SALT LAKE CITY-Sunday evening, President Dallin H. Oaks, the First Counselor in The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and his wife, Kristen, spoke to youth throughout the Church.

The broadcast originated from The Conference Center Theater on Temple Square in Salt Lake City.

Pres. Oaks expressed concern about the high number of people who aren’t married throughout the world or who are not choosing to have children if they are married.

He declared the shortage of homes and the rise in student debt costs play roles in such decisions.

Nevertheless, he encouraged youth to go forth with faith as “marriage is central to the purpose of mortal life and what follows.”

Pres. and Sister Oaks encouraged young adults to date and have children while remembering the examples of early Latter-day Saints.

Sister Oaks encouraged young women in the audience to “stop waiting and start preparing” when waiting for marriage proposals from young men.

Pres. Oaks then addressed some of his remarks to high school seniors in attendance. He acknowledged this generation’s prevalent struggles with anxiety, drugs and social media.

Pres. Oaks then alluded to Christ’s remarks in John 8 which concerns the woman taken in adultery.

In closing, Pres. and Sister Oaks encouraged young adults to look to and rely upon God for guidance.