Cameron Reel
Cameron Reel
After more than 25 years of ABC leadership, Russ Jenson is retiring. For the past 18 years, Jenson has served in the Georgia-Cumberland Conference, most recently as ABC manager, overseeing the Collegedale, Tenn., and Decatur, Ga., locations as well as the bookmobile. In addition to serving in ABC’s, Jenson has served ADRA in the Franco-Haitian Union Mission and as a pastor.
“We are especially grateful for the many contributions that the ministry team of Russ and Crystal Jenson have made to the Georgia-Cumberland Conference,” says Kurt Allen, Georgia-Cumberland vice president for finance.
Growing up in a missionary family, ministry has always been important to Jenson. His time serving with ADRA also helped him learn and appreciate the business side of ministry, he said.
But, what brings Jenson the greatest joy is connecting with people, from those who come in stricken with grief from losing a family member, to people visiting Collegedale for any myriad of reasons, or those looking for something to grow their spiritual life.
Jenson recalls a time when a gentleman came into the store looking for books on prophecy. As Jenson talked with the man, he discovered the man had recently learned about the Sabbath and started visiting the Collegedale Church. Jenson was able to connect this man to a member of the church who led him through a full set of Bible studies.
Over the years, Jenson has also repeatedly seen the ABC serve as a bridge between people who grew up in Adventist homes or had other Adventist connections, but did not attend church. “You invariably meet people either here at the ABC in Collegedale or out on the bookmobile, who do not darken the door of an Adventist church. But, they have an Adventist background and they’re still coming to buy their Big Franks. We have a unique place to minister,” exclaims Jensen.
While Jenson looks forward to having more time to conduct Bible studies along with his wife, Crystal, as well as visiting his daughter in Germany and brother in Brazil, the ministry of the Georgia-Cumberland Conference ABC will continue. David Haluska has accepted the invitation to become the new manager, transitioning from this same role in the British Columbia Conference.
“David has a wealth of knowledge and experience in both publishing and ABC ministries,” said Allen. “He firmly believes in the sacred messages that are shared in our books.”
Georgia-Cumberland | March 2024
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