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

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