Ministry mourns the passing of a faithful servant: Phil Chivers

(Florence, Kentucky)—Phil Chivers, one of the original staff members of the Answers in Genesis apologetics ministry of Florence, Kentucky, went to be with his Creator this morning. He was 58. Phil and his wife, Mary, were the first two people hired when Answers in Genesis began four years ago in San Diego, California, and then soon moved to Northern Kentucky. “When we started as a new ministry, Phil did so many things, from keeping the books to mailing out materials, and later accompanying me on most of my seminar tours around the United States. He was a faithful servant and dear colleague,” declared Ken Ham, founder and executive director of Answers in Genesis. AiG equips Christians to defend the authority of the Bible from the very first verse. “Even with the pain of liver cancer, Phil never questioned God. He knew that this world was suffering from the curse of Genesis 3. But he recognized that he had a hope in Christ and that ‘to die is gain’ (Philippians 1:21). We can take much comfort in knowing that countless people in dozens of cities around America were touched by this servant of God.” When he was not traveling, Mr. Chivers attended Faith Presbyterian Church in Cincinnati, where he was a member. He was an avid reader of the Bible, and was well-versed on a number of Biblical topics. He is survived by his wife, Mary, and their daughters, Vicki Stormeon of El Cajon, California, and Julie Lockman of Grants Pass, Oregon, and 7 grandchildren.

The Servant

The spotlights glare with the audience stare,
To the front upon the stage,
All eyes glued on what ensured,
At the screen and overhead page.

Everyone knows the man on his toes,
'Tis the name upon their lips,
But no one knows the man that goes,
With the hand truck in his grips.

Down the road with heavy load,
He drives from town to town,
Traffic lights and motel nights,
You'll never see him frown.

Keys in the locks, books in the box,
He hauls them to and fro,
Seminar done, its time to run,
The next one for to go.

He does his best and never rests,
To see that all goes well,
For all the looks upon the books,
So no one goes to Hell.

No fortune, no fame, no loud acclaim,
He's faithful ever still,
His reward lies with his Lord,
The Servant known as Phil.

This poem is dedicated to the memory of Phil Chivers. A wonderful servant, friend and fellow Christian who went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on this day, March 7, 1998.

(Photo of Mr. Chivers available on request)

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