Look Unto Christ: Annabelle’s KL District Youth Conference 2025 28–31 March 2025 | The NEST, MAEPS, Serdang, Malaysia

At the end of March 2025, Annabelle joined nearly 50 youth from across West Malaysia for the Kuala Lumpur District Youth Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Held over three days at The NEST, an outdoor training centre and campsite at MAEPS, Serdang, the conference brought young people together for friendship, fun, spiritual learning, and personal growth.

The theme, “Look Unto Christ,” was inspired by Doctrine and Covenants 6:36: “Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not.” Throughout the conference, the youth were encouraged to turn to Jesus Christ for guidance, strength, and wisdom in their daily lives.

Friday, 28 March – Arriving and Building Friendships

The youth travelled from different locations to The NEST and settled into camp before gathering for dinner, orientation, and evening activities. It was a wonderful opportunity for Annabelle to reconnect with familiar friends and make new ones from other areas. Sharing the campsite experience helped everyone begin building friendships and unity.

Saturday, 29 March – Adventure, Teamwork and Spiritual Learning

Saturday began with breakfast and camp preparation before the youth took part in outdoor challenges.

Water-confidence activities and kayaking on the lake encouraged them to step outside their comfort zones, while team competitions, including a balloon-popping challenge, brought plenty of excitement and laughter.

In the evening, the youth enjoyed dinner followed by music and dancing. A senior volunteer couple even demonstrated the Swing and Jitterbug dances, although the younger generation had their own ideas about what made a great dance party!

Beyond the fun, these activities helped the youth practise teamwork, courage, communication, and supporting one another.  

Sunday, 30 March – Worship, Workshops and Testimonies

Sunday began with a worship service, including partaking of the Sacrament. Young youth leaders Danic and Cherrie taught about the conference theme, “Look Unto Christ,” followed by messages from President Brian Chan and President Dale Wells of the Kuala Lumpur District Presidency. 

In the afternoon, the youth attended workshops on emotional resilience, avoiding temptation, keeping the body sacred, and making wise decisions. One particularly thought-provoking session, led by senior volunteers Elder Mark and Sister Linda Barrand, explored how the frontal brain helps us pause, think carefully, and make better choices instead of acting impulsively.

The youth were invited to reflect on what they had learned and express their thoughts through key words, drawings, and personal responses. These discussions helped them recognise that following Christ is not only about what we believe, but also about the choices we make when facing challenges and temptations.

The evening ended with an opportunity for the youth to bear their personal testimonies of Jesus Christ. Each participant also received an illuminated Christus to display at home—a meaningful reminder to keep the Saviour at the centre of their lives.

Monday, 31 March – Asking God for Wisdom

On the final morning, Annabelle had a special opportunity to lead a discussion on James 1:5, which teaches that if we lack wisdom, we can ask God, who gives generously.

The youth reflected on how they could seek Heavenly Father's guidance when making decisions. They then created their own “quotes of wisdom,” wrote them down, and placed them in a box. The quotes were drawn at random and shared with the group, allowing everyone to learn from one another's thoughts and experiences.

I am especially happy that Annabelle had the opportunity to lead this discussion. It was a chance for her not only to participate, but also to contribute, share ideas, and help other youth reflect on seeking wisdom from God.

After a final sharing session, the youth packed up and departed for home, taking with them new friendships, meaningful memories, and lessons to apply in their everyday lives. 

Lessons to Carry Home

This conference was much more than a few days of camping and activities. It gave Annabelle and the other youth opportunities to develop leadership skills, build friendships, strengthen their testimonies, and learn how to make thoughtful choices.

I hope Annabelle will remember that she does not have to face life's challenges alone. When she feels uncertain, tempted, or overwhelmed, she can look to Jesus Christ, seek wisdom through prayer, and trust Heavenly Father to guide her.

I am grateful Annabelle could be part of this experience and contribute by leading the discussion on James 1:5. My hope is that the friendships she formed, the lessons she learned, and the spirit she felt will continue to influence her choices long after the conference has ended.

“Look unto Christ” is more than a conference theme. It is a reminder for Annabelle—and for all of us—to turn to the Saviour for wisdom, courage, and direction, one decision at a time. ❤️

A Refreshing Mixue Stop

After a busy day, Annabelle and I stopped by Mixue for some refreshing lemonade. Sometimes, it’s the simple moments together that make the day feel a little lighter. Just a little treat, a few smiles, and precious mother-daughter time.

On a New Level? ✨️

This week has been a little tough... yet rewarding. Both at the same time

I've recently learned how the gospel of Jesus Christ is more than just living a better life. It's changing our very nature as well as developing and strengthening our relationship with our Savior in a very real real way!

"We do not preach and teach in order to ‘bring people into the Church’ or to increase the membership of the Church. We do not preach and teach just to persuade people to live better lives. … We invite all to come unto Christ by repentance and baptism and confirmation in order to open the doors of the celestial kingdom to the sons and daughters of God. No one else can do this” - Elder Dallin H Oaks

I am grateful for this reassurance and realization of the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ that takes effect into the life of our friends.

The Lord is a Lord of Miracle

Recently, Elder Simmons received his reassignment to head to the Arcadia California mission, speaking canto too! So that's pretty sick. So as of right now my comp Elder She is staying with me and he is the new driver now. Let's just say, with his current amount of experience in driving... We heavily rely on the Lord's grace. ✨

Nonetheless, we have started making plans, reports and assessments to see how we can improve our ability to travel through the mission car. It's been amazing, maybe it may sound like a funny part about our week. But it really is a blessing that we have not gotten ourselves into an accident and that everything is safe and sound!

Moments before our trip from Ogden up to Logan 52 miles (83.6 Km) miss Elder Godoy

Yu Jun

Another thing I learned from this week is how the Spirit truly brings conversion into the lives of our friends. Yu Jun is an amazing person. Through English connect classes we had the opportunity to talk to him even more about the gospel, moreover helping him understand the personal and tangible relationship that he could have with his Savior and Father in Heaven was something that sparked his eyes!

As we taught him through the direction given by the mission, I knew that the spirit was present in that lesson. Helping him ponder and reflect through inspired questions helped him learn for himself the love that His Savior has for him, the love that we have to share this message of glad tithing and the blessings even to its fullness that not only we but our father in heaven wants him to have!

I can testify that the spirit is not only real but very tangible! I know that the Lord loves each one of us and wants to help us come back into His presence again.

Hiking on the Wind cave tunnel!

Its a pretty view! ❤️

Combined Youth Conference (MY & SG): Look Unto Christ✨ 17–20 Oct 2025 | Camp Lu Ying, Bukit Tinggi, Malaysia

From 17 to 20 October 2025, Annabelle joined the Combined Youth Conference with the Kuala Lumpur District and Singapore Stake at Camp Lu Ying, Bukit Tinggi. With 51 youth and leaders from the Kuala Lumpur District and 24 youth and leaders from the Singapore Stake, it was a special opportunity for young people from neighbouring countries to gather, build friendships, and strengthen their faith in Jesus Christ.

The theme for the conference was “Look Unto Christ”, taken from Doctrine and Covenants 6:36:

“Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not.”

This beautiful invitation reminded the youth to turn to Jesus Christ in their everyday lives, especially when facing uncertainty, challenges, or fear.

Friday, 17 October — Coming Together as One

After travelling from different locations, the youth gathered for dinner, orientation, and activities before checking in to the hotel. It was the beginning of four days of learning, sharing, and growing together.

Meeting youth from another country gave them an opportunity to step outside their familiar circle, get to know one another, and discover that although they may come from different places, they share the same faith and desire to follow Jesus Christ.

Saturday, 18 October — Learning Through Teamwork and Service

The youth travelled to Camp Lu Ying and began the day with a staff briefing and devotional before taking part in an obstacle course designed by the camp.

The afternoon included free time for checking in, reflection, study, and rest, followed by dinner, dancing, and a campfire.

Through the obstacle course and group activities, the youth had opportunities to practise teamwork, communication, perseverance, and mutual support.

These experiences could remind them that challenges are easier to face when they encourage one another rather than trying to do everything alone.

The evening campfire and dance activities also provided time to relax, connect, and build friendships across the Kuala Lumpur District and Singapore Stake.

Sunday, 19 October — Worship, Reflection and Spiritual Growth

Sunday began with scripture study and prelude music, followed by a special Sunday service with sacrament meeting and Sunday School.

This was an important part of the conference, giving the youth time to worship together, remember Jesus Christ, study His teachings, and reflect on their personal testimonies.

The afternoon included group activities and personal reflection time. Later, the youth gathered for a devotional and a Munch and Mingle activity before preparing for the final night at camp.

I love that the programme made space not only for activities and fellowship, but also for quiet reflection and spiritual learning.

Faith grows as we take time to listen, study the scriptures, pray, and consider how we can become more like the Saviour.

Monday, 20 October — Carrying the Lessons Home

The final morning began with scripture study, a Zumba cardio activity, breakfast, and packing up the campsite.

The programme continued with a guided devotional and scripture study, followed by sharing time before the groups departed for home.

The conference ended, but the lessons and friendships could continue long after the youth returned to their daily routines.

The guided devotional and sharing time offered an opportunity to reflect on what they had experienced and learned. The invitation to “Look Unto Christ” was not meant only for the four days at camp.

It is a principle they can carry into school, family relationships, friendships, Church service, and the challenges of growing up.

Looking Unto Christ in Everyday Life ❤️

I am grateful Annabelle had the opportunity to participate in this conference. Beyond the fun, outdoor activities, and new friendships, I hope she came away with a stronger desire to seek Jesus Christ in every thought and to trust Him when life feels uncertain.

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

As a mother, these are the things I hope will stay with Annabelle: the courage to face challenges, the willingness to support others, the joy of belonging to a community of faith, and the confidence to turn to the Saviour for guidance.

May she always remember the message of Doctrine and Covenants 6:36: “Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not.” Wherever life takes her, may she continue to look unto Christ, trust His love, and walk forward with faith.