At Cumorah Academy, visits from Church leaders always leave a deep spiritual imprint, and this month’s experience was no exception. Students were blessed with an uplifting and transformative visit from Elder Kyle S. McKay—an evening filled with testimony, clarity, encouragement, and hope for the future.
His message centered on identity, purpose, faith, and the divine potential within each young adult. Through his words and simple acts of Christlike kindness, he reminded everyone that true leadership begins with love.
Elder Kyle S. McKay: A Life of Service and Hope for the Future
Before diving into the insights he shared, it is worth taking a moment to understand Elder McKay’s background.
Born in 1960 in Chicago, Illinois, Elder McKay earned a bachelor’s degree in English from Brigham Young University in 1984. Three years later, he completed a juris doctor degree from the same institution. Between 1987 and 2018, he practiced law in Oregon and Utah, eventually being sustained as a General Authority Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on March 31, 2018.
His life reflects dedication, resilience, and a faith-driven commitment to serving God’s children—qualities that inspire students and offer hope for the future in a world that often feels uncertain.
A Message of Hope for the Rising Generation
When asked what inspires him most about today’s young adults, Elder McKay shared something that resonated with everyone:
“Their willingness and desire to follow God… not just within the Church, but without the Church. There is a great movement toward God.”
This statement perfectly captures what we see at Cumorah Academy. Students arrive from more than 40 countries, diverse cultures, and different religious backgrounds, united by a desire to find truth, purpose, and spiritual direction. Many later expressed that Elder McKay’s confidence in their generation strengthened their own hope for the future, motivating them to step forward as leaders and disciples of Jesus Christ.
Faith in Jesus Christ: The Foundation of Every Purpose
Elder McKay reminded students of one vital, anchoring principle:
“Faith in Christ is everything… There is nothing He doesn’t want to be involved in.”
He taught that inviting Christ into our education, career, personal growth, and emotional challenges multiplies our efforts and aligns us with the Lord’s direction. Several students described his teachings as “clarifying,” “comforting,” and “filled with peace.”
Faith is not passive—faith requires action. When we believe in truth, we act according to it. This active faith builds confidence and fuels a deeper, eternal hope for the future grounded in Jesus Christ.
Education and Faith Together Create True Leaders
One of Elder McKay’s core messages aligned perfectly with the mission of Cumorah Academy:
“You have a lot of studying going on here, but it’s in the context of faith. Combine those two… and you create true leaders.”
Our vision has always been to teach not just business, leadership, and communication, but to help students apply these skills with integrity, humility, and Christlike love. Knowledge builds capacity—but faith builds purpose. And together, they prepare young adults to influence the world for good.
This combination is exactly why our students leave campus filled with hope for the future, ready to build careers and families guided by principle and truth.
Identity Before Purpose
A profound part of Elder McKay’s message was his explanation of identity, a teaching inspired by President Russell M. Nelson:
“The primary way we discover our purpose is to first discover our identity.”
He taught students three foundational truths every young person must know:
- You are a child of God and a child of the covenant.
- You are a disciple of Jesus Christ.
With identity comes direction. Direction comes with clarity. With clarity comes confidence. Many students later said this message felt like a personal answer to prayer—one that strengthened their hope for the future and helped them see their divine potential more clearly.
Small Acts of Charity That Become Lifelong Lessons
Among the profound spiritual teachings, one small act touched hearts in a meaningful way. Business student Ismael Rojas shared:
“He and his wife shook hands with each person, smiling, asking questions, and wishing the best. That is a way to build connections with charity. Saying hi and smiling can powerfully influence our day.”
This simple gesture embodied the spirit of Cumorah Academy—a community built through kindness, sincerity, and connection. Sometimes the greatest lessons come not from words but from the love behind them.
Strength to Face Life With Christ at the Center
Elder McKay ended his message with a powerful promise:
“If you leave here with an unshakable witness of who you are and what your purpose is, you can move forward against any obstacle… and you will be fortified.”
Life is full of challenges—academic pressures, financial worries, family trials, future uncertainty. But when students understand their identity and trust Christ’s guidance, they gain courage, strength, and unwavering hope for the future.
This is the strength Cumorah Academy strives to instill in every student who walks through its doors.
A Visit That Will Be Remembered
For our students, Elder McKay’s visit became a spiritual milestone. His example, teachings, and testimony reminded everyone that Christ-centered learning has the power to shape destiny, elevate vision, and deepen faith.
Students left the meeting with a clearer sense of identity, a renewed understanding of their purpose, and a stronger connection to their divine potential.
The spirit he brought continues to influence conversations, strengthen friendships, and inspire meaningful personal goals across campus.
Have Your Own Life-Changing Experience With Us
Moments like these at Cumorah Academy are transformative, unexpected, and unforgettable. Students leave campus feeling strengthened, guided, and filled with hope for the future—more confident in themselves and in the Lord’s plan for them.
And now, it’s your turn.
Are you looking for spiritual clarity and seeking direction for your dreams and projects?
Are you longing for a place where you can grow, learn, and feel God’s hand in your life?
Join us. We need your talents, your light, and your desire to make a difference.
Apply for a semester at Cumorah Academy and embrace experiences that elevate your future, strengthen your faith, and transform your life.
Written by Emily Grow
Supervision by Kamila Uberto Fullmer
