On 12th November 2023, aged 95, a favorite figure for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, M Russell Ballard passed away. President Ballard lived a life of true faith and committed service and had a heart that reached out to many within the church.
A Legacy of Church Leadership
At the time of his death, President M Russell Ballard had served the church for forty-seven years, thus making him the longest-serving living General Authority in the church. His leadership was a generational affair that started with his call to the First Quorum of the Seventy in 1976 and ended with him acting as President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, thus shaping the church’s history.
M Russell Ballard is Family, Faith, and a Full Life
President Ballard was born on the 8th of October in the year 1928 at Salt Lake City. He grew up with a very strong Latter-day Saints lineage. This was a mission undertaken in the British Isles in which he served as the Secretary to the President of the mission. Throughout his life, the President’s family comprising of seven kids, 43 grandchildren, 105 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild was the focus of his life.
M Russell Ballard from Businessman to Apostle
President Ballard had a strong business family history, but it did not stop him from engaging in various jobs. Later, he heeded his call to serve as a missionary. His upbringing and lineage gave him a diverse experience to become a truly compassionate leader.
M Russell Ballard was a Missionary at Heart
Without a shred of doubt, President Ballard was a dedicated missionary who loved to share the light of Christ. Starting from his own missionary assignment in the British Isles to him later being the President of the Canada / Toronto mission, he never spared any opportunity and energy in promoting this aspect. He extended his influence far over borders, reminding everyone that they should be their own best “member-missionary”.
A Leader of Compassion
It is also worth noting that President Ballard had a tremendous love and a compassionate heart that he served with and that involved even humanitarian works like his mission to war-affected Ethiopia in 1985. Historic meetings such as his visit to Vatican City with Cardinal Pietro Parolin in 2017 showcased his willingness to go beyond interfaith dialogue.
Legacy of Simple Truths
President Ballard believed in the simplicity of the gospel according to Jesus Christ and insisted on adopting the council system as members of LDS had to consult together. According to Elder David A. Bednar, his legacy was wise, steady, practical, and a link to the first day of the Restoration.
The church celebrates the life and theology he passed down. Symbolic of the life he led that was full of love for Jesus Christ, President Ballard conveyed the same message in his last General Conference sermon.
