A dozen well-known LDS personalities from the arts, business, education, government, industry and sports will take part in the next missionary satellite fireside, testifying about the power of the Lord Jesus Christ and His gospel in their lives.

These members will be interviewed by Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve and will speak of their love for the Church and how gospel principles have helped them in their lives.The fireside will be telecast over the Church's satellite system at 4, 6 and 8 p.m. (MST) on Sunday, Feb. 25. Leaders in stakes, who may organize local open house events, have the option of recording the telecast and showing it at a later time. The program will not be broadcast over KBYU-TV.

Those who will be interviewed are: Ariel Bybee of the New York Metropolitan Opera; Stephen Covey, author, founder and chairman of Covey Leadership Center; Sharlene Wells Hawkes, former Miss America and sports commentator on ESPN; Jon M. Huntsman, chairman of Huntsman Chemical Corp.; J. Willard Marriott Jr., chairman and president of Marriott International Inc.; Dale Murphy, retired professional baseball player; the Osmond Brothers - Jay, Merrill, Wayne and Alan Osmond, entertainers; Catherine M. Stokes, a health care administrator in the Illinois Department of Public Health; and Steve Young, professional football player.

"Every one of these people was most willing to participate and most pleased to be asked to bear testimony," said Elder Ballard.

"This will be a wonderful fireside to bring friends and relatives, where they will have an opportunity to see and hear from these outstanding members who love the Lord and His Church."

Elder Ballard said the telecast will focus on Heavenly Father's great plan of happiness, a plan that establishes values and principles, that makes families happier and gives them direction. The telecast will also highlight the Book of Mormon, which gives added light and knowledge to His children who read and study it.

The telecast will explain that the Savior is head of the Church and that members of the Church worship Heavenly Father through the Savior.

"Families have an objective and direction that is far greater because of the Restoration of the gospel," Elder Ballard said. "The basic purpose of this fireside is to establish the fact that the Church has strong, vibrant, wonderful people who are leaders in their professions, and they attribute much of their success to their love of the Savior and what the gospel has taught them."

Elder L. Aldin Porter of Presidency of the Seventy, executive director of the Missionary Department, said: "This open house will provide an excellent opportunity for members to invite their friends to listen to the testimonies and experiences of well-known LDS individuals. We are most grateful that these faithful members, often in the spotlight, would take the time to visit with Elder Ballard and share their feelings about the Savior.

"This fireside will be unique in that these individuals will be discussing how living the gospel has provided strength and direction in their lives. They will share their love for the Book of Mormon and how they have found strength through its pages.

"We invite all members to join us for this broadcast and encourage them to invite their friends to attend with them."

Sherman M. Crump, managing director of the Missionary Department, explained that satellite missionary firesides of the past have brought a wonderful response among less-active members and friends who have attended. Many people have been taught the gospel and baptized as a result.

"I believe that all members as well as those not of our faith will benefit from hearing these testimonies and the interaction as Elder Ballard draws from them their true and deep feelings about Christ and the family and the Book of Mormon."