North America Northwest Area Youth Conference: “Be Strong and of a Good Courage”

Excitement built as word of the multistake youth conference spread. Levi Jeppson, 16, of the Lewiston Idaho Stake says, “I was really stoked, because there would be a total of 11 stakes and 1,600 kids. When we all gathered together, it was astounding. I don’t think I have ever been with that many LDS kids at the same time.”

The North America Northwest Area youth conference reflected the theme found in Joshua 1:9: “Be strong and of a good courage.” Two days of activities, service projects, music, and inspiring messages helped teens realize that they are not alone in living clean lives and building strong testimonies.

When they came together in Spokane, Washington, enthusiasm abounded as young men and young women from the area met, made friends, worked together, sang together, and enjoyed the spirit of unity and kindness toward each other. Katelyn Ferraro, 16, of the Colville Washington Stake says, “We found we could do fun things together but be serious and spiritual as well. It makes me happy to have such a blessing in our lives and that we can make new friends.”

One of the highlights of the conference was a musical program. Then Elder Whitney L. Clayton of the Seventy spoke. “We don’t need to fear the future if we live the way we should,” he said. “The promise to Joshua is as true today as it was in ancient times. Positive consequences follow good decisions as surely as night follows day.”

Hillary Lake, 18, of the Spokane Washington Valley Stake describes the effect of youth conferences. She says, “Being with others who have a light in their eyes gives me incredible hope for the future and makes me want to be a better person.”

Alyssa Cozzens, 16, of the Coeur d’Alene Idaho Stake: “If you come together with good, strong friends who support you in doing right, you have a better chance at being successful in doing what’s right.”