‘For Strength of Youth’ Conferences Held in Togo and the Republic of Benin

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Youth from the countries of Togo and the Republic of Benin held ‘For Strength of Youth’ (FSY) Conferences in Cotonou, Benin and Lomé, Togo.  They gathered from each country with the goal of strengthening their faith and encouraging one another to walk the covenant path as taught by President Russell M. Nelson.  The theme of both conferences was Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me (Christ).”

For the Strength of Youth (FSY) conferences are five-day events for youth from the ages of 14-18, that include activities, devotionals, and classes designed to help strengthen faith in Jesus Christ and provide opportunities for youth to grow spiritually, socially, physically, and intellectually. It gives the youth an opportunity to associate with others who share their beliefs and to develop new friendships, while experiencing an environment that helps them feel the joy of the gospel.

Both countries are relatively new to the Church of Jesus Christ but have had remarkable growth over the years.  In Togo, the Church was officially recognized in 2000, with the first district established in 2009. There are currently three Stakes in Togo.  The Republic of Benin had 253 members of the Church in 2009, but now have over 6000 members in two Stakes. French is the national language in both countries.

The FSY Conference in Benin was attended by about 400 young members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and their friends.  60 young adult counselors guided the youth through their trainings and activities.

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In Togo, over 400 youth attended the Conference in Lome. Both conferences were attended by Elder Patrick Appianti, an Area Seventy Authority for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Togo and Benin areas.  For five days, the young people were instructed on subjects such as faith, free agency, forgiveness, recognition, integrity, the Sabbath day, service, self- reliance, and others.

“FSY was for me a moment of rediscovery, learning and spiritual strengthening. I learned even more about my potential and discovered things about myself that I didn't know,” said Hinnou I. Gracia of the Mènontin Ward. “The spiritual meetings, the moments of challenge and joy, all strengthened me.”

Josiane Somakou of the Calavi Ward said, “I know that through this program the Lord is preparing me for greater and greater responsibilities.  I know that the Lord is proud of me and pleased with me.”

Guédou Jaurès, a member of the Bohicon Branch added, “I really liked the FSY summit. I learned a lot of new things. I was touched by the teaching on faith and the instructor’s knowledge of the scriptures. I know these things will help me a lot.”