Jason Russell

God enabled me to serve in New Guinea for 25 years. My faith journey began at age six, but true conversion came at 14 during a youth camp in Arizona. A powerful message on hell brought conviction, and I received Christ as my savior. My life changed; I felt a call to preach at 16. March 25th, 1992, marked that pivotal moment, fueled by Second Samuel 22:30 – my confidence shifted from self to God.

In 1994, a missionary's message on doubt and disappointment in God's work resonated deeply. I'd never considered visiting a mission field. My first trip to New Guinea in June 1994 was transformative. The swamps were challenging, and I'm not an adventurer, but witnessing the spiritual needs of the people was profound. Seeing smoke rising from the jungle on a flight back to the US broke my heart; I surrendered to serve in New Guinea.

Back in the States, I enrolled in Bible school, served in the bus ministry, and contracted malaria. A second bout of malaria in March 1995, coupled with 1 Thessalonians 5:24 ("Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it"), solidified my calling. God's enabled amazing things: drilling for water, building churches. People often ask about my qualifications; I tell them my Bible school training. God's call empowers the work; if He calls, He enables.