Michael Ballard

Obituary - Michael T. Ballard
April 20, 1969 - May 17, 2018

Michael Thomas Ballard, 49, of Odessa, Texas, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 17, 2018, in his home attended by his family.
Cancer took his body prematurely, but his faith gives him life eternally. Memorial services will be held at 1 pm on Friday, May 25, at Stonegate Fellowship Church of Midland, Texas.
Senior Pastor Patrick Payton will officiate.
Michael was born in Balboa, California, to Elizabeth and Thomas Ballard on April 20, 1969. He grew up in Andrews, Texas, and graduated from Andrews High.
He earned his Bachelor's degree from Howard Payne University. After becoming a man of deep Christian faith, he served on staff and was ordained at First Baptist Church of Stanton.
Michael fell in love and married Jelene Norman on June 8, 1996, at Temple Baptist Church in Odessa. He then served many years as a pharmacy tech at Medical Center Hospital
and Albertsons. Michael, in answer to a divine call, earned his Master's degree in psychology from UTPB and became a licensed professional counselor.
Driven by a holistic vision of client care that incorporated the mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual approach, Michael was a co-founder of Agape Counseling Services of West Texas
and became its first executive director. He pushed for the name Agape (ah-gah'-pay) because it is a Greek word meaning unconditional or Godly love.
He had a "Kingdom" view of the Church that transcended denominational boundaries. While he loved his congregation, he had deep and lasting relationships with believers
across the church spectrum. He served as both vice-president and president of the Midland Ministerial Alliance.
Michael was a big man with an even bigger heart. It has been said that while Michael may not know how many best friends he thinks he has,
there are tons of people that consider him their best friend. He arranged "Man Trips" for guys to just get away for a weekend of bible study and recreation.
He led small groups for men seeking a more holy life. He was gifted in connecting with people and helping them connect with God's healing and reconciling grace.
Many will say his legacy is Agape Counseling and its on-going ministry. Actually, his legacy will be the many changed lives he touched that will live on to change other lives.
When asked how he wanted to be remembered, he simply said, "A loving husband."
Michael is survived by his wife, Jelene; his brothers, Kenneth Ballard, Andy Goin, and Jason Goin; and his parents, Thomas and Evangeline Ballard.
For memorials the family requests the Tribute Fund at Agape Counseling, 3500 N. A Street, Ste 2400, Midland, TX, 79705.

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