Dr. Mathias Rissi

Thinking of you and your family today

When my family and I decorate our Christmas tree each year, the ornament that I place in the most prominent position on the tree is an ornament given by Mathias and Veronika at one of their home Bible Studies. Sharing in these studies is a treasured memory. And the compliment that Dr. Rissi gave me after I delivered a chapel message at UTS is a gift beyond price. I continue to be blessed by his teachings and writings, and am grateful to God for the life of Dr. Rissi. (M.Div. '86)

For almost eight years I attended a weekly Bible study which Dr. and Mrs. Rissi graciously held in their home in Richmond, VA. This has been one of the spritual highlights of my (now fairly long)life. Dr. Rissi's understanding of the infinite love and patience of God, his deep and wide knowledge of the biblical witness, his gentle humor and the gracious hospitality which he and Veronica showed those of us who met in their home will never be forgotten.
Joel Bowman

Dr. Rissi was both a pastor and professor to his students (D. Min 1986) His words to me (as I wondered aloud to him about my call to ministry) "You're a good person, you'll do fine." are imprinted in my memory as a blessing. The promise of the resurrection is comfort for us who have not yet been called home. We seek to serve our Lord Jesus Christ, and carry on the thoughtful work Dr. Rissi began in us, even as we wait for the day when "every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus...