Strength for youths — President shared a bond with young church members
Life lessons: Teachings recalled
But for the youths of the church, there will always be a special place in their hearts for the 15th president.
Whether it be the young deacon who knocks on your door to collect fast offerings or the Beehive who is this week's youth speaker, President Hinckley is the only prophet they've known.
President Hinckley's love for the youths of the church has been felt, according to high school and college students interviewed Monday, the day after the prophet passed away at age 97.
"I remember a talk he gave to the youth and told us we were the next generation, the future leaders of the church," said Andrew Loaiza, a senior at Viewmont High School. "I was impressed and excited ... It touched me how he cared for us. That talk lifted my spirits at a time I needed it."
Sabree Rogers, a junior at Viewmont High School, said President Hinckley's involvement with the youths of the church was a topic of discussion in her seminary class on Monday.
Jephery Schmitt, 19, from Torrance, Calif., called President Hinckley "the ultimate role model." He referred to a video clip of the prophet that he saw while attending Especially for youth," a Church Educational System program for young men and women ages 14-18.
"He told us that he loved us, and you could just feel the genuine love he had for us," Schmitt said. "Even though I never met him, his dedication to the Lord made me want to be like him."
Provo's Nate Harrison, 23, said President Hinckley's words served as a guide through the teenage years and "all those high school troubles."
"He taught me who I am and, with straightforward teachings, showed me how even youth can stay true," Harrison said.
One of President Hinckley's attributes that was especially appealing to the youths of the church was the prophet's well-noted sense of humor. While it was a trait that was appreciated churchwide, Hayden White suggested that it was an effective means of reaching youths.
"The thing I remember most was his sense of humor," said White, a junior at Viewmont High School. "He was fun to listen to. He got and kept your attention with his sense of humor."
Jennifer Fielding, 25, of Orem, also appreciated the prophet's personality.
"He embraced life and made me feel a little more comfortable with the fact that you can be funny and still be spiritual," Fielding said. "He taught me that the gospel wasn't about being serious all the time. It's a place to have a good time and laugh, too."
Recent comments
President Gorden B. Hinkley is the best i will miss him alot espiecially...
Patty Cake | Feb. 4, 2008 at 1:53 p.m.
"A Day of Celebration" was an event designed to commemorate...
Anonymous | Feb. 2, 2008 at 9:10 a.m.
Funny guy! Kinda like Robin Williams on steroids, When Marg lift...
Sugar babe | Feb. 1, 2008 at 4:58 p.m.
