On Sunday, Jan. 29, the broadcast of the worldwide youth devotional, led by Elder Gerrit W. Gong of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles with Young Women General President Bonnie H. Cordon and Young Men General President Steven J. Lund, streamed.
The devotional focused on introducing the 2023 Youth theme: “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”
The symbol for the 2023 theme is a trail marker. President Lund explained a trail marker, also known as a cairn, is a mound of stones stacked as a way finder left by those who have previously found a safe route to their destination.
“Sometimes we may feel a little unsure,” President Cordon said. “But our Savior has provided signs, spiritual markers all around us. Spiritual trail markers can give us the reassurance that ‘I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.'”
President Cordon invited youth to share their stories of how the Savior strengthens them through the year by using the hashtag: #AllThingsThroughChrist.
“It’s only when we combine our effort with the Lord’s strength that we will discover the ability to move forward in all things,” President Cordon said. “In whatsoever challenge or success, big or small, you’ll encounter.”
President Lund closed his remarks by announcing the next youth event will be a music and arts festival held this August. Youth are invited to participate by sharing original art, music and more that show how Christ is our strength. These works of art can be shared using #AllThingsThroughChrist or by submitting them to the Church youth website.
Elder Gong closed the devotional by sharing his testimony.
“Wherever you are, whatever your joys or your concerns, would you please remember that Heavenly Father gives us spiritual trail markers to manifest His love and guide our path,” Elder Gong said. “We are led today by God’s living prophet, President Russell M. Nelson, and our first presidency and all the leaders in God’s restored church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Book of Mormon, the ordinances and covenants of the house of the Lord, the testimonies of the prophets and apostles and especially of the Holy Ghost. These precious spiritual trail markers point us to our Savior Jesus Christ.”