Russell became the Pastor of a small rural church in 2008. This path had never been part of his game plan. Indeed, he finds it hilarious that his congregation still puts up with him. His upbringing taught him self-reliance and disdain for both God and those who believe in Him. That is, until God touched his heart and saved his life 1,000 feet up a vertical rock wall in the middle of a Norwegian night.

Today, he pastors the little church God has entrusted to him and is also Acquisitions Editor for Our Daily Bread Ministries in the UK. He has written a number of articles for ODB and his autobiography, Over The Top, describing how he became a Christian, is published by Discovery House.

Russell is married to Debbi who is from Colorado in the US, and they have two teenage daughters, Sophia and Hannah. They live in the Lake District of northern England where Russell pursues his interests in climbing, hunting, and open-water swimming. Most of his daily exploits can be followed on his blog. Watch a video about Russell here.