Elder Ballard honored by Catholic Community Services
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Religious and community leaders honored Elder M. Russell Ballard on Nov. 17, calling the apostle a "bridge builder" with a proven knack for bringing diverse communities together in unified efforts to help people in need.
The Catholic Community Services of Utah presented Elder Ballard with its Humanitarian Award, citing his renown "to work with the Catholic Church to ensure that the least among us are cared for."
Hundreds of people gathered at the Little America Hotel Ballroom in Salt Lake City for the annual Catholic Community Services humanitarian awards dinner. Besides Elder Ballard and his wife, Sister Barbara Ballard, several Mormon Church leaders attended the event, including President Thomas S. Monson. Elder Richard G. Scott and Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve also attended, along with Elder Cecil O. Samuelson of the Seventy, Bishop H. David Burton of the Presiding Bishopric and Relief Society General President Julie B. Beck.
Prior to accepting the award, Elder Ballard's humanitarian efforts were lauded in a DVD presentation by several close friends, including President Monson and The Most Reverend John C. Wester, bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Salt Lake City.
"I have known Elder M. Russell Ballard, whom I call Russ, since I was a young advertising executive at the Deseret News," said President Monson, "One of Russ's outstanding traits is that he will always try to lift and encourage others."
The Church president added that Elder Ballard remains a key contributor to his community.
"He's not a bystander — if something needs to be accomplished he can usually be found at the center of the activity. His work as a member of the Alliance For Unity in our area has yielded greater unity, the very purpose for which it was established."
Bishop Wester spoke of Elder Ballard's "huge heart," compassion and concern for those who are in need.
"We have a wonderful working relationship," he said. "We are able to assist him whenever possible, and I would say we truly are friends. It is an honor for me to call [Elder Ballard] a friend, and I congratulate him on winning this important award."
Bishop Burton said Elder Ballard would be especially grateful to be recognized by an agency such as Catholic Community Services. "I know he has a soft spot in his heart for what they do and, particularly, how they do it."
Sister Beck called Elder Ballard a humanitarian at heart. "I think it's in his soul," she said.
The Very Reverend Monsignor J. Terrence Fitzgerald has worked with Elder Ballard on numerous occasions. The two men enjoy a close relationship. Monsignor Fitzgerald spoke of his friend's gift of bringing folks from different camps under the same tent to serve the common good. "He builds bridges in trying to bring about unity amidst the diversity of our community."
Utah homeless advocate Pamela J. Atkinson marveled at Elder Ballard's capacity to consider the plight of others.
"What makes him such a great humanitarian is that he asks questions," she said. "He always wants to know, do I have enough resources? Is there anything else the LDS Church can do?"
Elder Ballard was humbled by the award and the many kind words spoken on his behalf.
"I'm wondering if I can get a copy of those remarks for my next general conference address," he said, smiling.
After accepting the honor, Elder Ballard spoke of one of his first experiences working with the Catholic Church while traveling to drought-stricken Ethiopia with Elder Glenn L. Pace of the Seventy in 1984.
"Our first visit was with the Catholic Services that were there," he said. "Ever since that time in 1984, I've had wonderful experiences of being close to the Catholic Church."
Elder Ballard expressed his esteem for Bishop Wester and his predecessors at the Salt Lake City diocese. "We are trying to help maintain the values and the good principles that both of our churches, and I think most people of faith, stand for."
He also spoke of President Monson's unifying leadership.
"I hope that I can continue to try to walk in the footsteps of President Thomas S. Monson. He has built this bridge between The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the Catholic Church for many, many years. He's a great example for me and I think for all of us here tonight."
Elder Ballard concluded by saying he looks forward to many more years of working together with the Catholic Church. "We all try to follow Jesus Christ and do the things He would have us do."
Several other individuals and organizations were honored at the event, including Wells Fargo — Corporate Partner Award; United Way of Northern Utah — Community Partner Award; the Bashire Family — Unsung Heroes Award; Monsignor Terrence Moore — Humanitarian of the Year Award; and Andrew Slazak — Employee of the Year Award.
