Walking With the Rising Generation
6 a.m. is not a time that many youth see on a Saturday morning, but in October 2023 Merthyr Tydfil Stake President, Simon Hayes, felt to invite the rising generation to hike Pen-y-Fan in the Brecon Beacons, the highest point in the stake, to start stake conference weekend. The aim was to be at the top to see the sunrise and give a prayer of dedication to the work in the area. When the invitation was given, the Stake Presidency expected maybe a handful of youth to take them up on the offer, but to their surprise over 70 young people arrived – in the dark – at the car park at the bottom of the mountain. The view was hampered by the Welsh weather: mist and drizzle blurred the sunrise. But it didn’t dampen the spirits of the youth. After the dedicatory prayer, the youth and their leaders descended for a breakfast and testimony meeting at the stake centre. The youth spoke of the feeling of the Spirit that came as they spent time in nature and fellowshipped with friends.
After counselling with the youth, it was decided this would make an excellent tradition. The stake is geographically widespread, so the Gower was the venue for stake conference in March 2024 - a 5k walk along the coast path from Bracelet Bay to Caswell, and back. This time we were blessed with both a glorious sunny morning and the attendance of Area Seventy, Elder Bernskov. The walk was another opportunity to strengthen friendships and testimonies, amid the beauty and magnificence of the Lord’s creation. Upon arrival at Caswell Bay, bacon rolls were provided and a testimony meeting was held.
These sessions of stake conference have shown us the strength and determination of our young people. They were willing to sacrifice sleep and comfort to have an experience with the Spirit. The physical walking of a path became a demonstration of their commitment to walk the covenant path. It is inspiring to see the rising generation grasp opportunities presented to them to build a relationship with Jesus.