Because young Latter-day Saints here have such ample opportunity to share the gospel, the youth conference committee decided to focus on being able to do it better. Through service, activities, and workshops based on Preach My Gospel, the youth of the stake worked to become an even brighter source of light for those around them.
One portion of the conference was devoted to helping youth be better missionaries—both now and in the future. The committee, along with leaders, developed several workshops, or "modules," about different aspects of missionary work. Many of the modules were based on chapters in Preach My Gospel. They addressed subjects such as studying the gospel, sharing the gospel with friends, and using the Book of Mormon as a missionary tool.
"I learned that it's important to talk about the gospel in a simple way," says Brian Clancy. "For example, for someone who isn't familiar with religion, the term Holy Ghost might be an obscure concept. So when I think someone is feeling the Holy Ghost, it might be better to ask, 'How do you feel right now?' Usually they'll talk about feeling calm, peaceful, or relaxed. And then I can help them understand that what they're feeling is the Holy Ghost."
It's that kind of understanding based on Preach My Gospel that Jordan Bratt taught about at the conference. Jordan, who grew up in the Exeter Stake, recently returned from the Florida Jacksonville Mission, so he knew firsthand that Preach My Gospel is a powerful resource for full-time missionaries. But he wanted to help the youth realize that they could also benefit from using it now.
"A lot of people think, 'I'll look at it when I'm a missionary or when I'm in the MTC,'" Jordan says. "But it is not just a tool for full-time missionaries. Anyone can study it every day. It can help you today, right now."