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.