Hundreds of Tongan youth aged 14 to 18 received counsel from Elder Taniela B. Wakolo of the Pacific Area Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints earlier this month.
The teens attended a “For the Strength of Youth” conference at Camp Makeke on the island of Tongatapu from 4-9 December.
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FSY is shorthand for, “For the Strength of Youth.” FSY conferences are designed to help youth have fun as they apply principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ in all aspects of their lives.
At an FSY Conference, they participate in five days of devotionals, classes, and activities that help them strengthen their faith in Jesus Christ and feel the joy of belonging as they live the gospel.
Speaking to the group during Day 4, Elder Wakolo said, "It was a privilege for Anita and I to be with these youths."
"Being with them we felt a strong and powerful feeling of what President Russell M. Nelson talked about when he spoke of young people who have 'the capacity to be smarter and wiser and have more impact on the world than any other previous generation.'"
He continued, "You feel and see their love for the Saviour. In two to four years these are those you will see serving missions, preaching and testifying of Christ."
Elder Wakolo said the young adults at the conference were there as counsellors, coordinators, and assistant coordinators. "They took the lead in organizing and helping these 16 and 17-year-olds along the way."
"We participated in holding devotionals for 14 and 15-year-olds in multi stake youth activities as well as 16 and 17-year-olds at the 'For the Strength of Youth' conference."
Elder Wakolo said, "We can feel the strength of their testimonies of the Saviour. Looking ahead, the Church is in good hands, our families are in good hands. They will make the world a better place. They were being reminded constantly that they 'can do all things through Christ who strengthens them."
Joyceanne Helu Lavaka and Sione Junior Lavaka were members of the communication team that reported on the activities of the conference via Facebook throughout the five-day event.
Lavaka expressed the joy she received from experiencing the conference with these enthusiastic youth from throughout Tonga.
“We remain hopeful that as they return home with added oil in their lamps, they will continue becoming a light unto others,” Lavaka said.
She added that throughout the conference those leading it “witnessed young men take charge of their choices, and young women who are more confident in staying committed to one day becoming full-time missionaries.”
Watch this video of the FSY participants singing at the conference. Video by Joyceanne Helu Lavaka.