An
During the last tournament
celebrated in San Juan, Puerto Rico,
under the auspices of the bicycling
tederation, William Pardo was
acclaimed the champion bicyclist tor
1962. This youth is an enthusiastic
and devoted young man not only in
his favourite sport but also in his
religious life. Active in his church
and loyal to his God, William is the
leader of the MV society of one ot
the large churches in the San Juan
area. |
From the time he was very small,
William always showed great
enthusiasm tor bicycling, an
enthusiasm that grew from year to
year, When he was only 13 .years
old he began to compete in local
contests.
Young Pardo has always been
outstanding in the sport and has won
4 large number of medals and
trophies; in tact, he quickly rose to
first place in the sport ot bicycling
in Puerto Rico. He has also taken
part in several tournaments outside
his country, and although he has not
obatined a first prize in these com-
petitions, his prizes testify that he
finished a runner-up.
On more than one occasion
William has found opportunity to
testify to what he believes. Tired and
hungry after one race, he sat down
with his companions to a bountiful
table, a banquet served in their
honour. But . he looked at one
place . . . then another . . . then
another, and young Pardo, in spite
of his appetite, preferred to eat a
piece of bread and butter and drink
a glass of cold water with sugar
rather than to eat foods that
Adventists should shun. He knew
how to dominate his appetite.
In 1959 during the last tournament
for bicyclists to be celebrated in
Venezuela, Pardo was chosen among
those who would take part in the
great sports event. The enthusiastic
Puerto Rican participants frequently
asked one another when the desired
day would arrive. And what day
4
MV Who Said “No”
would they choose? Would it be a
Sunday, a Tuesday, a Thursday? At
last the directors announced the date.
They did not choose a Sunday, nor
a Tuesday, nor a Thursday, but a
Saturday! Yes, a SABBATH!
How would our MV react to this
notice, he who so anxiously awaited
the date to leave? He who had
dreamed of greater victories, more
fameP What would his attitude be?
Would his faith fail? Would he go?
Pardo did not hesitate a minu.e,
nor did he wait to think about
whether he should go or not, whether
he should cast aside so great an
opportunity. No, a thousand times
NO! As soon as he heard the
announcement he made his decision.
“I will not take part,” he said. And
thus, firm in his decision, he advised
his superiors at once. Before the
determination of this youth, the
directors had to accept his resigna-
tion and choose someone to replace
him. in spite of having counted
heavily on his winning. William
Pardo did not participate. His love
and enthusiasm for the events that
will soon take place in the kingdom
of heaven far exceed his enthusiasm
and love for his favourite sport here
on earth.
Soon there will be a great sports
tournament in Jamaica: for the
countries of Central America and the
Caribbean. The teams of bicyclists
who will compete in the games have
already been chosen by the officials.
Pardo was chosen in first place
among those who will represent the
beautiful island of Puerto Rico. As
yet the exact date for the tournament
has not been announced, but what-
ever it is, of this we are sure: if they
choose a Sabbath, William Pardo our
MV will remain true to his principles
and will again cast aside a beautiful
opportunity to compete for material
prizes, knowing that his crown is
sure in heaven.
Oh, that every Adventist youth
would be as firm as a rock when
opportunity arises to choose between
good and evil, between right and
wrong, always remaining “on the
part of right though the heavens
fall.” ~Teresa R. Escandon
A group of Pathfinders which is led by Elder Juan R. Rodriguez in Arecibo, Puerto Rico.
~ This group is
known for their many activities.
x" Id
MESSENGER