Young Single Adult Spotlights

From Dream to Reality: A Young Leader’s Culinary Journey

Meet Yazé Aristophane Guy-Landry, a dynamic young single adult leader in the Grand-Bassam Côte d’Ivoire Stake, whose journey of self-reliance began at the Gathering Place. It was there, in a simple pâtisserie class, that Yazé discovered a passion for baking and a newfound confidence in his talents.

That spark ignited a bold step forward—he enrolled at the École Hôtelière de Grand-Bassam, where he is now thriving in his culinary studies. As he builds his skills, Yazé is also gaining valuable experience by working at the hotel. His goal is clear: to eventually launch his own restaurant.

Reflecting on this journey, he shared, “This experience is changing the way I viewed life some time ago. I am convinced that if I work well, with God’s help, I will be financially good and self-sufficient.”

Yazé credits the Gathering Place not just for his career direction but also for deep personal and spiritual growth. “I can truly attest to the authenticity of this program called Gathering Place,” he said. “I believe it is a gift from heaven and carried out by our leaders to bring together the youth of the Church and their friends in an enchanted place, allowing them to learn more, whether it be skills training or the importance of human values, helping us to keep our covenants and stay on the right path.”

For Yazé, the Gathering Place is more than a classroom—it’s a community. “I had the opportunity to get to know several members and friends. I even believe that my marriage will come from the Gathering Place. I invite all my young single adult friends to give this program the utmost importance.”

Yazé’s story is a powerful example of how the Gathering Place is transforming lives, helping young adults turn hope into action and dreams into achievement.

Through His Lens: Emmanuel Otumbari Captures the Spirit of Service

Meet Emmanuel Otumbari, a gifted videographer from the Ugbor First Ward in the Benin City Nigeria Ikpokpan Stake, who is quietly shaping the way young single adults connect and communicate. As the creative mind behind many Gathering Place publicity flyers and event videos, Emmanuel brings a unique blend of skill, faith, and heart to his work.

“What I love most,” he shares, “is capturing the emotion of doing good. Serving others brings joy—and that joy reflects the love of our Heavenly Father.”

A BYU–Pathway graduate and current student at Ensign College studying IT support and engineering, Emmanuel is determined to grow both professionally and personally. He finds inspiration in thoughtful films, paying close attention to lighting, movement, and framing—techniques he brings into his own storytelling.

But behind the camera, Emmanuel’s real story is about love and inclusion. He helps support his mother, shares the gospel with his siblings, and invites everyone into the circle of belonging. “At the Gathering Place,” he says, “you feel it—we’re all children of God. Member or nonmember, you matter here.”

With each project, Emmanuel reminds others that light, service, and unity are worth capturing—and sharing.

Cantonments Athlete Serves on and off the Court

Martin Aggrey, a standout athlete from the Cantonments Ward in the Accra Ghana Christiansborg Stake, has turned his passion for sports into preparation for missionary service. In high school, he excelled as a sports leader, especially in volleyball. But it was at the stake center where he discovered a new love—pickleball.

Introduced to the game by senior missionaries, Martin quickly became hooked. “The spiking reminded me of volleyball, and the quick hand movements were like table tennis,” he said. Though unfamiliar at first, he embraced the challenge under the guidance of mentors like Elder Halladay, Elder Sackley, and Elder Galland—missionaries whose faith and example inspired him both spiritually and athletically.

That dedication recently paid off. Martin and his 15-year-old partner clinched second place in the men’s doubles at the 2025 Battle of the Paddle tournament. Now preparing to serve a full-time mission, Martin draws a clear parallel between rising in sport and progressing in discipleship: “If you expect the best from yourself, you will always improve.”

He looks forward to serving the Lord and plans to continue his athletic pursuits upon his return.

The YSA Gathering Place: My New Family, by Ganiyat Gbolahan

My first time at a YSA gathering as a nonmember was a memorable one. It was filled with endless teasing, fun, love, and laughter. I had no idea then that these incredible young people would become such a huge part of my life. After joining the Church, I began to feel truly blessed to have the YSAs around me. Their friendship became deeper, their love more sincere, and their support more constant.

This year, I experienced a very difficult moment, a major surgery that left me scared and vulnerable. But the YSAs showed up in the most powerful way. They prayed and fasted for me, and through their faith, I received blessings I couldn’t fully explain. My recovery was smoother than expected, and I felt surrounded by a sense of peace. I genuinely believe their prayers made a difference, not just physically but emotionally and spiritually too.

The love and support I felt during that time was unlike anything I had ever known. They stood by me like family, and in their actions, I saw the Savior’s love. I’m forever grateful for the YSA family that God placed in my life.

Ile-Ife Stake Shines in Skill, Unity, and Purpose

Tucked on the outskirts of Ibadan, Nigeria, the Ile-Ife Nigeria Stake Gathering Place is becoming a hub of transformation, connection, and growth for young single adults (YSAs). More than just a location, it’s a unifying force where young people from across the community are invited to come together to gain practical skills and build lasting friendships.

Under the inspired leadership of stake presidency counselor Olusola Ojo and a committed YSA committee, the Gathering Place currently offers 10 thriving classes—from data analysis to shoemaking, from French to fashion design. The variety ensures that every YSA can find something that speaks to their interests and aspirations.

One unexpected favorite? Cooking. Initially championed by the sisters, the cooking class has now been embraced by the brothers as well. “It’s more than learning to prepare meals,” one YSA shared. “It’s about teamwork, creativity, and even entrepreneurship.” Instructors not only teach how to cook nourishing meals but also how to create and market food products—making it both a life skill and a business opportunity.

YSA stake leader Charity Adeniji reflects on the transformation: “Our Gathering Place has been a blessing because it gave us a purpose to come together, learn skills, and create friendships. We live in an area where members are spread far apart. Before the Gathering Place, we didn’t know each other. Now we have a reason to come together to plan, to minister to each other, and to grow in unity both temporally and spiritually.”

Beyond the skills classes, the Ile-Ife Gathering Place hosts institute classes, home evenings, BYU–Pathway support, and unforgettable socials. Excitement is building for an upcoming outdoor cultural celebration and a memorable trip to the Aba Temple this fall.

The smiles of the Ile-Ife YSA say it all. They are genuinely “grateful for the privilege . . . to gather to the Savior, gather with the Saints, and gather in His service,” as President Russell M. Nelson has taught (“Grateful to Gather,” Liahona, Jan. 2025). In every way, the Ile-Ife Stake is fulfilling the vision of the Gathering Place—and lifting each other and a whole community in the process.