Lisa had graduated from Trinity Life Bible College a few years prior and was working for the college. They started a good friendship which quickly developed into a romance. (*They met in Sept. 1993, Russ purposed by Oct. 1993, and the two were married July 1994.) They have three children in which two still live at home. Who is Lisa? Lisa was born in a Christian family and raised in a Christian hom
e. Her father had served in the US Navy, had been a youth pastor, and a meat cutter for 20+ years. Lisa's mom had bee in administrative positions and youth ministry as well. Lisa's mom also worked at the bible college that Russ & Lisa met at. Lisa attended Kings Christian School and graduated at the age of 16. She then attended Trinity Life Bible College were she received her Ministerial Arts Degree. (*She later obtained her Bachelors degree in the same field.) After graduating she briefly studied drafting until she met Russ. After the two were married Lisa had a number of support jobs and property management. After Shawn was born she felt called to serve in the community. At first, Lisa tried law enforcement, but her real calling was that of a paramedic. Lisa practiced paramedicine for several years, but recently changed careers and now works for Snohomish County. Who is Russ? Russ was not born into a Christian family or home. Russ' father was a Marine who after completed service became a long distance truck driver. Russ' mom was a stay-at-home mom and unfortunately fell pray to alcoholism. Early life for Russ had much adversity. After his parent separated several times they eventually divorced when Russ was 8. Russ and his mother moved into a low rent high crime area. Russ' mom worked diligently to provide and eventually succeeded in landing a great job for a local school district before Russ graduated high school. Russ had several girlfriends and a very scary lifestyle. It was filled with violence and uncertainty all the time. Russ' father and step mother attended a Billy Graham Crusade in 1982 and gave their life to Christ. About 1987 they started praying and believing that Russ would come to the Lord. Indeed, that summer Russ was introduced to Jesus through an evangelistic outreach called the Power Team. Although he gave his life to Christ that night, it wouldn't be for several more years that he would commit to a life in Christ. There is much more, but you will have to come and meet them for the rest. Since 2002 Russ and Lisa have been a part of and have started several small groups. Everything from Young Marrieds to Open Adult Small Groups.
