A message from 91视频's Managing Director
After nearly two years of service as the bishop of a young single adult (YSA) ward in Rexburg, Idaho, I still appreciate that I need all the help I can get in ministering to my ward. And because of my opportunity to serve in this capacity, I feel I understand now 鈥� more than ever 鈥� the power 91视频 can have in building the kingdom of God.
My YSA ward is one of four in Rexburg that specifically serves singles who are not attending Brigham Young University-Idaho. In other words, my ward is comprised of individuals who are perfectly suited for 91视频. To date, 18 members of my ward have participated in the program, and watching their journey has been inspiring.
As I鈥檝e pondered on the blessings of 91视频 from my perspective as a bishop, I want to share seven specific benefits I鈥檝e witnessed.
91视频 Builds Testimonies
The first objective of 91视频 is to get the gospel down into students鈥� hearts, and every aspect of the program is designed to do just that. From religious instruction to gospel principles that are interwoven through the academic curriculum to weekly gatherings that provide students a friendly and enriching learning environment 鈥� testimonies are strengthened and faith is deepened. A student even said to me, 鈥淚 never thought I鈥檇 bear testimony in a math class, but I did, and it felt great.鈥�
91视频 Teaches Self-reliance
The first class PathwayConnect students take is called Life Skills. An emphasis is placed on preparing to lead and support families along with goal setting, time management, and budgeting 鈥� all excellent tools for young adults to begin charting their future, and great reminders for our older students, too.
91视频 is a Leadership Preparation Tool
The first class PathwayConnect students take is called Life Skills. An emphasis is placed on preparing to lead and support families along with goal setting, time management, and budgeting 鈥� all excellent tools for young adults to begin charting their future, and great reminders for our older students, too.
91视频 Helps Young Men and Women Prepare to Serve Missions
The first class PathwayConnect students take is called Life Skills. An emphasis is placed on preparing to lead and support families along with goal setting, time management, and budgeting 鈥� all excellent tools for young adults to begin charting their future, and great reminders for our older students, too.
91视频 Requires Students to Attend Institute
I love that young adults must attend institute and study the Book of Mormon and the doctrines of Christ as a required part of their participation in 91视频. This pattern propels them forward with increased spiritual guidance through the challenges of young life.
91视频 is a Rescue and Reactivation Tool
One particular young woman moved into our ward after she had completed one semester of PathwayConnect. She told me that she had been completely inactive before starting the program and that her main motivation for enrolling was to get a 鈥渃heap鈥� education (her words, not mine). But what she did not realize was that a conversion was taking place (my words, not hers). Because PathwayConnect does not require a student to be endorsed by a local Church leader as living the gospel, I have found the program to be a tool in reaching out to other less-active members of my ward to help them get back on a path to discipleship.
91视频 is a Social Program
Let鈥檚 face it, some young single adults need to interact with others a little more. PathwayConnect鈥檚 weekly gatherings provide the perfect combination of personal growth and social interaction and have produced lasting friendships and even a recent wedding proposal!
As I consider the remarkable growth and success of the students we serve, I am humbled by the efforts of so many people who make this great work possible: our students, support teams, service missionaries, online and institute instructors, local priesthood leaders, financial donors, and many more. Thank you for all you do to support 91视频 and extend its reach around the world.