Philip Freeman Mathis

Dear Mr and Mrs. Mathis and family,

Phil was one of the nicest boys I ever knew. He was always sweet and kind to me as a child and a teen. I enjoyed going to 1st Methodist with him. One could tell back then that he was alive with Christ, and though surprised by his early death, I am not surprised to hear the great work that he did for God. I pray for peace for you.

Dear Mathis Family,
Phil was our first pastor, and the one who married us some 21+ years ago! He was dear to us, and he left his corner of the world a much brighter place with the light of Christ. But, Phil wasn't the first Mathis to bless our lives. Your family was such a blessing to me during my years at Baylor and FUMC-Waco. Thank you ALL for being bright lights and examples in our lives, and for allowing Phil to grow up to become the man of God that he was and leave the legacy...

Jim and Pat, Andy, John, Jay, and your precious families,
I have so often thought of you all and the wonderful times we had in my brief stay in Waco. You were the first family to take me on a picnic. I almost dropped Jay on his head and Jim got really mad at me! [forgiven?] Your kindness and the Mathis familial love were a great example to me.
I remember how funny Phil was, teaching him to play the guitar, listening to his latest romantic venture, and letting him cry out his...

I still remember literally shaking as I poured over Phil's book, "Salvation by the Book". This book first opened my eyes to the wonder of God's free grace in my salvation. Since that point, my view of God has been transformed as has my understanding of scripture. Phil's dedication to the Gospel has impacted lives far beyond what he ever knew. My life and my families life has been forever changed! He will be greatly missed, but we can take comfort in knowing he is now pain free and at...

Phil was the first Pastor I had that taught me the reformed faith. I'm so grateful for the influence he had on Jonathan and our young dating/engaged years at Baylor. He also did a wonderful job at our wedding in March 1996.

Mathis family, my brother shared the news of your recent loss. Our prayers are with your family. A friend shared this with our family when my father-in-law passed last year,
" When we lose our loved ones they never die
For I know once heaven takes their souls
The Dear Lord leaves a little of them here
To turn into beautiful butterflies
So they can be near our hearts
Blessed are those who can see the beauty
Of the life which has gone to what is 'God's...

Dearest Pat and Jim,
Faith and I just learned of Phil's return to our LORD and Saviour. Wow, how blessed you two are for having had a loving and Christ-like son like Phil.
Having experienced similar loss in our family, we can only say that it eases with time but the flame of your love for him and his family will never diminish.Our prayers and love are and always will be with you and your family.
Joe and Faith

In our time together at Westside Community Church, Phil was in his element in his role as pastor, exuding joy and a sense of humor along with intense reverence for the sovereignty and greatness of God. It was a privilege to sing alongside him during those worship times. I hold those memories dearly. Now Phil is not simply singing by faith, "When I stand in glory, I will see His face, and there I'll serve my King forever in that holy place." He's made it to the place where he will do just what...

Jim & Pat,
You were so blessed to have four wonderful boys. We grieve with you and Dana for your loss. I can relate to this inasmuch as I have "lost" a son's relationship. How Jesus must grieve for all his children who are lost. Our prayers are with you. God Bless.