Young Single Adults Gather from across Micronesia for Special Conference 

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                                                         “Walk Humbly.” 

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Young Single Adults from throughout Micronesia rallied around this simple but powerful theme and gathered at a special YSA conference held on Guam from November 14th to the 17th.  

Right as attendees were making last minute preparations to travel to Guam from the southern Micronesian Islands for the much-anticipated gathering, a tropical storm arose unexpectedly and threatened to derail the conference. Fervent prayers were answered, skies cleared, and by Friday young Latter-day Saints from across Micronesia were able to arrive safely. 

“The timing couldn’t have been worse,” said Cindy Martin, Conference Coordinator, “but this is why we pray.” The storm abated just in time, allowing young single adults to arrive in Guam by Friday and enjoy each other’s company and increase their faith in Jesus Christ. 

Activities at the conference included participating in sacred temple ordinances, attending classes on gospel and life skills topics, a service project for residents of Humatak on Guam, a variety of group games, and a dance and variety show, all highlighted on Sunday by a devotional by Elder J. Kimo Esplin, 1st Counselor in the Asia North Area presidency.  

As the young adults arrived on Guam at different times from the different islands, special sessions at the Yigo Temple helped set a positive spirit before the conference officially began.  Baptisms and confirmations for ancestors were done, and a few received their own endowments.

Once everyone finally arrived and checked in at the Holiday Resort in Tumon on Friday, November 15th, a welcome event was held in the hotel ballroom. Leaders and counselors were introduced, and the individual groups from the 7 different islands and island groups were introduced to each other (Islands represented were Chuuk, Guam, Kosrae, Palau, Pohnpei, Saipan, and Yap). Special welcoming remarks were offered by Elder Darwin Halverson, area 70 from the Asia North Area from Tokyo who participated in the conference.  

After the introductions, interactive games were played, allowing attendees to get to know each other.  

As the conference proceeded on Saturday, specialists from different academic and religious subject areas presented interactive classes. A broad variety of interesting and relevant classes were offered: 

Class topics included Church History, Book of Mormon and the Temple, Family Search, Understanding Church Culture in a Diverse Church, BYU Pathways, How to Study the D&C, English Connect, Joseph Smith History, Missionary Preparation, “After the Mission . . . What Now?” How to be Successful as a College Student, Return to Your Island and Contribute, Managing Personal Finances with a Gospel Perspective, What Is a Gospel-centered Home? Dating, Patriarchal Blessings, Making and Keeping Temple Covenants, and Marriage. 

As part of the conference, senior missionaries Elder and Sister Price directed a service project in which approximately 150 dry bags were filled with hygiene, emergency, and school supplies to be presented to residents of the Guam community of Humatak. Representatives from the Humatak office of Mayor Johnny A. Quinata came to the Barrigada Building where the service activity was held and accepted the donation.

“We have many in our small community who are in need, and will be greatly blessed by this donation,” explained Diana Quinata from the mayor’s office. “Thank-you so much for your help!” Also representing the mayor’s office was Raquel Diane Ashment, who volunteers at the mayor’s office and is a member of the Santa Rita Ward.  

On Saturday evening a variety show and dance were held in an elaborately decorated setting complete with black lights, glowing clothing, and glow sticks. Groups from the different islands performed island-themed dances, followed by dancing hosted by Guam’s favorite DJ, Ching Batimana.  

On Sunday, the young single adults joined the Barrigada Ward for worship services. Elder Kimo Esplin presided over the meeting and was a featured speaker. 

In a special devotional held Sunday afternoon at the Barrigada Stake Center, Elder Esplin visited interactively with the young single adults. He emphasized the importance of having faith even when we are afraid.   

“Sometimes we exercise faith by doing things that feel scary,” he said. “Fear is the opposite of faith.” 

With help from the audience, Elder Esplin recounted stories from the scriptures where faith overcame fear, such as when the smaller David was able to slay Goliath, or when the widow at Zarephath made bread for Elijah from her last bit of flour and olive oil, thus saving herself and her son (1 Kings 17: 7-16).  

He explained that for some the idea of getting married or going on a mission can be scary. “Have courage! Talk to people. Get to know them,” he counseled. He gave the parable of the talents where the men who were not afraid increased their talents, while the one man who was afraid lost his only talent. 

Several married couples attending the meeting told entertaining stories of how they overcame shyness and uncertainty and met their future spouses.  

“Do things that are sometimes difficult or scary, but you know the Lord wants you to do and you will be blessed,” promised Elder Esplin. 

Many of the young single adults commented on how the conference had helped them to center their lives on God,  letting the Spirit be their guide and not leaning unto their own understanding. 

Explaining that she felt like she gained a better understanding of what it means to have a testimony of Jesus Christ, Sister Liolani Aldan from the Pohnpei U Branch said, “I’ve very grateful that I attended this wonderful YSA conference, and that now I can go back home and bear my testimony.” 

“I learned that temple attendance blesses us with power beyond our own to overcome the temptations and challenges of mortality and to do good,” said Joyce Pedrus of the Pohnpei Pohnlangas Branch. 

Mairenda Silara graduated from BYU-Hawaii and feels that she was guided by her Heavenly Father to return to Pohnpei to serve the people on her home island. “One lesson from the conference that really stood out to me was that we should always listen to and follow the still-small voice,” she said. 

“What struck me most was coming together as disciples of Christ with a common goal despite the differences in our cultures and lives,” said Cammi Anjewierden from the Barrigada Ward in Guam. 

The conference concluded with a testimony meeting, after which the young single adults returned to their homes, prepared to bless their islands as they continue to follow and serve Jesus Christ.