Mana wasn’t sure he was ready to join Pathfinders. But after seeking God’s guidance, he joined and became the first Pathfinder from his island to be baptized. His journey began with missionaries from Adventist Volunteer Service, whose work this quarter includes a new volunteer center at Chile Adventist University, training the next generation of missionaries.
Mana Henua’s name means “Power of the Earth.” Mana means “power” and Henua means “earth.” But everyone calls him Mana.
Mana is 12, and lives on Easter Island faraway from the mainland of Chile.
Mana started learning about God when he was a little boy and his grandma took him to church on Sabbaths. But he didn’t go every Sabbath. Sometimes he was tired and wanted to sleep in. Other times, he just wanted to relax at home. So, sometimes he went with Grandma, and other times he stayed at home.
But then a missionary family moved to Easter Island. The family opened a Pathfinder club at the Seventh-day Adventist church and invited Mana to join.
Mana wasn’t sure that he wanted to be a Pathfinder. He worried that it might be too hard for him and he would fail.
Mana thought about the missionaries’ invitation to join the club for a long, long time. He really wanted to say no.
But then he had a talk with God.
It was a Sabbath afternoon, and he had not gone to church with Grandma in the morning. He had felt tired and wanted to rest at home.
Mana was relaxing on his bed when his thoughts turned to the Pathfinders. He remembered the invitation, and he felt scared again.
Then he told God about his fears.
Then God replied. Mana didn’t hear a voice, but he felt like God was speaking to his heart. God told him not to be afraid and that if he failed, he could always try again.
Instantly, all of Mana’s fears disappeared. He wasn’t scared anymore. He became a Pathfinder.
Mana loved being a Pathfinder, he loved the club activities, and he especially loved learning more about God.
Then Grandma gave her heart to Jesus and was baptized. Grandma’s sister was also baptized. Mana saw them go under the water, and he also wanted to be baptized.
Mana spoke about his desire with the missionaries, and they were so happy! They suggested that he get baptized at a big Pathfinder camporee on the Chile mainland.
His mom wasn’t happy about the idea at first. But when she saw how happy Mana was in church and with the Pathfinders, she agreed.
Mana was baptized at the camporee and became the first Easter Island Pathfinder to be baptized.
While Mana’s full name means “Power of the Earth,” he believes that real power only comes from heaven.
Mana joined Pathfinders at the invitation of missionaries from Adventist Volunteer Service. One of the mission projects for this quarter is a new Adventist Volunteer Service center at Chile Adventist University, where students can learn to become missionaries. Thank you for giving generously to this important project.
