A few years ago, a couple good friends admonished me to pursue higher studies. I am glad I heeded the trustworthy advice! The church-based program was perfect for our situation and I have grown as a pastor through it.

One of my closest friends convinced me to follow him to China after our graduation from the University of Nebraska, where I continued growing rapidly. There I met Pastor Mark Hatfield at Beijing Baptist Church, who introduced me to Reformed Baptist Seminary.

My name is Alex Russell. I’ve been living in Calgary, Alberta Canada ever since my wife Erika and I were hitched in 2015.

Yes, I started late. After hearing a whisper of a call in my teens, I somehow ignored it and became a firefighter. After a 25 year career, I retired and stayed close to the profession by moving into emergency management, where I have been working in higher education now for over 10 years.

Raised in a small country church, I had heard the truths of the gospel, and knew many of the "stories" in the Bible, but not always in an organized manner.

Through RBS, I have been able to stay serving my local church and continue gaining valuable hands-on experience while pursuing my seminary education. I am so thankful for the Christ-centered, Bible-focused education that have been able to receive here at RBS! I would like to thank the professors and staff at RBS who work so hard to provide that education!