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| Temple Square is always beautiful in the springtime. Gardeners work to prepare the ground for General Conference. © 2012 Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. | 1 / 2 |
“Our top priority is to help students understand the truths of the gospel and to apply those truths in their lives.” These words of President Joseph Fielding Smith were quoted by Brother Sadam Kalambayi, Coordinator of the Institute of Religion of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints near the University of Kinshasa (UNIKIN), ISTM and the University of CEPROMAD in Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
On February 23, 2024, an award ceremony was held to present certificates to students who completed the EnglishConnect Course, a prerequisite for enrollment in BYU-Pathway Worldwide, and Church Institute of Religion courses. It was conducted by Brother Sadam Kalambayi and saw strong participation from young people and their friends, with about 28 young adults in attendance.
Significantly, some young non-members of the Church have started attending this prestigious program. Both members and non-members of the Church shared their testimonies at the graduation ceremony.
- “I had difficulty balancing my academic schedule and my studies in the BYU-Pathway program. I prayed and made a commitment to continue my education and today I await my acceptance to Ensign College and BYU Idaho because of the sacrifices I made. I encourage you to follow my example.” Augustin Ntumba, ISTM/UNIKIN student.
- “When I was asked to give my testimony about what I learned from this program, I thought of encouraging you to enroll massively in this program to change your life. This program has blessed my life and will bless yours too if you follow my example.” Télesphore Fuati, BYUPathway student.
In closing, Sadam Kalambayi urged the students to make the Institute of Religion their priority and take advantage of the various educational programs that the Church offers to young adults. He compared the youth of Jesus Christ to that of today’s young people, saying that Christ grew in wisdom and grace before God and men (see Luke 2:52). He thus insisted on educating ourselves temporally and spiritually to be useful for our families, Church and society.