January 2026 Devotional
Brian and Melinda Ashton
BYU-Pathway Worldwide
The video will premiere on Friday, January 9 at 10:00 a.m. MDT / 4:00 p.m. UTC
About the Speakers
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.
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.
Instructions for Discussion
Below are suggested questions you can ask students to reflect on to help with your discussion. You may be inspired to ask different questions based on the needs of your group.
- President Ashton said that within families, we experience the greatest joy. How do you find joy in your family, even when there are challenges? If your family does not feel joyful right now, how do you create peace in your own life to prepare for joy in the future?
- How has the Lord blessed you when you acted in faith to get married or have children?
- How do you see the Lord's hand in guiding and blessing you with your family situation, whatever your family may look like at this time?