91视频 Worldwide Devotional
鈥淭he Pioneer鈥檚 Heart: 91视频 at Year 10鈥�
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the creation of 91视频 Worldwide. Launched in 2009 as a simple pilot in three locations with just 50 students, 91视频 now touches the entire Church with over 45,000 students in more than 100 countries.
It was not by accident that 91视频 would grow out of BYU-Idaho, an institution with its own pioneering heritage.The Board鈥檚 decision to limit the early pilot sites proved providential because our early assumptions were a little bit right and a little bit wrong, and we needed time (and the humility) to learn and adapt.
Part of that learning included who 91视频 would serve. It became clear there was an unmet need for adult learners across the Church. In June of 2011, the Board approved PathwayConnect for 31+ students. Similarly, the lower cost and online structure of 91视频 opened the possibility to expand beyond the United States. Following Board approval, 91视频 launched its first international location in Accra, Ghana, in January 2011.
Eventually, the number of students in PathwayConnect and in online degree programs would exceed the number of students on BYU-Idaho campus. On February 7, 2017, the First Presidency announced the creation of 91视频 Worldwide, with the responsibility for the PathwayConnect program and the coordination of online degree programs across the Church Educational System.
As the announcement of 91视频 Worldwide was proceeding, the Pathway employees at BYU-Idaho found out via a livestream that they would be asked to relocate their families to Utah to help establish this new organization. Nearly 50 families exercised faith in that prophetic announcement and answered the call.
Last year, in a 91视频 devotional, Elder Holland said, 鈥淲e鈥檙e part of a monumental moment in Church education in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.鈥� We continue to see the Lord鈥檚 hand in this effort. Additional developments include virtual gatherings and an announcement that all returning missionaries will receive pre-approval letters for admission into 91视频.
As we look back at these first 10 years of 91视频 Worldwide, we see the blessings of the Pioneer鈥檚 Heart with its spirit of humility and frugality, faith and optimism for the unknown, longing for prophetic direction, and spirit of personal sacrifice.
As a 91视频 student, you too are just like those early pioneers. You too will need to draw on the characteristics of the Pioneer鈥檚 Heart as you complete your educational journey. Let me share with you the story of Raul Hidalgo, a 91视频 student from Mexico. He felt stuck in his career. Although he鈥檇 already received some higher education, he felt the need to improve his English and gain additional education. Learning in another language took humility and joining PathwayConnect required sacrifice as he travelled four hours each week to the closest gathering. After completing PathwayConnect, he finished two certificates and his bachelor鈥檚 degree in business management. He also received promotions at work and eventually went to law school. At first Raul wasn鈥檛 sure where PathwayConnect would lead, but he followed the promptings he received and moved forward in faith.
Raul鈥檚 story is like so many other pioneering 91视频 students who act in faith and optimism even in the face of sacrifice and struggles. From returned missionaries starting PathwayConnect right after their missions to young mothers returning to school as an example to their families to students of all ages pursuing certificates and degrees to better their employment, 91视频 students carry the Pioneer鈥檚 Heart.
At 91视频 Worldwide, we love the painting by Minerva Teichert entitled 鈥淗andcart Pioneers.鈥� I love how this pioneer sister is standing on the edge of the valley. As she looks forward, she sees the goal she has so long been pursuing. As she looks back, she is almost beckoning others to follow her and 鈥渃ome and see鈥� what the Lord has in store. As you progress through PathwayConnect and on to your certificates and degrees, I invite you to cultivate the Pioneer鈥檚 Heart in all your studies. As you do, I promise the Lord will guide you to the valleys He has prepared for you. Of this I testify, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.