After more than 10 years, service missionaries reflect on their love for BYU-Pathway, students, and the Savior
How has BYU-Pathway Worldwide been able to serve 252,395 students in the last 15 years ? Service missionaries!
Several missionaries have been serving BYU-Pathway students for more than 10 years — keep reading to learn more about their experiences!
The Allens
13 years ago, Linda and Richard Allen became BYU-Pathway service missionaries. When they first started, there were only 400 students worldwide — today, there are more than 75,000!
Since 2012, Elder and Sister Allen have served throughout California and now facilitate virtual groups. When they first started, they would introduce BYU-Pathway with a poster that said, “Get a BYU-Idaho degree without leaving sunny California.”
They've seen many of their students graduate with bachelor's degrees, including several of their family members: “It has been thrilling to see students begin with trepidation, work hard, gain confidence, and go on to more education, better jobs, more ability to serve.”
One of the Allens' students had been in jail twice. She read the Book of Mormon during her second jail term, which inspired her to turn her life around. She would take a train and then a bus to her in-person gathering for BYU-Pathway. Always the first one there, she went on to graduate with her bachelor's degree.
“BYU-Pathway is the Lord's program. He is in charge, when we are humble and prayerful, He leads us to find those whose lives can be blessed. BYU-Pathway is an opportunity to join with the Lord in an adventure.”
The McKnights
Paul and Barbara McKnight served as BYU-Pathway missionaries for over 10 years in the Idaho and North America Central Areas. They were invited to serve by some of the first-ever BYU-Pathway missionaries but had to wait until Elder McKnight was released as the bishop of their congregation.
Elder and Sister McKnight strengthened their testimonies and deepened their appreciation and love for the Savior. They particularly remember their very first gathering where "the love was palpable."
While their missions ended, they noticed many blessings throughout their service, including their children and grandchildren following the teachings of Jesus Christ. "He is more real to us," they said. "We love our Savior more deeply."
“This is an inspired education program that is blessing all humankind. It is reaching individuals who otherwise would never have the blessings of an education that will change their lives.”
The Duffys
Matthew and Robin Duffy are serving two missions simultaneously: seven years as BYU-Pathway missionaries and 13 years in the Wasatch Front Service Mission. Elder and Sister Duffy began their service in the Inner-city Salt Lake City Mission in 2011 as English Sign Language (ESL) teachers. Their students often asked for information about affordable schooling. So when the Duffys discovered BYU-Pathway and started promoting it, they thought they should be a part of it too!
They facilitated their first gathering in 2018 and currently serve as gathering missionaries and education specialists, promoting BYU-Pathway throughout Utah's Salt Lake Valley. Elder and Sister Duffy often remember an experience of one of their BYU-Pathway students who was finally able to obtain U.S. citizenship (after 26 years!) because of her BYU-Pathway education.
“BYU-Pathway is one of the sleeping giants of the Church," they said, "and we are eternally grateful to be a part of this BYU-Pathway journey. Our students have truly enriched our lives.”
Thank you!
We recognize and thank all of our missionaries for their selfless service, love, and encouragement for BYU-Pathway students. We couldn't do what we do without you! Here are more of our missionaries with 10+ years of service:
- Linda and Richard Allen
- Marilyn and Ralph Carini
- Craig and Kathleen Cook
- Matthew and Roberta Robin Duffy
- Kathleen and Robert George
- Barbara and Paul McKnight
- RuthAnn Robson
If you are interested in serving for BYU-Pathway, please visit byupathway.edu/volunteer .