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In a world filled with ever-evolving challenges, a group of teenagers from the South Pacific—all members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—recently shared how a short book is making a positive impact in each of their lives.
For the Strength of Youth: A Guide for Making Choices is only 41 pages long. And yet, for those young people who refer to it often, it gives them clear guidance and gentle encouragement as they make decisions every day. The booklet and similarly themed youth conferences are often referred to as “FSY.” "For the Strength of Youth" is also the name of a global magazine for teenagers.
The booklet, recently updated to reflect the needs of the modern generation, serves as a compass, empowering young individuals to navigate life's complexities while staying true to their faith.
Elizabeth Rice, a 15-year-old from Adelaide, Australia, expressed her thoughts on the updated version of the FSY booklet. Rice explained that the emphasis on agency helps youth to understand the principles outlined in the pages, enabling them to make informed decisions based on their personal beliefs and values.
“It is a booklet with recommended guidelines that encourages us to make the right decisions,” Rice said. “The Lord has given us commandments and prophets to assist us in doing this, and to give us guidance.”
Yaden Casano, another 15-year-old from Adelaide, shared his perspective on the FSY resource. He acknowledged that times are changing, and the updated version reflects the changing world and its challenges. Casano emphasised the importance of having guidelines to show how to live a virtuous life while finding joy and fulfillment.
“The Lord is trying to tell us that there are ways to have fun and be obedient at the same time,” He added that the booklet “taught me to love God first in even the small things.”
To adapt to the modern era and stay true to his values, Casano reads his scriptures before he goes on social media as an expression of putting the Lord first in his life.
For Tia Mahina, also from Adelaide, the booklet helps guide her when she considers improvements she can make in her life. Through the Christ-centred principles in the booklet, and reading in the scriptures, she says she is learning the importance of charity and loving others as Christ does.
“I finally understood what it meant to truly love others and to see people with an eternal perspective, I have also tried to be more kind, not just with my actions but in my thoughts as well,” Mahina said. “I believe that if we turn to the Lord with a sincere, humble and willing heart, He will help us.”
Mahina's commitment to applying these principles led to a change in her attitude towards her classmates. The “For the Strength of Youth” booklet, combined with her sincere efforts, resulted in blessings such as a positive learning environment and personal growth.
Uta Renvoyé, a 15-year-old from French Polynesia, spoke about the impact the FSY booklet is having on his decision-making process. He finds the booklet to be a valuable resource, providing advice and instruction to help him make good choices. Renvoyé recognises that the booklet serves as a reminder to be the best person he can be and make decisions that honour his faith.
Teraitua Vimahi, 12, also from French Polynesia, said she reads the booklet once a week to keep Christ-centred principles fresh in her mind.
“The ‘For the Strength of Youth’ booklet blesses me as it helps me prepare to go to the temple or do smaller things like communicate with love and respect and to be honest,” Vimahi said.
“When I apply these principles in my life, I am confident that I am worthy of the Holy Ghost’s company, and I feel peace when I have to face challenges in my life.”
Read more about “For the Strength of Youth: A Guide for Making Choices” here.
Watch a video about the guide here.