Waxahachie, Texas – October 8, 2015 – Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU) professor, Dr. Rob Starner, recently published “Be Not Afraid, Only Believe,” a true story of the life and ministry of Józef Bałuczyński, a Polish Pentecostal pastor whose unshakeable faith carried him through the religious persecution of communism and the political perils of World War II.
Dr. Starner explained, “Be Not Afraid is a testimonial to the saving, guiding, delivering power of God that inspires people to take a stand for Christ even in the midst of life-threatening persecution.”
The book shows Bałuczyński refusing to withdraw his commitment to Christ in spite of the social and political forces arrayed against him. Although the book itself is finished, his life continues to impact future generations as he, at age 93, is still vibrantly active in ministry.
Despite being known affectionately as “the Billy Graham of Poland,” Bałuczyński has been little known outside the Polish Evangelical community, that is, until the publication of this book. Dr. Starner said, “A large number of churches in Poland owe their existence to Pastor Bałuczyński. Not only did he plant churches in multiple cities, his face-to-face evangelism and investment in people has had a lasting impact on the Polish community.”
“His remarkable influence drew no assistance from advertising brochures, radio announcements, or even evangelistic crusades drawing crowds in the thousands. Instead, all of these churches were established and edified by face-to-face, one-to-one, personal investments that he made in the lives of ordinary people.”
“Be Not Afraid” was Dr. Starner’s first experience in writing a book from an “as told to” perspective. The process gave him a deeper understanding and appreciation for the Gospel writers’ task of delivering the words and deeds of Jesus to their respective audiences.
Dr. Starner holds a bachelor’s degree in Mathematical Sciences from Penn State University, a master’s degree in Biblical Studies from Assemblies of God Theological Seminary and a doctoral degree in Religion from Baylor University. He currently serves as professor of Greek and New Testament at SAGU .
Dr. Starner used personal interviews, original Polish transcripts, and personal research to convey the life experiences that Bałuczyński has been sharing in local churches and conferences for nearly 70 years. Dr. Starner’s wife Maja served as a translator.
Dr. Starner published his previous book “Kingdom of Power, Power of Kingdom (Pickwick Publications)” in 2011. He has also authored dozens of articles and essays on various theological topics, appearing in publications such as: The Biblical Archaeologist , The Encyclopedia of Pentecostal and Charismatic Christianity , Enrichment Journal and The Journal of Biblical and Pneumatological Research .
SAGU President Kermit S. Bridges added, “This book is an incredible gift to the body of Christ. . . . One cannot read this account without being convinced of God’s ability to sustain His people in the most difficult circumstances of life.”
Assemblies of God Theological Seminary President Byron D. Klaus said, “Unsung heroes like Józef Bałuczyński are the other “greatest generation,” soldiers of the cross, many of whose names are known only in heaven. . . . May God give us the indefatigable courage and undying hope of people like Pastor Józef Bałuczyński.”
For more information on how to purchase the book, click here http://www.xulonpress.com/bookstore/bookdetail.php?PB_ISBN=9781498439688&HC_ISBN=
Help expand the influence of Bałuczyński’s testimony by leaving a review on Amazon .
For more information on Dr. Starner, visit www.robstarner.com .
About SAGU:
Southwestern Assemblies of God University is a private, Christian university located 30 minutes south of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex in Waxahachie, Texas. The university was established in 1927, and now offers more than 70 associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees on campus or online. More information is available at www.sagu.edu or by calling 1-888-YES-SAGU
