This Sunday, Oct. 22, is the first-ever Worldwide Day of Testimony for the youth of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Youth around the world are invited to gather at 7 p.m. in their time zone to hear a recorded message from the Prophet, President Russell M. Nelson, as well as Young Men General President Steven J. Lund and Young Women General President Emily Belle Freeman.

The video is available now to download to prepare for Sunday. Watch it here or find it in Gospel Media or in the Gospel Stream app.

After viewing the messages, the young men and young women will have the opportunity to experience their own testimony meeting. They can stand and bear their testimonies of Jesus Christ.

“That means all day long, as it hits 7 o’clock all over every time zone, youth are going to be bearing their testimony about the strength of Jesus Christ in their life,” President Freeman said.

Her counselors, Sister Tamara W. Runia and Sister Andrea Muñoz Spannaus, joined her in a video posted to the Young Women Worldwide Facebook account to share more about the event and invite youth to prepare.

Youth can gather with their stake, ward or branch, said Sister Spannaus. “Maybe you will like to share your testimony and focus on this year’s theme, ‘I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me’ (Philippians 4:13).”

Sister Runia invited all to read “The Living Christ” ahead of time: “It will prepare your mind and your heart for that event and inform the testimony that comes out of you.”

President Freeman invited the youth to take charge in planning the activity, gathering their friends and preparing for the experience.

The 2023 youth theme comes from Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ.”

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Brother Bradley R. Wilcox, first counselor in the Young Men general presidency, said the event will make history.

“We will have 24 hours of youth bearing testimony of Jesus Christ. Think about what that means,” he said.

He said youth can benefit from listening to other people’s testimonies, “but when they bear their own testimonies, and the Spirit bears witness of what they are saying with their own mouths, it is powerful.”

Brother Wilcox said leaders and parents and youth can and should invite others to participate: “It is going to be the coolest thing ever.”

Youth can then share their experiences after the event online using the hashtag #AllThingsThroughChrist, said President Freeman.

“We are so excited for this day and for the power that is going to fill the world. ... We can’t wait to see how it goes in your area,” she said.

Below is a suggested outline for this meeting, according to information posted on ChurchofJesusChrist.org: 

• Opening musical number and prayer by youth.
• View the recorded message; video will be about 20 minutes long.
• Testimonies from youth.
• Closing prayer.
• Post-event gathering as desired.

Credit: Deseret News Archives

Send in photos from your experience

The Church News wants to document and share experiences from around the world as youth participate in the Worldwide Day of Testimony.

Please send the following to churchnews@deseretnews.com:

• A photo of your gathering or group.
• The names of all individuals in the photo.
• Your ward and stake.
• A few sentences about your experience.

By sending in a photo, you authorize Deseret News Publishing Co. to use and publish your submitted material in any form in all Deseret Management Corp. publications and channels. If applicable, you also confirm that you have received permission from all individuals whose names, quotes and/or images appear in the materials you have submitted, and authorize the use and publication of these submitted material (including but not limited to text, photo, video, audio, design, etc.) in any form on their behalf, in all DMC publications and channels.