Many Church leaders spoke directly to youth in general conference. Here are some of their messages.
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young women at conference
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Henry B. Eyring
If you are a young woman, you might be asked by your bishop or Young Women leader to reach out to a Laurel who has become what we sometimes call “less active.” …
Success in your efforts will take a miracle of change both in your heart and in the heart of the young woman you were sent to rescue—and that requires the companionship of the Holy Ghost. The Spirit can allow you to see the less-active Laurel as the Lord sees her. The Lord knows her heart and your heart, and He knows the possibilities of hearts being changed. He can visit you both with His Spirit to inspire humility, forgiveness, and love.
President Henry B. Eyring, First Counselor in the First Presidency, “My Peace I Leave with You”
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David A. Bednar
Young men, as you fulfill your duties in and honor the Aaronic Priesthood, or lesser priesthood, you are preparing to receive and magnify the oath and covenant of the Melchizedek Priesthood, or higher priesthood [see D&C 84:33–44]. Personal worthiness is the single most important requirement for receiving the higher priesthood. A lifetime of selfless priesthood service lies before you. Prepare now by frequently rendering meaningful service. Please learn to love being and remaining worthy. Be worthy. Stay worthy. …
… Maintaining your temple recommend demonstrates your worthiness, and serving others in the temple is an important part of preparing for the Melchizedek Priesthood.
Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
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Gérald Caussé
My young brethren of the Aaronic Priesthood, like John’s, your role is to “prepare the way” for the great work of the Melchizedek Priesthood [D&C 35:4]. You are doing this in many different ways. You administer the ordinances of baptism and of the sacrament. You help prepare a people for the Lord by preaching the gospel, by “[visiting] the house of each member” [D&C 20:51], and by “[watching] over the church” [D&C 20:53]. You provide assistance to the poor and needy by collecting fast offerings, and you participate in taking care of Church meetinghouses and other temporal resources. Your role is important, needful, and sacred.
Bishop Gérald Caussé, Presiding Bishop
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young men at conference
Photograph taken in San Salvador, El Salvador
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D. Todd Christofferson
We trust that especially you of the rising generation, youth and young adults on whom the Lord must rely for the success of His work in future years, will sustain the teachings of the gospel and the standards of the Church in public as well as in private. Do not abandon those who would welcome truth to floundering and failing in ignorance. Do not succumb to false notions of tolerance or to fear—fear of inconvenience, disapproval, or even suffering.
Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
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C. Scott Grow
I speak to you, the rising generation. …God knows you and invites you to know Him. Pray to the Father, study the scriptures, seek to do God’s will, strive to become like the Savior, and follow righteous mentors. As you do, you will come to know God and Jesus Christ, and you will inherit eternal life.
Elder C. Scott Grow of the Seventy
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Carol F. McConkie
Our mortal experiences offer us the opportunity to choose holiness. Most often it is the sacrifices we make to keep our covenants that sanctify us and make us holy.
I saw holiness in the countenance of Evangeline, a 13-year-old girl in Ghana. One of the ways she keeps her covenants is by magnifying her calling as the Beehive class president. She humbly explained that she goes to the homes of her friends, the less-active young women, to ask their parents to allow them to come to church. The parents tell her that it is difficult because on Sunday the children must do household chores. So Evangeline goes and helps with the chores, and by her efforts her friends are often permitted to come to church.
Sister Carol F. McConkie, First Counselor in the Young Women General Presidency