Gifford Nielsen, a former BYU quarterback and Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, shared his insights on both the current BYU football team and serving in Africa for the Church at a BYU Executive Alumni Chapter Tailgate for Homecoming 2024 before the Homecoming game against Arizona.
He acknowledged that the current BYU team has talent but still has a lot of room to grow. Despite the uphill climbs with incumbent challenges, Nielsen is confident that the team is resilient and learning to win under head coach Kalani Sitake and the defensive leadership of Jay Hill.
Nielsen highlighted some concerns about player injuries, specifically noting the absence of center Connor Pay, which could impact the teamβs performance. However, he praised the defenseβs ability to maintain gap responsibilities and cover the field, especially against athletic quarterbacks like Kansas Stateβs Avery Johnson.
Despite some offensive struggles, Nielsen expressed optimism about the teamβs trajectory, citing the playersβ strong leadership, resilience, and crowd support. He compared the current teamβs defensive discipline to his own playing days under Fred Whittingham, noting that a solid defense is crucial to success.
Nielsen believes the team is close-knit and capable of winning tough games, even in challenging environments like Kansas State. He stressed the importance of winning in building confidence and allowing the team to improve with each game. Ultimately, Nielsen is confident that BYU will continue to improve and expects them to perform well in upcoming games, driven by strong defense and an improving offense.
Neilsen also talked about the time he and his wife, Wendy, served in Africa. They highlighted two key programs aimed at empowering the youth and communities in West Africa through education, life skills training, and spiritual growth. The programs, βSucceed in Schoolβ and βSucceed in Life,β have expanded rapidly across the region and are having a profound impact on the lives of thousands.
The βSucceed in Schoolβ program, which focuses on helping students overcome obstacles such as hunger and lack of access to education, has grown to reach about 30,000 students across countries like Ghana, Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Togo, with plans to expand to Senegal. By the end of 2024, this number is expected to increase to 40,000. The program provides essential academic support, leading to high success rates on standardized exams, with a 96% pass rate at the high school level and 97% at the junior high level. Additionally, the youth receive nutritious meals twice a week, a vital supplement in regions where many people struggle to eat one meal per day. The program also imparts essential lessons on hygiene and nutrition, which the students share with their families.
Another significant program, βSucceed in Life,β offers foundational and intermediate life skills training aimed at preparing older youth for adulthood, further education, and missionary work. These life skills are essential for the students to thrive in their personal lives and contribute to their communities. The initiative aligns intellectual, physical, social, and spiritual development, ensuring that the youth are prepared not only academically but also for their spiritual and personal missions.
In addition to these programs, the concept of βGathering Placesβ has been implemented in West Africa. These church buildings serve as community hubs where people, particularly Young Single Adults (YSA), can gather for socializing, training, and personal development. The initiative goes beyond social engagement, focusing on imparting vocational skills that can be applied to real jobs, careers, and businesses. As a result, the program has generated substantial outcomes: 449 new jobs, 292 new businesses, and 895 completed classes. The gathering places have also facilitated 79 marriages and 460 baptisms, with a total attendance of nearly 46,000, including 9,600 non-members. Cumulatively, these programs have seen an attendance of over 710,000, marking a profound impact on the lives of many.
The efforts in West Africa have garnered attention not just within the Church but also among local and national leaders. For instance, the King of Accra, Ghana, welcomed the Church leaders, expressing admiration for their commitment to follow through on promises and deliver more than expected. The King, who showed interest in being baptized, exemplifies the broader acceptance and impact of these programs in the region. His connection with the Church leaders highlights the cultural and spiritual exchange taking place, as traditional African leaders and communities embrace these new opportunities for personal and community development.
The ultimate goal of these initiatives is to provide holistic supportβspiritually, intellectually, socially, and physicallyβto help individuals in West Africa build better lives and embrace the teachings of the Church.
The success of these programs in West Africa has prompted discussions about expanding them to other regions like Mexico, South America, and the Philippines, showcasing the potential for global outreach and the transformative impact these initiatives can have on communities worldwide.
Guest Author
dyejo
