Mormon Youth Serve together at Canberra Annual Convention

A youth convention recently held in Canberra attracted over two hundred members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  Attendees came from locations from around Australia and New Zealand to attend the five-day event held at the Australian Institute of Sports. 

Area Church leader Elder Johnny Leota said of the event, “The theme was ‘Seek, Obtain, and Share’. The participants came with open minds and seeking hearts. The events and activities were well planned and exceeded our expectations.” 

The participants were taught by local Church leaders and energized by their peers. They also performed random acts of kindness to unsuspecting individuals and families. These included washing cars, donating to the homeless, helping a stranger with his yard work, and recording grave information for the Australia Billion Graves Index Project.

“The simple and small things you do put a smile on a stranger’s face,” said Melissa Tombu.

The culminating event, a remembrance activity at the National War Memorial, gave opportunity to pay respect to those who fought and died in defence of freedom.  A soldier was honoured and remembered as the familiar sound of the bugle played the last post signifying the end of the day. 

Julius Afele expressed his appreciation in these words, “As I attended the last post, I felt a sense of unity with all of Heavenly Father’s family.”

Elder Leota summed up the conference by saying, “In honour of all who had fallen in war, we were privileged to lay wreaths at the last post ceremony for those who had suffered and sacrificed their lives for us. Tears were shed, our hearts were profoundly touched for those whom we did not know. It was a sobering, solemn and poignant experience for all. The fruits of the convention have been a joy to witness."

Many are still sharing their feelings and random acts of kindness on social media.

The Young Single Adult convention is held annually with a major city hosting the event. Melbourne and Canberra hosted 2015-2016 convention.