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

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