Young Single Adult Papua New Guineans Gather

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Over 2500 young single adults gathered for a convention in Madang, Papua New Guinea to make friends, participate in cultural performances and workshops, and strengthen their faith in Jesus Christ. The convention was organized by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and included members of the Church from the Northern and Island Provinces of PNG plus over 1,000 friends of the Church.

“It was a long journey that would normally take five to six hours travel, but it took us the whole day because we faced some challenges,” says Noreen Omba from Lae, Papua New Guinea. “It was worthwhile. I’m so blessed to be here.”

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Marjorie Kamba from Madang, a member of the organising committee, said, “One thing that I hope for as they leave this convention is that I want them to feel the love of the Saviour, to feel like they belong, and to have hope in the future. It’s an experience for all of us. It’s going to really change lives."

Alan Roberds, a presenter from South Jordan, Utah, said, “This is my first time in Papua New Guinea and I’ve heard a million stories. I’m impressed with the YSAs here. I can’t even imagine what their future looks like. There is a spirit about them of determination, a spirit of growth; they want to be here to know more and to be empowered. There is a power behind that. It comes from the Spirit that will be transformational in the future.”

Lae Mission President, Charles Hosea agrees. “We hope they will go home having an increased faith in their Savior, knowing that God deeply loves them, recognising their true identity as part of a greater family, a heavenly family. This will allow them the opportunity to have a deeper relationship not only with God but with each other. This is their day. This is the rising generation. The Lord trusts them and has confidence in them.”

“Love is what I got from this convention,” says Rose Yenisaine who lives in Lae. “The leaders are here because of their love for each one of us. We can see the courage and leadership in them that they are true followers of Jesus Christ.  I felt love when they shared about their experiences.”

“I want to leave with the knowledge that wherever I go Heavenly Father is always there for me,” she continues. “I will always trust in the Lord. I know that I will gain a better and stronger testimony so when I go back, I can strengthen the other YSAs.”

To learn more about these convention experiences, watch the video here.