Unity Across Continents: Bangkok Hosts Asia Area International Young Single Adult Conference

From August 1 to 4, 2024, Bangkok, the bustling capital of Thailand, hosted an extraordinary event that brought together over 160 young single adults of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from across the globe now living in the Asia Area.

The Asia Area International Young Single Adult (YSA) conference fostered unity, faith and cultural exchange among its participants. The experience wove together a tapestry of diverse cultures, languages and experiences, leaving an indelible impact on everyone involved.

A Vision of Unity

Many young single adults who now live in the Asia Area come from different countries and do not understand the local language. Elder Kelly R. Johnson of the Asia Area Presidency shared insights into the event’s inception.

“As an Area Presidency, we have been mindful of the First Presidency’s encouragement to look after the rising generation,” Elder Johnson said. “We realized many young adults, particularly those in countries where they didn’t speak the language, faced challenges in fully participating. This led us to create an English-speaking conference.”

The idea quickly garnered support from senior Church leaders, including Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. With their backing, the plan to host an English-speaking YSA conference in Bangkok was set in motion. The result was a weekend-long event that drew participants from 24 countries and territories across six continents — with each participant bringing unique perspectives and cultures.

The countries comprised Australia, Austria, Canada, China, Colombia, Congo, Côte d'Ivoire, Honduras, Hong Kong, Kiribati, Malaysia, Mozambique, Myanmar, New Zealand, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, South Africa, Taiwan, Thailand, United Kingdom, United States, Vietnam, and Zimbabwe.

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An Unforgettable Gathering

The conference’s atmosphere was electric, filled with excitement and anticipation. Participants hailed from countries as diverse as Australia, China and Colombia. Despite this diversity, a common thread of faith and love for Jesus Christ united everyone.

“The diversity here has been amazing,” Elder Johnson noted. “We have found absolute unity in their love and their faith in their Lord Jesus Christ.”

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Voices from the Conference

Vincent Gilig Espanto of the Philippines, but now living in Indonesia expressed his joy at being surrounded by fellow young adults with similar experiences.

“Being here surrounded by YSA who share the same experiences is amazing,” Espanto said. “The scavenger hunt was particularly memorable as it was my first time exploring Bangkok with my teammates, working together to achieve our goals.”

Nitchakan Wannatung, a committee member and participant from Thailand, now residing in Singapore, found the conference inspirational.

“My experience has been deeply enriching and fulfilling, reinforcing my sense of purpose and calling,” Wannatung said. “Participating as an organizer has significantly strengthened my commitment and testimony. The sense of unity among us is palpable, especially considering that many committee members had not met prior to the conference. This experience has been immensely rewarding.”

Shem Woo Wei Shan from Singapore, also a committee member of this conference, reflected on the organizational challenges and the benefits of teamwork.

“We had to dial things back and plan harder. Working with a team, bouncing ideas off each other, and being open to different perspectives really helped overcome obstacles,” Shan said. “The diverse voices from different areas of Asia help us see beyond our normal point of view.”

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The Temple Experience

A significant highlight of the conference was the opportunity for participants to visit the Bangkok Thailand Temple. This allowed them to connect deeply with their faith and provided a serene environment for contemplation and prayer.

Sophia Shobana Kalaimani from Malaysia remarked, “In my country, there is no temple. This is the most accessible temple we have. Doing the ordinances here feels like a whole new experience.”

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Service Projects and Humanitarian Activities

The conference also emphasized the importance of service. Participants rolled up their sleeves for various humanitarian projects, such as packing food and school supplies for those in need in mountainous areas.

Shaan Bacay Cross, another participant from Malaysia, shared, “When I heard that we are going to give food and school supplies, I felt touched. It’s amazing to give back to the community, even to those who are not members of the Church.”

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Fun and Fellowship

The conference was packed with fun activities that helped participants bond and create lasting memories. The scavenger hunt around Bangkok was a favorite of many because it allowed them to explore the city while working together in teams.

Other lively social events included a talent show where participants showcased their diverse skills and dance nights filled with music and laughter. A river cruise provided a scenic backdrop for a delightful evening of dining and dancing, allowing participants to relax and enjoy the beautiful views of Bangkok.

Myra Sham Xinci from Singapore shared, “I have enjoyed everything so far, especially bonding with my group, meeting new people and reconnecting with old friends. The social night, dancing together without caring about anyone’s opinions, felt liberating. It feels like family, an extension of our YSA ward in Singapore.”

Inspiring Testimonies and Lasting Bonds

The conference’s highlight was the sharing of testimonies and spiritual experiences. Participants gathered in heartfelt devotionals to share their journeys of faith and the role of Jesus Christ in their lives. As peers, their testimonies resonated with one another deeply, creating an environment of mutual understanding and support.

The hope is that as they’ve had a chance to be together and feel the excitement and joy of being a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, these YSA will leave and go back to their countries with renewed determination and an increased desire to be faithful disciples of Jesus Christ,” Elder Johnson said.

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A Global Family

The conference was more than just an event; it was a testament to the global impact of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. By bringing together young adults from all corners of the world, the conference reinforced the idea that faith transcends geographical and cultural boundaries. It highlighted the importance of community and the strength that comes from shared beliefs.

As the conference concluded, participants bid farewell to new friends, promising to stay connected and support one another in their spiritual journeys. The bonds formed during the conference are expected to last a lifetime, providing a network of support and encouragement across the globe.

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Looking Ahead

The success of this conference in Bangkok sets a precedent for future events. The overwhelming positive feedback and transformative experiences of the participants underscore the need for such gatherings. It provides a unique platform for young adults to come together, share their faith, and inspire each other to live as faithful disciples of Jesus Christ.

“We’re confident that as they go and act on the things they have felt and experienced here, it will truly be a life-changing experience that leads them to a wonderful, productive life,” Elder Johnson said.