President Farnes Uplifts Youth During Asia Ministry

From the  Singapore Newsroom

General Young Men President Timothy L. Farnes of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and his wife, Linsey, recently ministered across Cambodia, Singapore and Malaysia. Through activities, service and devotionals, they testified of Jesus Christ’s love, trained parents and youth leaders, and ministered to members.

On May 28, 2026, President and Sister Farnes met with CEO David Chua of Singapore’s National Youth Council, where they discussed youth initiatives and missionary service.

The visit followed the Farnes’ participation in the Singapore Stake Primary’s “Missionaries Around the World” activity, which was attended by nearly 100 children.

“I remember raising my hand and committing to read the scriptures,” said Adam Tokoara, a recently baptized child.

From May 22-25, the Farnes ministered to more than 500 youth, ages 12 to 17, and their leaders across three Cambodian cities – Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Kampong. While emphasizing the 2026 youth theme, “Walk With Me,” President and Sister Farnes reminded the youth of their divine identity and the importance of choosing the Savior daily.

“It makes me feel less alone,” said 12-year-old Hong Kimmouy from Phnom Penh.

“It is as if I am living in Zion, a city filled with kindness, love, compassion and mutual support,” said 17-year-old Rebecca Sarin from Kampong Cham.

Neang Kouro Thol Septream, 16, from Phnom Penh said the devotional strengthened his testimony and made his desire to serve a mission “go through the roof.”

“We can feel their love and power and spirit,” Septream said of the leader’s visit.

President Farnes said he was impressed that the youth “have a sense of who they are and whose they are,” adding that they have “a real desire to walk with the Savior.”

While visiting Cambodia, President and Sister Farnes joined hundreds of youth for a service project in Phnom Penh, where they assembled more than 200 care bags with personal items for children at the National Center for Infants and Children. The Church also donated three metric tons of rice and other essential food supplies.

“It was so emotional,” said a 13-year-old girl who participated in the service project. “I feel the Savior’s love here. They have no family to take care of them, but I’m glad they have this place to live. It makes me feel we should be more grateful for what we have.”

President and Sister Farnes also participated in youth and young single adult devotionals in Singapore and Malaysia.

“It was so wonderful to see the Farnes reach out to the youths and spend time talking to them,” said Singapore Stake Young Women President Rie Woo. “Stories were shared and experiences the youth could connect with, and I think they will remember this for a very long time.”

“I appreciated how they answered our questions cordially and provided insights that helped open our eyes and deepen our understanding of the gospel,” said 16-year-old Ashwin Pillar.

Pamela Chiping, the Farnes’ translator, said members were excited to receive a rare visit from General leaders and eager to share their culture with the Farnes. One such incident involved President Farnes marking the harvest by cutting down a symbolic tree in the meeting hall.

“It’s really meaningful for me for them to join in and for them to know what the tree means to us,” she said. “We love the culture, and we love Heavenly Father as well.”