Menu

Video: How a mission prepared President Ballard for life

President Ballard shares how serving as a young missionary in England and sharing the gospel helped solidify his testimony

As a young missionary, President M. Russell Ballard came to receive a sure witness of the reality of Jesus Christ and of His Church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Now Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, President Ballard returned to England with fellow Apostles, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland and Elder Quentin L. Cook, who were also missionaries in England. He stood in Nottingham Square and recalled his service as Nottingham District president, of street meetings in the marketplace and the hecklers who interrupted them.

“I was 18, 19 when I arrived here, and I thought I knew the gospel,” he said. “But I didn’t.”

In this Church News video, titled “My Preparation,” President Ballard shares his memories of missionary work and the testimony he gained.  

“I think in the process of sharing the gospel message here in this market place is where my own personal testimony started to become solidified in my heart and in my mind,” he said.

Related Stories
How 3 Apostles received a sure witness of the gospel of Jesus Christ during missionary service in England
Returning to their ‘spiritual home,’ 3 senior Apostles reflect on lives ‘anchored in the British Isles’ as full-time missionaries
Episode 56: President Ballard, Elder Holland and Elder Cook reflect on how they first came to know the Savior
Newsletters
Subscribe for free and get daily or weekly updates straight to your inbox
The three things you need to know everyday
Highlights from the last week to keep you informed