Faith Above Waves: 260 Young Single Adults Gather in Bangkok to Build Global Connections 

DOWNLOAD

BANGKOK — From July 29 to August 2, 2026, Bangkok served as the gathering place for the 2026 Asia Area International Young Single Adult (YSA) Conference. Hosted by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for the third time, the five-day event welcomed 260 attendees from 18 different countries and regions, bringing together diverse cultures and languages through their shared faith. 

The vision for the gathering was to create a powerful space of strength and belonging. Elder Kelly R. Johnson, Asia Area President of the Church, emphasized the importance of bringing the rising generation together. "We wanted to give them an opportunity to socialize, to feel the Spirit, and to just be together in a larger group than they typically experience in their home countries," he explained. "I've been so happy to see the YSA come together, enjoy the association together, talk together, and laugh together." 

Building a Foundation: Workshops and Devotionals

The opening days of the conference focused heavily on personal and spiritual development, setting a purposeful tone for the week's activities. Attendees participated in a series of devotionals and workshops specifically designed to help them navigate the unique complexities of modern life. 

Rather than simply delivering lectures, the speakers tailored their messages to the real-world needs of the rising generation. Breakout sessions covered a wide range of deeply relevant themes, from accessing spiritual power and navigating mental health to overcoming obstacles with joy and building a life on what matters most. These focused discussions ensured the young adults left feeling spiritually and emotionally equipped to face the unique challenges they experience back home. 

For Jean Aristide Belleza Aquino from the Philippines, these spiritual lessons provided a structured environment for him to reflect on and find direction for his own spiritual concerns. 

"I felt like the deep, personal questions I had in the back of my mind prior to the conference were truly answered by God," Jean explained. "It was not through the words the speakers spoke, but rather through impressions I felt in my mind." 

He noted that the messages, particularly Sister Shelly Brady's thoughts on finding joy amid adversity—inspired him to face his own challenges with renewed diligence. "The workshop emphasized that through Him we can feel joy, even when we are experiencing trials or challenges," he shared. 

This quiet, personal revelation reaffirmed his faith. "The experience of God quietly answering my inner questions has added to my testimony that He is real," Jean concluded. "He knows us very well. If we reach out to Him, He reaches out to us, and we can be as happy as we could ever be."

Worship and Peace in the Temple 

Friday marked the spiritual high point of the conference as attendees visited the Bangkok Thailand Temple. 

For many participants, the opportunity to easily access the temple was a rare and treasured blessing.  Because many attendees live in countries without a dedicated temple, visiting the Bangkok Thailand Temple was a highlight of the conference for them, providing a peaceful sanctuary amid a week filled with activities. 

Inside the temple, YSA participated in sacred ceremonies alongside their international peers, bridging language and cultural barriers through shared worship. Sister Teressa Johnson reflected on the profound peace of watching the young adults serve together. 

"It has been wonderful to see them in the temple and be together," Sister Johnson said, noting how they drew strength from one another as religious minorities in their home countries. Reflecting on her time in the sealing room, she added, "It is a powerful reminder of Heavenly Father’s individual love for each person. We are important to Him, and so is each name that we bring into the temple." 

Lifting the Community Through Humanitarian Service 

Beyond their time in conference workshops and temple worship, the YSA turned their spiritual strength outward through a massive humanitarian outreach effort.  As part of the conference's focus on discipleship and service, attendees volunteered at two local organizations. One group visited the elderly residents at the Waiwattana Niwas Foundation, while the other spent time supporting children with disabilities at the Camillian Home in Lat Krabang. 

The humanitarian projects required attendees to work in mixed international groups, coordinating their efforts across different languages and cultural backgrounds to serve the local communities. Latrell Garcia, a participant residing in Taiwan, summed up the spirit of unity that drove the day's efforts: 

"One thing that united us here is having the same foundation we learn from the Church, that we need to help and serve one another, and to serve the children of God," Latrell shared. "Doing charity, spreading love—I think that helps us share the light of Christ with the world." 

For those visiting the Waiwattana Niwas Foundation, the experience was a tender reminder of family. For Elwin Lee, a participant from Malaysia, caring for the elderly residents offered a deeply personal connection and a welcome shift in perspective. 

"When I stepped into this home, I felt like it reminded me of my grandparents. I felt like I was home again," Elwin expressed. "It's good to step away from the outside busy environment and schedules. When I came to this peaceful environment, I felt like I recharged myself. It helps me learn that keeping life as simple as we can is sometimes very important." 

Meanwhile, at the Camillian Home, the other group of young adults focused their energy on uplifting and interacting with the children. 

"Serving these children was really about putting what we learned in our lessons into action," shared Shamindri Kadupitiyage from Sri Lanka. "I am not usually very good with children, and it was an awesome experience stepping out of my comfort zone. It was great to take everything from the conference ... and learn how to practically implement them." 

She added that despite the children's physical challenges, their joy was infectious. "It was wonderful to see them having fun and interacting with us. It was amazing to witness how they can still have fun and be carefree." 

Celebrating Global Heritage: Variety Show & Cultural Night

Shifting from the spiritual and humanitarian efforts, the young adults had ample time to celebrate their diverse heritage. A vibrant Variety Show and Cultural Night allowed participants to cheer on their peers' unique talents and traditional dances, turning a room full of international attendees into a tight-knit family. 

Kati Tuihalangingie, a native of Tonga currently living in China, performed a traditional Polynesian dance to the song "Ku'u Leo Aloha" (Voice of Love), providing a powerful way to share her heritage. 

"Performing helps me connect back to my roots," Kati shared. "For us Polynesians from the Pacific, dancing is a form of storytelling. Throughout this whole program, I feel like everyone has been expressing their story and spreading love, either through their voices, their talents, or their testimonies." 

Jonathan How Yuen Pin from Malaysia, who performed the song Dayung Sampan (Row Your Boat), noted how the event fostered deep connections across borders. He was especially moved by performances from other nations, like the traditional Burmese bird dance. 

"I believe this performance stands for unity because we are all brothers and sisters in Christ," Jonathan explained. "Music is one of the most powerful ways to bring us together, uniting all our different cultures and traditions. There is a saying from the song we performed that perfectly translates to: 'Unity makes strength.'" 

Faith Above Waves 

The conference continued with high-energy activities throughout the city, including a thrilling day at Siam Amazing Park and an elegant evening dining on a Chao Phraya River cruise. 

Reflecting on the 2026 conference theme, "Faith Above Waves," Elder Johnson drew a parallel to the biblical story of the apostles rowing through treacherous waters. "Even though we have waves...as long as they keep rowing and trying to be disciples of Jesus Christ, they're going to draw closer to the Savior, and He's going to sustain them through many difficulties or challenges that they have," he explained. 

As the 260 participants packed their bags to return to their respective nations, they carried with them not only memories of Bangkok, but also a vast international family of faith ready to support one another. 

Elder Miles Peterson and Sister Jann Peterson, Area EnglishConnect and BYU–Pathway Specialists who assisted with the conference, expressed their deep admiration for the rising generation. 

"As you talk to them and hear their stories, I am just so impressed by their desire to follow our Savior and how they are rising above their many trials," Sister Peterson shared. 

Elder Peterson added that observing the young adults left him with profound optimism for the years ahead. 

"We don't need to worry about the future. The gospel of Jesus Christ will be in good hands,” he said, expressing confidence that as these young adults step into leadership roles, the Church will be in good hands. 

Summarizing his ultimate hope for the attendees as they head home, he concluded, "I hope that by being here, their personal faith will be strengthened—that they will be uplifted and edified so they can continue to carry on in their lives as disciples of Jesus Christ."