Las Vegas Institute of Religion Helps Young Adults Draw Closer to Jesus Christ

On Monday, Aug. 24, the University of Nevada, Las Vegas welcomed students back for Fall Semester classes. Among those returning for the new semester were Heidi Prall, an art student who creates faith-based art, and Seth Barker, a biology major. The two returned missionaries weren’t attending a university class Monday morning but spending time at the Institute of Religion sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

“Attending institute helps me come closer to Jesus Christ,” said Heidi, who had just walked out of the first religion class of the morning. “Institute helps me better remember Him and prepare for the coming week.”

Experiencing the Savior’s peace, joy, and divine love, along with developing increased faith and testimony are two of the promises President Dallin H. Oaks made to young adults who consistently attend institute classes.

Institute provides Seth with time to learn more about the Savior.

“It’s just the Spirit that’s here,” he said. “Institute helps me keep the Spirit with me as I go through school.”

That, too, was a promise from President Oaks that institute attendance would provide “guidance from the Holy Ghost to help navigate life.”

Any student walking past the Institute of Religion at UNLV can be reminded of the prophet’s promises because they are displayed prominently in the building’s exterior windows. Windows include statements such as, “feel joy,” “find friends,” and, “belong.” A side window, slightly hidden by construction, displays all of the promises. In the front of the building is a picture of the Savior and his disciples, with the inscription, “Welcome to the Institute of Joy.”

The institute offers 10 classes throughout the week, including three of the most popular classes on Tuesday night. These classes are attended by 115 or more students, said Institute Director Randy LaRose.

“We keep that night year-round,” he said. “We had up to 90 students every single week of the summer.”

LaRose’s promise is that the investment of time to drive to campus will be worth it.

“We will make it worth their while,” he said. “If they make time for the Lord, they will find time for the world.”

Resources for young adults institute