Emmaus Sapphire Pathfinders Shine at North England Conference PBE Finals, Set Eyes on Poland
Emmaus Sapphire Pathfinder Club (with one member from Silver Springs Aquamarine) competed in the North England Conference PBE Finals against 48 clubs, overcoming technical glitches and a blackout to bounce back strongly. They celebrated the results and left determined to clinch the top spot in Poland, thanking the Trans-European Division and NEC for the opportunity.
2/15/20262 min read
Bradford, United Kingdom / Kampala, Uganda — The Emmaus Sapphire Pathfinder Club, driven by the Holy Spirit, made a strong showing at the United Kingdom’s North England Conference (NEC) Pathfinder Bible Experience (PBE) Finals, joining 48 other NEC clubs for a day of intense Scripture-based testing and spiritual growth on Sabbath, 14th February 2026.
A combined team of seven Pathfinders, six from Emmaus Sapphire Pathfinder Club and one from the Silver Springs Aquamarine Pathfinder Club, gathered in a room at Emmaus Church ahead of the finals. Proceedings officially began at 9:00 am UK time, as the Sapphire Pathfinders logged in and joined the clubs that were physically presentat Hanson Academy, Bradford, UK, for the highly anticipated competition.
At first, the team was asked whether they had completed Area Testing, since the PBE curriculum had been postponed nationally. After consultations, NEC Pathfinder leaders cleared the Sapphires to participate alongside NEC Pathfinders, and the team received instructions a week earlier, hence triggering a focused, demanding revision schedule. Their preparation was coordinated by a dedicated coaching team of Master Guides led by MG. Etro Lisa Rwahwire, supported by MG. Noelyn Nampijja (Young Adults Leader), MG. Joan Luutu Ayebare (Pathfinder Director), Elder MG. Henry Shema (Elder in charge of Youth Ministries), and Elder MG. Samson Rwahwire.
Early into the finals, the team faced an unexpected hurdle. A technical glitch and power blackout disrupted Part 1, causing the Pathfinders to miss a couple of questions at the start. Still, the team refused to be shaken. They regrouped, refocused, and returned for Part 2 with renewed determination, demonstrating resilience under pressure and teamwork in the face of setbacks.
When results were announced at 4:00pm UK time (7:00pm EAT), anticipation filled the room as the Pathfinders waited eagerly. The moment the outcomes were shared, the team erupted in joy, celebrating their achievement while also looking ahead with purpose.
Though delighted, they left with a clear resolve: to return stronger and clinch the top position in Poland. The club extends heartfelt appreciation to the leadership of the Trans-European Division (TED) and the North England Conference (NEC) for allowing the Ugandan team to participate in the NEC finals, describing the opportunity as both inspiring and empowering for young people committed to Bible study.
As the Pathfinder Bible Experience continues to impact lives, Emmaus Youth Ministries leaders noted that PBE is doing more than preparing teams for a competition; it is shaping a generation. With Scripture planted deep through study, repetition, and faith-filled mentorship, the club expressed confidence that these Bible texts will remain in the Pathfinders’ minds for years to come, nurturing future Bible scholars, leaders, and faithful disciples.
