Since 2018
Rusty and Kristin Russell first answered God's call to the Philippines in 2012. It was during this first term, with 9 of their 10 children working together in ministry, that God gave them a heart for the Ati people, a discriminated-against indigenous tribe living on Panay Island.
The Russells joined the New International family in 2018 to return to the work God has called them to among the Ati people for a third term. Today, they serve with three of their children-- Jonathan and his wife Nica, Mark, and Matthew, in discipleship ministry to youth and church leaders, agriculture and community development projects, and medical advocacy outreach. Recently their son Levi returned on a short term project to help the team build a greenhouse for hydroponic lettuce production.
In 2022 the Russells launched the Great Commission Bible Institute-Philippines, a one-year intensive Bible school founded by Dr. Randall D. Smith. Joining the two other branches of the Great Commission Bible Institute, the original school in Florida, and one in Toronto, GCBI-PH is a wonderful tool to further the Gospel among the Ati and the non-indigenous local community. Rusty serves as the Academic Director, Jonathan is the Discipleship and Evangelism Assistant and Kristin serves as Director of Public Relations. The goal of GCBI-PH is to make disciples, who make disciples.
Additionally, Kristin hosts a one-hour weekly radio program for women on a local radio station, which is livestreamed across the world.
Whether demonstrating farming techniques, aiding those in need of medical care not available locally, teaching, building relationships, or hosting people in their home; the Russell family seeks to love people in the name of Jesus and proclaim His Gospel!
