March 12th 2023 President's Letter

March, 12, 2023

Dear Sisters and Elders:

The following is a powerful experience which took place in 1917 when Elder Ballard’s Grandfather, Melvin J Ballard, served as Mission President of the Northwestern States Mission (currently our mission area). Although, he died when Elder Russell Ballard was 10 years old, Melvin has been a major influence in his life. He had unwavering devotion to the Church and spent his entire life building on the "sure foundation" of which Helaman spoke.  While serving as a Mission President and working in difficult circumstances, Melvin faced a time of incredible struggle. There were unprecedented—and seemingly insurmountable—challenges for the Church, and Melvin literally spent hours on his knees asking for guidance and inspiration. During one such period, when all seemed bleak and utterly hopeless, Melvin received, in his words, "a wonderful manifestation and impression which has never left me.”

"I was told there was a [great] privilege that was to be mine," he recorded. "I was led into a room where I was informed I was to meet someone. As I entered the room I saw, seated on a raised platform, the most glorious being I have ever conceived of, and was taken forward to be introduced to Him. As I approached, He smiled, called my name, and stretched out His hands toward me. If I live to be a million years old, I shall never forget that smile.

He put His arms around me and kissed me, as He took me into His bosom, and He blessed me until my whole being was thrilled. As He finished, I fell at His feet, and there saw the marks of the nails; and as I kissed them, with deep joy swelling through my whole being, I felt that I was in heaven indeed.

The feeling that came to my heart then was: Oh! if I could live worthy, though it would require four-score years, so that in the end when I have finished, I could go into His presence and receive the feeling that I then had in His presence, I would give everything that I am and ever hope to be!"

Melvin concluded: "I know—as I know that I live—that He lives. That is my testimony”

Elder Ballard went on to say that this experience infused in his grandfather the comfort, determination, and spiritual energy he needed to deal with the problems he was encountering on his mission. In fact, shortly after he received that manifestation, Melvin joined a fellow missionary, W. Leo Isgren, in visiting a well-to-do merchant in Helena, Montana. Some years later, Brother Isgren told Elder Ballard how he and Melvin had stood together in front of a life-sized portrait of Jesus Christ that was prominently displayed in the merchant's home. At length, Melvin turned to Brother Isgren.  "No, that isn't Him. The artist has made a fair representation of Him, but that isn't Him."

Brother Isgren continued, "I was filled so much with a sacred feeling that I could say nothing. After we left the home and were on our way to our next appointment, Melvin stopped me and said, 'Elder Isgren, I suppose you were somewhat startled at my words regarding the Savior of the world.' I told him that, yes, indeed, I had been—very much so. And then and there firsthand told me of his experience the previous evening."

While we may not all have experiences of that same magnitude or intensity, the essence of our ministry in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is to invite all people everywhere to "come unto Christ" so that He can work His miracle in their lives in whatever way He chooses. For some, that miracle will mean a significant change of life and lifestyle. For others it will simply mean new purpose and understanding in lives that are already rich with faith. But for all, it will mean peace and joy and happiness beyond measure as the Master touches hearts and souls with His love

Thank you for all you do.  We love you and pray for you  each day,

President & Sister Herrod