Thrive_Autumn 2019 digital issue

thrive-magazine.ca
thrive / 11
REV. PHIL PHILIPS:
A KINGDOM IMPACT
PUBLISHED OCTOBER, 1980
by M. Williams
Toronto International Airport has an unusual service to offer
its employees and passengers these days. In the midst of the
comings and goings, the greetings and partings, the ebb and flow
of humanity, there is a small oasis of calm, a retreat for the troubled,
a resting place for the weary of heart. Yes, it’s a chapel—a
chapel right in the airport.
Two years ago no one thought it was possible. No one, that is,
except Rev. Philip V. Philips, one of our Home Missions missionaries,
and God. But after all, what is needed to get a project off
the ground but a man with a burden and a God who has all the
resources?
In January 1978, Philip Philips took a day off to wait on the Lord
for guidance in his ministry. At that time God put into his heart
a burden for the airport ministry and a basic plan for witness
there. In obedience to God’s call, he began knocking on the doors
of officialdom. The answer was always the same: “It is impossible
to allow such a mission at the airport.” Philips took his problem
back to God and received his answer: “For a great door and effectual
is open unto me, and there are many adversaries” (1 Corinthians 16:9).
“I knew, then,” he said, “that as far as God was concerned, the door
was open. So we began to go through, working one day a week in
airport witness, without official permission or aid.”
Since then the doors have swung open to an amazing degree.
In March of 1979 the same officials who had said, “Impossible,”
gave Mr. Philips sufficient space for a chapel, reception area and
offices. Oh yes, God is the God of the impossible.
Rev. Philips has asked two things of God this year. One is that
he may see seven well established Bible study groups throughout
the airport. The other is that he might have the privilege
of leading 100 souls to Christ before the year closes. The seven
Bible studies are now in operation with over 300 people involved.
And already (at the beginning of August) 57 people,
most of them employees and their family members, have come
to Christ.
Truly the door is open. But what of the adversaries? They are
there! Satan is always present when his kingdom is being challenged.
There are also the adversaries of shortness of time and
lack of staff. Some Christians from Bramalea Baptist Church
have been giving help in counselling and conducting services.
But the ministry is growing, and the load falls more and more
heavily on the shoulders of one man—Chaplain Philips.
Of one thing we are sure: God stands behind this man. And
God had something else to say in His Word about open doors.
Revelation 4:8 says, “...behold, I have set before thee an open
door, and no man can shut it…” International Ministries stands
on the threshold of a great outreach for God. Philips says, “We
are praying for a revival at this airport which will have far reaching
effect. Please continue to pray for us.”
*This article originally appeared in the Evangelical Baptist Magazine in October, 1980
and has been edited and condensed.
REV. P.V. PHILIPS by Pat Di-Fonzo
I distinctly remember first meeting Rev. Phil Philips in 1980, as he was still establishing the Evangelical Chaplaincy
Ministries at Toronto’s International Airport.
Pastor Philips visited our home and pointed my wife and children to the Lord Jesus. As a visionary leader, Pastor Phil
blessed many across Canada, and for twenty-seven years he impacted my life in unimaginable ways. I even had the privilege
of serving under his spiritual leadership as a chaplain. He has done great things for God’s Kingdom, and many souls
would not know the saving grace of Christ without his influence. Let this nostalgic article about Pastor Philips’ first years
in Airport Chaplaincy ministry remind us of his Godly character and deep commitment to walking closely with the Lord,
even in the face of adversity.