Our Assignments

The objective of the Institute classes is to help Young Single Adults (YSA) 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. 
 
This year the course of study is the Old Testament.We teach Institute classes in Spanish in East Brunswick, Union City, Eatontown and Plainfield, New Jersey. 

These are some of the students who attend the Union City Institute, which meets on Wednesday nights in NJ just across from lower Manhattan.  Their names are, from left to right:  Alan, Elder Dixon, Madai, Hector, Patssy (spelled right), Pedro (an  investigator), Nancy (Local Instructor), Carlos (Charlie), Moises, Mary Jane.

 We are getting to know the young people after a few sessions and they are marvelous.  So full of energy and a zest for life and a desire to do the right thing, make the right choices and be of service to others.  Many of them only recently came to the United States and even more recently have joined the Church.  They are hungry for information.  It is a joy to teach them! 

Some of the East Brunswick Institute students are shown here.  This was taken on our first Sunday here and Helen's (in the cap) last Sunday before she left on her 18-month mission to Provo, Utah!  She is known for her friendly disposition and will be missed by all her many friends.  Their names are, from left to right: Javier, Aaron, Helen, Magali, Brian, Leslie (Brian's sister), and Jose.

The classes are generally in the evening beginning around 7 or 8 pm and last for about 70 minutes.  After class we have snacks or refreshments and some time (about an hour) for socializing and games.

Worldwide, the enrollment in LDS Institute classes is about 350,000 in over 2,500 locations.  In addition, more than 50,000 students are enrolled in Church universities.  Many of the classes are taught by full-time missionaries like us, others are taught by local (New Jersey) members or the CES professional staff members.  The later are more likely to be assigned to universities where the Church has built an Institute building.

We see ourselves as contributing in some small way to the future of the Church.  We can see many of these young people as leaders and positive role models for others.