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)