For the first time ever, Church leaders, students, and others gathered for a special international BYU-Pathway devotional
BYU-Pathway has a long history in Mexico. In April 2011, Mexico became the third country to offer BYU-Pathway courses, following the United States and Ghana. In 2023, Mexico was one of the top five highest-enrolling countries with 2,007 students.
It was a special opportunity to have Church Board of Education Executive Committee members Elder D. Todd Christofferson, Elder Ronald A. Rasband, and President Camille N. Johnson attend and share inspiring messages with students.
Influence the world for good
Camille N. Johnson, Relief Society General President, shared her experience learning Spanish while serving as a mission leader in the Peru Arequipa Mission with her husband, Doug. She counseled BYU-Pathway students to never give up. “I testify that as you involve the Lord in your efforts to learn, He will bless you and guide you,” she said.
Jesus Christ is the strength of BYU-Pathway students.
President Johnson assured students that their work in BYU-Pathway will benefit them and bless others. “[Education] empowers you,” she said. “The more you learn, the more you can help build God’s kingdom and influence the world for good.”
Stand and study in holy places
To help BYU-Pathway students draw strength from the Savior, Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles encouraged them to stand and study in holy places, including their homes, their chapels, and the temple.
“Perhaps of all the holy places that we stand in,” he said, “the House of the Lord is the most sacred and special place.”
He promised students that standing and studying in holy places would invite the Lord and the Holy Ghost into their lives and education.
You need not be troubled in these days as you stand more frequently in holy places. In [BYU-Pathway], we have the perfect opportunity to do this.
Education is preparation
Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles encouraged BYU-Pathway students to keep an eternal perspective: “Your education is a preparation for a better quality of life for you and, perhaps most importantly, for those who depend on you…. It is a preparation for a life of service. Education is even a preparation for eternity.”
[BYU-Pathway is] going to provide … an unparalleled opportunity of preparation and education that we don’t find elsewhere.
He also reminded students to focus on the Savior. He said, “As you build your life on the rock of Christ and strive to do His will, you will overcome and prosper in many ways.”
Watch the Spanish broadcast or read the English transcript at byupathway.edu/speeches.
“What wonderful messages we received from Jesus Christ through His servants. BYU-Pathway is an inspired program.”
— Antonio García Urzo
“I can really feel that the Lord loves us and wants the best for each of His children. As we draw closer to Him, we will gain greater strength and understanding through His perfect love.”
— Ileani Castañeda Cortés