Phenix City Pathfinders
Phenix City Pathfinders
Juan Mandujano was casually scrolling through his Facebook page when he stumbled upon a distressing post. The Alabama Phenix City Pathfinder Falcons were stranded in Arkansas due to their bus breaking down while en route to the International Pathfinder Camporee in Gillette, Wyo. Having been stuck in a motel for two days, the group was becoming increasingly anxious about missing the much-anticipated event.
Moved by their plight, Mandujano consulted with his Pathfinder club leadership team at the Ebenezer Club in Fort Walton Beach, Fla. Without hesitation, they decided to help their fellow Pathfinders. The Ebenezer Club altered their route and set off on a rescue mission to assist the stranded Falcons.
Jeraine Miller, one of the Phenix City Falcons, recounted her initial thoughts: “At first, I thought they were just going to give us a ride, but when we got on, they were just so kind to us. Whenever we stopped, they made sure we were taken care of. They asked if we needed anything. And then, before we got here, they told us, ‘Hey, when we get there, we have extra tents that you can use.’ We were like, ‘Oh, good.’ We thought it was just going to be one or two tents, but it was tents for everyone.”
Due to the limited space on the bus, the Phenix City Falcons could only bring a few personal items, leaving behind much of their gear. However, the Ebenezer Club’s generosity knew no bounds. They opened their campsite to the Falcons, sharing food, tents, supplies, and most importantly, friendship.
Despite language barriers among some adults, the two clubs found common ground and bonded deeply. The children, particularly, connected over their shared love for soccer, bridging any gaps with their enthusiasm and camaraderie.
Jaheim Ellis expressed his gratitude, saying, “I’m so thankful for my new friends. They picked us up and were kind enough to bring us here without any charge.”
Mandujano reflected on the experience: “The Ebenezer Club has been honored to help, and hopes others are inspired to do the same. This could’ve happened to anyone. We put ourselves in their shoes. We are family, we are brothers, and now we are friends.”
This act of kindness and unity between the Pathfinder clubs stands as a testament to the spirit of compassion and brotherhood within the Pathfinder community. It serves as a reminder that, in times of need, the bond of fellowship can overcome any obstacle.
Gulf States | October 2024
Comments are closed.