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PROVO -- Thousands of students at BYU flocked to the Marriott Center Tuesday morning to hear President Thomas S. Monson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints speak at the university's weekly devotional.
When word got out Monday that President Monson would be speaking, hundreds of students lined up for a good seat. Becca Goff arrived at 3 a.m., even though it was cold and raining.
"We got the perfect seat," she said. "It was totally worth it. He's such an inspiring man."
President Monson encouraged the students to share their faith wherever they go in the world.
Ours is the responsibility to keep our lights burning brightly, that they might shine for others to see and follow.
–President Thomas S. Monson
"Ours is the responsibility to keep our lights burning brightly, that they might shine for others to see and follow," he said.
The prophet also spoke about a decline of faith and religion in society.
"Many people have come to feel they are sufficient unto themselves and have no need of a higher power," he said. "Wrong. A loss of religious faith implies a loss of faith in anyone greater than oneself."
He quoted from the Disney movie "The Lion King" -- advice to students about reaching their potential in life.
"Look inside yourself Simba, you are more than what you have become. Remember who you are," he said.
For international students who attend the Church-owned university -- like Jessica Pauta from Australia -- hearing from President Monson in person was a rare opportunity.
"When he was talking about being an example, being strong and not being ashamed and being proud of that, you never know who you are affecting or who is watching," she said.
This was a message BYU students say they won't forget.
