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Cover image and supporting images via Church Newsroom.
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As new primary teachers, my husband and I were so excited to sit down and watch the Face to Face event and hear more about the new children and youth program. The Spirit brought tears to both of our eyes as the event opened with a video of children and youth from all over the world talking about their goals and how they are striving to become like the Savior. Whether they are children like the 10-year-olds we teach in Alpine, Utah or youth in Zambia, the Philippines, or Brazil, this program will empower them, no matter what their circumstances.
Hundreds of children, youth and their families eagerly gathered together from all over the world for this Face to Face event with Elder Gerrit W. Gong to hear about the new children and youth program. This Face to Face event was unlike any other: not only did Church leaders answer youth questions, but they also announced five new and exciting aspects of the program that will enable children and youth to come closer to Christ.
Elder Gong was joined by several general officers of the Church who oversee the youth programs, including Sister Bonnie H. Cordon, Young Women general president; Sister Joy D. Jones, Primary general president; and Brother Stephen W. Owen, Young Men general president.
“For me, this program helps us achieve a balanced and Christlike life,” said Brother Owen. “Each of you will be better able to serve Heavenly Father and other people as you strive to grow in all aspects of your life.”
As the leaders spoke, they announced new aspects of the Children and Youth Program that will enhance children and youth’s experiences and enable them to achieve the goals they set within the program
Gospel Living App
The new Gospel Living App rolling out at the beginning of 2020 has music, gospel messages, and allows classes and quorums to create message groups to coordinate their activities and encourage each other in their goals. Individuals will be able to record their goals and set reminders to help them work towards their goals each day.
FSY
In addition to continuing annual multiday camps, youth will be able to attend multiday For the Strength of Youth (FSY) conferences, starting in stakes in the United States and Canada. This will give youth the opportunity to meet peers from other areas, learn together, and participate in dances and variety shows, encouraging friendship and fun in gospel settings.
“Strive to Be”
The new children and youth logo includes a temple symbol and the words “Strive to Be”. The logo will be on the new emblems of belonging, which children and youth will receive at ages 8, 12 and 18, and on the emblems of recognition, which will be given as they reach their personal goals. These include rings and necklace with the “Strive to Be” logos on them, certificates, and a Christus statue.
“These logos invite us to become more like our Savior by following His temple covenant path,” explained Elder Gong.
The youth Instagram account can be found at @StrivetoBe, and Church leaders encouraged youth to use the hashtag #StrivetoBe as they share about their goals and activities.
Aaronic Priesthood Quorum Theme
All of the young women were invited to stand together all across the world and recite the new Young Women theme. When all the women sat down, Brother Owen got up and invited all the young men to join him in reciting the new Aaronic Priesthood Quorum Theme:
“I am a beloved son of God, and He has a work for me to do.
With all my heart, might, mind, and strength, I will love God, keep my covenants, and use His priesthood to serve others, beginning in my own home.
As I strive to serve, exercise faith, repent, and improve each day, I will qualify to receive temple blessings and the enduring joy of the gospel.
I will prepare to become a diligent missionary, loyal husband, and loving father by being a true disciple of Jesus Christ.
I will help prepare the world for the Savior’s return by inviting all to come unto Christ and receive the blessings of His Atonement.”
2020 Children and Youth Theme
The 2020 theme for children and youth will be “Go and Do”, a reference to the beloved verse in 1 Nephi. Elder Gong welcomed singer David Archuleta onto the Tabernacle stage to bear testimony of acting in faith and trusting in the Lord and to sing a theme song:
