Brother David J. Wunderli, first counselor in the Young Men General Presidency, spoke in the Marriott Center on Friday, Aug. 22, on the importance of youth and the need to support them.
“They are answering the call to be gatherers, and we are being asked to stand with them, to also seek light, that we too might chase darkness from us and them,” he said.
He explained that their call to be gatherers often immerses them in a world of different beliefs and strong views that can be confusing and destructive.
“But they have been gifted to understand more deeply the reality of the redemptive and dealing power of Christ's atoning sacrifice,” Wunderli said.
He offered a few words of advice on ways to connect to the youth.
“We are being called upon to share our convictions with them, to be additional witnesses for them, to share our stories and listen to theirs,” he said.
Jodi Rhodes, a first time attendee of education week and a seminary teacher from Anchorage, Alaska, said that the talk made her think of what she could do to prepare the youth.
“I'm the seminary teacher, so they get to come to my class before they ever go to school,” she said. “How am I preparing them and what things do they need to hear from me so that they can put on their armor correctly.”
Wunderli added his advice on what people can do to help the youth.
“We can all learn each of their names, we can learn their interests, we can say their names each Sunday as we see them and we greet them,” he said. “We can notice them, encourage them, and help them look to Jesus for healing.”
He added the testimony of a child to his remarks.
“Please don’t give up on Jesus, one 10-year-old child proclaimed. because he will never give up on you,” he said.