Elder David A. Bednar has come to BYU to speak to students and participants of BYU’s annual Education Week at the campus Devotional Aug. 19, at 11:00 a.m. in the Marriott Center.
The Devotional has a focal point of social media, according to lds.org.
“You’re invited to watch Elder Bednar’s talk as he encourages the best uses of social media and technology,” the website reads.
Elder Bednar comes to BYU one year after Elder M. Russell Ballard, who spoke at last year’s Education Week. During the 2013 Education Week, Elder Ballard discussed the topic of where women of the church fit into God’s plan.
“Men and women are equal in God’s eyes and in the eyes of the church, but equal does not mean … that they are they same,” Elder Ballard said. “The responsibilities and divine gifts of men and women differ in their nature but not in their importance or influence.”
Elder Bednar is well known for his talks on love, tender mercies and observance of God in our lives.
Plan ahead to arrive early because the Marriott Center is expected to be filled near capacity. Last year 18,000 people participated in one portion or another during Education Week, according to Emily Hellewell, the campus news manager for BYU University Communications.
“Each of the Devotionals and Forums provide an opportunity for the campus community to be spiritually and intellectually enriched,” Hellewell said. “This is a special, not-to-be missed Devotional because it is a chance to hear from and be in the presence of an Apostle.”
Elder Bednar was ordained as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve in October 2004.
He served as the president of BYU—Idaho, formerly known as Ricks College, from 1997 to 2004. According to lds.org, he played an instrumental role in establishing the campus as a home for innovative education while setting the example of building faith in the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Hellewell said the office communicate with officials from the LDS Church regularly when arranging speakers for campus Devotionals.
“I am very much looking forward to Elder Bednar’s Devotional address because he is a wonderful teacher. His counsel is gentle, and his words are inspiring,” Hellewell said.
