Spending more time with children, teaching them about Jesus Christ, and focusing on his gospel at home can help young people overcome social challenges such as drug abuse, HIV and teenage pregnancies.
This was shared by Session Director Millie Seru Naivedru in an interview with fijivillage News, as she spoke about the purpose of the upcoming For the Strength of the Youth Fiji 2025 – Look Unto Christ Conference.
Naivedru says the conference is dedicated to helping the youth of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints strengthen their faith in Jesus Christ, build lifelong friendships, and learn how to lead and live with purpose.
She explains that throughout the week-long event, every activity, class and interaction is designed to help participants focus on the Savior, Jesus Christ.
She says the youth are taught using the For the Strength of Youth booklet — a gospel resource that focuses on making righteous choices, living in purity, and understanding their divine identity.
She adds that the sessions also teach the importance of dating standards, keeping the Word of Wisdom by choosing what is good for the body, and practicing modesty, helping young people live lives guided by faith and spiritual strength.
She says all these standards help youth to look unto Christ before making decisions.
She adds that the booklet empowers youth to navigate real-life issues such as peer pressure, teenage pregnancy, drug use, and media influence — with confidence and clarity anchored in Christ.
Naivedru says that during the first FSY camp in 2023, there was a noticeable change in the youth, as parents observed the difference.
She adds that youth who previously stayed silent in church or at home were now initiating prayers, sharing gospel insights, and expressing a desire to serve.
She says the FSY had awakened something deep within them — the strength that comes from the Savior, Jesus Christ.
Naivedru shares that they bore testimonies of Jesus Christ with confidence and clarity, showing a powerful transformation rooted in love, unity, and the Spirit.
She says one of the unique features of FSY is the involvement of Young Single Adult members — unmarried individuals aged 18 to 35 — who volunteer to lead and mentor the youth.
She adds that each YSA is assigned to a group of 10 youth of the same gender, acting as a leader, support system, and spiritual example.
Naivedru says the YSAs are the backbone of FSY.
She adds that while they may be young, the conference is a platform for them to grow into the leaders the church and community need.
She highlights that these young adults help resolve conflicts, encourage inclusion, and teach the youth how to work together despite differences.
She adds that in turn, they also grow in their own leadership and testimony.
She emphasizes that parents, leaders, and communities must work together to guide the next generation, saying that today’s youth will become better disciples of Jesus Christ by becoming the better leaders of tomorrow.
Naivedru says the youth leave FSY with more than memories — they leave with a deeper identity as disciples of Jesus Christ, a clearer vision of their future, and the spiritual tools to lead in their homes, wards, and schools.
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