MY STORY
“Two words sum up my books – destiny and identity. Before destiny can be fulfilled, true identity must be established.”
- Reba Russell
MEET REBA
From an early age, I have been an advocate for justice and the brokenhearted. My personal story of childhood abuse has spurred deep compassion for the hurting. My passion for helping the defenseless, broken, and innocent has continued to grow.
However, it wasn't until my mid-30's that I realized "healing the brokenhearted and setting the captives free" was a calling in my life. Isaiah 61:1-3 is simply in my DNA. I sought godly advice and training to see this passage become a reality for me and those around me. In 2006 I became the Pastor and Executive Director of Total Freedom Ministries.
Since then, I have counseled and ministered to hundreds of individuals one-on-one, including pastors and leaders, as well as in corporate settings, addressing issues ranging from various forms of struggles to the severest levels of trauma, including the atrocities of child trafficking. My first mandate is to lead them to God’s Word and His presence, to encounter the reality of the Father's love, where His identity reveals ours. From this place flows freedom, where chains fall, hearts are made whole, and destiny and purpose find fulfillment.
Additionally, my heart became a recipient of God's redemptive power from past abuse. Through that journey of healing, not only did I experience a greater depth of freedom, but He unearthed a burning dream beneath the rubble of insecurities - to write - to intertwine both passions and expand territory.
I assumed my journey of writing would begin with adults. However, my original course changed due to my love to counsel and minister to children – simply stated, "They just get it!" My mother's heart is zealous for equipping a younger generation to walk in freedom to fulfill their destiny and establish His Kingdom on earth.
After writing my first book, "Courage the Hawk," I attended the West Texas Writers Academy. I received incredible teaching and advice from NY Times and USA best-selling authors. Two of them now graciously mentor and encourage me. During a private session with one of them, she looked over my little book and said, "Reba, this is ready to go! You're just not dreaming big enough; you need to write a series!" And so, "The Adventures of Kingdom Forest" was birthed!
Since launching the first two books, doors have opened to appear as a guest on several major morning shows, speak at public and private school assemblies, and be featured in Amarillo Living Magazine. Copies of the books have landed in orphanages and children's homes, and organizations rescuing children from child exploitation in Kenya, Uganda, Bulgaria, Sri Lanka, Canada, and the Philippines. Additionally, foster homes, counselors, and psychologists use these books as tools to help kids -and parents- in need of guidance and encouragement. Coming soon…my first novel!
His Kingdom Come!
Reba Russell
“Courage the Hawk is a creatively written and beautifully illustrated story that teaches children a profound truth in a simple, straightforward way-they are created by their Heavenly Father to soar. In a world where they encounter the lie that the have much to fear, that they aren’t loved, and aren’t worthy, kids need to hear that they are indeed cared for, loved, and protected by a Creator with plans for them that are bigger than they can imagine. Reba Russell’s imaginative storytelling and the colorful illustrations of Phillip Ortiz make this truth come to life in a way that will capture the attention of children (and children at heart). I plan on using this book in my ministry to ids who desperately need to know the Hope of a relationship with Jesus Christ.”
