Director, Eric Bacon, Elder Hawkins, and four members of the Institute of Religion Council

11 April 2012:  We have loved getting to know the group of OUTSTANDING  LDS young adults in the Anchorage area.  Saturday we attended a baptism of a young man who was taught by the elders in one of the two Anchorage YA wards.  (There is another YA baptism this Saturday.)  Then Sunday we attended a YA ward for Easter and were so impressed with the fine spirit there.  The talks and lessons were excellent.  The YA wards are led by fine, seasoned bishoprics, yet the  "kids" are handling all the leadership, as they should.  They represent quite a "melting pot" of backgrounds.  Some are working minimum-wage jobs; others are polished professionals.  Some come from solid, long-established LDS families; some are brand new to the Church.  Some are fresh out of high school;  others have graduate degrees.  TESTIMONY and LOVE are the common theme. Last night we attended Institute classes.  One of Mary's assignments is to prepare some kind of home-baked treat, so the students will be greeted with tantalizing aromas when they come to attend class.  She made some blueberry muffins which were a great hit! Last night  Mary attended a fine mission preparation class.  Curtis attended Eric Bacon's (the Institute Director) class on Ezekiel in the Old Testament, attended by about 25 students.  He is a charismatic, EFY type teacher but delivers substance and utilizes classroom technology.    The Institute also offers a couple of small day-time classes and a couple of additional small evening classes, and the Pathway class with about 7 students taught by a local radiologist and his wife.  In the fall, we will teach Book of Mormon and be facilitators for the new Pathway cohort group.  In the last few years, since the Church-wide establishment of YSA wards, the Institutes of Religion have given up most of their importance as centers for social functions. It is exciting to be part of the Seminaries and Institutes of Religion effort:  "Our purpose is to help the youth and young adults understand and rely on the teachings and Atonement of Jesus Christ, qualify for the blessings of the temple, and prepare themselves, their families, and others for eternal life with their Father in Heaven."  What could be more important!