About the Author Gary K. Ballard grew up in an oil refinery town of Wood River, Illinois. After graduating from college he taught Jr. & Sr. High School Mathematics in Illinois for over 20 years. He also pastored in Illinois for 19 years. Gary accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior July 19, 1971. He will be married to his wife Judy for 50 years on August 17, 2013. They have been blessed with four children; Gregory, Rodney, Ryan and Shelly. Gary enjoys sharing his faith in Jesus Christ and going on mission trips to help those in need.