On February 22-26, 2024, a Young Single Adults Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints took place in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, with portions of it held in Amman as well as in Wadi Rum. Participants, aged 18 to 33, included Young Single Adult members of the Church and other Christians coming from Jordan, Iraq and Lebanon with nationalities from all over the world.
The theme of the conference was “I Can Find Peace in Christ.” According to conference organizer Sarah Howlett, who is herself a Young Single Adult (YSA), “Many of the participants said that they felt like they drew both peace and strength from each other and the Lord at the event and that they could go home better able to face their struggles.”
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The conference was filled with many spiritually and socially uplifting meetings and activities, including group games, family history activities, a testimony meeting under the stars in Wadi Rum, and a Questions and Answers Fireside with Elder Roland J. Bäck, Second Counselor in the Middle East/Africa North Area Presidency of the Church.
“We were so grateful that Elder Bäck joined us,” Howlett said. “We needed him there. He listened to us and answered our questions, and we could feel so much love when he talked to us and encouraged us to keep moving forward. We could feel the Lord’s love for us through him.”
The participants were quick to bond with one another. Howlett said, “We became best friends as we shared such an incredible spiritual experience. Although we live in different countries, we still connect and uplift each other through a group chat on social media.”
Other young people shared their feelings about the event. Hisham Haddad of Jordan said, “Attending the YSA Conference was an enriching experience for spiritual growth, community building, and personal reflection. Our conference helped us better understand God’s plan for every individual. It deepened and strengthened our faith and helped us to find greater purpose in this life. It was an opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and to learn more about the gospel.”
For many, the time spent at the conference was life-changing. Arina Awat Shaban of Kurdistan, Iraq, said, “Participating in the YSA Conference was a truly transformative experience for me. It has impacted me in numerous ways.”
Shaban continued, “I was fortunate to encounter remarkable individuals who infused me with hope and positivity. Despite our different cultures and backgrounds, we shared a deep understanding, love, and willingness to support each other. The impact of just four days of conference on my life and perspective was profound and led me to significant growth. Through this experience, I grew spiritually and found increased strength within myself. I am immensely grateful for Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ in my life.”
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints encourages and sponsors YSA events and activities throughout the world, giving young people opportunities to meet and uplift one another. Gathering at such events allows YSAs to learn more about the gospel of Jesus Christ, to worship together, and to increase in strength, peace, joy and purpose in a challenging world.