February 24th, 2025, 12:29pm
The Church of Jesus Christ for Latter-day Saints was held in December 2024 for the strength of the International Youth Conference in Thailand. The FSY conference takes place all over the world, but the rally was the first of its kind for foreign youths across the Asian region. The main language is English.
A press release from the church’s Hong Kong newsroom focuses on “unique challenges” that connect young people with their English-speaking peers.
“This camp was my first actual English camp, so I was able to understand everything and talk to more people,” said Zechariah Olson, a youth participant from Bangkok, Thailand. said.
Olsen and two of his brothers were among 160 young people attending across Asia: Thailand, People’s Republic of China, India, Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei, Timor Reste, Indonesia, Vietnam, Taiwan, Cambodia .
In a recent episode of the Church News Podcast, members of the presidency of young men and young women discussed the benefits the church saw from the FSY conference. They emphasized the importance of young people strengthening each other in faith and friendship.
“In these countries where there are not many young people, to see these five days… these people can all have the same value,” says Sister Andrea Munoz Spannaus and Second Counselor Andrea Munoz Spannaus said. Young female general president.
The conference coordinator and Young Single Adult (YSA) counselor provided a fusion of high-energy activities and opportunities for spiritual growth. Young people participated in workshops and prayers, set personal goals and reflected them in the disciples of Jesus Christ.
Brother Michael T. Nelson, the second counselor for the young male general, said that five days of fun, spiritual moments and learning at FSY was intended to develop inspirational habits .
As one of the FSY Asia Conference Coordinators, Tzzy Parks considered it more than just a “camp.” She said that is where testimony is born and strengthened.
“I have seen young people who hesitated on their first vacation with confidence in lifelong faith and friendship,” Parks said.
Through the event, young people laughed, learned, and served side by side, making friendships.
“The gospel lessons and shared experiences brought us closer. I have left stronger testimony and amazing friendship,” said Miguel Shatesh of Malaysia.
Emily Lloyd served as one of the FSY counselors and saw the youth grow together during the meeting.
“These moments of connection and growth truly plant seeds of faith that will bless their lives for years to come,” Lloyd said.
70 people and Thai Elder Benjamin MZ, president of Asia, and his wife, Sister Naomi Thai, attended the meeting. He expressed his hope that young people would document their experiences at FSY and remember feelings of love and support from God and their new friends.
Olson, a young participant, said, “It felt amazing to meet other people of my age who share my faith. For the first time I didn’t feel alone.”
