How Institute Has Blessed Our Lives

By Aniebiet Rex
Ikot Ibok Ward, Etinan Nigeria Stake

When I returned from my mission, I was able to enrol in institute classes. Ever since then, I have been able to learn a lot of things, despite being a returned missionary.

Let me share with you one of the experiences I had in institute class

One day a question was thrown to the class. The question was, Is it good for parents to lay curse on their children because they’re rebellious? Since the question was for the class, I was just sitting silently listening to the contribution of others. At the end of the contribution, I learned that it was wrong for parents to lay curse on their children. Our instructor referred our minds back to the Book of Mormon story of prophet Lehi and his sons Laman and Lemuel. These two sons were so stubborn and rebellious, but despite their stubbornness, the prophet Lehi never lay a curse on them, but instead he blessed them (see 2 Nephi 1:28; 4:3–9).

Institute class is a place that builds young single adults (YSA) to become good parents in the future. Attending institute class has helped me to know that parents shouldn’t lay curses on a child when he or she is rebellious. It is not the right thing to do. But always praying for that child, just as prophet Lehi did, will help that child to grow and have a mighty change of heart.

Institute class has helped me to build a strong foundation and gain a deeper understanding of the gospel principles.

Any young man or woman out there who hasn’t enrolled in this class is missing a lot. I will beseech you to try and enrol in institute class and learn about the life of the Saviour Jesus Christ.

By Ebukmfon Paul Etuk
Ikot Ebo Second Ward, Etinan Nigeria North Stake

Institute has been more than just a class. It has been a spiritual lifeline. In the middle of life’s noise and demands, institute became my peaceful refuge, where gospel truths sank deeper into my heart and shaped the way I see the world. Through every scripture studied and every inspired discussion, I’ve gained a stronger testimony of Jesus Christ and a clearer sense of purpose.

It’s where doctrine came alive and personal revelation became real. I’ve made meaningful friendships, found mentors in teachers, and felt the Spirit confirm again and again that I’m not alone in this journey. My confidence in sharing the gospel, making righteous choices, and enduring trials has grown because institute helped me build on the rock of Christ.

Institute hasn’t just taught me the gospel; it has helped me live it.

By Israel Ikemesit Akwa
Ekpene Ukpa Ward, Etinan Nigerian Stake 

As I stepped into the Institute classroom, I felt a sense of uncertainty. I had questions about my faith, my life, and my purpose. But little did I know that those walls would become a sanctuary of spiritual growth, friendship, and discovery.

Through inspiring lessons and heartfelt discussions, I began to see the gospel in a new light. My teachers and classmates became beacons of kindness, compassion, and wisdom. Together, we explored the scriptures, shared our struggles, and lifted each other up.

One particular lesson stuck with me—the importance of forgiveness. I had been carrying a heavy burden of resentment, but as I applied the principles learned in class, I felt the weight lighter. I forgave, and in doing so, I found peace.

Institute became more than just a class; it was a community that nurtured my soul. I formed lasting friendships with people who shared my values and encouraged me to stay on the path.

As I look back, I realise that institute helped me find my way. It taught me to trust in the Lord’s plan, have faith in His goodness, and love others as He loves me.

I know that Jesus Christ lives. Institute helped me feel His love and guidance in my life. I’m grateful for the lessons, the friends, and the experiences that have shaped me into a stronger, more compassionate person.

If you’re struggling to find your way or seeking a deeper connection with God, I encourage you to explore institute. It might just be the beacon of light you need to illuminate your path.

By Cecilia Abel
Ikot Esen Oku Ward, Etinan Nigeria Stake

Institute class has been the most enjoyable class for me. I always love to attend it because I’ve learned a lot from the class that will help me now and in the future. The most important thing I love about institute class is that it brings me closer to my Heavenly Father by knowing the true gospel of Jesus Christ. I always feel happy when I share the gospel.

The scripture studies help and make my testimony grow stronger every day. Institute class help me feel confident, and it gives me the way to make the right choice. I had a strong relationship with my Heavenly Father because of institute class and being faithful to what I know to be true.

By Felicia Etim Anso
Afaha Nsit Ward, Etinan Nigeria North Stake

The fellowship of the bishop has greatly strengthened my faith by providing spiritual guidance, support, and love. Through his inspired counsel, I have felt closer to the Savior and more confident in living the gospel. The bishop’s example of service and righteousness encourages me to stay faithful, and his constant check-ins make me feel valued as a member of the ward. He invited me to institute class so my faith could strengthen more.

Attending the Institute of Religion has also helped grow my faith. The classes have deepened my understanding of the scriptures and the gospel of Jesus Christ. Institute provides a peaceful and uplifting environment where I can ask questions, feel the Spirit, and connect with other young single adults who share my beliefs.

Both the bishop’s fellowship and institute have played a major role in strengthening my testimony and helping me draw nearer to God.

By Etinam Robert
Ikot Ebo First Ward, Etinan Nigeria North Stake

During my years in the Church, I have come to learn how Church education and the gospel itself can help me grow spiritually, mentally, and physiologically. Having learned of the Saviour, I started to understand Him more and more in seminary class as I proceeded. I’m now in institute class, where my understanding deepens, expands, enlightens, and brightens.

Each time I’m in class, it gives me a sense and thought of becoming like the Saviour and reflecting on His earthly ministry and His Atonement. The institute class has been and will always be a place of sharing ideas and knowledge about the Saviour and His love.

“I say unto you, that the time shall come when the knowledge of a Saviour shall spread throughout every nation, kindred, tongue, and people” (Mosiah 3:20). This verse always reminds me that the Saviour’s knowledge and love are extended to all human beings. I have learnt more of Him through institute class and BYU Pathway. All this is for our personal learning and growth, and I know that He loves us, He cares for us, He lives, and He’s the Only Begotten Son of the Father.

I know the scriptures to be inspired and true. Our Heavenly Father watches over all His sheep, and in His marvellous timing, He can work tender mercies and miracles through each of us to learn of the Saviour.

By Kufre Thompson
Ikot Ebo First Ward, Etinan Nigeria North Stake

One day, I was having a Zoom meeting in the church building when I overheard the institute instructor teaching and sharing personal experiences in the class. What I heard caught my attention. The lesson was interesting and full of the Spirit, and I felt a strong desire to be part of it.

Later, the female YSA representative also invited me to join the class. She shared how fascinating it was, which made me even more interested. I decided to attend, and since then, I have always been active in the class.

Institute has helped me understand the gospel better. The lessons are clear, uplifting, and easy to apply in daily life. I’ve learned how to make better decisions and rely more on the Holy Ghost. One lesson on covenants really touched me and helped me prepare for temple blessings.

Through institute, I have also made good friends who help me stay strong in the gospel. We support one another and grow together spiritually.

Joining institute has truly blessed my life. I encourage every young person in the Etinan Nigeria North Stake to attend. You will feel the Spirit, learn the gospel, and grow closer to Jesus Christ.

By Rebecca Bassey Robert
Ikot Ebo First Ward, Etinan Nigeria North Stake

Attending institute class has strengthened me in this time of storms and tribulations. It strengthened my testimony, helped me build more faith in Jesus Christ, and become more like Him when I followed His example by being obedient to the commandments. Institute class has blessed me every day because it reminds me that the restored gospel of Jesus Christ is unique and of great value.

Because of this knowledge, I love to attend institute class. The class has made me become a great leader and servant in the Lord’s vineyard and mother in the future. Institute class also help me share my thoughts and testimonies as we gather with our fellow YSA in building up the kingdom of Heavenly Father here on earth and prepare to return to live with Him.

Institute class is the best class for young adults to learn and share experiences they have by enduring to the end and have plans of becoming good and faithful wives and mothers or husbands and fathers.

By Sam Unyime
Ikot Ebo Second Ward, Etinan Nigeria North Stake

In Doctrine and Covenants 88:122, we read, “Appoint among yourselves a teacher, and let not all be spokesmen at once; but let one speak at a time and let all listen unto his sayings, that when all have spoken that all may be edified of all, and that every man may have an equal privilege”. Institute class has been one of those places that I have been edified when I listen to the sayings of all.

Every time I attend institute class, I always have a question on my mind. One of those questions is “What is the purpose of Creation?” I found my answer to this question when the Creation was treated as a topic on its own. As I listened to the contributions of other class members, I learned from it. But when Doctrine and Covenants 49:15–17 was read, my question was answered. I learned from that day that the purpose of Creation is so that the spirit sons and daughters of our Heavenly Father can come to this earth and gain mortal bodies. I also learned that for this to happen, God ordained marriage so that man and woman can be married and they can use the sacred power of procreation God has given them to help bring God’s spirit sons and daughters to this earth.

In 2014, then-Elder Dallin H. Oaks said, “It is truly said that Relief Society is not just a class for women but something they belong to” (“The Keys and Authority of the Priesthood”, Liahona, May 2014). To paraphrase that statement, “Institute class is not just a class for young single adults but something they belong to”. This is where we can learn the doctrine of the kingdom and find answers to the questions of our soul.

Institute class has always been a place where I ask questions, receive answers, and gain more knowledge about Jesus Christ and His everlasting gospel. It has been a place where I have always learned eternal truths that can help me grow and progress in mortality and become like the Saviour.

I know and I testify that the institute class is one of the most important classes where we can gain a true understanding of the gospel of Jesus Christ. I invite all the young adults to make institute classes a priority in their lives. This is not just a class for young adults; it is where they belong. I always feel at home every time I’m in institute class.

By Utomobong Nelson
Ikot Imo Ward, Ukat Aran Nigeria Stake

After a few years upon my return from missionary service in the Ghana Cape Coast Mission, it’s been challenges upon challenges coming my way. At first I was always calm, but at some point I found myself beginning to complain. The Lord was trusting me with several responsibilities, but I found myself struggling, looking for something. I couldn’t tell what it was exactly.

On my birthday in 2021, our stake clerk said something in his goodwill message to me. He said, “I wouldn’t say, ‘May God bless you more’, because I can see already God has blessed you.” This was a few days after I was called to serve as a counsellor in the bishopric of my ward.

I felt I was looking for something that I always had. I pondered why he said so and realized I needed to make a turn. But I couldn’t find the courage. It got worse as I was shrinking from my callings in the ward and stake.

So on one evening, I decided to attend a devotional for the YSA in the stake. There the stake president said he was sad that institute hadn’t been going well. He invited us to enroll and attend and promised a blessing.

Now, before this, I was not comfortable going alone, because I was bigger than almost all the YSA who were attending the Gathering Place. So I promised the stake president that institute will work. I made invitations to some of the brothers who had served a mission, who were also not interested. It then dawned on me that they too were not comfortable, like me, attending the institute alone. Because of the respect we have for each other, they and I slowly began to attend institute.

The teacher was awesome, the class was buzzing with excitement, with students contributing and sharing insights. I started studying regularly because I wanted to be sure what I share is right.

I gradually regained my confidence in the Lord. I am happy. I now look for ways to help, rather than complaining and giving excuses.

One thing I’m so grateful for is gaining back the love and desire to develop myself and grow in the Church. I’ve also gained a circle of friends who are making things happen positively in the stake. And lastly, I thought I’d not probably be ready to raise a family soon, because of fear and other struggles. But learning about marriage and family in the Eternal Family class, I’ve repented quickly and now feel right about raising one.

My joy knows no bounds whenever it’s Friday. Wherever I am, I must get to class and reach out to my friends. The love and unity are massive here in Ukat Aran Stake institute.

I’m blessed, I’m growing, and I’m becoming.

All glory to God for a program like institute for young adults. I feel a person like me would easily lose my faith if not for the guidance, friendship, and growth that institute provides.

I invite you all to make time for institute and watch yourself grow in the knowledge of God and His Son Jesus Christ. He can draw from the power of His Atonement. But most importantly, know who you are and what you were designed to be.