Beech Tree News Network

More than 750 youth representing seven stakes of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints gathered for a regional June 21-23 at Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green - including a large number of youth from Butler County and Ohio County.  Merging to celebrate their faith and strengthen one another, the youth came from the general areas of Hopkinsville and Paducah in Kentucky and Nashville, Madison, McMinnville, Franklin and Murfreesboro in Tennessee.

Young men and women ages 14-18 assumed leadership roles as they led and participated in classes, workshops, dances, entertainment, a talent show, and testimony meetings focused on the theme - “Peace in Christ.”  

Opening the conference was Hopkinsville, Kentucky Stake President Nate Craig, whose lively, interactive presentation helped set the spiritual tone of the three-day event.

When asked what the highlight of the conference was for him, youth participant Hunter Pew of Clarksville said it was listening to the uplifting music and making new friends.  

“I’ve met a lot of different people from different stakes that I didn’t know before,” he said.  “Feeling the spiritual strength during nightly devotionals, and the testimonies from other youth was powerful and fortifying.  The music brought a lasting special spirit.”

Hearing the entertainment was Christian singer-songwriter David Archuleta, runner-up of season 7 of “American Idol,” and “The Nashville Tribute Band,” formed by award-winning singer-songwriter Jason Deere and pianist for “Diamond Rio,” Dan Truman.

Motivating speakers included Elder Michael V. Beheshti, Area Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; Brad Wilcox, Professor in the Department of Ancient History at Brigham Young University, and Michelle Craig, First Counselor in the General Young Women’s Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Church leaders and a youth committee have been collaborating for a year, planning this regional conference, which occurs every four years.  

The purpose of Youth Conference is to build faith in Jesus Christ, strengthen testimonies, develop talents, make new friends, and have fun with youth who share similar beliefs and standards.

For more information about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, go to www.lds.org or www.mormon.org.