Kelli is the Founder and President of Grace Matters Ministries.
Kelli coordinates, mentors, and advocates for the clients who are a part of the Grace Matters' program. The focus for Grace Matters and Kelli is in large part on trauma, loss, and poor family foundations. When we consider poor family foundations, often, the larger Church community is challenged in connecting with those who have not been long-term believers, or who are brand new believers needing loving, nurturing, safe community. When trauma has drastically impacted the foundation of worthiness and an ability to understand how to engage in loving relationships, the length of time to build passport with such individuals can take months, often years. Through biblical counseling, discipleship-soul care, and safe connections in the community these foundations are made possible.
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Introduction to biblical counseling for Kelli came by way of a skilled and compassionate Biblical Counselor. Through the healing journey of facing the trauma and abuse impact Kelli endured and as a child and in her first marriage, her insight and compassion for those coming out of such systems has become zealous. She has been engaged intentionally in this type of ministry since 2012. Bringing the truth of what God’s word says in the face of tragedy, nurturing the hope that our Father promises, is the cornerstone of the help Kelli aims to bring into every relationship.
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Kelli holds a bachelor of arts degree in Biblical Studies through Calvary Chapel University, Majoring in Biblical Counseling. Kelli is a Certified Conflict Coach with the Ambassadors of Reconciliation, working toward her certification in Christian mediation. The ability to help navigate fellow believers who are in the face of conflict in a Christ-like and Biblical manner is an area all believers are responsible for doing well. Kelli believes whole heartedly that conflict is an opportunity for growing and nurturing the body of Christ and the individuals involved.
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On a personal note, Kelli has been married to a generous and supportive husband, Robert, for 23 years. They reside in Vancouver, Washington. They are parents in a blended family where much endurance and blessing has been known. They are the proud parents of seven adult children and five precious grandsons. In her downtime, you might find Kelli connecting with God in all things natural and beautiful in her hummingbird or dahlia gardens, or grabbing a game of pickleball with her husband.
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The heart and joy of Grace Matters for Kelli is seeing those she walks alongside freed from the lies and bondage that others either societally or personally have led them to believe about themselves. It brings her great contentment when a person can receive – wholly -- the design that God has given them, and then have the courage and boldness to live into it.
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Soli Deo Gloria
Kelli Russell | Rob Goff | Crystal Smith | Hope Wirta | Cassie Wence | Hannah Gilchrist
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