1. Teachings of the Living Prophets
Melvin Russell Ballard

2. Born 8 October 1928 in SLC, Utah
Served as a missionary in England; called as a counselor to the Mission President.
Served as a Mission President in Toronto, Canada

3. Apostle in October 1985 (Upon the death of Elder Bruce R. McConkie)
Married Barbara Bowen in the Salt Lake Temple, 28 August 1951
Two sons and five daughters
Loves steak and french fries
Auto Salesman

4. His fraternity brothers called him “the bishop”, because they knew that whatever the situation, he would be a good example and would be true to his faith.

5. Their courtship lasted eleven months
Their courtship lasted eleven months. Elder Ballard says: “I knew from the beginning that I wanted to marry her, but she didn’t share the same feelings. It was a little hard convincing her. Getting her to agree to marry me was the greatest sales job I ever did.”

6. He is the grandson of two aspotles: Elder Hyrum Mack Smith and Elder Melvin J. Ballard.
His great-great uncle was the Prophet Joseph Smith
His great-great grandfather was Hyrum Smith
His great-grandfather was President Joseph F. Smith.

7. In the October 1980 general conference, Elder Ballard told all members who had an inactive or nonmember friend that if they would send their name to him, he would personally send a letter of encouragement to that individual. Following that conference, Elder Ballard wrote more than 600 personal letters to people who needed help gaining their testimonies. 

8. Monumental Talks given by Elder Ballard
Teaching—No Greater Call-April 1983.
The Effects of Television-April 1989.
Suicide-Ensign, October 1987.
A Chance to Start Over (Church Courts)-Ensign, September 1990.
The Greatest Generation of Missionaries-October 2002.

9. Who knows him? Met him? Associated with him?