Fun, friendship and the gospel of Jesus Christ. These are the things that 225 Young Single Adults were looking for as they gathered for a four-day conference in July in Krasnoyarsk , Russia . In an area of the world known for cold, the young members of the Russia Novosibirsk and Russia Yekaterinburg Missions, with a group from the Russia Vladivostok Mission, found the warmth of special friendships and activities that they were seeking. Many travelled for up to four days on the famous Trans-Siberian Railroad to attend the conference, hosted by President and Sister Hal E. Mickelsen, president of the Russia Novosibirsk Mission, in the center of Siberia.

Planning for the event was done over the past year by a committee of three young adults: Konstantin Tolomeev, Tatiana Skoropetova and Denis Baronov. They enlisted the help of many other young adults from each of the participating cities in the missions. The conference was well-organized and well-received by those who attended.

In a beautiful wooded setting the attendees found a wide-range of activities: devotionals, seminars, games and a talent show. One of the most anticipated events was, of course, the nightly dances that were held. Each had a different theme that allowed for creativity to shine. A color dance was the idea of the first night's dance with each city attending being assigned a color to wear to the dance. It was fun to see how these colors were used, and it allowed for mixers that got people acquainted and up and dancing.

The second night was based on an international theme. Everyone was encouraged to come dressed as a person from a different country. There were many with island leis, some beautiful silk Chinese gowns, and even a few cowboys. Music and dances from many parts of the world were shared. The final night became a romantic evening for everyone as they dressed up, filled out dance cards, and during the final dance, were treated to a dazzling fireworks display.

The spiritual aspect of the conference was not neglected. A fireside was held with Elder Wolfgang H. Paul, first counselor in the Europe East Area and a member of the Second Quorum of the Seventy, as the speaker. He offered words of love and encouragement to these young people who live in this vast area of the world that stretches from the Ural Mountains to the Sea of Japan , a distance of almost 5000 miles (7900 km). Sister Paul also spoke, sharing experiences from her life and her testimony. The culminating event of the conference was a testimony meeting held the final morning. After partaking of the sacrament, the young adults were able to express their feelings about the truthfulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ, their desires to serve a mission, or their joy at being a new member of the church, followed by Elder Paul giving concluding remarks and his testimony. It was a wonderful way for a special four days to end.

All too soon it was time to board busses and head back to the train station for home. Many warm memories were made, friendships were formed and testimonies were strengthened during the conference. Fun, friendship and the gospel were found in Siberia.

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