Sat 7/22/06 7:38 AM

Dear Family,
This is a report about the YSA Conference that we held last month. The Church News wanted a submital. I don't know if they will use it or not. Love Dad


Notes From Youth Conference

Twenty six young adults from the countries of Serbia, Kosovo, Slovenia and Croatia along with a number of senior missionary conference hosts gathered at Terme Catez in Slovenia for their annual young adult conference. With a theme of “The Joy of the Journey”, young adults met, played, prayed and studied together.

Special guests included: President and Sister Douglas Weight, Mission President; Christian Fingerle, CES Coordinator; Eric Psota, Swiss CES Coordinator; Elder and Sister Gerald Roth, Area Authority Seventy; Elder and Sister Douglas Chabries, Croatia District President; and senior missionaries who served as hosts and assisted ad-hoc.

The introductory session encouraged all of the young people to take advantage of this great opportunity to be together. A ball that would not bounce was used to demonstrate attitude. Throughout the conference the youth reminded us that they were the bouncing ball, with incredible attitude.

Each young person was given a small journal with the charge to write down the special feelings they had during the conference. They also used the journal to write down addresses and numbers to contact each other after the conference. While the journals were evident and being used throughout the conference, they were not left lying around because of the important contents. For many, it was the first experience with a journal. For all it is a graphic record of a grand experience. They continue to be used for communication information long after the conference.

Highlights were personal and as diverse as the participants. For a young man from Kosovo who had been waiting to be baptized for two years because of the restrictions in his country, the announcement by the mission president during the opening session that he could be baptized during the conference was a surprise and an answer to prayers. The baptism was held in a spa pool at the resort complete with all of the luxuries of a four star facility. A young man from Croatia was asked to perform the ordinance of baptism, his first time and for a young man from a neighboring country that had very recently been at war with his country. The ordinance was perfect as one could only pray for. The entire conference spirit was tuned to this love for each other.

Because the facility included a large swimming facility, one might think the swimming would be the most fun activity. However, the youth seemed to be more interested in activities that gave them opportunity to become more acquainted. Dances were a bit slow getting started but gained momentum quickly.

When asked what impressed them most, participants noted the regular scripture study held each morning with a theme of focus. All seemed to enjoy the experience. Return missionaries commented that they enjoyed the opportunity to reacquaint themselves with the spirit of studying together and a regular regiment of scripture study. As hosts for the apartments and the scripture study, the adult missionaries also enjoyed the interaction. Strong friendships were developed among participants of all ages.

Food functions were hosted by the facility and began with a room full of small tables. By the end of the conference, the young people were rearranging the tables into one large table where they all could sit and visit.

Sessions included an activity to encourage the young people to share the gospel. Role playing various scenarios provided strong spiritual insights as well as some great humor. It was interesting that all of the young people participated fully in every activity.

An exercise (spider-web) to illustrate the importance of every member and the necessity of communication graphically encouraged each individual to participate. Those with responsibility to lead were encouraged to communicate and allow their people to excel.

Other well received sessions included the eternal marriage workshop. Participants were involved in developing the standards for a successful marriage. It was soon apparent all of the young people knew what they wanted and their standard was well within the counsel of the Prophet. Their contributions were well conceived and serious while blended with the humor of the topic.

As an effort to acquaint these young people with the spirit of the pioneers, a video presentation of the Martin handcart company was shown. Emphasis was placed on the pioneer role of the youth in the conference and their respective countries that had so recently received the gospel. It is significant to note that these youth are first generation and mostly the only member in their families. Their role is truly pioneer in every respect.

Because the conference was held over a weekend, the necessity of providing the Sunday meetings offered opportunity to see the young people and the priesthood function with style and spirit. A most reverent sacrament meeting was held. For some this was the largest sacrament meeting they had attended.

Testimonies at the end validated the spirit, worth and need for this type of activity. Young people returned to their homes with the charge to share the gospel with families and friends. They truly are enjoying the journey. The adults were energized by the hope for the young people. All found their testimonies strengthened and lives blessed.

Respectfully submitted by Elder and Sister Hammer, Substitute Conference Coordinators