February 7th, 2025, 5:55pm
Elder S. Mark Palmer, president of SEVENED, has seen first hand the blessings that education around the world can give to individuals around the world.
On a dedicated broadcast to students at BYU -Pathway on Friday, February 7th, Palmer, who worked in the southeastern church and the southern region of Africa, said how three South African executive assistants were registered. It was very related. His sister Stephanie and his brother Kevin, who lives in his hometown of New Zealand, each completed the Byu-Pathway. And he was in Japan recently. There, the wives of two members of the presidency were studying through BYU -Pathway. Sisters Semmi Kim, wife of Elder Christopher H. Kim from Korea, and Debra McCun, sister to Sisters Debra McCun, wife of Elder John A.
“Of course, your education will surely bless you and help you along the path of life,” Elder Palmer told the students. “But remember that BYU-Pathway’s mission is primarily spiritual and not temporary.”
Education helps graduates get better jobs, but there’s a lot to life that’s richer and more rewarding than being independent, he said.
At the 2022 BYU University Conference, Elder D. Todd Christofferson, a quorum of 12 Apostles, taught that independence is not the ultimate goal, but the means of end.
Elder Palmer said: This is very well captured by Provo’s BYU motto.
People should not equate income with independence, Elder Palmer said. “I have met some amazing saints all over the world, and although they have little material wealth, they are still independent. They are alive, so their desires are their needs And they, like many of you, accept the joy of service and share freely what they have.”
As students embark on a path to greater spiritual and temporary independence, “Always remember that independence is a prerequisite for service,” Elder Palmer recalled the listeners.
“Without temporary independence, there is nothing to give to people with hunger or other physical needs. Without mental independence, there is nothing to give to people with emotional and mental needs. No. Without learning, it’s hard to teach others. So, I hope that all of you who are blessed with BYU-Pathway are full of desire to serve in the church, your family, and your community. It’s there.”
In his office at the church headquarters, Elder Palmer said he was painting the Tree of Life from Lehigh’s dream. “It reminds us of the joys we experience as we stay in the path that leads to eternal life. I witness it. In your life, the fruit of the gospel, the love of God, and others will be the fruit of this fruit. There is nothing sweeter than living a life of service like Christ with disciples who lead you to taste the taste.”
In conclusion, Elder Palmer expressed his confidence that BYU-Pathway will be a great starting point in the lives of his students. “I leave you with my love, my encouragement, and my firm testimony of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. I am, as well as thousands of wonderful students, like you, We are grateful for their inspirational direction to bring Byu-Pathway to thousands of incredible students around the world.”
