Vietnamese Mormons meet for conference in Phnom Penh

Historic Gathering of Vietnamese Young Single Adults held in Phnom Penh.

A short ten months ago Le Huu Vuong, a Vietnamese Young Single Adult member, who grew up 120 miles North of Hanoi had just joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day-Saints. He had not envisioned, ten months later, he would be participating in a historic event, the first all Vietnamese YSA Conference held in Southeast Asia.   The three-day conference took place in Phnom Penh, Cambodia where just a month earlier the first two Cambodian Stakes were formed.  When asked how he was introduced to the Church, Vuong replied “I was invited to attend an English class by some members. I attended the English classes and became friends with the members who eventually invited me to their church services.”  “The feeling I had attending church was the same as when my mother gave me a hug  -- so I knew the Church was good.  I am so happy to be here’” he said.

Le Huu Vuong had flown from Hanoi with other Vietnamese YSAs to Ho Chi Minh City where they gathered with more YSAs.  From there the group traveled by bus to Phnom Penh where they were met by Vietnamese YSAs from the three Phnom Penh Vietnamese branches.  Everyone was excited and grateful to be part the scheduled conference.  In total, more than 90 individuals participated in the YSA Conference.

The three-day conference began with an evening dinner followed by a welcome meeting conducted by the mission president and his wife.  The theme for the conference “Shine Your Light”, was introduced and each member received an YSA Conference t-shirt with an emblem representing the theme.  Brother Voung did the artwork and design for the emblem.

Workshops and inspirational instruction occupied Friday’s morning sessions and the afternoon was filled with games, dancing and fun times. Saturday closing session was a devotional and testimony meeting. During the conference friendships quickly formed and testimonies were strengthened.

President David C. Moon of the Cambodia Phnom Penh Mission noted that these YSAs are the foundation for the Church in Vietnam, “These are our future fathers, mothers, and leaders for the Church in Vietnam, and we are happy that they were willing to make the sacrifices necessary to travel and participate in this event.  They have great faith and enthusiasm for the gospel,” said President Moon.

Le Huu Vuong along with many others expressed their appreciation for the conference and the opportunity to meet so many Vietnamese who are new to the Church.  “In two more months I will be able to become a missionary,” Voung said.  “And this conference has added to my determination to be ready for the call.”