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Devotional Updates for Sept.–Dec. 2024

Five men and women who will speak at upcoming devotionals

BYU-Pathway Worldwide monthly devotionals complement the student experience by fostering greater faith and discipleship in Jesus Christ. To reach more people around the world, devotionals will be available with translated voiceover and captions in English, Spanish, Portuguese, and French starting this September. They will also now launch on Fridays at 10:00 a.m. (Mountain Time).

Students everywhere have been inspired by these uplifting messages.

BYU-Pathway student Jenny Perez from Ecuador hadn’t attended the Church in 20 years but joined BYU-Pathway. She said, “I cannot help but cry every time I listen to the devotionals and hear about Jesus Christ. I achieved my goal of acquiring new professional skills and, most importantly, I got closer to the Lord. I am again active in the Church and with the calling of Young Women President.”

Three months after losing her spouse to COVID, Marie Spencer from Utah, USA, enrolled in BYU-Pathway. “I needed something to keep me busy to keep the grief at bay,” she said. “One of the devotionals stated that Heavenly Father has plans to use BYU-Pathway students to do great things in the world. I felt a revelation that I’m not supposed to bide my time until I start my life again. Heavenly Father has a plan for me.”

Charles Koenig of Liberia shared how BYU-Pathway's lessons, devotionals, gatherings, and assignments have increased his confidence. He said, “I have become a better person, a disciple leader, and a capable learner.”

Fall Devotional Speakers

The upcoming devotionals will feature the following speakers and General Authorities and Officers of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints:

  • September 20: President Brian K. Ashton and Sister Melinda Ashton, BYU-Pathway Worldwide
  • October 18: President Steven J. Lund, Young Men General President
  • November 8: Stephen T. Rockwood, president and CEO of FamilySearch
  • December 6: Elder Ronald A. Rasband, Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Devotionals typically last 7–10 minutes and can be viewed Fridays at 10:00 a.m. (MT) on the BYU-Pathway Facebook page and later on the BYU-Pathway speeches page. Students responsible for leading the lesson in their gathering that week will facilitate a discussion around topics shared in the devotional. All participants are invited to watch, share, and discuss these inspiring messages.

About the Speakers

Brian and Melinda Ashton-grayBackground square .jpg

President Brian K. and Sister Melinda Ashton

Brian K. Ashton is the president of BYU-Pathway Worldwide and previously served as vice president of field operations. Receiving his bachelor’s degree from BYU and MBA degree from Harvard University, President Ashton has started several companies. He served as the Second Counselor in the Sunday School General Presidency from 2015–2019.

President Steven J. Lund, Young Men General President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Melinda Ashton graduated from BYU and later attended medical school in Chicago. She served in the Spain Malaga Mission. Melinda and Brian are the parents of seven children. Together, they presided over the Texas Houston South Mission from 2012–2015.

President Steven J. Lund

Steven J. Lund was sustained as Young Men General President in April 2020. He received a bachelor’s degree in communications and a law degree from BYU. He worked as an attorney before becoming president and CEO of NuSkin and is also a former regent of the Utah System of Higher Education. He and his wife, Kalleen, are the parents of four children. Together, they presided over the Georgia Atlanta Mission from 2003–2006.

Steve Rockwood, president and CEO of FamilySearch International

Stephen T. Rockwood


Stephen T. Rockwood is the president and CEO of FamilySearch International and managing director of the Church’s Family History Department. Before joining FamilySearch, Brother Rockwood specialized in creating unique service offerings for worldwide brands and started two companies. He received his bachelor’s degree from BYU and his MBA from the University of Colorado. He and his wife, Jill, have four children and three grandchildren.

Elder Ronald A. Rasband

Elder Ronald A. Rasband, Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Ronald A. Rasband is a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and previously served as the senior president of the Presidency of the Seventy. Elder Rasband attended the University of Utah and was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Business and Commerce from Utah Valley University. In his career, he was president and COO of Huntsman Chemical Corporation. He and his wife, Melanie, are the parents of five children. Together, they presided together over the New York, New York North Mission from 1996–1999.