Elder Hamula chats with young single adults in Majuro

More than seventy young single adults (YSA) of the Marshall Islands Majuro Stake met for the third annual YSA conference on June 17-23, 2011. The YSA are scattered among seven different congregations on one 35 mile long island. The theme of the conference was "Pād Wōt Ilo Ial Eo, (Stay the Course) and Be Steadfast and Immovable. The conference helped participants discover that they have "brothers and sisters" in the gospel who can help them with their challenges.

The highlight of the conference was a visit from Elder James J. Hamula of the Pacific Area Presidency. He was the keynote speaker at the beginning of the conference on Saturday morning and asked the YSA to take three important goals to heart: obtaining an education, preparing for missionary service, and preparing for the temple. Elder Hamula later spoke to them again about patriarchal blessings and how to prepare to receive one. This was significant because the Majuro Stake just sustained its first patriarch.

The conference included a service project at the College of the Marshall Islands Arrak campus. The YSA cleaned up the campus by moving a huge pile of palm fronds from the back of the campus, built new walkways using coral rocks and sand, and completed other landscaping work. After a full day of service, participants were taught the cha cha by two new members of the stake who had formerly participated in BYU ballroom dance classes.

One day included workshops on how to become effective Home and Visiting Teachers, how to be a better member missionaries, and a discussion with a member of the stake presidency who answered questions related to dating and male/female relationships. All of the topics discussed that day were chosen by the YSA planning committee earlier in the year. That evening, everyone was treated to an amazing talent show. All then gathered around a campfire near the beach to make s'mores.

A testimony meeting was held at 6:30 A.M. on the last day of the conference as the sun was rising over the beautiful lagoon.