“Walk Humbly” YSA Conference

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On November 15-16, our temple hosted Young Single Adult (YSA) Conference, welcoming over 90 participants from across Guam and Micronesia. Representing areas as diverse as Yap, Palau, Kosrae, Pohnpei, Chuuk, Saipan, and Guam, the gathering was a testament to the unity and faith of the YSA community. Together, they participated in sacred temple ordinances, including five endowment and ten baptism and confirmation sessions, which brought profound blessings and a spirit of service to all involved.

The conference strengthened participants' spiritual foundations through temple worship and meaningful connections with others. Engaging devotionals and temple experiences emphasized the importance of gospel principles and seeking the Lord's guidance. These shared moments fostered lasting bonds and renewed commitments to live as disciples of Christ, uniting attendees in faith and purpose.

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Lord’s Tender Mercies in Making the Temple Visit Possible

The YSA Conference's temple visit was originally scheduled for November 15, a day intended for YSAs to immerse in sacred temple ordinances. Plans seemed firm until two days before the event, when Guam was placed on storm alert. Flights from Chuuk and Pohnpei were delayed, pushing their arrival to November 15—the very day the temple sessions were planned.

This unforeseen challenge required significant adjustments. The temple sessions were split over two days, with YSAs from Yap, Saipan, Palau, Kosrae, and Guam attending on Friday, November 15, while Pohnpei and Chuuk YSAs participated on Saturday, November 16. Although this change demanded extensive coordination, the Lord’s tender mercies were evident as all who wished to attend were able to do so.

Despite the storm’s disruption, the YSA Conference temple visit demonstrated faith, adaptability, and the Lord’s guiding hand. The YSAs’ willingness to adjust and temple workers’ dedication ensured everyone could participate in sacred ordinances. This experience strengthened testimonies, reaffirmed the blessings of temple worship, and testified to the Lord’s power to enable His work amid challenges.

A Miraculous Baptism: Archie Takano Journey of Faith

The inspiration for Archie Takano, a blind YSA, to perform proxy baptisms came from President Davis, who felt prompted to offer him this unique opportunity. With the support of President Roberts, the baptism coordinator, plans were made despite uncertainties about how this could be accomplished. Unable to read the baptismal prayers or the names on the records, Archie faced daunting challenges. Yet, with faith and determination, he embraced the chance to serve.

When Archie arrived at the baptistry, temple patrons and workers rallied around him, reading aloud the names and guiding him through the process. Initially, he relied on their assistance, but as the session progressed, something remarkable happened. He began to memorize the baptismal prayer, and his confidence grew. With careful, Spirit-led movements, he performed each baptism with reverence and precision, inspiring everyone present.

By the session's end, Archie had successfully completed all the baptisms assigned to him, leaving a profound impression on those who witnessed his service. His willingness to serve, despite his limitations, was a testament to the enabling power of faith and the Lord’s hand in His work. Archie Takano’s story is a powerful reminder that when the heart is willing, the Lord provides a way.

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A Historic Day at the Yigo Guam Temple

Saturday marked a historic first for the Yigo Guam Temple: two simultaneous endowment sessions, followed by a subsequent session. For the first time, due to limited space, endowment patrons waited in the hallway while sessions were conducted in the endowment and sealing rooms.

Among those in attendance was Carlyn Peles from Pohnpei, who received her own endowment—a deeply spiritual milestone. The session was attended by Elder J. Kimo Esplin, who had recently concluded a temple review. Elder Esplin’s presence, along with the majority of Pohnpeian and Chuukese patrons, added a special spirit to the occasion.

While these endowment sessions were underway, five proxy baptism sessions were conducted for the Pohnpei and Chuuk YSAs. This experience demonstrated how our temple operations can be effectively optimized to meet the needs of many patrons, ensuring that all could participate in sacred ordinances despite the high demand.

Elder J. Kimo Esplin: A Memorable Sealing Session

Elder J. Kimo Esplin, First Counselor- Asia North Area Presidency, not only participated in the endowment session but also performed proxy sealing ordinances for the Pohnpeian and Chuukese patrons. This sealing session was particularly meaningful, allowing patrons to experience the sacredness of sealing ordinances in a profoundly personal way. The spirit of unity and reverence filled the room, creating memories that will be cherished by all in attendance.