1. Elder M. Russel BallardBy Crystal Robbins and John Handal

2. Melvin Russel Ballard Jr. was born on October8th, 1928 to Melvin Russell and Geraldine SmithBallard. He was born and raised in Salt Lake City, UtahElder Ballard is the grandson of apostleMelvin J. Ballard and Hyrum M.Smith and is a descendant of HyrumSmith, brother of church founder JosephSmith, Jr.As a young man he served asa missionary in England from1948 to 1950

3. He met his wife while they were studying atthe University of Utah. Elder Ballard marriedhis sweetheart Barbara Bowen in the Salt LakeTemple on August 28th, 1951.The have two sonsand five daughtersThey have beenmarried for 61 years.What matters most is what lasts the longestand families are forever. M. Russell Ballard

4. Professionally, Ballard became involved inseveral enterprises, including automotive, realestate, and investment businesses. He was thetop-selling salesman for his fathers Nash cardealership when he left it in the early 1950s topursue other business interests. In1956, Ballard returned and took over theBallard Motor Company from his father. Duringthis period he also served in the United StatesArmy Reserve, resigning his commission asa first lieutenant in 1957.During the late 1950s, Ballard wasrecruited by the Ford Motor Company tobecome the first Edsel car dealer for SaltLake City. After praying for guidance, hehad the "clear impression" not to signthe franchise. He did anyway andincurred a huge loss, "without doubt thedarkest period" of his business career.1958 Edsel RangerTo me, failure is only when you quit trying, hesaid. If you keep working at a task and try to dowhats right and honest, ultimately it works out.

5. Elder Melvin Russell Ballard, Jr., prominent inSalt Lake business, was called as president ofthe Canada Toronto Mission in 1974. Havingserved a mission to Britain, he returned to SaltLake where he accepted calls to the Holladay12th Ward bishopric and the Mt. Olympus andMonument Park Stake high councils. ElderBallard attended the University of Utah beforeentering business.After serving as bishop twice, he was called to theFirst Quorum of the Seventy in April of 1976 andServed from February 1980 to October 1985.1976 members of the First Quorum of theSeventy are (from left) Elders Carlos E. Asay, M.Russell Ballard, Jr., John H. Groberg, and Jacob deJagerCurrently, he is the sixth most senior apostleamong the ranks of the church of Jesus Christof Latter Day Saints.As a young bishop M. Russell Ballard servedalongside his counselors,executive secretary and clerks.Melvin Russell Ballard

6. So the bad news is that family breakdown is causing a host of societaland economic ills. But the good news is that, like any cause andeffect, those ills can be reversed if what is causing them is changed.Inequities are resolved by living correct principles and values. Brothersand sisters, the most important cause of our lifetime is our families. Ifwe will devote ourselves to this cause, we will improve every otheraspect of our lives and will become, as a people and as a church, anexample and a beacon for all the peoples of the earth. M. Russell Ballard

7. We have bothbeen in the existenceof this great apostle.Elder Ballard came to our stake a fewyears ago, and shared with us manyexperiences that his family had whileon vacation together.He expressed how important it is toMAKE the time to do things withyour family and to make memories.

8. Remember, you can be exalted without acollege degree. You can be exalted withoutbeing slender and beautiful. You can be exaltedwithout having a successful career. You can beexalted if you are not rich and famous. Sofocus the best that you can on those things inlife that will lead you back to the presence ofGod - keeping all things in their properbalance. M. Russell BallardIt may not always be easy, convenient or politically correct to stand for truthand right, but it is the right thing to do. Always. M. Russell Ballard

9. ReferencesM.Russell Ballard. (updated 22 April 2013). retrieved 06-13-13, from wikipedia Web Site:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M._Russell_BallardM.Russell Ballard Quotes. (2013). retrieved 06-12-13, from Good Reads Website:http://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/295595.M_Russell_BallardFYI-For Your Information. (June 1976). retrieved 06-12-13, from https://www.lds.org/new-era/1976/06/fyi-for-your-information?lang=engCarGurus. (2006-2013). retrieved 06-12-13, from 1958 Edsel Ranger Web Site:http://www.cargurus.com/Cars/1958-Edsel-Ranger-Pictures-c17360_pi35701173General Authorities M.Russell Ballard. (2-21-12). retrieved 06-11-13, from The Church of Jesus Christ of LatterDay Saints Web Site: http://www.cargurus.com/Cars/1958-Edsel-Ranger-Pictures-c17360_pi35701173Abide with Me. (12-2009). retrieved 06-15-13, from Hymn Arrangements Web Site:http://hymnarrangements.blogspot.com/2009/12/abide-medley.html