Pastor/ Founder
Word of Grace New Covenant Ministries
Pastor Russell Alston was born in Newark, NJ to Russell Allen and the late Mary Alston. He attended Newark Public Schools up until grade seven. He then began to experiment with drugs and alcohol and started hustling in the streets of Newark.
At a young age he became an entrepreneur of several businesses in North Newark, at that time he did not believe that alcohol and drugs was a problem for him. He became very successful.
Pastor Russell is proud to be husband to Charlene and father of 4 lovely children. His son, the late Rashaun McGill, the three daughters, Malikah (Solomon) McRae, Malissa and Janelle Solomon. Needless to say, the alcohol and drugs became problematic for him, and in 1985 he landed in prison as an atheist. He prayed, “if you are the God that I have heard about, I need you to do something for me right now to prove yourself to me.” He said: God came into his life and gave him peace of mind in that prison and he believed that everything was going to be alright. He began to read the Word and got saved. He has been saved and living for God ever since.
Catholic priests, Frank and Joan Testa were his first teachers after being released from prison. He was ordained and licensed as a minister from Glory Tabernacle under the leadership of the late Pastor Arvin J. Hall, Sr. (June 2002). Additionally, he has received numerous certificates of completion for religious studies and received awards since beginning his Christian journey. Some of his accomplishments include: The New Ark Personal Studies for New Christians Units 1-3 and Alpha + Omega Christian Ministries Studies (June 1992), Therapeutic Alternatives (1) Behavior management, (2) Practical Skills for use in areas of communication, (3) Depression/ Suicide prevention (July, 1997), Neighborhood Crusade, Inc. (Mel Floyd School of Evangelism and Missions (Oct 2003), Award of Excellence from Rev. Isaac De’Shields in recognition for exhibiting outstanding service in spreading the Good News and helping others (presented by: Philadelphia’s Mayor Wilson Goode, (April 2009) and a Certificate of Appreciation in helping others from the Salvation Army (Dec 2001).
Pastor Russell Alston, better known as Bro. Russell was called to start a new ministry after many hours of prayer. The Lord directed him to start Word of Grace New Covenant Ministries. The Church making a difference! He is not afraid to speak about his past life experiences. His message of the New Covenant “Grace of God” builds and encourages people through the Word of God. Shortly after starting the church, he was led by the spirit to partner with Salvation Army to form a weekly outpatient support group called, Salvation’s Grace for people with addictions. Teachers like Dr. Cornel Brunson (founder of Crossing Jordan Counseling Services in Vineland, NJ), Dr. Edwina Bell (author and talk show host in Wilmington, De.), Dr. Hal Best (Pastor and Professor of Theology in Chester, Pa.), and other well-known individuals participate as weekly speakers. These professionals aka former addicts come to Salvation’s Grace to share with those suffering with addictions tell their stories of how they have histories similar to the attendees. The speakers are able to meet the attendees where they are and encourage them in believing that there is hope for them too.
The average attendance for this weekly support group is 40 to 70 individuals weekly. In partnership with Salvation Army, the program also has available 119 facilities around the US that provide in-patient beds for those who have need of them. Pastor Russell personally transports clients throughout cities in the Delaware Valley Region. He like to give God thanks for allowing Target and United Way to be the first businesses to contribute financial support to Salvation’s Grace and he believe that more will follow for the much needed program. In the past 2 years, we have afforded over 40 individuals in-patient rehabilitation services. Salvation’s Grace sponsors an annual victory celebration for those who have come out of addiction which inspires those still suffering with addiction. This celebration usually caters to 200-500 attendees each year. This year Bridgeton’s Mayor Albert Kelly served attendees chicken, hot dogs and hamburgers.
Pastor Russell want to share that he is grateful to have learned as a young minister in church that importance of ministry is not having a beautiful building, it is not having beautiful walls inside, it is not having a great name attached to your church, but it is making a difference in somebody’s life.
Copyright © 2020 Word Of Grace New Covenant Ministries - All Rights Reserved.
Powered by GoDaddy Website Builder