Be an Example of the Believers

The Shanghai International District held its Youth Conference in Jin Qiao, Pudong this year. Youth 14-18 years old were invited to attend the 2 1/2 day conference. The youth were able to spend their days together with other LDS youth from different areas in China, and stay at members homes in Shanghai during the conference. It was a wonderful event for not only Bracken to attend, but John was also able to help with the planning as he was the District council/District Young Men's President in charge. Many hours from several leaders were put into planning the conference for the youth. These many hours paid off as it was an obvious successful event for the youth.

The conference began Thursday evening. The youth enjoyed pizza, get-to-know you games, and other sports events including bowling and table tennis tournaments.

Go Brother Wilde!!

A few weeks before, the youth collected diapers, formula, and other baby supplies to donate to Baobei, an organization that helps orphan babies receive life saving medical operations. Friday, the youth sorted the donations for the babies, and also were able to tie quilts to give to the orphanage.

Friday evening activities included a VERY competitive "Mormon Jeopardy" game followed by dancing and dance competitions.

Saturday morning, the youth were able to meet some of the babies from the Baobei foundation, and give their donations they had collected. This was followed by classes on each of the virtues found in 1 Timothy 4:12 (word, conversation, charity, spirit, faith and purity), and ended with a testimony meeting. We are so grateful for the many amazing leaders Bracken has in the Young Men organization. We are even more grateful for the church opportunities he has living in Shanghai.

And JUST for the record.....Bracken was hesitant to attend Youth Conference because it would be "taking away his weekend with his friends." We are happy to report after the conference was over, he freely admitted to both his mom and dad that he was SO GLAD he went to Youth Conference because he had a GREAT time!!!