Two cranes were required to hold the largest Pathfinder scarf ever produced in South America, an achievement officially recognized by RankBrasil Records. This massive scarf was created and displayed by the administrative headquarters of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, known as the Mineira Leste Conference, in Mineira Leste, Brazil. It served as a highlight at the VIII Camporee in the region.

It was made in record time, in just one week, with the support of 11 people. "For us, the challenge of making this scarf was as big as it was," said Juliana Shinkawa, the head seamstress. She says that they first made a miniature, measuring 60 x 30 centimeters. Of this size, each centimeter corresponded to one meter. The simulation helped them realize that they would need almost 700 meters of fabric and a place with enough space to assemble the scarf. 

The Adventist College of Teófilo Otoni, located in Minas Gerais, played a pivotal role in supporting this initiative. The painting of the Little White Globe took place in a larger space. Juliana emphasizes the importance of her team, stating, "I had a team of volunteers to carry out the work. We were all laypeople in the field, but with the grace of God, we were able to succeed."

Why make a giant scarf?

"The scarf is the identity of the Pathfinder," says Thiago Furtado, general leader of the Pathfinder Ministries for the Adventist church in the region. "The idea behind making a giant scarf was to make history and, through curiosity, more people would be able to learn about the Pathfinder Club and have the opportunity to be a part of it."

The handkerchief carries a series of meanings. Among them is its triangular shape, which shows the tripod of physical, mental, and spiritual development. "For me, among so many concepts, the color yellow represents excellence in everything one does, excellence in placing oneself in the presence of God and doing one's best for people, so that Jesus may return soon," emphasizes Julimar Gualberto, general leader of the Adventist Church in eastern Minas Gerais.

"When I put on the scarf, it's as if I feel the presence of God. It's incredible, and I see that it's also a responsibility," says Álvaro Jardim, from the Estrela do Oriente (Eastern Star) Pathfinder Club. Along with him, another one and a-half million young people from thousands of different clubs spread across 160 countries go out every week wearing the scarf and spreading the message it carries around the world.

The original article was published on the South American Division Portuguese website.