Youth from Saipan travel to Guam to attend special conference

From June 19 to 24, 26 youth from Saipan joined over 300 young men and women from across Micronesia to attend a special youth conference in Guam hosted by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They ranged from 13 to 18 years old. For many, this was their first time leaving their home island and traveling by airline.

The Church of Jesus Christ’s youth conference program is called “For the Strength of Youth” and is part of the church’s efforts to strengthen the faith and bless the lives of young people. This year’s theme for FSY conferences throughout the world is “I a disciple of Jesus Christ.”

The FSY conference was held at the Holiday Resort on Tumon Bay. Youth from Chuuk, Guam, Kosrae, Pohnpei, Palau, and Saipan attended along with leaders and chaperones. The gathering was an opportunity to associate with people from neighboring islands and to interact with friends from different cultures. Translators were available to help with communication.

Shortly after arriving, the youth were divided into small groups called companies. These companies adopted names and designed colorful banners for their companies, and under the direction of youth counselors, spent the week participating together in reading and discussing scriptures, playing games, and singing and dancing.

Classes were offered on topics such as building self-esteem, overcoming challenges, finding a common culture and identity in Christ, and learning to discern truth by studying the scriptures and listening to the Holy Ghost. In addition, representatives for BYU Hawaii and the Church’s Pathways education program presented opportunities for post-high school education.

One of the culminating events was an outdoor game night held at Paseo Stadium in which companies competed in various games. This was followed by a variety show featuring talents such as dancing, singing, piano solos, and one demonstration of rapid-fire Rubik’s Cube solving. At every event, youth sang the theme song, “I am a disciple of Christ.”

A special event for those attending was meeting elder John A. McCune, first counselor in the Asia North Area Presidency, and his wife Debbra E. McCune. The McCunes interacted with the youth, helped to judge the presentation of company banners, and enjoyed other activities.

At a special devotional, elder McCune spoke to the youth about their central identity as followers of Jesus Christ. “The island we’re from is an important part of who we are, but that’s not our primary identity,” he emphasized. “We are sons and daughters of God, covenant children of Christ and disciples of Christ.  This is our identity.”

Buck and Rachel Jolley of Guam were the acting session directing couple for the Guam FSY conference. “We were able to bring a lot of different youth from a lot of different islands all across Micronesia,” said Buck Jolley. “That gave them a chance to see that there are other youth who have the same beliefs and struggles as they do.”

“Our goal was to give the youth an experience that they would always remember,” added Rachel Jolley, “something to carry them through by helping them come unto Christ.”

Following the FSY conference, many participants stayed a few days after the conference ended to attend in Yigo Guam Temple for their first time. The Yigo Guam Temple is one of the Church of Jesus Christ’s newest temples and was dedicated in 2022.

As the FSY participants said their goodbyes and left Guam to return to their home islands, they took with them renewed commitments to live as disciples of Christ. This commitment will undoubtedly be reinforced through memories of this wonderful gathering of youth on the island of Guam. (PR)