Why Faith Matters at the Academy
The Academy for Creating Enterprise doesn’t ask people of faith to simply learn to become self-sufficient. The Academy asks people of faith to act — to put their faith to work and step onto the path of self-sufficiency
“Although I was mentally prepared to face hard times, nothing could have prepared me for the trials I would encounter.” Leydi Alcalde, a single mother from Peru, recounts a tragic accident that left her permanently disabled and took the life of her daughter Shellen. She said, “My dreams were shattered. I found myself sinking into depression. In the midst of my depression, I learned about the Academy. This filled me with a renewed desire to move forward and begin again.”
What power could possibly provide the strength for Leydi to move forward after losing so much? Leydi believes in God and in her identity as His daughter. Relying on this knowledge during great uncertainty enabled her to gain the self-confidence to move forward and make changes in her life. She eventually started a business that provides for her family. While she still misses her daughter every day, her faith reminds her that she will see her again. Through faith, Leydi accomplishes the impossible.
Charles Dickens once said a very little key will open a very heavy door. Like Leydi, those who believe in something greater than themselves rely on their faith to open doors. Some people of faith may suffer from relationship or family issues. Some have started businesses that failed. Others lack the capital or resources to start a business. Yet, despite these challenges, thousands of participants start successful small businesses or income-generating activities each year.
Pew Research Center found that people of faith “are more likely than their less-religious peers to describe themselves as “very happy.” Additionally, a quarter of religious people said that even during the COVID-19 pandemic, their faith had increased. When people act on faith, circumstances are not the determining factor of life’s outcomes. Rather, the ability to put one’s faith to work, to hold to something greater than oneself, becomes the driving factor for success.
The Academy was founded on principles of faith. Although it is not an official program of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Academy was established by two members of the Church, Stephen W. and Bette Gibson. After much success in their life, the Gibsons felt compelled to give back. They started a faith-based program with the end goal of leading each participant to the path of self-sufficiency. Incredibly but not surprisingly, thousands of Academy graduates in developing countries successfully generate new income as they put these principles to work – despite the fact the Academy does not provide any capital!
The Academy for Creating Enterprise doesn’t ask people of faith to simply learn to become self-sufficient. The Academy asks people of faith to act – to put their faith to work and step onto the path of self-sufficiency. For many, this seems impossible. Yet, through faith, many Academy graduates not only support their families, but now possess the means to serve in the Church and their communities. Oscar Dàvila from Bolivia epitomized the power of faith in his testimony of the Academy. He shared, “I always leave the Academy feeling inspired. I know that we are all children of God and that we have a loving Heavenly Father.” Why would Oscar testify of his identity as a child of God while also testifying of the efficacy of the Academy? Because Oscar understands the purpose of the Academy – to build the faith of each person who participates. As people of faith put their beliefs into action, doors open. As doors open, mindsets change. As mindsets change, people of faith gain the courage necessary to step onto the path of self-sufficiency.
