Tim Ballard

Tim Ballard is an American author, speaker, and former missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). He is best known for his work in the field of child protection, particularly through his role as the founder of Operation Rescue, an organization focused on combating human trafficking and child sexual exploitation. Ballard has also been a vocal advocate for policy changes related to child safety and has testified before the U.S. Congress on these issues.

Early Life and Career

Tim Ballard was born in 1967 in Salt Lake City, Utah. He joined the LDS Church as a young man and served as a missionary in Brazil during the 1990s. After returning to the United States, he worked in various roles within the LDS Church, including as a bishop and a regional representative. In 2001, he became the director of the LDS Church’s Human Trafficking and Child Sexual Exploitation Task Force, a position he held until 2012.

Operation Rescue and Advocacy Work

In 2012, Tim Ballard founded Operation Rescue, a nonprofit organization dedicated to rescuing children from human trafficking and sexual exploitation. The organization operates globally and has been involved in numerous high-profile cases, including the rescue of children from brothels and the recovery of victims in conflict zones. Operation Rescue has also partnered with law enforcement agencies and international organizations to develop strategies for preventing human trafficking.

Ballard has frequently appeared on television and radio programs to raise awareness about human trafficking and child exploitation. He has also authored several books, including *The Rescue* (2014) and *The War on Children* (2018), which detail his experiences and advocacy efforts.

Controversies and Criticisms

Ballard’s work has not been without controversy. Critics have raised concerns about the methods used by Operation Rescue, including the use of undercover operations and the potential for entrapment. Some legal experts have questioned the ethical implications of certain tactics employed by the organization. Additionally, Ballard has faced scrutiny over his claims regarding the number of children rescued by Operation Rescue, with some estimates suggesting that the organization may have overestimated its impact.

Despite these criticisms, Ballard continues to advocate for stronger laws and policies to combat human trafficking. He has testified before the U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary and has been a frequent guest on political talk shows, where he discusses his views on child protection and law enforcement.

Personal Life

Tim Ballard is married to Lisa Ballard, and the couple has three children. He is a member of the LDS Church and has spoken publicly about his faith, though he has also expressed criticism of certain aspects of the Church’s policies, particularly regarding its stance on human trafficking.

References

- [Operation Rescue official website](https://operationrescue.org) - [Ballard’s book, *The Rescue*](https://www.amazon.com/The-Rescue-Tim-Ballard/dp/162157052X) - [U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary testimony by Tim Ballard](https://www.senate.gov) - [The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: Human Trafficking Task Force](https://www.lds.org)

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