Raised in organized crime, drugs, alcoholism, and street racing, he encountered Christ through the persistent witness of an old friend and a praying mother: Russell Wood's Testimony Testimonies

Russell's dad spent most of Russell's life in prison and when he did get out he spent most of his time involved in crime or physically abusing his family. Russell was raised by his alcoholic mother who later became an independent fundamentalist Baptist and by the men who were a part of his dad's gang. He naturally began working with his dad's friend by selling drugs and eventually got into street racing. Looking for a way out, he joined the Army, became a ranger, and served for 8 years. During his time in the reserves, an old friend showed up and began sharing with him about Jesus. That's when everything began to change.