Strength for youths — President shared a bond with young church members

An apostle since 1961, a member of the First Presidency since 1981 and church president since 1995, President Gordon B. Hinckley was the recipient of deep affinity from members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

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.

"Today we face so many problems, like pornography and how to handle our education," Rogers said. "He always told us to do our best."

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.