Philip Eleazar Price
Emmaus Road Ministries (ERM) has
lost its most ardent supporter in the death of Philip Eleazar Price
(64), the brother of President and Founder, Dr. Stephen Price.
Philip
and his wife Mary, along with their team, had raised support for
the ministry through the ‘Gospel Extravaganza’ performances
executed throughout Wales.
Philip’s passion for Christ increased greatly in the
last years of his life and was expressed during his performances. Mary,
his wife and accompanist on the piano or organ, often adapted hymns
of the past, e.g. The Rebel, sung by Sam
Jenkins during the Welsh Revival of 1904 for Phil’s fine tenor
voice. His humor, costume changes, and talented impersonations
(he was the best Elvis when performing his gospel songs) quickly
charmed his audiences.
Philip’s funeral in Wales on August 7th was a Homecoming
Celebration. just before his death, on July 29th, 2007, Phil
had told Mary, “I don’t mean to frighten you, but there
is an angel at the foot of our bed.” Within minutes of
saying this Phil passed away.
Family
members, friends, fellow performers and many members of the Male
Voice Praise Choirs of South Wales and England attended the funeral
and mourn his passing. As we exited the chapel at his funeral
service, a recording of Phil singing, “Were
it not for Grace,” punctuated
the grieving silence. You can download this recording of this,
Phil’s favorite song, words which seem to embody the spiritual
aspect of his life. A live recording of one of the gospel shows
may also be viewed on ERM’s website via Paypal, the proceeds
of which will support the goals of this ministry.
Reflecting
on the void left by Phil’s death, Stephen has written a paraphrase
of the Emmaus Road account from Luke 24: 13-38.
We
thank the Lord for Philip’s dedication to Christ as he served
him and the many lives of others in his name. Christ makes
all the difference in our lives.
Thank
you Lord for Philip Eleazar Price.