Pastor Scheduled To Speak At Local Tent Revival In Warsaw Dies
Posted
Jennifer Peryam-jperyam@timesuniononline.com
A Floridian pastor who was scheduled to speak at a three-day tent revival and at a local church died Thursday morning.
Dr. Bill Basansky was scheduled to speak Saturday night at Kosciusko Silent No More's three-day tent revival at Kosciusko County Fairgrounds. He also was scheduled to speak Sunday at New Life Christian Church and World Outreach.
Basansky, who was in his 70s, was born in Ukraine. He was forced from his home during the German occupation and was confined in Nazi prison camps during World War II.
His story is chronicled in his book "Escape From Terror."
Monica Boyer, Kosciusko Silent No More founder, said she received a phone call from Pastor John Lowe, New Life Christian Church and World Outreach, informing her Basansky died Thursday morning.
"To learn this news took my breath away, and I am grieving, and this was so unexpected," Boyer said. "Dr. Bill was a crusader and knew what it was like to live in a communist nation."
Boyer said the tent revival is still scheduled.
Jim Heierman, Kosciusko Silent No More vice chairman, said he was sad to learn of Basansky's death.
"I was anxious to hear him talk and it hurts that we won't be able to communicate and share with him," Heierman said. A kickoff prayer for the revival is Saturday at noon at Kosciusko County Courthouse. The purpose of the revival is a time for praying for the country, nation and president.
There are six speakers confirmed. Speakers will speak at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Sunday and Monday at Kosciusko Community Fairgrounds.
Speakers Saturday night will be Slavic Sagach and Lowe.
Sagach was born and raised in the Ukraine. He moved to the United States and received a theology degree. He has worked in various capacities of Christian ministry and is a full-time ministry coordinator for Walk on The Water Faith Church in Osage Beach, Mo.
Sunday's speakers are Pastor Jeff Bullard, Freedom Life Church, Winchester, and Ken Locke, director of Greater Warsaw Ministerial Association.
Monday's speakers are Jackie Walorski, who is currently seeking the District 2 seat held by Joe Donnelly, and Emery McClendon who resides in Fort Wayne and served in the U.S. Air Force.
