Addis Ababa, Ethiopia - September 1-6, 2025
Group photo of the youths with church leaders and YSA Coordinators, Addis Ababa September 2025
Group photo of the youths with church leaders and YSA Coordinators, Addis Ababa September 2025© 2025 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.A historic event filled the atmosphere in Addis Ababa with a powerful spirit. For the first time ever, sixty-eight young men and women from Ethiopia gathered to attend a For the Strength of Youth (FSY) conference. The inspiring theme was taken from D&C 6:36, "Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not."
This five-day conference was a profound spiritual experience. Through devotionals, classes, team games, and dances, the youth learned how to apply the theme in their daily lives. They discovered how turning to the Savior Jesus Christ can replace doubt with faith and fear with courage.
The youths participating in group activities, Addis Ababa September 2025
The youths participating in group activities, Addis Ababa September 2025© 2025 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.One spiritual highlight was a visit from Elder Laurian Balilemwa, Area Seventy, Africa Central Area. He reinforced the conference theme with a powerful message on prayer and faith. He invited the youth to make their communication with God more personal and heartfelt.
"I invite you to find a private time to talk to God," said Elder Balilemwa. "Address Him, thank Him, and ask Him for anything you want in any language. Then, close your prayer in the name of Jesus Christ.”
He also taught how our thoughts may influence our lives: "Our thoughts lead to an act; the behavior leads to a destination." This reminded everyone that by looking to Jesus Christ in every thought, they can choose a path that leads to eternal life.
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Nafrom Awegchew (Kiya) shared, "The FSY helped me find an answer to my questions, helped me know the value of teamwork and most importantly grow my faith in Jesus."
Another participant, Kana Fiker Debebe Hailu, said, "The FSY Conference was great! I learned that I can rely on God and trust in Him when I face difficulties. It has helped me come close to God and learn of Him. It has also helped me learn about temple blessings and missionary work."
This first FSY in Ethiopia was a beautiful success. It strengthened the testimonies of sixty-eight young people and 16 YSA leaders, teaching them to look to Christ in every thought, doubt not, and fear not. It was a true celebration of faith and a sign of the growing strength of the Church in Ethiopia.