Over 70 YSAs from Delhi made necessary sacrifices to travel and participate in the 2 Days District YSA Conference on 2nd and 3rd October organized by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in an adventurous resort at the outskirts of Delhi. Here the YSAs learnt about career myths, dating tips, family history work and fun outdoor activities. They shared friendships and testimonies.
Setting the right spirit, the Conference began at 7 am with the motivating hymn ‘Onward Christian Soldiers’, after which, all YSAs boarded the bus for a fun-filled 3 hours bus ride to the destination. Upon reaching the Resort, and after breakfast, the YSAs were introduced to the theme of the conference “Forever Fan the Flame of your Faith” – by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland. Thereafter, the YSAs were divided into 4 groups: Helmet, Shield, Sword and Belt for their respective workshops.
While in the Career workshop the YSAs gained useful tips and advice for making right career and education decisions, they gained a testimony of the importance of Family History work in the Family History workshop.
And after the food for mind and spirit of the LDS single adults, it was time to strengthen their bodies too! The team exercises supervised by Brother Beesa and Brother Clegg were tailored to teach the importance of unity amongst the LDS YSAs.
After this hard work, the YSAs and Leaders were treated to a delicious Lunch, soon after which they were again divided into 4 groups as earlier. Each group was provided a set of Craft materials to create a Warrior with ‘Armor of God’ upon him. The groups participated with great enthusiasm and all the after-lunch drowsiness seemed to have run away!
Thereafter it was time for a workshop on every YSAs favorite topic: Temple Marriage! In dating workshop, Brother Clegg and Brother Beesa encouraged the YSAs to discuss and understand the church standards for Dating and difficulties faced by them. For Temple Marriage workshop, President and Sister Sackley had prepared some real-life situations to help the YSAs understand the value of long term compatibility before entering into an eternal marriage which they discussed with separate groups of Men and Women.
When asked about what changes he has seen in YSAs over the years and what he wants them to learn, Brother Clegg said “we have many returned missionaries in this group, which was not the case few years back, and the most important thing I want all YSAs to learn from this conference is the importance of Temple marriage so that they can have eternal life.”
we have many returned missionaries in this group, which was not the case few years back, and the most important thing I want all YSAs to learn from this conference is the importance of Temple marriage so that they can have eternal life.”The night came to a close after a satisfying dinner and Bonfire activity prepared by Elder and Sister Black and conducted by Elder and Sister Slocombe. The YSAs prepared funny skits and at the close, they were rewarded with candies! Elder and Sister Slocombe taught some traditional bonfire songs to the YSAs and provided the funniest skit of the night, titled ‘Where are my Royal Papers?’
Where are my Royal Papers?’By the end of the day, friendships were formed and testimonies were strengthened. Every YSA was wondering before going to bed as to how it was possible to achieve and learn so much in a day and not feel tired. The District YSA representatives said about their experience “It doesn't matter where we are, what matters is the Togetherness”.
“It doesn't matter where we are, what matters is the Togetherness”.2nd Day of the Conference
2nd Day of the ConferenceThe day started with sunrise and exercise for all YSAs as they ascended the nearby rocks for a trek around the resort along with Brother Beesa and Brother Clegg. YSAs enjoyed the view of surrounding valleys from the rocks. Lots of pictures were taken and new friends made on this wonderful trip.
Upon asking what changes he has seen in the YSAs in Delhi over the years, Brother Beesa smiled and said “now I just sit back and let them take charge. When we were YSAs we had no training, but these YSAs have been trained by us as Young men and women and they are like my extended family now.”
“now I just sit back and let them take charge. When we were YSAs we had no training, but these YSAs have been trained by us as Young men and women and they are like my extended family now.”After Breakfast, President Sukku, the Delhi District President exhorted the YSAs to bear their testimonies about Faith and its blessings in their lives. He emphasized on the theme of the conference “Forever Fan the Flame of your Faith”. Wonderful YSAs came one after the other to bear their testimonies of the Book of Mormon and how the Church has influenced not only theirs but the lives of their loved ones.
Book of MormonAmongst others, Brother Ashish Pokhrel bore his testimony of the gospel and its blessings. He said “I never wanted to do a job on Sundays so I could keep the Sabbath day holy. The Lord has blessed me because I have never been without a job and I have not worked on Sundays.” Such great faith in commandments is what makes the YSAs of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day saints truly a warrior, and with this spirit in all hearts, the Annual District YSA Conference came to its close.
Ashish Pokhrel “I never wanted to do a job on Sundays so I could keep the Sabbath day holy. The Lord has blessed me because I have never been without a job and I have not worked on Sundays.”
