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New Heights Youth Ministry |
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A Tribute to Phil Cruz |
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Phil Cruz was one of our junior high youth leaders. On February 18, 2004 he was killed in a car accident less than a mile from his house. His life impacted every one who knew him because of his love for God and his love for life. His death reminds us how uncertain life on earth is and challenges us to invest our life in things that matter. Shortly after Phil died, we put a message board on this website inviting all were impacted by his life to share some thoughts in his memory. Most of those entries are shown below as a celebration of the life of this man. They also serve as a challenge to us to live our lives every minute as if it were our last. Life is too short to waste. If you would like to know more about Phil’s faith in Jesus Christ, the faith that gives hope when life is uncertain, email us or click here.
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If you would like to add a message, email it to us and we’ll add it this page.
JORDAN BISSETT:We all know that there isn't much to say and there is everything to say...all I can provide is another story to add to the multitude, another impacted life, another guy who looked up to Phil in so many ways. It was my honor and privilege to know Phil for many years. there were the old days of AWANA, the Cruz-family trios, the youth-group memories; I can still feel the pain from trying to tackle him on Saturday morning football scrimmages. From start to end, God allowed us all to read a wonderful story about a loving family-man and an undoubtable Christian who set an exceedingly admirable example for myself and many other young men to strive for. thank you for this, God...and forever thank you Phil.
LIBBY COUTURE:I am continually being reminded of God's faithfulness, even in the tough times. God never fails!! God loves us sooooo much!! That's what Phil showed us through his life. The ONLY way to get through this is to fully rely on God!! He will never let us go! Rom. 8:28-39. We love you, Phil!!
J.J. KRUMLAUF: What a special friend. God used Phil in such an amazing way in my life. From the times when I first entered Pals through the times that he would take me out after a rough day a Wright State, he was always there to encourage me and lift me up. The one thing that will always stand out to me is the time this past thanksgiving when he brought the whole family out to watch the Cedarville-Wright State game. He came up before and after the game just to let me know he was there to see me and check up on me. That spoke volumes about the kind of friend he was. I will always love Phil and hopefully I can be half the influence on some young kid that he was on me. THANKS PHIL, KNOW YOUR HAVING A BLAST!!!!!
ABBY DELANGE: I will always remember Phil's love for Jesus Christ and his love for his family! My heart breaks for his family. He was an awesome guy and poured his life into people- so many people will miss him!
ISAAC PITTMAN: I can remember my first time at Washington heights with Gwen Kanost (Ernst) and the family, and they brought me to awana, and it was there i met Phil! From day one Phil was an encouragement to me, seemed to always have a smile and some kind of good advice to pass my way. Its been a while since I’ve been back to good old WHBC, but Phil definitely made an impact in my life and I will always remember the awesome memories I made there with him. He may be gone, but is definitely not forgotten. One thing that encourages me, is that I know I serve one awesome and amazing God, and nothing catches him by surprise...He knows our every desire, hurt, understands and feels the pain we feel....but because of all that, let us rejoice! God bless!
LEAH KRUMLAUF: I always had the greatest times playing games with him on Wednesday nights... If you had Phil on your team, your team was going to win! I will never forget the times that I had with him and everyone on the Junior High Retreat. You were a great man Phil, I will never forget you! Smile... that’s what Phil ALWAYS did!
PAUL DELANGE: Everyone who knew Phil knows that when Phil decided to do something, he went at it full tilt. I can remember about 8-10 years ago, I was teaching Phil's Sunday School class and Phil asked me to come and play football with them some Saturday. I said I would and that I thought the church even had a set of flags that could be used. When I showed up to play that next week, I asked Phil where the flags were and he just looked at me and said "What flags?" and then smiled and laughed in that Phil kind of way - that way that seems so special now. Those guys who stayed up all night playing video games with him this fall know how intense Phil was - playing a game ALL night long, stopping only long enough to go to the bathroom! When Phil played/did ANYTHING, he did with his whole heart! It was no different with his commitment to Christ. We are grateful for that commitment and for his commitment to our kids. Our loss, Heaven's gain.
RYAN BOSTATER: I truly appreciated Phil for all the sacrifices he made for the youth group! I was blessed that Phil used all his talents he had for the Lord. I will miss him leading us in worship, leading us in the youth group and being a leader on the men's softball team. He inspired me personally to use my leadership skills to the best of my abilities. My prayers go out to all of Phil's family especially Nancy, Lauren and Nate! -God Bless-
HANNAH DELANGE: I remember Wednesday nights in the Junior High when Phil would take all of us outside to play football. Everyone loved it, even the girls. Phil was such a godly example to me, and I am so glad for his willingness to serve God and our youth group. I hope that by the time that I am 35 I will have the same impact on others as Phil has had on so many of us. Thanks Phil! Sing your heart out
ERIN LANDERS: I'll never forget Phil Cruz and all the special times that go with him. I remember him always coming over and rooting against Nebraska just to get my dad all hyped. Though all the time that I've known him, I've never seen him once not happy and he always showed how much he cared for us. At junior high Wednesday night meetings, he would always ask how we were doing and remind us that God always had a plan for our lives. At first it was hard for me to understand and cope with his death but I remembered what he had told us and that he was in the greatest place there is! Greater than I could ever imagine! I'll never forget him!
SARAH COONEY: The first time I remember seeing Phil was about 6 years ago when my family first came to WHBC. I heard him sing one of many solos, and thought, wow, he has a great voice. Phil loved praising God by singing and we loved listening to him. And now, Phil gets to sing his solos to God in the best choir ever! How awesome! I also got to know Phil through the Jr High this year. It was kinda scary starting off as a new youth leader, but Phil and Nancy made it really easy for me to feel like I was part of things. I loved having Phil on my team during football because that meant my team would win and I wouldn't actually have to do anything athletic myself! Probably what sticks out most in my mind about Phil was his laugh. When he thought something was REALLY hilarious, he had this incredible goofy laugh...at least I thought so! Even when I wouldn't think anything was funny, I'd laugh because Phil was laughing. But my most recent memory of Phil is from the Jr High retreat. I road in his van, along with Nate and Lauren, for the whole 14 or so hours of driving. It was super fun and by playing "Guess what song this is" and by being quizzed with science facts, I feel like I got to know him better. I even got to have fun hiding out in the "igloo" with Lauren! My heart goes out to Nancy, Lauren, and Nate. I'm praying for you. Remember that God is with you always and Phil is with God right now!
SHARON JOHNSON: It is probably enough to say that I was honored to have my youngest daughter taught and influenced by this Godly man. His loss has been unbelievably painful on a personal level, and I hurt like so many others. Yet, I know that if Phil could talk to us today, he would tell us to continue to trust in God's plan, purpose and power. Phil lived a life for Christ that made very real that kind of trust. We honor his memory by lovingly yielding to the God in whose loving arms Phil now is embraced. Phil's death has caused me to reflect on my own life. How many mornings have I rushed out to get to work or go somewhere without offering a tender goodbye to my wife? Have I been far too rushed to stop and pay attention to the things that really, eternally, matter? I think so. Even in his death Phil continues to teach us.
GREG FEUSTEL: I remember playing football with Phil, he was a pain in the butt to tackle because he was so big and strong. In fact it was scary to try to tackle him. It was like trying to stop a semi. Anyway, on the rare occasion that someone did tackle him, I remember him always popping back up and getting ready for the next play. Whenever someone knocked him down he was up in a flash. Well this time I'm still waiting for Phil to get back up. Phil was a godly man. When I was in junior high he was always persistent in teaching us the God's Word. Sometimes it took the guys a while to settle down, but Phil would always make sure that we heard a lesson or something from the Bible that would could apply in our lives. I know that Phil is in a better place, but it still hurts and I'm going to miss him a whole lot!
LAUREN DANIELSON: I will never forget Phil's love that he had for the Lord, a love that you could see in every aspect of his life. Anything that he did, was over flowing with a joy and a passion that he had for life. It didn't matter what he was doing, he always found something to laugh and smile about. He was an awesome youth leader and I'm so glad that i was able to know him. I'll never forget him.
DAN MILLER: It was an honor to serve with Phil as a deacon. His desire to serve the Lord with all his heart, mind and soul serves as an example for all of us. He will be greatly missed. Looking forward to seeing him in Heaven.
MATT SNYDER: Everything Phil did was for the glory of God. He was an inspiration to me because of his walk with God, his family, his physical fitness, his love of people, and his love of sports. The way he balanced the many aspects of life was truly amazing. Nancy, Lauren, and Nate and the rest of Phil's family are in our prayers. We miss Phil, but rejoice that someday we will see him again. God is good all the time!
ARIELLE JOHNSON: I have had the privilege of teaching both of Phil's kids in Sunday school and AWANA and I have seen both the love and caring relationship he has had with them. Nate and Lauren loved their dad and it was wonderful to watch them interact with their dad on Sunday mornings when he dropped them off and picked them up. I know Nate idolized him, he would boast sometimes about what his dad had done with him that weekend. He leaves behind an awesome legacy of Christ-like behavior as a loving dad, husband, friend and example for those of us who come behind.
RICK & KIM BOSTATER: Some of the things we will always remember about Phil: His smile, playing church softball with Phil, his wonderful ministry in music. Every gift Phil had he used to bring glory to his Lord. How wonderful to lead people in worship of God and that is what Phil did almost every Sunday. Our heart aches for Nancy, Lauren and Nate and his entire family. We are praying for you. We are so thankful of the hope we have in Jesus. Can you imagine- right now Phil is singing worship songs looking into the eyes of Jesus- "I can only imagine!".
GWEN ERNST: Even though it has been a couple days, the shock of this great loss is still overwhelming to me. What an incredible testimony Phil was to the lives of so many people. Tears poured down my face as I read the posts and see how many people Phil has touched in all the realms of his life. Even in his passing, Phil has reminded me of what really matters in life - living each day to its fullest, all for the Glory of God. Nancy, Lauren, Nate...we love you and are here for you. May the Lord wrap His arms of love and peace around you! We are praying for you and the rest of the extended family. Phil...we will never forget you
DOUG FEUSTEL: Phil Cruz was a man of giving. Giving his life to those around him. I first met Phil in Awana, as he was the coolest guy leader because he was so strong and we all wanted to be like him. After returning from Alabama, Phil continued as a youth leader challenging young people to live for Christ. I saw Phil as a dad, and how he loved his children with all his heart. I saw Phil as a husband, a leader who loved Nancy greatly. I saw him as an example to kids, pouring his life into them. We may question why this had to happen, but I know that God is sovereign and all things work together for good for those who love God. I will remember Phil because he always had a smile and a handshake to offer me. I miss him. Nancy, Lauren, and Nate, you are in my prayers.
JOSH DOMER: I first met Phil when I had just joined the Youth Group in seventh Grade. He immediately made me feel welcome and at home. in the short time between then and now, he taught me so much about God and Gods love... and how to love God back. Phil always knew what to say, no matter what the circumstance. Phil was a great leader, but he was an even better friend. I am going to miss Phil; the way he understood the Bible, the way he laughed, his all night video game marathons, the way he was always wearing a smile, the way he was almost unstoppable in sports, and I'll miss him singing in church on Sundays. I cant wait to see Phil again in heaven, see him smiling, laughing singing the praises of God and having a great time. My prayers go out to all those whom he touched, and especially his family. We will se him again one day!!!!!!!! God Bless.
JESS TERNES: Phil lived his life for God. His way of life influenced me in a very strong way. He helped me to live my life for God. Some days he was almost like a second dad. Phil was not just a Penn State fan, but he was also a BIG fan of God. Phil will always be remembered! PLEASE pray with me for his entire family through this hard time.
CURTIS DICKERSON: I just got back from the visitation. I am still shook up about what happened. Once I got to Phil, I was biting my lip to keep from crying, and right beside Phil is Phil's dad. I had been watching him the whole time because I remembered him from the Jr. High retreats. The whole time I watched him, he had a smile on his face. When he got to me, he could tell I was just about to start crying, and he looks up at me and says, "Do you know Jesus?" I nod, because by this time I cannot speak. He gets a very Phil-like grin and says, "Well, then this isn't the end. It's just the beginning. You'll see him again, just wait." I couldn't keep from crying at that time, but somehow I shuffle over to where Nancy is. After Nancy says something to my mom, she saw me for the first time. I'm still crying, but she just smiles. She says something like, "Oh, Curtis," and she gives me a much needed hug. Then she says these words and I'll never forget them. "He loved you so much Curtis. He had such great hopes for you." It's amazing that while Phil's family is grieving their loss, they are also encouraging the rest of us. I always knew that Phil was a great man, but now I can see why. With his family and Christ, Phil had all the backing he needed. Nancy and the kids will make it through. They are under God's wing. Please pray for them. I know deep in my heart that they will pull through with the encouragement of the church, and the never-ending love of God. Everyone knows how much Phil loved games. I feel like Phil just said, "Tag, you're it!" and now...I'm gonna chase him!
ELIZABETH KRUMLAUF: Phil was always such an encouragement to me. The times that stick out to me the most are after I tore my ACL and he would ask me every time he saw me he how I was doing. I looked forward to those couple of minutes when we would trade horror stories because I always felt the genuine love and concern he had for me. I will miss looking over in the pew and seeing my mom smiling while he sang his solos in the Christmas contatas. But I know we will get to hear him sing again someday in heaven, where we will all finally be able to sound just as good as him!
JASON EDEM: Phil was a good friend and I'll never forget playing football out behind the church, or all-night "Halo" on the x-box, or watching the Buffalo Bills on tv with him and his family at my house, or just talking with him on Sunday and Wednesday about the latest sports news or work. None of these things will be the same without him. Phil was also someone I looked up to. He was a great example of loving the Lord, his family, and life in general. I am forever grateful for the chance of getting to know him. Who would have thought that wearing a Buffalo Bills jacket to church would lead to so many good times?
DEB BISSETT: The 1st thing I think of is his LAUGH/SMILE - Phil wasn't afraid to laugh or cry; he could laugh at himself or joke with another without making them feel insecure. RESPECT - no doubt modeled at home, Phil asked ?'s and listened with interest; he also let my kids be kids, be weird, be silly, be funky and be naughty yet treated them the same. MUSIC - whether it was a program, choir or praise team, a solo, duet/trio with his sisters, trios with Larry/Drew or others..he performed with excellence and humility. FAMILY - it was obvious to all of us that his wife, his kids and family were very special. He lived his love for others to see. Nancy, Lauren, Nate, and baby - May our love for you be as obvious in the days and years ahead. We're here for you!
JEFF HOPPE: Dear Mrs. Cruz, ABIGAIL JOHNSON: One of the things I most remember about Phil is the when he would spend time with us at church, and we would go outside and play games, and you always knew when you had Phil on your team you would win! And that goes for his whole life. The other things that he would teach us is that you always need Christ in your life, and that no matter what you did Christ would be there for you.
SAM HAGUE: I always thought that I wanted to be like Phil when I grew up. I still do, but this last week I was struck by the thought: Phil was like me. In other words, Phil was human just like me. He had fears. He made mistakes. He stubbed his toes like the rest of us. He wasn't perfect, and that is okay. In fact that is better than okay, because that means. Being like Phil is do-able. Then I was struck by another thought. If Phil had heard me talking about him this way, he would give the credit for anything good, to God. So yes Phil Cruz is one of my heroes and will always be a hero. Guys, if you want to know what it means to be a real man, look at Phil. However, I've decided that I no longer want to be like Phil when I grow up. I want to be like Jesus, when I grow up. Because that is what Phil was trying to be like as he grew up. So if I aim to be like Jesus, maybe I'll hit the target close to Phil. Prov.3:5-6
SETH HAGUE: We were in the balcony together and chatting mostly about nothing that one might usually recall a few days after. seems now though i can't get it off my mind... He smiled, waved enthusiastically at his daughter who was with her peers up front rehearsing. He turned to me said something about "she just roles her eyes at me" in a dramatic funny tone... that’s it, we said something about playing football that next Saturday at 10:00, how we would try to contact people , how it was going to sweet, fun, awsome, yea... instead of football we were attending his funeral...There is a sticker on my brothers wall that says "not about me" I know it has been said a hundred times before us; yet once, as genuine as it comes, is the life Phil lived before us, boy did he live... Isa. 57:2 suggests that the oppressed person of v. 1 is expressing the hope of one day being rescued... I still can't shake some of the emptiness yet it's not about me, I can hear Phil screamin’ "go go go!" and "yea!!!" His passion wasn't about just football it was about the community therein, He let us know we can fly... that life isn't a game, it's a journey. And He was all about bearing other peoples burden, i know he bore some of mine. He left more than a legacy he left a livelihood. Phil was a dreamer and i won't soon forget that...
AUSTIN HIEB: I didn't really know Phil all that well, but when I was aruond him he was a great guy. Phil always showed the love of Christ, and how Christ worked in his life! I remember the first tome i played football on Saturday he got in for one play then asked me if I wanted in. That ment he would have to sit out. It ment a lot because I wasn't a good football player at all, and Phil was such a great player. To have hime sit out so i could play ment a lot to me. Now i know he's playing football on streets of gold! I can't wait to see him again!!
ANGELA LLOYD: Phil what can you say... he had true Love for everything!!! He was the one the was always smiling and lifting you up when your sad! He had true PASSION for the Lord. Just looking at his family you could tell he was always right there cheering them on like he did us! Although it was his time to go home his love will live on in all of us!!! No one will EVER forget you Phil..... love always.
KAREN HOPPE: It has taken me several weeks to be emotionally ready to write this memorial to Phil. Although I worked in the youth ministry and sang in the choir with him for several years, I wouldn't say that I was close to Phil. But I still feel like I have lost a best friend, because that's how Phil treated everyone he knew, like a best friend. He cared about everyone and touched people's lives in ways I'm sure not even he knew. My family will always remember Phil for his love of life, his interest in my boys wrestling, and his love for the Lord. Nancy, Lauren and Nate, we love you and are praying for you.
GRACE HAGUE: Thinking back on what Phil meant to me I realize that if it weren't for God and me knowing him as my personal savior I would not have made it through this tough time. I probably to tell the truth would have gotten very depressed or worse committed suicide! Don't worry. It's not like that, in fact I'm so much more happier now than I ever was. It's taken a while yes a long while, to get over everything and let it sink in. But it finally did and look where we are now. I pray we are all a little bit closer to Christ if not a lot! Phil loved God above all else and I know for a fact that someday I'll get to see Phil. I can't wait! I want to "leave a legacy" as the song so eloquently says. Phil left a legacy we will never forget! That challenges me like nothing else. We all loved Phil and that goes without saying! He always made me smile! Always! I hope I leave an impact on people's lives as much as he has on mine! Lots and lots of memories.
DR. & MRS. CRUZ: It has been more than a month since Philip's home going. We miss him more than words could ever say! I am sure there are many who are asking themselves the question why did this tragic accident happen. Why? We have been pondering on this question and came up with some answers. Firstly, that's GOD'S BUSINESS. I say it bluntly but lovingly that we cannot comprehend completely what God's agenda is for each of us. His plan for Philip has already been completed. God is still working on us. As believers are we going about GOD'S BUSINESS? Secondly, that the LOST MIGHT BELIEVE. Philip had touched many lives, believers and unbelievers. We have talked to some who do not know Jesus Christ who were touched by his testimony and his passing away, a coworker, a doctor, a friend, a neighbor. Pray that these lost souls would realize; the brevity of life here on earth but there is eternity in HEAVEN or HELL, and; that they may receive JESUS CHRIST and be assured of eternal life in HEAVEN. Thirdly, that BELIEVERS MIGHT BE CHALLENGED. We are sure that Philip left a void in the youth ministry, the church, our lives. Reading several of the comments on this forum, many have already been challenged. May we all do our utmost for God's business. On behalf of Nancy and family we would like to thank you for your words of comfort and encouragement, prayers and physical help. We covet Romans 8:28 and 1 Thess 5:18. God will take care what ere betide and we are thankful for that.
DAN ERNST: Phil Cruz. My friend, my fellow minister, my hero, my brother. What can be said about Phil that hasn’t already been said by the many lives he touched? Maybe nothing unique, but here’s my story. |
