As the youth of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Northern Hemisphere prepare to attend the Strength of Youth conference as summer begins, they can look to the experiences of youth in other countries earlier this year.
There you will see examples of young people learning, growing, opening their hearts, building testimonies, making new friends, and changing.
FSY is a five-day large-scale event designed to help youth ages 14 to 18 apply the gospel of Jesus Christ to their lives. Each conference offers devotionals, classes, and activities. FSY also promotes faith, personal growth, and social connections.
Brazil’s FSY did all of the above. In February, hundreds of young people gathered for a conference with this year’s theme: “Walk with me.” And since then, the FSY Brazil Instagram account reported that some people who were not members before but attended with friends have chosen to be baptized.
The Brazilian region of the church plans not only during the summer, but especially during Carnival. Carnival is a festival rooted in various pagan traditions that later became the period that preceded Lent. During these five days, young Latter-day Saints in Brazil can take a break from the processions and festivities of the cities and take part in fun and spiritual activities.
Elder Mark D. Eddy, a General Authority Seventy and Second Counselor in the Brazil Area Presidency, shared his experience with FSY as a youth with all youth nationwide in a post on the FSY Brazil Instagram account.
“I heard many of my friends open up for the first time and talk about our Savior Jesus Christ and share their testimonies,” he said in Portuguese. “It left a big mark on my life, and these are the experiences that happen at FSY.”
Spencer Mirkiewicz, a young soccer player, said on Instagram that on the first day of FSY in the Eastern São Paulo session, he received an answer about whether he should serve a mission when he turns 18.
“I was inspired to come here and I know this was the right place,” he said.
Karel Valenti, who attended FSY in Rio Grande do Sul, wrote on Facebook that the experience was full of teachings, but mostly great people.
“It’s hard to express in words how good these five days were for me. …Despite the long classes and physical exhaustion, every time I was with these young people, everything made sense.”
To him, the company was more like a family than a group.
Josiala Diniz Moraes dos Santos, who attended FSY in Rio de Janeiro, wrote: “I will never forget these wonderful days. I would do it all over again.”
Enrique Silva, FSY session director for southern Rio de Janeiro, told Church News that this year’s conference allowed youth to strengthen their faith, develop their spiritual gifts, and learn to walk with and draw closer to the Savior.
“As we live out this year’s theme, Walk Together, we are invited to stay close to the Lord each day and allow Him to shape our hearts and our journey,” he said.
He also said that FSY reminds young people and leaders that talent is like a language: “If we don’t keep speaking it and practicing it, we may eventually forget it. Similarly, Christlike attributes need to be continuously cultivated in our lives.”
A Brazilian news article reported that 900 young people from the states of Mato Grosso do Sul and Mato Grosso attended the FSY together in Campo Grande. Afterward, organizers said many participants reported feeling more confident, empowered and prepared for the future.
The report concludes, “The central message of this meeting, encapsulated in the invitation to ‘Walk with Christ,’ is that this choice can impact how these teens respond to current and future challenges.”
A post on the church’s “For the Strength of Youth” social media account urged young people to find a way to participate again this year, as FSY 2026 is sure to bring memories that will last a lifetime.
“We promise that the For the Strength of Youth conference will be a life-changing experience you will never forget,” another post said, encouraging young people to visit fsy.ChurchofJesusChrist.org to find a session near them.
“May we continue to develop our talents, strengthen our Christlike qualities, and choose to walk with Christ throughout our lives,” Silva said.
