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The youth of The Fayetteville North Carolina Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints just finished their annual Youth Conference program.
Every other year, the eight congregations of The Fayetteville North Carolina Stake come together to perform service and to increase their testimonies of their Savior.
This year, the conference occurred at a unit meetinghouse and the property of Jeff Quick, President of The Fayetteville North Carolina Stake.
Pictures courtesy of Katie Constandse
Day 1: Service and Activities
On Day 1, the youth served at a local Hope Mills, North Carolina cemetery. Gilmont Cemetery is privately owned but not currently managed. Hope Mills and some of the families of the interred rely on volunteer residents to clean, preserve and care for the areas surrounding the final resting places of their beloved deceased.
In caring for the area, the youth are encouraged to learn respect for those who have passed and to show commitment to understanding the legacy we each leave behind throughout life.
It was a privilege and honor for them to serve in this capacity. The stake is grateful to Mayor Jackie Warner, who allowed us to perform this service. We look forward to doing so again in the future.
Pictures courtesy of Katie Constandse
We filled the rest of the day with activities, games, and a dance. Youth were taught about revelation, how to research for truth, and how to gain a proper perspective.
The youth and adults painted small sections of a mural that the youth leaders revealed the following day.
Pictures courtesy of Katie Constandse
Day 2: Faith Walk and Testimonies
Day two began with a breakfast at the Stake Center, followed by a trip to the Stake President’s property, where the youth engaged in a faith walk.
The walk taught us how to avoid “Spiritual Crocodiles,” as Elder Boyd K. Packer shared decades prior. We learned about repentance, being made whole, and remembered that life is hard, but the results are worth working toward.
After the faith walk and lunch, the youth enjoyed water and other outdoor activities.
Pictures courtesy of Katie Constandse
Near the end of the afternoon, Brother Andrew Lybbert of the Stake High Council shared his testimony about learning to love researching within holy books and how doing so can help us strengthen our testimony.
Pictures courtesy of Katie Constandse
Sister Diane Blood and Brother Brandt Daniels unveiled a stunning paint-by-numbers mural of our Savior, Jesus Christ. The mural illustrated how our small actions of service, charity, and faith can gradually shape our testimony of Him. We may not notice it right away, but we can grow closer to Him and follow His example in our lives. We can do all things through Christ.
President Quick finished with his testimony of the Savior and his love for the youth. He encouraged us all to look for and be aware of the “Spiritual Crocodiles” everywhere around us. As we rely heavily on the Savior and personal revelation, we can overcome obstacles in our way, find peace in our lives, and become truly happy despite living in these uncertain times.
The Stake Leadership thanks all those who took part. The parents and leaders were fantastic, having driven their youth, in some instances, over an hour both days.
What is Youth Conference?
Youth Conference is an event designed to help youth have fun as they apply the gospel in all aspects of their lives. Youth Conference typically lasts for two or three days and includes activities such as:
Devotionals
Classes
Service projects
Games
Dances
Testimonies
Youth Conference is an annual event for youth aged 14-18. It usually happens on the stake level but can also occur on a multi-stake or area level. The stake presidency directs the stake Aaronic Priesthood–Young Women committee to plan and carry out the conference. They invite youth to help the committee as much as possible in planning stake youth conferences. The conference aims to build faith in Jesus Christ, strengthen testimonies, develop talents, make new friends, and have fun with youth who share similar beliefs and standards.
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