Two former University of Auckland students are grateful for the blessings that have come to them as a result of making Institute—a religious education class for Latter-day Saints and others—an important part of their busy lives.
Most students have hectic schedules and part-time employment. Bryton and Kayne Pilling were no different. However, they felt it was a privilege to attend classes in the Latter-day Saints' Auckland City Institute Building.
According to Bryton, “The Institute building in town wasn’t just a place for structured lessons, but a place where we met and formed friendships that have lasted much longer than the years we spent at university. There were many hours spent laughing, in deep conversation, or enjoying pancakes and pizza.”
Bryton feels that the Institute was an uplifting place where he and Kayne could study and have fun amongst great people. They still find time to get together with friends met there though they have all moved to different areas of New Zealand.
“The blessings of good friendships last a lifetime, and we made many good friends at the Institute,” he said.
The Institute is a special place for Kayne and Bryton. It’s where their relationship began.
“We shared many conversations about our future there. In between classes we spent hours at the Institute building planning our wedding,” Bryton recalls.
They were eventually married in the Latter-day Saint temple in Hamilton.
The Pillings feel that the Institute is not just a place of learning or spiritual retreat, but also where they grew closer as a couple and closer to the Lord. They now have a daughter and desire that someday she will attend Institute and enjoy the same blessings that they have.
President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Thomas S. Monson, said, “If you are a single college student, I ask you to make participation in Institute a priority. Divine favour will attend those who humbly seek it.”
Visitors are welcome at the Institute located at 19 Governor Fitzroy Place, close to Auckland University of Technology.