Cody Russell is a fourth-year student and the chapel co-ordinator at Booth University College in Winnipeg.

What is your family like? 

I grew up in a loving, Christian family in Fredericton with my parents, Bill and Marlene Russell, and older brother, Justin. One of my favourite childhood memories is spending Christmas together. As a Salvation Army family, Christmastime was busy, but we loved everything about the season. Whether it was volunteering at a Christmas kettle, playing in a band as a family at seniors’ homes, helping with food hamper distribution, or simply eating all my mother’s delicious cookies, there was never a dull moment in the Russell home over the holidays.

My father was a jack of all trades who taught me many things that have made a significant impact on my life over the years, and who demonstrated Christlike love. My mother was my spiritual mentor and someone to whom I could say anything. She loved me unconditionally, as she did everyone around her. Although she passed away in 2022, her spirit lives on through everything she taught Justin and me. Justin inspires me because he faithfully answered God’s call to be a Salvation Army officer and was commissioned in 2023.

To understand who I am, you need to understand that faith is the foundation of our family—we strive to serve God in and through our lives. 

When did God’s love become real to you?

The Salvation Army has always been part of my life, but I was the typical church kid, forced to attend every Sunday because my mother dragged me along. I didn’t really understand who God was or what a relationship with him meant. It wasn’t until I began working at Scotian Glen Camp in Thorburn, N.S., that I first experienced the love of God. I could see how he was transforming the lives of the kids who came to summer camp, and when I first helped lead a child to Christ, I experienced God’s love in a way I never had before. In that moment, I finally knew who God was. Now I live for him and seek to serve him in everything I do. Through that experience at camp, God has opened my eyes to his goodness and faithfulness, and I believe he’s placed a calling on my life to serve him in ministry as a Salvation Army officer. 

In what ways have you experienced suffering? How has God shown up in your life? 

When my mother passed away in 2022, it devastated my family and left a hole in my heart that I did not know how to fill. Nevertheless, despite the sorrow I felt through this challenging time, God has constantly reminded me that he is the same God in the good times and the bad times. My mother had one of the strongest faiths I have ever seen and lived as a faithful servant of Christ. My mother’s love and servant’s heart have been passed on to her children, and we will continue to live out her Christlike example in our lives the way she lived it out in hers.

Tell us about your new responsibility at Booth University College. What are you excited about?

As the chapel co-ordinator at Booth University College, I’m looking forward to leading our staff and students in worshipping God. I love to glorify God through music and pray he will use me to share his love with those who attend our services. I am excited to have the blessing of worshipping God and serving others through music.

What inspires you or brings you joy? 

One of my favourite hobbies is to explore God’s beautiful creation. I love to go for long hikes and spend time in nature. It is incredible to see the beautiful world that God created, and not only does spending time in his creation bring me joy, but it also brings me close to him. I feel his presence when I explore his creation, and I love the adventures he takes me on. 

Photo: Lt-Col Brian Armstrong

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