Youth Build and Strengthen Friendships at FSY Convention 

Gathering together with friends can be exciting and fun for youth around the world. This was especially true for the young men and young women from Port Moresby Stake, Geheru and Rigo District of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They came to participate in ‘For the Strength of the Youth’ (FSY) convention in Papua New Guinea Monday 25^th-Friday 29th, September 2017. 

 The Youth gathered at the Gabutu building, checked into their accommodations and prepared to meet their counsellors and many new friends. Session Directors Brother and Sister Pagere   welcomed the youth and helped them divide into companies with their councelors.The classes and the activities centered on the Theme ‘Ask of God’ found in a scripture from the Bible. Brother Pagere expressed his feelings about the convention, "It was a wonderful experience being called as session directing couple this year – 2017. We were privileged and humbled to have received this calling. It was our first time and we tried to align as much as we could with the official FSY guidelines. Even though there were some challenges, they were all definitely learning experiences for us. The most satisfying and relieving experience of all, was witnessing the youth go up and bear their experiences and testimonies the following Sunday. It gave me great joy and peace to see that the youth, not only had fun but learnt principles and gospel doctrines that increased their faith in our Savior Jesus Christ and strengthened their testimonies. It is because of this, that our faith has also increased and our testimonies strengthened."

“My favorite part of the convention is just being with the teens and watching them learn from this experience,” said Maba Wamura one of the FSY coordinators.

The week was filled with motivational guest speakers, devotionals, games, and activities including a talent show and a dinner dance at the local Hotel.

“My favourite class was the ‘Temple Visit’, said 17 yr. old Vivianna Aiewanama, I want to go there someday.”

Wednesday the two hundred thirty youth and their counsellors prepared for a day of service. They put on their blue shirts advertising ‘World Diabetes Day’ and traveled by bus into the city and settlements to deliver a message regarding diabetes.  They invited the villagers to a free clinic held at the Gabutu Chapel. Those that participated received a free blood test, blood pressure check, and body mass index calculations. They also were given advise about healthy diets to help combat diabetes. The clinic was sponsored by The NCD Health Services in partnership with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Stake President Moasope McCarthy, a local leader summed up the week-long experience with these thoughts, “These young men and young women are the future of not only The Church, but Papua New Guinea.”

For the Strength of the Youth (FSY) conventions are multistake youth activities held under the direction of Area Presidencies. Area Seventies oversee the planning and implementation of the events. FSY conventions are held each year throughout the world for youth 14-17. The purpose for the conventions is to gather in a large group and strengthen one another in living the gospel.