In Memoriam: Dr. Russel A. Jones
A life well-lived for Jesus Christ

This evening, June 27, 2008, Dr. Russel A. Jones stepped into glory and met His Lord face-to-face.  Indeed, Russ has heard, "Well done, good and faithful servant."

Russ Jones accepted the Lord at a Billy Graham Crusade and never looked back – his call was fixed.  He married his beloved Joann, and pursued an education knowing it was a means to an end – ministry.  Together they had a wonderful family and ministry.

Russ was a man of character and principles – along with humanness and quick wit.  He purposed to “raise up” and equip a multitude of believers "to be stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord." He was not satisfied just tending his flock. He took the time to make many small groups… teaching and “growing up” strong leaders and shepherds. More shepherds – more flocks!

One of his favorite sayings was, “Everyone has one great power – the power of influence!” “One way or the other, everyone has influence.” His call was to be mature and use that God-given power wisely!

If you are reading this message… you have been impacted by this man’s ministry! God has mightily used three people in my spiritual life and Russ Jones is at the top of the list. I would like to share my small story, which is one of thousands, I’m sure.

Early in my renewed Christian walk I was desperate to know more about the Scriptures and God. At that exact point, Dr. Jones became our pastor for the next four years. He brought with him exciting tools for bible study and application; exegesis and word studies. Learning those fundamentals allowed me to finally feed myself. (That was his goal for everyone!)

Teaching & Tours:

In 1978 and 1979 Russ led two short Holy Land tours. After many years of my prodding, Russ asked me to co-host a tour to Israel in 1994. We decided it would be a “scholar tour,” not the usual “touristy” tour.

That ten-day tour set a new path before me. I noticed that most of the people were “glazing over” with so much new information. As Russ and I walked and talked going down the Mount of Olives I said, “There HAS to be a way to prepare the people before coming on these splendid scholar tours!” He turned and said, “YOU do it… you HAVE to do it!” After making fun of his statement… and by the time I reached the Garden of Gethsemane, I knew the Lord had called me to do just that! In 1996 I took my first solo host tour. Teaching materials followed, more tours, and Discover The Bible Lands! was born. In my everyday ministry to others his impact can be felt too.

Multiply this life-impact over and over by thousands… you have a clear picture of what ONE person, in obedience, can do for the Lord. (Let’s not forget that he had an amazing, God-given helpmate too!)

Russ walked in obedience and faith and always “pressed forward” to the “high calling of Jesus Christ.” His eyes were so fixed on the Lord, that I’m sure he had no idea the vast numbers behind him… following the very large footsteps to the Savior.

I am grateful beyond words that God brought Russ and Joann into our lives (my family)!  He was a pastor, teacher, mentor… and always a faithful friend. I know I would not be the person I am without that single influence.  He used his power wisely!

Russ quoted these verses often (NAS)
Proverbs 3: 5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart -- and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight.

II Cor. 5:6-8 Therefore, being always of good courage, and knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord -- for we walk by faith, not by sight--we are of good courage, I say, and prefer rather to be absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord.

Thank you, Lord!
Kay Money