Pastor Phillip Lives on through the fruit of his labor. by: Monica
Our wonderful loving pastor has touched so many lives. He lives on not only in our hearts but in our lives. La Habra Foursquare Mission Church continues to preach the Kingdom of God, disciple believers and prepare for the end time harvest! We who have been touched by Pastor Phillip Whitwell's ministry continue on to produce more fruit to his account, even after he has beat us home to our Savior! We love him and we honor him by continuing to run the race that is set before us! Pastor Rosa Whitwell continues the ministry which he began... www.lahabrafoursquaremissionchurch.web.officelive.com
Nov 25, 2009
House of Stephanus by: Peter Sorden
I met Pastor Phillip when I hitchiked from Tucson, Az to LA. I had been working in street ministry/half-way house there and was drawn to California. By God's providence I ended up at House of Stephanus. I lived in the group home there on Telegraph Road for a little over a year, getting to know the great people in the church, help out around the compound, minister to some of the other guys, sometimes sing a song for the congregation.
I remember when Pastor Phillip asked me to drive up to the San Francisco outreach with him, we had a great time of fellowship. Once there, as Victor Espinosa was soon to be married, Pastor Phillip asked me to work in the men's there in San Francisco. I worked there for about a year and was married by Pastor Ella Henderson in 1990; from there moving to Mexico.
I was able to touch base with Pastor Phillip a few times since then; heard about his being gunned down in the parking lot there in Montebello. He was truly a man after God's own heart.
I'm sad to hear of his passing, knowing that for his wife and family and the many friends he's made over the years, he will be sorely missed. But I rest assured that his place in the Kingdom is secure and his rewards great.
I am forever grateful to God for leading me to Pastor Phillip.
Sep 22, 2009
An Awesome Man of God by: Hank Uribe
Pastor Phil, awesome man of God! He got saved; then Jesus Christ delivered him from drug addiction and anointed him to start an Outreach Ministry for drug addicts, homeless men and women! Opened men's and women's homes around the east L.A. area! I had the privilege of serving under him for about 15 years. I will always remember him as a close friend and the best example of What a Godly man should be! My whole family was saved under his ministry and I was the last! I am blessed because I got to witness the power of God and what the Holy Spirit can do in any person! All I had to do was be willing to give myself to God! Best thing I have ever done in my life! I have never backslidden since God delivered me from a life of sin; been about 26 years and counting! My best to Sister Rose and the Whitwell family; it was a great loss for all of us, that knew him!
Brother Hank Uribe
Sep 16, 2009
Phillip gathered the sheep Rosa prayed 4 them! by: Tina Aranda Schahrer
I got saved in the Montebello church close to 30 years ago. It was through the preaching of Phillip Whitwell. Both he and his wife, Rose, took a genuine interest in my salvation and also my discipleship. Thru Phillip and Rose, I met and married their close friend Tommy Aranda. Tommy and I ended up in S. Central L.A. and eventually Echo Park. Before Tommy passed away, Phillip was instrumental in restoring Tommy and his son back into relationship. Phillip also officiated Tommy's funeral and I will never forget how instrumental Phillip was thru that difficult time. I later married again and asked Phillip if he would officiate our wedding and he did. I'm forever grateful for having a good friend like that as well as such a good pastor.
The last time I saw Phillip was at a funeral in La Habra, and what a joy it was to hear that they were ministering there and reaching out to the poor. I was so saddened to hear that he had passed away, and yet was so glad that I was reunited with him before that happened. It was bittersweet for sure. I got a chance recently to speak with Rose and feel confident that I will be visiting her soon. She sounded good and excited about the things God is doing in and around her...I know she has a wonderful family around her and I'm sure Phillip had a lot to do with that!
Aug 16, 2009
The little sister of one of his friends by: Linda Shields
I was just thinking of Mike and where he might be. And then my brother Richard Cullen just dropped this e-mail to me. Mike liked to pick on me in a fun way. As a kid I always thought he was just so cute and when I grew up I wanted to marry him. I met Rosa once with my brother and I'm saddened to hear about this. Anytime my mother was having problems I would call him and ask him to check on her for me. I lost contact over the years as well as my brother. His mother had a big heart as well. She took us in once after some bad times. He will be missed. Hope all is well now with his family.
Linda
Aug 14, 2009
A very old friend of Phillip Whitwell by: Richard Cullen
I was doing a web search for Phillip Whitwell when I ran across this. I spent many years as a pre teen, teen ager and adult as a friend of Phillips. I used to call him Mike until we grew older. I knew his wife Rosa but have never met his children. We lost touch many years ago when our lives were pretty messed up and we had no idea where we were headed in life.
Phillip found me one time when I was living in Bakersfield and he contacted me by phone and told me of his new found life serving the Lord. He prayed for me and we prayed together. I had also found the lord by that time but had not had the same calling as he.
I was shocked and saddened to read of his death on this web site. We were both the same age and I am still here for awhile.
I too will pray for Rosa and his family. I wish I had spent more time with him after we had grown up.
