A dome building filled with laughter, cheers and celebration. The Spirit shone through young Latter-day Saints as they rushed around talking to people they had never met before. Brought together by one common denominator – the Gospel, this was just a glimpse of what the pre-existence might have been like. New Year’s Eve 2009 for many people would involve parties with friends, family or a night on the town. For around 800 Young Singles Adults from all over New Zealand, it was the start of their annual conference.
Organisation for this kind of a conference involved dedicated Saints taking time on top of their schedules to prepare to entertain and teach the YSA of New Zealand. A task not to be taken lightly and which, with complete agreement, resulted in an awesome conference. “It exceeded my expectations and the spiritual upliftment received was well worth the late nights and early mornings. Overall one of the best experiences I have ever had.” said Jared Stebbings (18) of Harbour Stake.
The YSA were privileged to hear from various speakers from Auckland and from afar. Brother Curtis Jacobs, the key note speaker and a popular author and CES teacher, hailed from Logan, Utah. He was a speaker that filled the auditorium with a spirit of peace, acceptance and understanding of the trials faced by this generation while also teaching the YSA how they could overcome. His testimony was confirmed by presiding priesthood and other teachers assigned to lead various workshops. The Spirit was felt throughout the conference during the many activities including the games, workshops, variety show, dances and especially the service projects.
As the YSA were divided into twenty large teams, the team spirit formed immediately and lasting bonds were made. The talents that numerous individuals are blessed with also shone through as they exhibited their team banners, chants and acts for the variety show. The support of the YSA watching their brothers and sisters perform also filled souls with warmth and a sense of belonging. The blessing of being able to be surrounded by fellow Latter-day Saints, from all walks of life, standing as witnesses of God, reminded Young Adults that they were not alone.
As the conference theme of ‘Doubt Not, fear Not’ ran continuously through the minds of those present, it is hoped that it will continue to run through their hearts and minds forever. Brother Jacobs taught, during one of the many great devotionals, that “He (the Saviour) walked alone so that we wouldn’t have to”.
As members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Young Adults realised that they are blessed to know that they have a loving Father in heaven, the Saviour Jesus Christ, the Holy Ghost and many brothers and sisters within the gospel to support and guide them. As each day of conference started with an uplifting devotional filled with the Spirit, this brought about a spiritually inspired start to 2010 for all those who attended.
