Service and Faith Unify Young Single Adults at Regional Conference

Download Photo

Elder Gary E. Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles shared an inspiring message centered on personal growth and spiritual direction with young single adult (YSA) Latter-day Saints in Idaho Falls, Idaho; Calgary, Canada; and Nauvoo, Illinois.

The YSAs were participating in the regional Especially for Young Single Adult Conference from Wednesday, August 14, through Friday, August 16, 2024. Though they were separated by distance, technology helped link the group to enjoy the broadcast that originated in Idaho Falls.

Elder Stevenson, who was accompanied by his wife, Lesa, offered a call to action for young single adults to be peacemakers and create bridges of understanding. He invited the youth to find ways to love, share and invite their friends, families, and neighbors. 

President Randall Bennett, the newly called President of the North America Central Area of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and his wife, Shelley, welcomed the diverse and enthusiastic audience to a spiritually enriching conference.

The regional broadcast and the subsequent events and service projects in Idaho Falls, Calgary and Nauvoo collectively highlighted the significance of living one’s faith through service, understanding and personal growth.

Service and Spirituality: Effects Across Three Cities

The conference’s spirit of service and unity was manifested in local events in the three participating cities.

Idaho Falls, Idaho

In Idaho Falls, 1,160 individuals gathered at the Mountain America Center for a spiritual recharge and the chance to forge new friendships. The event featured presentations from Latter-day Saint author Brandon Sanderson, who encouraged attendees to “enjoy the process as we become,” and Sharon Eubank, director of Latter-day Saint Charities, who emphasized “thinking celestial” through service, temple covenants and maintaining a perfect brightness of hope.

Jacob Birrell of Rexburg, Idaho, said, “I felt light and inspiration that I didn’t know I needed! It was something I’ll remember for sure.”

Throughout the conference, attendees engaged in service projects. More than 1,000 individuals participated in a day of community service, completing 28 projects for the city of Idaho Falls and local schools. Additionally, more than 400 young adults took part in temple work and FamilySearch Center activities.

Calgary, Canada

In Calgary, 1,060 individuals gathered at the University of Calgary and other local sites. Their activities ranged from interactive games and workshops to service projects and a memorable excursion to Banff. Notably, the group assembled 1,200 hygiene kits, including 600 men’s kits for the Salvation Army and 600 women’s kits for Street Sisters Calgary, a nonprofit serving vulnerable women experiencing homelessness. The service extended to campus cleanups and other community efforts.

Austin Demmans of Calgary, who was recently baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ, said of the conference, “To hear others’ testimonies, to build that strength together and to see that other young single adults are going through the same things we are, it was honestly such a beautiful experience that I can’t wait to do it again. I’ve made so many friends.”

Nauvoo, Illinois

The 650 participants in Nauvoo experienced a distinctive blend of spiritual enrichment and historical immersion. Attendees engaged in service at Nauvoo State Park, contributing to the upkeep of local paths and ditches. They also had the opportunity to explore significant Church history sites, attend the Nauvoo Illinois Temple and participate in a range of activities including workshops on spirituality, emotional resilience and life skills.

Download Photo

“If it’s going to be beneficial for someone or a community, it’s worth it! Doing service gives meaning,” said Missouri resident Jaron Rampton.

Download Photo

A Unified Call to Action

Elder Stevenson’s call to build bridges of undersanding and the service-oriented actions across the three cities highlighted the strength and unity of the young single adult community.

“We are still at transitional, important years of our lives. We are still impressionable,” said Sadie Fillmore of Iowa, who attended the weekend activities in Nauvoo. “It can be easy for us to get lost or fall away, so if we have these YSA events, we are surrounded by people with our values and it’s leading us to do good.”

The gatherings not only fostered a deeper connection among participants but also reinforced the core values of the gospel, demonstrating the transformative power of faith in action. Elder Stevenson and other leaders emphasized that by engaging in service and embodying the principles of peace and understanding each individual can contribute to a more compassionate and Christ-centered world.