing anyone in the SEC.
However, later on, I met Pastor Herman Clifford, the SEC Adventurer and Pathfinder Director at the time, who graciously adopted the Kenyan teams and placed them with the London Ghana Church under Daniel and Roz. I learned so much from Daniel, including discovering PBE websites with online resources such as PBE Academy, PBE Prep, PBE Quiz Engine, and Ready Answers. We were privileged to have a dry run organised to help our Pathfinders get a glimpse of PBE testing. SEC Area Coordinator Vernon Noel advised me to reorganise the teams to ensure that each team had a full set of six members. This brought the total number of teams to seven, with two teams (Flying Marine Orcas and Flying Marine Bowhead Whales) progressing from the Area Testing in January 2024.
These two teams secured first place in successive rounds and proceeded to the conference, union, and division finals that year. At the TED finals in Schiedam, Rotterdam, one of our teams, Flying Marine Orcas, achieved first place and created history by becoming the first team to reach that feat in their maiden appearance. We saw the hand of God and owe everything to Him—it was the Lord's doing. We are so grateful for all the support from SEC, London Ghana, and the parents of Newlife SDA Church. Similarly, we were also very grateful for the support from Pastor JP Maiywa, Youth Director of the East Kenya Union, and Pastor Mwebaza, Youth Director of the East Central Africa Division (ECD).
MT: After such a successful start, how has the journey been since your inaugural participation?
JW: The progress of PBE in Kenya has been tremendous! In 2025, we recorded growth both in the number of teams participating and the jurisdiction covered by PBE teams. The East Kenya Union Conference (EKUC) was represented by South Nairobi Kajiado Field (SNKF) and East Nairobi Field (ENF), while the West Kenya Union Conference (WKUC) made their first appearance, represented by Central Nyanza Conference (CNC) and Ranen Conference. However, the Ranen PBE team did not participate in the tests due to late registration.
SNKF had a total of 16 teams from two Pathfinder clubs—Flying Marine Pathfinder Club of Newlife SDA Church contributed 14 teams, and Salems Pathfinder Club of Laiser Hill contributed two teams. ENF was represented by the Golden Eagles of Nairobi East Church with three PBE teams. CNC was represented by The Warriors of Kenya-Re SDA Church with four teams. All the teams registered with the SEC, but as the number of teams from Kenya grew, the SEC created an additional Area 9 for them.
This year, a total of 23 Kenyan PBE teams gathered at the Adventist LMS Guest House for the PBE Area Test on January 11 2025, with the Warriors traveling over 350 kilometres overnight from Kisumu to Nairobi to attend their maiden PBE test! With excitement and determination written all over their faces, the teams set out to showcase their prowess in Bible study.
There was one challenge for one of the PBE teams, whose member was unable to participate as permission to travel to the event was not granted by their boarding school. On the day of the test, the team (Flying Marine Great White Sharks) quickly divided the five chapters assigned to their absent member among themselves, spending the entire morning before the test memorising their friend's parts. God moved in the hearts of our Pathfinders, and when the test results were announced, Great White Sharks were among the 11 teams that secured first place at the Area Level Test and advanced to the Conference Level.
The Conference Level Test was held at Kenya Bankers Hall on February 8 2025, with three teams (Flying Marine Orcas, Flying Marine Amazon River Dolphins, and Flying Marine Sea Lions) securing first place and proceeding to the Union Level Test on March 8, 2025. The Union Level Test took place at SDA Church Newlife, where all three participating teams achieved first place and are now preparing for the Division Test in Budapest, Hungary.
Thus far, the Lord has been our Ebenezer. The teams are working hard to maintain their high standards and are in pursuit of a perfect score.
MT: What, in your opinion, is the secret to your success?
JW: Parents of Team Flying Marine Orcas will tell you, "Those kids are very prayerful." This Kenyan PBE team has taken the PBE programme seriously, independently searching the Scriptures and testing themselves using the PBE search engines. The young people inform us whenever new questions are posted on the sites, demonstrating their total commitment.
It was easy for me to start the PBE programme at Newlife SDA Church since I was the incumbent Pathfinder Director at the time. However, even after my tenure ended and I was out of the country, I continued to coordinate PBE activities in Kenya, ensuring timely registration and working closely with the Pathfinder leadership at my church in Kenya.
Growth and Expansion of PBE in Kenya
The growth of PBE in Kenya has been phenomenal. By 2025, the programme had expanded significantly, with participation from the East Kenya Union Conference (EKUC) and the West Kenya Union Conference (WKUC).
At the 2025 PBE Area Test, held at the Adventist LMS Guest House, 23 Kenyan teams participated. Some Pathfinders even traveled over 350 kilometres overnight to attend their first-ever test!
A particularly moving story was that of the Flying Marine Great White Sharks. One of their team members could not attend due to boarding school restrictions. In a show of determination and teamwork, the remaining members divided his assigned chapters among themselves, memorising them that very morning before the test. When results were announced, the team secured first place and advanced to the next round.
At the time of this article going to press, the three qualifying Kenyan teams—Flying Marine Orcas, Flying Marine Amazon River Dolphins, and Flying Marine Sea Lions—are preparing for the TED finals in Budapest, Hungary.
A Bright Future for PBE in Kenya
According to Jacynter, the secret to their success lies in prayer and dedication. "The parents of Team Flying Marine Orcas will tell you, ‘These kids are very prayerful.’" The Pathfinders take ownership of their studies, self-testing using PBE search engines and staying ahead of next year’s book—Isaiah.
Looking to the future, Jacynter envisions PBE tests conducted locally within the East-Central Africa Division (ECD), in both English and Swahili, ensuring broader accessibility. Meanwhile, parents and church members are working tirelessly to fundraise for their children's journey to Hungary.
Thus far, the Lord has been our Ebenezer.
