Episode Description
After he spent a decade in prison as an addict, drug dealer and gang member, this man went on to own a few businesses, but now is answering God's call to go into full-time ministry.
(3:01) Blake Russell is the guest this week on the "Run The Race" podcast, which you should definitely subscribe to! He talks about that transition from steady work in the secular world to the unknown of doing what God wants and where He wants, giving scriptures about why. At nearly 40 years old, he's waiting on God to instruct him. Blake opens up about swallowing pride of not having to be the breadwinner, seeing has job now as "Hear from God on behalf of my family."
Blake almost had the chance (14:29) to play Major League Baseball, but drugs steered him off the path, which started as peer pressure at age 13, the drug abuse only growing then landing in jail and prison.
(23:52) What changed for this drug dealer - who was too thin and a shame to his family and full of gang tattoos? New rules at a stricter prison, and tears while watching a movie about Jesus, helped give him what he was looking for: Hope. What gave him faith and what did he ask God? How was that transformation different behind bars vs. the outside world?
(32:52) We talk about who Jesus is, an outside who hung out with different people, showing everybody belongs. Blake's past also opens doors to share the Gospel with inmates, criminals. people on the street, (40:00) Fitness is also part of our testimony, he says so God can use us a long time, and so we're around for our family; gotta be fit for street ministry too. This former personal trainer preaches strength training with weights, but leans more towards cardio and running now.
(46:52) He and his wife Krista also do ministry together, in person and on social media and YouTube videos. Their love story started as HS sweethearts, then a 13 year gap (he was in prison much of that). then the Lord brought them back together. And God restores! Blake calls it the goodness of God, who built back all that Blake had torn down. (55:35) My "Parting Gift" is a Bible verse about remembering God's faithfulness, then Krista Klumpp Russell has our closing Prayer.
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