
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 their three youngest children-- Luke, Mark and Matthew, in discipleship ministry to youth and church leaders, agriculture and community development projects and medical advocacy outreach.
Jonathan will join the family team back in the Philippines in 2023. He is engaged to be married in June in the Philippines, to a young lady from the church we've served with over the past decade. Jon's role will be as a Discipleship and Evangelism Assistant for the Great Commission Bible Institute-Philippines.
In 2022 the Russell's 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-Philippine's inaugaral class is made up of 8 students, ranging in age from 18-48. Praise the Lord for this wonderful tool to futher the Gospel among the Ati and broader community in our region.