As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints celebrate the 150th anniversary of the faith’s Young Men Organisation this month, teenagers across the Pacific shared how the organisation brought them a community and strengthened their faith in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.
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Sky Tsui smiles inside a Church of Jesus Christ meetinghouse.© 2025 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.Sky Tsui is a 16-year-old in Melbourne, Australia.
“I love the Young Men’s organisation because it means great friendships and working together with other young men to serve others,” he said.
“Jesus Christ is my Saviour and Redeemer, and He is always there for me and supports me.”
Ovadya Gensan Fou Falefatu is a 13-year-old in Apia, Samoa.
He said his favourite part about being a young man in the Church of Jesus Christ is participating in the passing of the sacrament during Sunday worship services.
He even prepared an address for a special gathering of local Latter-day Saint congregations, known as stake conference.
“During preparations of my talk, I came to realise how sacred my role is as a deacon in the Aaronic Priesthood,” he said. “I have a greater responsibility in building the kingdom of God here on earth.”
Oliver and Simon Anderson are brothers in Auckland, New Zealand. Oliver is 14 years old, and Simon is 12 years old.
“When I started Young Men’s, it felt great to be included in a quorum,” Oliver said. “I had just moved to the area, and right away, I was invited to join a temple trip where I made friends.”
Simon said, “I like that we have activities every week. They are a great way to have fun in a good environment. Some of my best friends I have met through Young Men’s.”
Both brothers volunteered at the public open house for the Auckland New Zealand Temple earlier this year, welcoming visitors before their tours of the temple.
“My testimony is strengthened as I spread the gospel. I like to invite my friends to activities. They don’t always come, but it still strengthens my faith,” said Oliver.
Alongside other young men of their congregation, they have served their community by packing meals for individuals in need in New Zealand.
“During a youth campout, we had a testimony meeting around the campfire. I really felt the Spirit there,” Simon said.
To honour this anniversary and the restoration of the Aaronic Priesthood on the earth, Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and Young Men General President Steven J. Lund, leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ, participated in a global broadcast on 13 July 2025. This broadcast can be viewed here.
Young men and young women support each other as they serve together in their communities and follow the loving example of Jesus Christ. The 150th anniversary of the Young Women Organization was celebrated in 2020.