By Mark A. Taylor
In one November weekend, our fellowship lost two leaders who encouraged, challenged, and inspired us for decades. Our memories of Russ Blowers and Gene Dulin will last our whole lives, and their influence will be felt for generations to come.
Blowers touched individual lives and influenced parachurch ministries around the world from his home base in Indianapolis. He led the East 49th Street Christian Church to become the East 91st Street Christian Church and shepherded it to greatness in 45 years of ministry there. Always quick with an encouraging word, he brought wisdom and guidance to organizations and individuals far beyond what any one of them could know. In the weeks after his death, many shared fond memories through a blog posted at www.russstories.blogspot.com.
Dulin led a pioneering ministry throughout Eastern Europe and thrilled American audiences with stories of gospel victories behind the Iron Curtain. From his base with Toronto Christian Mission (TCM), he caught a vision for serving believers burdened by the oppression of communism. The mission purchased Haus Edelweiss outside Vienna, Austria, in 1971 to serve as a launchpad for this ministry. The far-reaching impact of TCM Institute today stands as a testimony to his legacy.
Many serving today knew both these men. Their ministries have influenced ours for many years. Their passing reminds us our own days to serve may be short and challenges us to redouble our efforts for God while we still have the opportunity.
WE”RE MAKING THE MOST OF 2008 BY presenting readers with some of the best CHRISTIAN STANDARD issues you”ve ever seen. One indication of this is the outstanding lineup of “Reflections” writers slated this year:
David Bycroft, Tyro, Kansas
John Derry, Fullerton, California
Dave Ferguson, Naperville, Illinois
Phyllis Fox and Curtis Booher, Milligan College, Tennessee
 Andy Hansen, Joplin, Missouri
 Robert Hull, Johnson City, Tennessee
 Ken Idleman, Newburgh, Indiana
Chuck Sackett, Quincy, Illinois
Mandy Smith, Cincinnati, Ohio
Sam E. Stone, Cincinnati, Ohio
 Greg R. Taylor, Tulsa, Oklahoma
 Jud Wilhite, Las Vegas, Nevada
This week we kick off a yearlong emphasis on the eldership. Next week will be the first of 12 special monthly theme issues, and other helpful article series are also in the hopper””more, for sure, than we can describe in this space.
Make sure you””and the Christian leaders around you””don”t miss a bit of what CHRISTIAN STANDARD will offer you this year!
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