“My name is Pastor Russ Atter, and I am currently seeking assistance for my continued education through Christian Leadership Institute.
“I currently live in the United States and am involved in a couple different types of ministry. My wife and I operate a non-profit Christian Coffee Shop/Ministry. We are so grateful that we can openly share the gospel with those in need. We primarily serve individuals who may have issues with substance abuse, past incarceration, past abuse, homelessness, poverty, etc. Though we are available for anyone in our community. I also am a pastor at a local church, where I utilize my experience in our ministry to help people in crisis.
“I did not grow up in a Christian home, and came to know Christ when I was 18 years old. I was violently sexually abused as a child, and attempted suicide several times. One week after my last suicide attempt someone shared Christ with me. It was nothing short of an amazing conversion. My life has not been the same since. I met my wife in the church, and after 23 years of marriage we continue to serve God together. We have a lovely 18 year-old daughter.
“Our coffee shop/ministry is located in an area of our community that has a high poverty and crime level. God has protected us in the 7 years that we have been in operation with no crime or injury towards our ministry. Our community in general is moving closer and closer to recognizing their necessity for God. Even governmental agencies turn to us for help, because they see the success rate that we have had in working with individuals with substance abuse issues or aftercare assistance we provide to people recently out of incarceration. There is a large university in our community, and we feel that the students are the hardest to reach.
“There are several churches in our community that support our ministry financially or in other ways; such as people resources, food for our pantry, coats, hats, gloves, boots, and blankets for the homeless. We are the missionaries in our local mission field. My church has fully backed and supported our endeavors in our ministry.
“I am blessed that I have the privilege to be in ministry with my wife. She is a big part of the day-to-day operations of our coffee shop. It is amazing to see what God has done in our view of we are called to do… Neither of us would have ever guessed that we would be knee deep in ministering to the most difficult people of our community. We believe as Christ showed; go to the sinner, the sick, and the need; minister to them.”
Russ Atter Receives a Scholarship
“A scholarship at CLI is important to me, as I want to continue my growth in Christ as well as better equip me for what He has called me to do. We live on a limited income, as we do not take a salary from our ministry. Every dollar that is given is returned to the ministry. Therefore, it is difficult for me to afford tuition to continue my education.
“Prayer is always needed in any ministry. We ask for prayer for workers to help with the harvest. God is bringing us many people to minister to, and we have so few workers. We also ask for prayer that God will continue to bless the ministry with resources to help those in need.”
Russ Atter came to Christ after a childhood that was filled with hardship and abuse. After many work experiences, Russ Atter came to his current ministry which he and his wife run. With this coffee shop and ministry, Russ Atter seeks to help those living in poverty, living in addiction, living with abuse, homeless, and past incarceration. However, Russ Atter opens his doors to everyone who is willing to come and hear about God. Because Russ Atter does not take a salary from his own non-profit, a scholarship from Christian Leaders Institute is important to him for continuing to be better equipped with the knowledge of our Lord and the Bible.
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