“Come unto Christ, and be perfected in him, and deny yourselves of all ungodliness” - Moroni 10:32
The above mutual theme for the year 2014 served as an invitation for the youths of Coimbatore India District to attend the youth conference and come unto Christ. This youth conference was purely directed by the Spirit and it began by the gathering of 43 youths from Erode, Semmedu, Chavadi, Coimbatore I, Coimbatore II and Coimbatore III branches. It was a wonderful sight to see all the young women and young men come together with eagerness in their eyes and a quest to gain more knowledge about the Savior. The youths and the leaders filled the Coimbatore Chapel and a warm feeling of Spirit crept the room as we all sang the hymn, “Come unto Jesus”. The highlight of the youth conference was marked by two effective workshops. The first one was “How can personal scripture study help us to come unto Christ” by Sis. Latha Thulasidass and Bro. Wilson. Both these return missionaries strongly testified of personal scripture study as a tool to be more closer with our Saviour. This workshop ended with a challenge of reading Book of Mormon in 120 days. The second workshop was “How youths can use the social media for righteous purpose” by Sis. Punitha Amalaraj who is the Social Media Specialist. The youths were given a brief outline about church websites specifically www.lds.org.in and the youth page. It was a lively interaction between the youth and the youths stated that this workshop was an eye-opener to them in helping them avoid temptations and a tool to spread the gospel. In between the workshops the youths enjoyed mutual games which provided as a way to make new friends for them. The final activity for the day thrilled and excited the youths when they were divided into two groups and given a camera each. They were to enact the “vision of Lehi” and record it. The youths enthusiastically participated by choosing a director among themselves and using props and clothing that they had in hand.
The next day the youths were taken to a resort in Kovai Kondatam, a water-based theme park. During the time of scripture study, many began their 120-day challenge and had healthy discussions about the Book of Mormon with the chaperons. At the conclusion of the youth conference, the youths were allowed to share testimonies and Pres. Vincent Paul gave the closing remarks. Overall, this youth conference allowed the youths to come unto Christ and make room for Him in their hearts.