IYF "Tweets" — Favorite things about IYF

IYF participants discover oneness through activities.

One in Diversity, Faith, Spirit

The group that came together on a pilgrimage to the recent International Youth Forum in Independence, Missouri, found diversity, faith, and the Spirit to be the path to oneness. Congregations already are hearing the messages they took home.

“ONE” was the theme and the goal of the July event, which drew about nine hundred people from places such as Australia, British Isles, Europe, French Polynesia, New Caledonia, Fiji, New Zealand, Canada, the Pacific Islands, and the United States.

Leaders developed the concepts of pilgrimage and ONE around two documents. The first was Doctrine and Covenants Section 163, which calls us to a greater exploration of embodying and sharing the peace of Jesus Christ. The second was the “We Are One, We Are Many” document developed in 2004 to express oneness in Christ and the importance of our mission.

At IYF, participants discovered oneness while celebrating diversity. Through dynamic worship, small-group encounters, discussion, meditation, games, art, prayer, village time, and personal discovery, they developed a strong sense of community and love. In addition, participants discovered ways of serving the church and addressing poverty and other issues.

The youth already are sharing what they experienced. On returning to her home congregation, one girl stood up unannounced as people were beginning to leave after a worship service. “Wait, I have to say something!”

She challenged the congregation to reach into the community, bring in more youth, and upgrade worships. She said she was scared to speak up. She already has met with her pastor to discuss ideas. She came with notes that offered potential solutions and suggestions, not just problems and critiques.

Clearly, youth like this girl “got it.” It’s important that members expand on the mountaintop experience of feeling the Spirit. Congregations must be receptive to that Spirit and provide safe environments for the youth to grow in ministry with their new insights and passion in God’s purposes.

Attendees learned they are called to follow Jesus, even if the journey takes them outside their comfort zones. Sometimes they must start the journey as one person. But they are not alone as they discover a deeper meaning and mission as a community that follows Christ.

—Emily Penrose-McLaughlin reporting with Blake Smith