Heart, Might, Mind and Strength
 

What amazing dish can you prepare with 11 ingredients, 8 friends, and no recipe? That was the question on the minds of 46 youth Saturday morning as they poured their hearts and minds into a Master Chef competition at the Kuala Lumpur District Youth Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints held May 2015. Imaginations soared, knives diced, and smiles prevailed during the two stage cooking challenge.

When asked for his secret after being on the winning team of the cooking competition, Win Ken Lim said, "my father was a chef in the US, so since I was quite young he taught my sister and I how to cook. This was just an extension of those days with Dad". Entries were judged on presentation, use of ingredients and taste.

The enthusiastic participants, ages 13 - 18, met for two and a half days of instruction, service and fun. Based on the Youth Conference Theme "Oh Ye That Embark in the Service of God" taken from a book of scripture, youth from every congregation in the Kuala Lumpur District completed activities that allowed them to grow in "heart, might, mind and strength". 

Thursday night games and activities were shared which helped build friendships and self awareness. A Friday morning hike in the jungle provided both physical and mental toughness, as groups struggled with steep hills, hot weather and jungle leeches. After lunch, Stephen Lai Chee Kong, Seminary and Institute Coordinator from Singapore, presented a seminar regarding the importance of education and encouraged the youth to start planning early to learn about careers and attend a University. Friday evening was a time for socializing and dancing as youth cemented friendships. Adin Cole said,  "I really only came for the dance, but there has been so much to be learned from the messages that have been shared. This has been a great conference".

Saturday morning found all youth involved in the cooking challenge and some of the leaders were selected as food judges. It should be noted that though they were not anxious to accept the task of tasting the prepared food, not one adult judge left the contest with indigestion. In keeping with the theme of "service", everyone turned their hands to sewing, as baby quilts were prepared for delivery to a center for refugee mothers in Kuala Lumpur.

Joy shared, friendships secured and individuals empowered was the outcome of this time spent together. Each person, youth and adult leader, left the conference with skills and experiences which will assist them on their journey in life.