On July 22, 1997, a pioneer trek reenactment honoring early members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints reached This Is the Place Heritage Park. President M. Russell Ballard, now Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, was there watching as hand carts and wagons entered the valley 150 years after the first pioneers arrived. At the time, President Ballard was serving as chairman of the Church's Sesquicentennial Committee. He emphasized that the sesquicentennial was about more than wagon trains; it was an opportunity to tell the world the story of the restoration. That opportunity continues 25 years later, as the Church marks the 175th anniversary of the pioneers entering the valley. It was a journey then that required “faith in every footstep,” just as living the gospel requires “faith in every footstep” now. President Ballard joins this episode of the Church News podcast to talk about pioneering today. He is joined by guest host Sister Sheri Dew, executive vice president of Deseret Management Corp. and a former member of the Relief Society general presidency. 

The Church News Podcast is a weekly podcast that invites listeners to make a journey of connection with members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints across the globe. Host Sarah Jane Weaver, reporter and editor for The Church News for a quarter-century, shares a unique view of the stories, events, and most important people who form this international faith. With each episode, listeners are asked to embark on a journey to learn from one another and ponder, “What do I know now?” because of the experience. Produced by KellieAnn Halvorsen.