Church Family, Adopted Dad

Shortly after I came back from a year at I.U. School of Music I became disenchanted with the church I had attended since grade school.

A friend of mine, Sue Nichols, had changed churches too and suggested that I try East 49th Street Christian Church. The Sunday after President Kennedy was shot was my first Sunday. That first Sunday I felt for the first time that God was present in church. I had never felt that at the other church. I came back the next Sunday and Russ remembered my name. That shocked me. I had only met him the once going through his famous greeting line outside.

I wanted to start choir right away but I didn't have transportation. Members of the choir would pick me up for rehearsals and church and take me home. This was miles out of their way. I had trouble getting a four block ride at the other church.

Russ was always interested in what I was doing and how I was getting along. I used to wonder what it was like to have two parents who really loved each other like Russ and Marian. I envied Phil and Paul but I looked on them like my "adopted little brothers." (They were little then and I could swing them around on my shoulders.)

Later, I got married, had two boys, Patrick and Michael and eventually my marriage failed. My mother's marriage fell apart when I was seven, and my grandfather left a week before my tenth birthday. I didn't want to be the third one to fail and swore I'd never get a divorce.

Russ and Marian were always there encouraging me and making me feel I wasn't a failure after all. They encouraged me, counseled me, and talked to the boys when I needed extra help. Russ helped me see a lot of things differently and I looked up to him like an adopted dad. He did more for me than my own dad ever did. I also looked at God differently. I always believed in Him from the time I could remember, but he was always like one dumb song says "From a Distance" (pretty tune, but lame on the reality of God). I thought: if Russ as a human could seem so good and as perfect as a human could be, then how much more compassionate, forgiving, kind and loving were God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit?

Thank you Russ for being you. I'm sure God had a hand in bringing me to East 49th in my teen years. I and my boys will greatly miss you.

Love,
Sharon-Glee Gerth / December 20, 2007

Courage - Wasem

While a student at Emmanuel in the mid 1970’s, I attended my first North American Christian Convention at Cobo Hall in Detroit. I was a fairly new Christian and very new to the world of vocational ministry. I observed with keen interest the President of that convention. I was awed by his humility, hospitable attitude, relational ease, and authentic faith. To me, he was the consummate gentleman and ambassador for Christ. From my vantage point, he made all people in that auditorium feel as though they were meeting one-on-one with him over coffee in a corner booth as he spoke from the main platform. I leaned over to my wife during the final session and said, “I’d give anything to serve Christ with that man and learn from him.” A few years later, I was given that opportunity and had the privilege to serve as an associate of Russ Blowers during the 80’s. Thousands of people have described RFB as an encourager. I commented to a fellow pall bearer at the November 15 memorial service in Indianapolis that for me, Russ was the one person who didn’t just encourage me … he gave me courage. The courage to attempt things for God well beyond my comfort zone. The courage to “let my yes be yes and my no be no.” The courage to love, forgive, and give extravagantly when my human logic would hold me back. I learned more about being a minister of the gospel, a pastor of souls, and a human being from Russ Blowers than any other person I have known. God bless you Russell Fredrick Blowers and the global Church of the Lord Jesus Christ you loved and led so well.
John E. Wasem / November 30, 2007

Going to the Mat

I had always respected Russ as the closest thing to a father figure that I had. He gave my brother, Patrick, and I our first jobs cleaning the brochures up in the sanctuary after second service (That's when there were only two services). We each got a dollar for doing it and I couldn't wait for him to finish his sermon so we could race up to the front and start grabbing them up. We would sit with Bob Hindman during the service and clean up after. This kept us out of mischief like trying to reach up the "new" Coke machine in Fellowship Hall with our little arms to get free pops.

One story that I have told about Russ more times than I can count, is how he convinced my mom to let me start on the wrestling team in high school. I had wanted to be on the wrestling team in school since there was a team I could join in 8th grade. I told my mom I had band, or orchestra or something so that I could go to practice. That never lasted more than a week before she would come into practice and pull me out. I was embarressed, but I never stopped trying. Freshman year, then sophomore year ... no luck. My junior year I thought "I bet mom would listen to Russ" so during one of our sit downs with him in his office when I was in my rebellious stage, I asked him to tell her to let me wrestle. He looked at her and said "Sharon, let the boy wrestle." She replied with "O.K., but NO FOOTBALL!" I could of kissed him. Thanks Dad, I needed that.

Russ, I hope you knew how much of an impact you had on my life. I love you, and I will miss you.

Michael D. Gerth / November 27, 2007
Now of Rolling Meadows, Ill.

Inspiring and Inspired

My husband and I have been away from E91 (which we still consider our church home) for about 10 years now. We met there while working together on the old Jericho Road Ministries Radio Ministry Team. Russ and E91 were a big part of our maturing and growing in our faith in those years. I can't begin to count or even estimate the ways his ministry impacted our lives. His was the first solid, consistent, mature, encouraging, inspiring and inspired Christian preaching we had ever received. There are so many brief vignette type memories that come to mind. here are a few:

Russ baptized me shortly after I joined E91. Mark Wesner related the story of the first baptism in the new East 91st Street location. My experience was similar - I slipped on the steps on the way down and nearly dunked myself. But Russ caught my arm. I don't remember what he said - I sure wish I did - but I was told there was serious discussion of no-slip strips at the next staff meeting!

Brian and I had been "dating" for a bit when this next brief moment now memory occurred. It was some special event, because we were both pretty dressed up and Russ was in a tux. Perhaps a wedding reception? We were in the old fellowship hall where the singles ministry used to meet (not sure what's it called now!) and about to exit via the doors that used to lead directly out to the parking lot to the south. We had slipped arms around each other as we were leaving. Russ spotted us and just had to hang out the door with that trademark grin and twinkle in his eye as his black bow tie hung untied around his neck to tell us what a good looking couple we made.

Brian tells a story about the first service in which he was asked to do a reading. It was Christmas Eve 1988. Jackie Long had recruited both Brian and Steve Brooke (then high school/college student now senior minister at Our Place Christian Church in Portland Oregon) to each read one of the scripture passages for the service. At that time in Steve's young life he had a very 80s hairstyle part of which was died green - he was probably dressed in jeans and something colorful in the way of a shirt (I seem to remember a vest). Brian on the other hand was ten years older and balding in khakis and a sport coat. Russ had the same advice for both of them prior to the service starting: "When you're up there on the platform, don't put your hands in your pockets."

I wish my memories were more spiritual, deep and thought-provoking... but the kind of believer I am today is in large part due to the spiritual, deep and thought-provoking life of Russ Blowers. We rejoice that he is reunited with Marian - and finally face to face with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We look forward to that day when we will all be reunited around the throne of Grace. "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." - Philippians 1:21

Sue & Brian Stevens / November 21, 2007
(now of Dayton, Ohio)

Quick On or Off His Feet - Wesner

How fitting it was that Russ "graduated into Glory" on Veteran's Day weekend. Another of God's great soldiers got a pass to go home.

What an honor it was for me to serve on Russ' staff from 1987 until he retired. Everyone who knew Russ realized what a great visionary, pastor, husband and father he was.

After God called me on from E. 91st, I was blessed to stay in contact with this great man of God over the years via email. My journal is spiced with memories and little quips and insights of Russ.

As the lead pastor of the large church staff, the scripture that he continued to keep before us was Phil. 2:1-4. He not only preached it, he lived it. I felt that no one was more excited about my ministry area than Russ. He was constantly encouraging me and rejoicing over God's work in my ministry and family. Something tells me that every one of his staff members felt the same way.

He was a man of integrity. When I think of him I am reminded of a statement that Phil or Paul said of his father at one of Russ' anniversary celebrations... "How do I describe my dad? Perhaps with this simple phrase… 'What you see is what you get.'"

I think the thing that impressed me the most about him was his unquenchable zest for life. He was always so "young for his age." And he had such a spontaneous, wonderful sense of humor.

He was always so quick to think on his feet... or off his feet, for that matter. There was the time when Russ was going down the steps to enter the new baptistery when the church first moved to the E. 91st campus. His feet suddenly shot out from the slippery steps under him and he splashed all the way under the water! Russ popped up out of the water and, without missing a beat, spit out some water and said to the startled congregation, "Well, folks, you've just witnessed our first baptism!"

With Russ and my father awaiting me in Glory, heaven continues to become even more of that destination for which I long.

After Dad left this old world behind in 2003, Russ heard about his departure and sent me the following scripture...

"Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life." Rev. 2:10b

Now it's your turn, Russ. I know you're wearing it with joy.
Mark Wesner / November 20, 2007

God's Telephone Number

Denny and I have known Russ since we joined East 49th Street in 1976, just before we moved up to the present location on 91st Street. Denny was saved after only two weeks' of Russ' preaching. The first week was on the sin of neutrality. The second week, Russ read and explained the Four Spiritual Laws. The third week, Denny grabbed my hand and said, "We're going forward!" He was one of the first ones baptized in the new baptistry.

Anyone who has ever heard Russ pray knew that he knew God--personally. He encouraged us all to be bold in approaching God by saying that God's "telephone number" was Jeremiah 33:3: "Call to Me, and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know." Every time I see a 333 (on a clock, license plate, address--whatever) I hear his encouragement and push my faith a little further to pray more boldly. That legacy will live as long as I do.
Posie Neidigh / November 20, 2007

A Great Deal

I am one who came late to the cloud of admirers of Russ, although I discovered that he had known me much longer. He is a graduate of Christian Theological Seminary, where I now serve as Vice President of External Relations. Right after I came to work at CTS, I visited Russ to hear his views on the seminary. Although I of course knew about him, and he knew of my husband Randy’s work at Geist Christian Church, I didn’t think he knew me. But the first thing he said to me was “I remember the day you were born.” It seems he and my father knew each other back in Ohio. What a great capacity he had for making everyone feel precious.

This particular Russ story also involves CTS. Many of you know that Christian Theological Seminary presented Russ with an honorary doctorate this past spring. It was a great day, and we were so glad that he allowed us to honor him. I gathered together all the pictures of Russ that had been taken by various people during the ceremony to put into a small album. I spent the whole summer trying to see him to present them to him, but of course he was in Europe and then not well after coming home. I finally managed to see him briefly during one of those interludes when he was feeling a little better. I went to Brenner Luggage to get a small leather album and have it engraved with his name and the date of Commencement 2007. They told me it would be 50 cents a letter to have it engraved. I said that was fine, and wrote out what I wanted printed on the album. The store manager took the paper from me and said “Oh, this is for Dr. Blowers? What an honor for us. No charge.” I told Russ that story when I gave him the album. He said “Hey, I got you a great deal!”

He did indeed. A great deal of joy to know such a man of faith. My prayers and blessings are with you all.
Ann Updegraff Spleth / November 19, 2007

A Little Bit Country

Having been born into the home of a country preacher, my young life was very sheltered in many ways. Dad didn’t want us exposed to “things of the world”, and that included what we were able to listen to. So up until I was twelve years old, I only knew two forms of music – gospel and country. It was a simple life.

Many years later, and now exposed to hard rock, disco, and classical, I started attending East 91st and met Russ. Every once in a while during the delivery of a sermon, he would throw in the title of a country music song, sometimes to make fun of it, and sometimes to talk about the truth of the title. I loved those references as it took me back to my childhood and reminded me of my dad.

I can’t recall now if we had been at Russ and Marian’s raking leaves or singing Christmas carols to them, but a group of us had been at their home doing something. At the conclusion of the activity, we were invited in, where we spent quite a while sharing and laughing. I loved his stories of World War II; my dad also served, so there was that connection again. Then Russ started talking about country music, throwing out names like Eddy Arnold and Chet Atkins, Johnny Cash and Tammy Wynett. He got such a kick out of some of the crazy titles, and I knew every song he mentioned. Before long Russ and I were singing “Make the world go away; get it off my shoulders,” much to the amusement (and chagrin) of the others in the room. We laughed and hugged; it was a special “Russ and me” moment.

Through the years there were other moments with Russ that I can call my own, and I treasure those memories. My life, like so many, is richer because of his ability to give so much of himself to others.
Pam Brooks / November 18, 2007

Goodnight Kiss - McGriff

Russ and I always liked each other, and I always considered him to be one of this city's finest pastors, but our theology was somewhat different, mine the more liberal. So as I sat on the floor next to Russ at an informal workshop setting at the Young Life camp in Colorado, it being mainly peopled that evening, by charismatic folks who believed in a lot of hugging, and that no service should end while anyone wanted to pray, I decided to slip out. It had been going on for over an hour with no sign of letting up, so I whispered an apology to Russ, then quietly headed for bed. An hour later there was a knock at my door. I climbed out of bed, opened the door and there stood Russ with a big grin on his face. He said "Hi Carver, I just stopped to kiss you goodnight."

On that same visit to Young Life Camp in Colorado, Russ and I played tennis. Russ had just had heart surgery. We played even. I told him that in view of the outcome I was considering giving up tennis.
Carver McGriff / November 17, 2004
Former pastor of St. Luke's United Methodist Church

Curious Mind

I will always [be thankful for] the privilege of getting to know Russ a bit these past few years. I always saw him as an AUTHENTIC guy, but by hanging around [Russ with his close friends], it was remarkable just how authentic he really was. Russ was the Lord's version of a real man, the Lord's "John Wayne" so to speak ... he was rugged, but gentle; firm but soft; powerful yet weak; he was a man with a curious mind but a satisfied heart.

Perhaps that is it, perhaps that is exactly why I liked him - he had such a curious mind but such a satisfied heart. Russ was eager to learn and explore ways to help and engage for battle toward what was needed, YET he was at total peace with who he was and what God had him here to do.

Like many, I will miss Russ.
John Cory / November 15, 2007

Raw Passion

Russ had a great voice, and do you remember when he sang the Lord's Prayer a year or so ago at church? I tell you I will remember that for the rest of my life. When he sang that song, it was perhaps as moving as any rendition I had ever heard before. So today, when that guy [Brian Johnson] sang... (and it was good by the way) that song reminded me clearly of that wonderful event a year or so ago when Russ sang. Ya know, I am not sure I had ever heard Russ sing solo before, and I marvelled at his voice. What was more remarkable was the raw passion you could feel from his singing it ... it was extraordinary.
John Cory / November 15, 2007

No Love Too Small

Russ had a heart for missions, one of those being Franklin Graham's "Samaritan's Heart" at E91 (which brings children to the US from third world countries for much needed heart surgery). We hosted two children from Mongolia three years ago and Russ became particularly attached to a two year old little girl named Bogi (at left in photo) who was determined inoperable and sent home with a bleak prognosis.....Russ said she reminded him of his little Mindy who passed away so many years ago.

Last month we got word that little Bogi went to be with the Lord.

When Russ heard of this , he sent us the following note....sent at a time when I know he was struggling with his own health, but still taking the time to minister to others....

"My heart is full of love and praise for all of you who ministered to the needs of little Bogi for so long.

'I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven.' Matt. 18:11. russ "

We felt this must have been a very special verse to Russ, and had surely comforted him over the years. We know he is holding his dear Mindy again, and our little Bogi as well.
Janie Naraine / November 16, 2007

Irish Spoken Here

One beautiful sunny Sunday morning as I got out of my car in the relatively new large parking lot at East 91st Street Christian Church I saw Russ Blowers out in the lot going from car to car greeting people as they were coming into church.

He had a baseball type cap on and as I got closer to him I noticed it was a Notre Dame cap with the very familiar Notre Dame “ND” logo on it. Being raised a Catholic I was especially curious. As I approached him I said in a joking manner, “Aren’t you in the wrong church parking lot with that hat on?”

With possibly a nano second of hesitation he quipped, “Non Denomination, welcome to East 91st Street”, smiled, shook my hand and went on to greet the next person.

Bill Van Hoy / November 16, 2007

Second Favorite

Russ called me his "second favorite Lutheran", Martin Luther being his favorite (and parenthetically, Russ died on Nov 10, which is Martin Luther's birthday).

Russ was a true mentoring presence in my life, as a mission-developer of a new Lutheran Church in Fishers. Russ was both a true example and a real encourager to me.

In his death, Russ "traded-up" to God's Kingdom-care!!

I love him, and I shall miss him.
With Love & Gratitude,
Joe Freeman / November 15, 2007

Gimme Shelter

Russ is one of God's Living Legends. The bible is full of them and there have been many more down through the years. I still remember the day that I met Russ back in 1965. I was a young lad of eight and trying to escape from some other boys who were after me. I found shelter in the church. Jackie found me in the basement and brought me up for some candy. She said I want you to meet a friend of mine. She knocked on Russ's door and he was in a meeting with some other gentlemen. He stopped what he was doing to come out to meet with me. We chatted for some time and everyday after that I stopped on my way home from school to have some of Jackie's candy and to talk with my new friend Russ. I started coming to church and Sunday School, Edna Mae Morton was the teacher I believe, and then became a part of the Minister's class. Russ led me to the foot of the Cross and baptized me on Easter afternoon in 1966. I will forever be eternally grateful to him for helping me to find Jesus at such a young age. Today, two of my brothers, a sister, and my parents are children of the King, which they say is a direct result of my christian witness as a young boy. People often ask if child evangelism is a worthwhile endeavor. I guess you be the judge.
Chuck Storm / November 15, 2007

Marian's Invitation

In 1969 my husband Ted and I, along with our 9 month old son Scott, moved back to Indianapolis. Coming from different church backgrounds, we were having difficulty finding a church to call home. My mother suggested that we talk to their neighbor, Russ Blowers, who was the minister of a nearby Christian Church. I walked across my parents' backyard and knocked on the side door of the Blowers' house. Marian met me at the door with a friendly smile and pink curlers in her hair.
"Come in," Marian said, when I told her our dilemma in finding a church for our little family.
She and I sat on the sofa in the Blowers' family room. She made me feel like I had known her for years. Finally, Marian said in her soft voice, "Come and visit East 49th Street church. You won't want to go anywhere else." That comment, which may seem somewhat arrogant, was actually said in a sweet, encouraging way.
That next Sunday we visited East 49th Street Christian Church, and heard Russ preach. In his warm baritone voice, he spoke of our Savior Jesus Christ. He spoke from his heart, in a conversational, friendly way. He made us feel that the message was for us, and us alone.
After the service, a couple introduced themselves to us and invited back to their house for pancakes. From that Sunday, and for the next 32 years, East 49th Street/East 91st Street was our home, thanks be to God for his provision and mercy.
Ted and I have many stories of how Russ and Marian Blowers affected our spiritual lives. So stay tuned!
Linda Smith / November 15, 2007

Breakfast

One of the most recent memories I have of Russ is running into him one evening at Wal-Mart. He had just returned from a mission trip and had nothing to eat in the house. He had gone to Wal-Mart to do some quick grocery shopping. As we stood in the aisle talking, he mentioned to Dave and me that he ate the same old thing every morning for breakfast ["A bowl of Total." With blueberries if he had them.) In an effort to change his dull breakfast routine, I suggested he buy some frozen waffles & a bottle of syrup. I took him to the syrup aisle and helped him pick out a bottle then on to the frozen waffles. He seemed excited about trying something new for breakfast. I asked him sometime later when I saw him at church if he was enjoying his waffles. I think he really welcomed the change! We miss you, Russ!
Pam Deane / November 14, 2007

Big Wow

I was feeling nervous in the MRI and having that closed in feeling I usually have and wishing it would soon be over when in my mind here came Russ' voice singing "Our Father;" I listened and enjoyed it as if I were in church and listening. I was blessed in a most unusual way; it calmed me and helped me through. I recently shared this with Russ as we chatted over coffee on Sun. a.m. and his eyes got great big and he said Wow!!! (He must be saying a lot of WOWs at what he sees and hears now)!
Jean Allen / November 14, 2007

Tight Quarters

When Kim Trager was married in Florida last year, the guest list was long and accommodations were tight. To make it all fit, Russ stayed in a 2 bedroom with Diane and me.

When we arrived at the room, we were greeted with a voice calling out; "Mom? Dad?"

Yup, it was Russ saying he was in and greeting us. From that point on he was always "son" to us.

We loved him and always enjoyed his company and great mind. Jesus has given us a great gift to know him.
Brent Robertson / November 14, 2007

Fork-It-Over

I was honored to be among a small group of the E-91st family to assist Russ in coming up with a theme for the campaign to raise funds for the Family Life Center. While meeting in Russ’s office, he suddenly flopped onto the floor in a prone position and began asking God to help us come up with a meaningful theme. I was stunned to see how humble Russ was in front of all of us. We all sat there in silence for a few minutes. The only idea that flooded my mind was, “Fork It Over!” I knew that this was not from the Lord. But if it was, it was His way of humor. So I looked seriously at Russ and said, “The Lord has spoken to me and given me the theme.” Russ, eyes wide in anticipation said, “Kenny, coming from you… I know this is going to be wonderful!” We made drilling eye contact and with as much seriousness as I could muster, I said, “Fork It Over.” He let that sink in for a moment… then suddenly burst into infectious laughter and managed to say, “That’s it. Right to the point. I’ll use it next Sunday!” Then he got up from the floor, came over and gave me a bear hug and whispered in my ear, “You weren’t really serious were you?” He ultimately came up with “Standing Firm.” Much better choice.
Ken Nelson / Novmeber 14, 2007

Touched His Heart - Literally

Russ always gave of himself in the 35 years that I've known him. The most classic example that I can think of occurred in July of 1978. We moved into our current church location in the fall of 77. The church sold its old building and borrowed more money for our current building. There was no end to the discussion of what the church needed and what we could put off for a while. "Missions" was not compromised whatsoever.

In July of the following year, Russ required open heart surgery. I worked in surgery at Methodist at the time and was honored to be part of the surgical team. Two coronary arteries were grafted. I went to visit him as he recovered and he had an idea about how to help raise money for the Building Fund. He would charge people $1 apiece to look at his scars and donate the money and wanted to know what I thought. I was thunderstruck that my senior minister would ask me for advice but I said "Sounds good to me." Because I was in that surgery, my claim to fame is that I'm one of four people on this earth that had touched Russ Blowers heart ... literally.
Herb Goller / November 14, 2007

That Great Wave

Russ – the spreader of God's love.

He always made you feel like you were the only person he wanted to see at that particular moment. When he saw me across the room he would smile and wave as if I were his best friend. This is a tiny gesture, but so sincere. I can imagine countless souls greeting him now in just the same way.

I miss him already but am so full of joy for him.
Kay Weikel / November 14, 2007

Crying from the Porch

I was a babysitter for Paul and Phillip. My parents were @ E. 49th Street from the 1st old wooden church built on the north side of 49th Street.

I am Mary Anne (Logan) Wignall and one of my favorite stories was the first time I babysat for the boys. They were crying and when Marian and Russ left for the evening, Marian later told me that she and Russ were on the porch listening to make sure we were all OK; she stated that the tears last for 5-7 minutes.

My parents were Bob & Evelyn Logan. My family enjoyed the preaching from the Word and loved Russ & Marian ... they will now be together in Paradise.

Hope they enjoy the reunion with Bob & Evelyn.

LOVE IN CHRIST.
Mary Anne Wignall / November 14, 2007

Raking Leaves for a Stranger

I started attending E91 after Russ had retired. I met Russ on a Saturday in November, a group of guys and I from Saturday morning men's bible study raked leaves for several people that day. I was sent to a home and it was Russ's home. As we raked leaves Russ invited my son Daniel inside and they became friends. Russ, Daniel and I became friends and we did several work projects and fixed things for him around his home. We had lunch together. I did not know who he was and all he had done in his life until his birthday party at E91. I was blessed to just know and have him as a friend. We joked together and share a deep brotherly Love for each other. He showed you Christ with his Love and was a true, open and real friend. I am thankful that God allowed me to serve him and develop a friendship. I recently put on a new faucet and part of our conversation that day was what heaven will be like and we were both ready to go when God's time came. He is one of the saints and God has called him home. This good-bye is only temporary, I will see him again in heaven.
Steven Shoup / November 14, 2007

Russ's Answering Machine

Russ had a wonderful greeting on his home answering machine ...
"Father God, thank you for this person who called while I was out. And thank you that when we call on you, we never get a busy signal or an answering machine. I pray that this person who is known and loved by you has the greatest day of his or her life ... in Jesus name. Amen."
Bob Walters / November 14, 2007