Youth to Fill World With Testimonies of Jesus Christ on October 22

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By Mary Richards, Church News

This Sunday, October 22, is the first-ever Worldwide Day of Testimony for the youth of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Youth around the world are invited to gather at 7 p.m. in their time zone to hear a recorded message from the Prophet, Church President Russell M. Nelson, as well as Young Men General President Steven J. Lund and Young Women General President Emily Belle Freeman.

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After that, the young men and young women will have the opportunity to experience their own testimony meeting. They can stand and bear their testimonies of Jesus Christ.

“That means all day long, as it hits 7 o’clock all over every time zone, youth are going to be bearing their testimony about the strength of Jesus Christ in their life,” President Freeman said.

Her counselors, Sister Tamara W. Runia and Sister Andrea Muñoz Spannaus, joined her in a video posted to the Young Women Worldwide Facebook account to share more about the event and invite youth to prepare.

Youth can gather with their stake, ward or branch, said Sister Spannaus. “Maybe you will like to share your testimony and focus on this year’s theme, ‘I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me’ (Philippians 4:13).”

Sister Runia invited all to read “The Living Christ” ahead of time: “It will prepare your mind and your heart for that event and inform the testimony that comes out of you.”

President Freeman invited the youth to take charge in planning the activity, gathering their friends and preparing for the experience.

Brother Bradley R. Wilcox, First Counselor in the Young Men General Presidency, said the event will make history.

“We will have 24 hours of youth bearing testimony of Jesus Christ. Think about what that means,” he said.

He said youth can benefit from listening to other people’s testimonies, “but when they bear their own testimonies, and the Spirit bears witness of what they are saying with their own mouths, it is powerful.”

Brother Wilcox said leaders and parents and youth can and should invite others to participate: “It is going to be the coolest thing ever.”

Youth can then share their experiences after the event online using the hashtag #AllThingsThroughChrist, said President Freeman.

“We are so excited for this day and for the power that is going to fill the world. ... We can’t wait to see how it goes in your area,” she said.

Below is a suggested outline for this meeting, according to a notice on events.ChurchofJesusChrist.org:

• Opening musical number and prayer by youth
• View the recorded message; video will be about 20 minutes long
• Testimonies from youth
• Closing prayer
• Post-event gathering as desired