Earlier this year, 1465 Latter-day Saint youth and 250 Latter-day Saint young single adults attended the ‘Stand Ye in Holy Places’ Youth Conference (SMYC), at the University of Queensland
The week was a wonderful success with many youth fund raising to enable them to attend from all over Queensland. Participants came from as far up as Cairns, all the way down to Lismore in New South Wales.
The activities included firesides, a variety show, dances, devotionals, educational classes and many other opportunities for the youth to learn and feel the Spirit. However the highlight was the Testimony meeting where many youth experienced a life changing moment, and were able to share their testimonies with their assigned companies, in unity and friendship.
The youth were also taught by guest speakers and teachers who inspired and assisted them not only to love the Lord, but to love themselves, and know their individual worth to the Lord. Elder Pearson of the Pacific Area Presidency, President and Sister Pitman of the Brisbane Temple, and President and Sister Henderson of the Australia Brisbane Mission were among the speakers.
This major event would not have been possible without the assistance of many Young Single Adults who not only served tirelessly for 24 hours a day throughout the convention, but served with kind hearts and love. Many thanks and appreciation go to the YSA, and also to Brother Kendall and Sister Chantal Pitman, who coordinated and organised the conference, and whose unconditional love for the youth, touched many hearts.
The countdown now begins for the next ‘For the Strength of Youth’ Conference scheduled for January 2016. Many parents commented on how they look forward to these events knowing their children will come home with an even greater love for the Saviour, and a better understanding of the gospel, as they experience the true joy that can be found through living the Gospel of Jesus Christ.