General Young Men President Uplifts Young People During Asia Ministry

From May 21 to 31, 2026, General Young Men President Timothy L. Farnes of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and his wife, Linsey, ministered across Cambodia, Singapore and Malaysia. They invited the rising generation to walk with Christ and addressed questions of the soul. Through activities, service, and devotionals, they testified of Jesus Christ’s love, especially with young people, trained parents and youth leaders, and ministered to members.

Highlights of their 10-day journey included a meeting with Singapore’s youth statutory board, a Primary missionary exhibition also in Singapore, a service project in Phnom Penh, and participation in the Sibu Malaysia District’s annual Gawai harvest festival.

Council and Missions

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On May 28, 2026, President and Sister Farnes visited with CEO David Chua of Singapore’s National Youth Council. Mr. Chua shared about the government’s top-of-mind issues for youth and exchanged insights and findings on their youth initiatives. President Farnes expressed great appreciation for these perspectives, which resonated with many of the Church’s values and programs.

They discussed how religious institutions were uniquely placed to fill social gaps in family and community life, and Mr. Chua’s suggestion to “collaborate locally” was well received. The Church’s missionary program was also discussed. While Mr. Chua agreed with the transformative power of sending young people out into the world, President Farnes shared how his own mission shaped his life.

The visit followed the Farnes’ participation in the Singapore Stake Primary’s “Missionaries Around the World” activity, featuring 15 booths showcasing missionary experiences from countries and territories including Russia, Australia, Samoa, and Taiwan, with a special booth for the upcoming Singapore Temple. Displays included cultural items, foods, and missionary memorabilia, helping children visualize life as future missionaries.

Almost 100 children attended. Adam Tokoara, a recently baptized child, said his favorite was the Taiwan booth, where he got to eat local treats such as pineapple cakes and even tried cycling around the cultural hall, which is how missionaries commute there.

“I remember raising my hand and committing to read the scriptures,” said Adam, following a devotional where the Farnes invited children to all stand up and start preparing for their missions daily that way.

Youth and Service

In Cambodia from May 22 to 25, the Farnes visited Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Kampong Cham to meet more than 500 youth aged 12 to 17 and their leaders. Emphasizing the 2026 theme for the youth, “Walk with Me,” they reminded them of their divine identity and the importance of choosing the Savior daily.

As the Farnes played games, shared meals, counseled with the youth, and conducted a tender service project at an orphanage, they poured out love at every event and said they felt the love returned several times over. President Farnes was impressed that the youth “have a sense of who they are and whose they are. They have a real desire to walk with the Savior.”

He added, “We learned that ‘sons and daughters’ translates in the Khmer language into being ‘princes and princesses of God.’ That elevates their understanding of who they are.”

A key moment of their visit in Cambodia was joining hundreds of Church youth for a service project in Phnom Penh. Together, they assembled more than 200 care bags with personal items for children at the National Center for Infants and Children, an orphanage for severely disabled babies and children. The Church also donated three metric tons of rice to the orphanage, along with essential food supplies.

As the Church youth delivered the bags, the Farnes and other leaders walked among them, giving hugs and holding some of the tiny children and babies, who clung to them. President Farnes blessed the caretakers and children in the name of Jesus Christ. “I pray for your comfort and peace. We bless you with God’s love.”

This experience left a strong impact on the participating youth. “It was so emotional,” said one 13-year-old girl. “I feel the Savior’s love here. They have no family to take care of them, but I’m glad they have this place to live. It makes me feel we should be more grateful for what we have.”

Devotionals and Celebration

Many participants in Cambodia felt uplifted as they attended the devotionals and gathered with peers who share similar values.

“It makes me feel less alone,” said Hong Kimmouy, age 12, from Phnom Penh.

Rebecca Sarin, 17, from Kampong Cham expressed, “It is as if I am living in Zion, a city filled with kindness, love, compassion and mutual support.”

Neang Kouro Thol Septream, 16, from Phnom Penh said the devotional strengthened his testimony and made his desire to serve a mission “go through the roof.” He appreciated the visit by Church leaders. “We can feel their love and power and spirit.”

In Singapore and Malaysia, the youth and young single adult devotionals similarly brought the Holy Spirit powerfully to those present, as the young members were encouraged to ask candid questions and receive honest and heartfelt answers on site. Singapore Stake Young Women President Rie Woo said this kind of openness made the discussion meaningful.

“It was so wonderful to see the Farnes reach out to the youths and spend time to talk to them,” she said. “Stories were shared and experiences the youth could connect with and I think they will remember this for a very long time.”

Ashwin Pillar, 16, who conducted the Singapore Stake’s youth devotional agreed, “I appreciated how they answered our questions cordially and provided insights that helped open our eyes and deepen our understanding of the gospel.”

Sibu District President Anthony Lau declared their devotional “one of the most important events this year” due to the rare opportunity of having global Church leaders minister in person. Carol Lim who attended, teared up as she recounted how she felt God had answered her prayers amidst her trials through the Farnes’ sharing.

Other members in Sibu found joy in being able to share back with the Farnes and other Area leaders. Katarina Anak Nimbang stayed up the night before the May 29 celebration to handmake bead ties spelling her branch name for each of the visiting Church leaders. She made sure to take photographs with them wearing traditional Sarawakian clothing with ornate beading and rhinestones and honorary headdresses.

For her, President Farnes’ visit was a chance for everyone in the district to gather and rejoice together, and she recalled this same Spirit permeating when Elder Gerritt Gong had visited Sibu members some years ago. 

Pamela Chiping, the Farnes’ translator, said members were excited to receive a rare visit from General leaders and eager to share their culture with the Farnes. As the 200-strong crowd shouted with joy when Area leaders gamely joined in cultural dances, she said she felt the Spirit strongly when watching President Farnes help mark the harvest by cutting down a symbolic tree in the meeting hall.

“It’s really meaningful for me for them to join in and for them to know what the tree means to us,” she said. “We love the culture and we love Heavenly Father as well.”