In the October 2024, General Conference Leadership Meeting Elder Uchtdorf spoke about the Rising Generation. He explained that the Rising Generation...our primary children, young men, young women and young adults...need to believe in Jesus Christ and His doctrine, they need to feel that they belong in His Church, and they need to become their best selves. Elder Uchtdorf said that “we, as their leaders and mentors in Christ, can give them hope and courage and confidence.” I loved that he used the word mentor. A mentor can be a trusted advisor, someone who helps others gain skills, someone who leads the way and sets the example. And we can ALL be mentors to the youth regardless of our circumstances, our calling, or our stage of life. Some of you are parents of young children, some are parents of teens or young adults, some of you are grandparents, some are neighbors and friends...but we can all be mentors to the youth. YM President, Steven Lund, said that we need all hands on deck to teach and strengthen the rising generation. They are the future of this Church and of this world...and they are talented and capable!
A couple of weeks ago, we were able to study Mormon. I was touched as I read Mormon 1: 2-5 : “And about the time that Ammaron hid up the records unto the Lord, he came unto me, (I being about ten years of age, and I began to be learned somewhat after the manner of the learning of my people) and Ammaron said unto me: I perceive that thou art a sober child, and art quick to observe;
3 Therefore, when ye are about twenty and four years old I would that ye should remember the things that ye have observed concerning this people; and when ye are of that age go to the land Antum, unto a hill which shall be called Shim; and there have I deposited unto the Lord all the sacred engravings concerning this people.
4 And behold, ye shall take the plates of Nephi unto yourself, and the remainder shall ye leave in the place where they are; and ye shall engrave on the plates of Nephi all the things that ye have observed concerning this people.
5 And I, Mormon, being a descendant of Nephi, (and my father’s name was Mormon) I remembered the things which Ammaron commanded me.”
We don’t know much about Ammaron’s relationship with Mormon, but clearly Ammaron noticed positive character traits in Mormon and pointed them out and gave him counsel and instruction. And that had a lasting impact on Mormon. Ammaron was a mentor to Mormon, and helped shape the future of Mormon’s life. I’m certain he wasn’t the only mentor Mormon had...and we read a few verses later that Mormon was tutored by the Lord, and yet it was important enough in Mormon’s life to record it...one of the only things he records about his childhood/adolescence.
This summer, I had the opportunity to visit Kenya and Uganda. While I was there, I visited an orphanage in Uganda and fell in love with the people and the program. I could talk about it for hours, but I’ll give just a brief summary of its setup. It is run by a charitable organization with church support. Active, endowed, married couples who are willing to raise orphans come and live in a village in Uganda. They are given a job in the village and a home to live in, and then they raise their own biological children as well as 8-14 orphans. It was remarkable to witness the community working together and the way they assist and love one another! Most of the children are not members of the church...the church is still small but growing in Uganda. But the families hold weekly family home evening and daily scripture study and prayer. The families go to church on Sundays and the children participate in primary. As we spoke with the leader of the orphanage, he explained that as the children learn and grow, they will have the opportunity to be baptized if they choose to be. Then he bore his testimony that these children are the future of Uganda...many of them will choose to be baptized, serve missions, be sealed in the temples, and will help the gospel to spread and grow in this beautiful country. As I watched, listened, and worked with these people over the course of a couple of days, I felt certain that that was true. These children will come to know the Savior and His gospel and will share it with others. They will help the gospel to spread. Miracles will happen as they develop faith and come to know their true identity! (4 minutes)
Our circumstances here are different than those in Uganda or the circumstances that Mormon and Ammaron faced, but our youth are JUST as capable and influential and important. They will help prepare the world for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. But for them to fulfill their divine roles, they need mentors and examples. We can be like Ammaron and like these faithful parents and community members in Uganda. We can be mentors and examples to the rising generation. We can be part of helping them fulfill their missions and develop faith in Christ.
I love the youth! I had the privilege and blessing of serving in YW for nearly 10 of the past 11 years. So I reached out to some of the YM, YW and young adults that I have served and asked them how adults can be examples and mentors to the youth, especially if they don’t have a specific calling to serve in primary or YM/YW. How can we have all hands on deck to strengthen the rising generation and how can those of us who aren’t currently parenting youth or serving in youth callings still have an impact.? They sent such beautiful responses. I wish I could share them all, but I’ll share a few ideas that I think we can ALL do.
*Several of them spoke about the importance of showing up in their lives. Attend their events...sporting events or plays or musical performances. This is definitely easier for parents who have teenage children because you are more likely to know about these events. One thing I like to do when I attend any events with youth I know participating is to make note of at least 1 thing they did really well and then send a text to the youth AND their parent to compliment the youth on the amazing thing they did. I also try to do that at church...if a youth speaker gives a great talk or I notice them serving someone or doing something else that is admirable, I send a message to the youth and their parent to point it out. It’s a simple thing, but I think it encourages the youth and their parents to know the good things they/their child is doing! What parent doesn’t want to hear positive things about their teen/child?!
*A young man from our stake (Austin) currently serving his mission wrote that the greatest thing we can do is live the gospel joyfully. He said, “Tell them that youth are always watching! For example, you could ask them, when you're at church, do you look excited to be there? Is church just a part of your Sunday schedule or are you genuinely joyful to be there? And does that show in your face, body language, how you speak, etc. I think it’s sometimes easy for youth to not get excited about the gospel because they don't understand how great of an opportunity it is to go to church every single week. Just advise them to act as if there was always a youth with a dying testimony watching them!” And a young woman from my ward, (Addie) spoke about how important her mentor’s positive, joyful attitude is. She said, “I admire the sunshine he brings into a room regardless of the kind of day he is having.” This reminded me of Elder Kearon’s encouraging message: “Welcome to the Church of Joy!” and also in the temple yesterday I noticed that we are instructed to fulfill the measure of our creation and have joy therein. Are we helping the youth to recognize that the gospel brings us joy and strength, peace and perspective?
*This same young missionary said that it always helped him when leaders or adults "shared personal experiences of how the gospel has improved their life. And specifically not just in the good times but in the bad. It's hard to be a teenager, so I feel like it's easier for them to relate when adults share stories of when THEY were at that age, when they made mistakes and messed up, and then relied on Christ to resolve it. Those types of things always stuck out the most to me.”
*Several youth talked about being welcoming and accepting. Elder Uchtdorf said that the youth need to feel that they belong. One young woman (KaleiMae) said, “I think that one of the best ways to help teens recognize their divine nature, and become their best selves is being welcoming and accepting. I think showing up to support at events and giving small compliments goes a long way! I know that when teens are supported, and valued, by people they see each Sunday, they can find their potential. Small and simple things=great things!” Another (Gracie) said, “I always really appreciate people reaching out or just talking to me. One amazing role model to me (Emily Brough) is in the ward but hasn’t had a youth calling while i’ve been in there, but whenever she sees me, she gives me a hug and chats with me for a little bit. She shows me how Christ would be so caring and genuinely interested in what and how I’m doing. I think my biggest role models have taught me by my example, so for those who don’t have a direct calling to serve the youth I think I always feel so cared for when they stop to let me know they’re thinking/praying about me and what might help me with my own testimony.” Let them know you love them and they are needed and belong!
*A young woman currently serving a mission from our stake (Peyton) said, “Most of what has impacted me is the love that I have felt from them for me and their love for the Savior. In relief society last week one of the sisters mentioned "Jesus Interactions" and I loved it! She talked about how every time Christ interacted with someone He left them feeling better than they did when He first met them. I think the people who had the biggest impact on me were people who I had "Jesus interactions" with, the people that left me feeling better than I did when I first talked to them.” Seek to have “Jesus interactions.”
*A young man in my ward (Braden) said, “Ward members have been examples to me by caring for me and just having this light in their personality that I want to have.” He mentioned things that several ward members do...not specifically for him, necessarily, but that he notices them doing and that have set an example for him. He then said, “These examples helped me understand and be a disciple of Christ by showing me how to act as well as serve. They serve so much to me and others, service can be the small and simple it doesn’t need to be big . They teach me to keep my covenants by loving God and being committed to the covenants that we have made.” SO...Live the gospel. Serve others. The youth are watching, even if you don’t realize it. And twice now, they youth have said that small and simple things make a difference!
*Another young woman in my ward (Claire) talked about how different people use their unique talents to share and live the gospel. She mentioned that her grandma always bears testimony and speaks about the temple. Her grandpa, however, is very quiet and doesn’t talk much. But she said that she feels the Spirit every time she is near him. She spoke about unique talents that aunts and uncles and leaders have and how watching each of them use their unique talents has blessed her life and helped her to realize that we can each use our divine attributes and spiritual gifts to bless the lives of others around us.
*Another young woman (Kim) told about a time at girls camp when the young women were participating in a challenge course. Part of the challenge course was a zipline. This young woman was very nervous and anxious about going on the zipline. But, she said,a sister missionary “was so encouraging and supportive and helped me be less scared, after a few minutes I was able to do the course and felt less scared.” This was someone she only interacted with for a short time once in her life, and it still left an impact. That shows me that even small interactions...if they are “Jesus interactions” can bless the lives of these precious youth.
*Finally, a youth (Addie) spoke about the importance of bearing testimony of Jesus and teaching as He would. She said that we should teach without fear and have a great love for the Savior. That is what helps her to become a better disciple of Christ.
We all have a role to play...especially as parents...but also as leaders, ward members, neighbors and friends....we can all be mentors to the youth around us in our ward and stake as Ammaron was to Mormon.
In April 2024 conference, Elder Michael T. Nelson spoke about supporting the rising generation. He said, “The entire ward will be blessed and strengthened as members focus on the rising generation. Despite our imperfections and shortcomings, Heavenly Father invites each of us, through the companionship of His Spirit, to reach out to others. He knows that we grow and are sanctified as we follow the promptings of the Holy Ghost. It doesn’t matter that our efforts are imperfect. When we partner with the Lord, we can trust that our efforts will be in line with what He would do for the youth.
By following the direction of the Holy Ghost in reaching out to the youth, we become witnesses of Heavenly Father’s love in their lives. Acting on promptings from the Lord builds relationships of love and trust. It is relationships in the lives of the youth that have the greatest influence on their choices.”
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Takashi Wada: “I am extremely grateful for these glorious truths—what we call the Father’s plan of salvation, His plan of mercy, or His great plan of happiness. Learning these important truths has helped me know my true identity and the great blessings of exaltation and eternal life God has prepared for us.”
KaleiMae:
One adult that has been a mentor for me is one of my best friends moms. The reason I say that is becuase she listens to me rant a lot of the time about hard things going on in my life, and also gives me advice as to how to overcome those things. She is willing to do things for me like pick me up, and take me home, because I live kinda far from them. I like how even though I do live so far away she is welcoming and accepting of me to come participate in activities. She also gives me compliments, and thanks me for hanging out with her daughter, aka my friend.
She is a perfect example of a disciple of Jesus Christ becuase she shares her light with me. Even by doing small things for me, like giving me a ride or a compliment, makes such a huge difference in my life.
I think that one of the best ways to help teens recognize their divine nature, and become their best selves is being welcoming and accepting. I think showing up to support at events and giving small compliments goes a long way! I know that when teens are supported, and valued, by people they see each Sunday, they can find their potential. Small and simple things=great things!
Also, when ward members support, it can create a better relationship with you and your ward members, meaning you can have more adults to talk to and trust.
Gracie;
i’d love to help you!! i really have appreciated YOUR example to me my whole life!! you’ve always been so thoughtful and loving. i also have been so so inspired by frances cruz’s example, she really has shown me what it’s like to love like christ and trust in his plan even through trials and difficulties. amelia maas is another person that i really admire. she shows everyone so much love and care and is so passionate about her testimony in the gospel. it makes me have a stronger desire to strengthen my own testimony! my aunts also have always been examples of different christlike attributes, like loyalty, kindness, and really looking outside of themselves to love and serve those around them. i hope that helps!!
Mimi:
Hi Jenny! thank you so much for thinking in me! Some disciples in my life are Sara Harding and Gracie Harding. Also Heather Hamilton, and Mylie as well. they are people who i know i can trust and who help me want to be better everyday. I love how each and every person has a different light and how i can pick out different things from them that i love and can also use for myself!
Addie:
I would definitely say my seminary teacher, and seminary council advisor Brother Olchewski.
He is a dad, a seminary teacher/advisor, and has a part time job at a hospital. Some days he comes to class on two hours of sleep from working at the hospital all night, but he still makes an effort to help us students feel the saviors love. He teaches us in personal ways that will get to our hearts and influence our spirits. I admire the sunshine he brings into a room regardless of the kind of day he is having. That is very Christlike and disciple like to me. Teaching and loving without fear, and having a great love for our Savior.
He always checks in on us, and understand what we are going through. He’s patient, and so loving. He makes an effort to get along with all the students, and know us personally. He is our friend, and he is our teacher. Just like Christ wants his disciples to be.
Gracie:
i think that i always really appreciate people reaching out or just talking to me. that reminded me of another amazing role model to me, emily brough. she’s in the ward but hasn’t had a youth calling while i’ve been in there i don’t think, but any time i see her she gives me a hug and chats with me for a little bit. she shows me how christ would be so caring and genuinely interested in what and how i’m doing. i think my biggest role models have taught me by my example, so for those who don’t have a direct calling to serve the youth i think i always feel so cared for when they stop to to let me know they’re thinking/praying about me and what might help me with my own testimony. i’ve greatly appreciated your example of this in letting me borrow your book to help me with my study in the book of mormon. something else i’ve always appreciated from people is when they recognize my efforts in trying to be more christlike because i often feel like i’m not doing enough. i think for those that are struggling or not struggling, reassurance can go a long way! i hope that answered your question!
Mormon 1:2-3 Ammaron is a mentor to Mormon and sees good in him.
Claire: Ahh sorry, I was thinking about it and forgot to respond
There are many adults in my life who are great examples of being a disciple of Christ. Two of which being my grandma and grandpa cooper. They both work in the temple and talk about their experiences, my grandma more. My grandma gives me temple names and is always checking up on her family. My grandpa is more reserved and quiet, but I've seen how much he's grown with the help of the Lord. I feel the spirit strongly every time I'm around him and he's one of my favorite people. Some others are my aunts. I have some pretty strong aunts. One still having a strong testimony even after every hardship she's gone through, she always finds her way back. Another is always including and helping others. This seems to reflect to their kids (even not adults, they're some of the biggest examples in my life). My cousins are extremely good at listening and showing love to others, even if they aren't the nicest. My neighbors, even though they don't come to church every week, are the nicest, most welcoming people I think I've ever met. They are always willing to help out and genuinely love people. My aunt and uncle who live in California are another example. I feel the love as soon as I walk into their house and it’s always so sad when we have to leave. They love talking, laughing, and playing games with family and try their absolute best to make us feel welcome. When I run into their screen door or we make a mess, they laugh it off and help us out. Finally (I know you said not out parents but) my mom. My dad does some pretty great work for the church, but I feel like my mom doesn’t get enough credit. She is my greatest supporter and guide through this life. She wants to make people feel included and loves the youth. Her faith is so strong even when you’d think it would falter. She listens to all my problems and makes me feel heard. Her greatest advice being “if you’re going to pray for anything, pray for peace.” Peace whether it be throughout the hour, day, or week.
I hope that was helpful, sorry if it’s a little long! And thank you for being patient in waiting for me to respond!
Children in Bukomero
Braden:
Ward members been examples to me by caring for me and just having this light in there personality that I want to have like you, Sara, Laurel, my mother and some of the youth. Sara always has a positive attitude and is always willing to give me a hug during the good and the bad. You have such a strong and loving spirit, always having a notebook and a pen or pens waiting and writing down notes to grow your testimony! Laurel is always there to listen to me as well as she’s daily inspiration she inspires me to strive to be better. My mom I love her she helps me everyday and every night. She understands and listens to my pains and my happiness, she puts us in front of herself yet still having happiness and a strong sprit. She always making the family better I’m forever thankful for her!
These example helped me understand and be a disciple of Christ by showing me how to act as well as serve. They serve so much to me and others, service can be the small and simple it doesn’t need to be big . They teach me to keep my covenants by loving God and being committed to the covenants that we have made.
One thing I would tell all the ward is never give up on yourself and God. Times can and will get challenging, turning towards the Lord can save you lots of more time having peace then stressing . I honestly struggle with this so much and I need to become better. Start sharing and inviting others to start joining you. This can take time but seek God and ask for help.
Austin Harding:
think what was most helpful for me is when leaders shared personal experiences of how the gospel has improved their life. And specifically not just in the good times but in the bad. It's hard to be a teenager, so I feel like it's easier for them to relate when adults share stories of when THEY were at that age, when they made mistakes and messed up, and then relied on Christ to resolve it. Those types of things always stuck out the most to me. And in regards to what to tell those who don't have a calling with youth, I would just tell them that youth are always watching! For example, you could ask them, when you're at church, do you look excited to be there? Is church just a part of your sunday schedule or are you genuinely to be there? And does that show in your face, body language, how you speak, etc. I think its sometimes easy for youth to not get excited about the gospel because they don't understand how great of an opportunity it is to go to church every single week. Just advise them to act as if there was always a youth with a dying testimony watching them!
Kim:
This is for your talk
Some adults that have been examples of the savior in my life are...
When we went to girls camp I remember being a little nervous to do the high course, I was so scared that I almost wanted to turn back, but the sister missionary she was so encouraging and supportive and helped me be less scared, after a few minutes I was able to do the course and felt less scared.
Another example of an adult was my anatomy teacher Ms. Adolphson, she was so very kind and loving and made anatomy so much fun and easier to learn. Ms. Adolphson is my hero, she is always asking how my life is and is just always making me feel loved and heard. With out her I have no idea where my life would be.
Peyton Hamilton: I can think of many people from the ward who have had a profound impact on my life. Most of what has impacted me is the love that I have felt from them for me and their love for the Savior. In relief society yesterday one of the sisters mentioned "Jesus Interactions" and I loved it! She talked about how every time Christ interacted with someone He left them feeling better than they did when He first met them. I think the people who had the biggest impact on me were people who I had "Jesus interactions" with, the people that left me feeling better than I did when I first talked to them. I think that's one thing members can always try to do, especially with the rising generation. There's also a quote I love in a talk from April 2024. I think it's called in support of the rising generation. I don't have the exact quote, but it basically says that the best way to strengthen the ward and address the needs of the ward is by strengthening the rising generation.
