Reaching another milestone causes me to reflect on the awesome work of God in my lifetime.  Without getting stuck there, I must carefully make plans for more productive years ahead.

   May I boast a little?  I was born September 19, 1939.  My parents named me Gloria,

without knowing Gloria means, “glory to God Most High”.  We lived on King Street,

in Houston at that time.  Soon we moved back home to East Texas.

   I was 9, when my parents divorced and that summer I received Christ as my Savior.

   After a move to Galveston, in 1952, I met the love of my life, Clifford Russell.  He joined the Navy and we were married in 1958.  With our four children we retired from the military in 1976, returning home to East Texas.  In 1977, God called me into full-time children’s ministry, along with the opportunity to share the Gospel with many children. 

   In recent years I’ve become aware of my age and birth date coinciding with the Hebraic calendar.  This September begins the year 5770, as I turn 70 on 9/19/09.

   Today I am a wife, mother of four, grandmother of 10, great-grandmother of 5 and founder/director of Gloria Russell Children’s Ministry.  (You can read more in my book, Surrounded.)  Future plans include the building of Victory Camp & Training Center, for the continuing ministry to children and teen missionaries.  God has provided 33 acres in Colmesneil.  This land is in the shape of a crown.

   I see the supernatural hand of God in all these things.  You and I have also been brought together by a God who has a plan.  Whether you are partnering to pray regularly, give financially or teach the Word for the fulfillment of God’s plan—God did it!  Seek Him today for your part as we move forward to build a permanent headquarters for this ministry.  These are exciting days to serve our Heavenly Father and be part of a lasting legacy of believers who believe every child deserves a chance to hear the good news.

                                                                       Gloria