Testimonies grow in the Swiss Alps
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SCHWARSEE, SWITZERLAND
Youth from four French-speaking stakes in Europe gathered for four days in the wintry alps of Switzerland to strengthen testimonies and affirm that they are not alone.
More than 140 youth from the Geneva, Lausanne, Lyon and Nancy stakes in France and Switzerland gathered Dec. 26-29 near Schwarsee, or Black Lake, in the Fribourg area for a multi-stake youth conference.
This setting, rich in natural beauty, with an idyllic backdrop of frosted mountain peaks and an ice-crusted lake, set the stage to study Nephi's experience when he "did go into the mount oft" to pray to the Lord. (See 1 Nephi 18:3).
Youth hiked a trail lit by torch at dusk, dramatizing how their light should shine in darkness to the nations. Other activities included attending the Bern Switzerland Temple, workshops and sports challenges.
"The depth of sincerity of each testimony reminded me how great the challenge and, often the loneliness, of our youth in their schools, in their circles of friends, and for some, in their homes," said President Franco Vigliotti, second counselor in the Lausanne Switzerland Stake presidency.
"I understand them when they say they wished the conference hadn't stopped."
"These four days of youth conference reinforced me spiritually," said Lucie Belibi of the Chambery Branch, Geneva Switzerland Stake.
"I understood things about the gospel I never understood before, in particular, the importance of personal prayer and friends. I felt peace and happiness. I decided to testify these truths to my friends."
"This Conference of Youth was marvelous," said Joanna Ribeiro De Sousa of the Nancy France Stake. "I became acquainted with great people, who are equipped with a true testimony and aupres (or, in whose company) one feels the Spirit."
"My friends at home know my principles and respect me," said Joa-May Brenders of the Lyon-Gerland Ward, Lyon France Stake. "I strive to be an example for them every day.
"This youth conference was really special. Being with people having the same principles and the same goals brought a really special spirit."
