How I Survived Abortion, 24 Surgeries and High School
Book Launch - November 30, 2020
Philip Mathews lived nineteen years on earth. He was a typical teenager in every sense of the word--but his very birth and life was anything but typical.
After identifying a cleft lip, holes in his heart, absent right ear and eye, and missing parts of his brain, Philip was given little chance of survival and his parents were counselled to have an abortion.
But he did survive and go on to live 19 years of purpose, spreading his message of hope and help in 48 states and 13 countries. Philip was born with many facial differences, holes in his heart, and a missing portion of his brain. The corpus callosum, the band of nerve fibers connecting the left and right hemispheres of the brain was absent. When he was asked how his brain works even though he is missing key components, Philip responded, “It’s wi-fi!”
If Philip Can You Can Too is a profound journey of an extraordinary young man who chose to use what made him different to make a difference. It is the story of the global impact of one young man, the unknown connection between clefts and human trafficking, and the brave case for the unborn.
The legacy of Philip was simple.
- Give every unborn baby an opportunity to fight the odds
- Work until the world is cleft-free
- Prove nothing is impossible with God
- Fight the evil of human trafficking with good
If Philip Can, You Can Too! will make you believe in the power of gratitude, giving, and never giving up.
"If you ever wondered if your life had any meaning, then you should read “If Philip Can, You Can Too.”
Pat Robertson, Chairman The Christian Broadcasting Network, Inc.
Philip Mathews - A Gift of God!
Philip was the inspiration behind Love Without Reason and began his humanitarian passion at the age of ten. He was a musician and worshipper who played his guitar and brought healing to souls. He was a motivator who shared his story and inspired young and old alike to “Never Give Up.” From there, He faithfully shared his testimony, played his guitar, and gave his message of “Nothing is Impossible with God” across the world.
Philanthropist
Because of Philip's vision, over 700 children and adults have received free facial surgery in the developing world. Over 200 women trapped in the red-light areas of Mumbai have received hope, education, and freedom from sexual slavery through Love Without Reason.
Motivator
Musician
Philip was born with one ear, and he began to experience hearing loss. The experts said he would be tone deaf, but Philip had a different mindset. Check out some of his videos on Youtube. #IfPhilipCan
ENDORSEMENTS
I met Philip on numerous occasions when he would come to my meetings with his parents. He was always an inspiration to me because of the way he praised God in spite of so many physical challenges. Sometimes we don’t realize how blessed we are until we see someone whose life is much more difficult than ours and yet they are praising God with their whole heart. That was Philip. As you come to know Philip in the pages of this book you will be inspired to praise God regardless of what you are experiencing. Through this book, Philip is still speaking (Hebrews 11:4) and inspiring us to make the most of what we have.
Andrew Wommack, President and Founder, Andrew Wommack Ministries, Inc. Charis Bible College
"Occasionally, I have crossed paths with a young person who was so extraordinary as to be an inspiration to somebody two generations removed. Philip was just such a person, and his legacy is eternal."
Mark Alexander, Editor, PatriotPost US
I will admit, having known Philip personally, that I found myself laughing and crying throughout his book. I could hear Philip speaking as I read each chapter. The stories about his ear and all of the energy that went into keeping up with it brought back many memories. The chapters where he spoke of his faith and his message and passion for Love Without Reason allowed me to see what a mature faith that God produced in him in his brief lifetime. I am not sure that inspiring is an adequate word to describe Philip. He achieved so much in his lifetime, and his legacy will undoubtedly continue both in his life story and through Love Without Reason. I feel blessed to have known Philip and the Mathews family.
Lynn Goss, McCallie middle school principal and admirer
The day I met Philip, my view of the quality and quantity of my life shifted, ”If Philip can do it, then I can too!” Never a negative moment, never fearful, never an adventure or challenge that he viewed as too difficult. Zero limitations. Being a part of the LWR family has been one of the biggest blessings of my life. Truly, honored. May the words of this book, Philip’s words, live on in each of us, always!
Lisa Bourland
LWR Board of Directors
Co-Founder and Director,
The Father's House International
President, The Jerusalem Institute of Multicultural Studies
I first met Philip when he had visited us at Chai 3:16 in Bangalore, India and within seconds he was an instant inspiration to all of us. This young man could connect with anyone and become an instant inspiration. This book will 100% inspire you to do something huge for the greatest cause. 100% inspiration guaranteed.
Benny Prasad, Waiter – Chai 3:16
I was blessed to know Philip Mathews and serve as his Headmaster at his school. He inspired the McCallie community with his faith, courage, humor and optimism. His story is a powerful one of hope and of God’s goodness and blessings amidst challenges and struggles. His story will make you smile and shed tears of joy and gratitude.
— Lee Burns, Headmaster, The McCallie School
"Philip was an extraordinary young man whose love for life and people was not hindered by his physical condition. Despite his hardships, he was determined to smile and encouraged everyone around him to do the same. He will always be remembered by his tenacity, humor and determination. If Philip can, we all can!"
-Missy Robertson, Duck Dynasty and Co-Founder of Mia Moo Fund
Champions come in all shapes and sizes. Phillip was a “Champion” in every sense of the word. He championed causes that matter and his impact will forever bring change in the lives he touched! This book will inspire, encourage and cause the “Champion” in you to rise up and make a difference!
- Dr. Steve Ball
Founder & Lead Pastor
Metro Tab Church
Philip was a patient I always looked forward to seeing. He inspired me tremendously. If a young man with so many difficulties, set backs, and missing and defective body parts can be so positive and make such a difference in this world, then so can I. I knew Philip's back hurt every time he would sit in the dental chair due to his vertebral deformity, but he never complained, only smiled with that classic contagious smile of his. Not many people know who God is, who they are or their purpose in life. Philip did. He loved and served God and humanity sincerely with all his heart. Most people know this theoretically, but Philip did this actively. Lastly, he showed great determination. He wanted to finish high school - he did. He wanted to help make the world cleft free and lessen human trafficking - he did. My hope and prayer is that this book will help others see Philip's legacy of living his God-given purpose, living positively and never giving up and be inspired, as I was, to follow his lead.
Arturo J. Lopez, Jr. D.D.S.,
Philip Mathews Dentist
Philip’s story and this inspiring work is sure to motivate every reader with faith that overcomes obstacles, love that penetrates barriers, and hope that presses through despair. In both Philip’s words and in his life, you will find the courage to go against the odds and the conviction to live for something that will outlive your own life. This is a story of purpose that could not be extinguished by pain. This is a story of a family that stood together for both life and well-being. This is a story that proves that nothing is impossible with God. Philip’s story can be your story too.
Libin Abraham, Pastor of Multisite Ministry, Sugar Creek Baptist Church
I had the incredible fortune of meeting Philip through my work at Siskin Children’s Institute. Many years prior to my arrival at Siskin, Philip had been a student at our early learning center. From a very young age, Philip made an indelible impression on those he touched; including his friends and staff at Siskin Children’s Institute.
Certainly, the work he and his family accomplished with his non-profit “Love Without Reason” has been incredible; crisscrossing the globe tirelessly working to make life better for those in need of craniofacial surgery and helping human trafficking victims. Philip didn’t wear a cape or scale tall buildings, but he did have a superpower: the ability to be tap into the feelings of other people and to inspire with his work and vision.
Many of us spend an enormous amount of time trying to figure out the meaning of life and wondering about our purpose. I feel confident in saying that Philip discovered his purpose and meaning early in his impactful life and he lived that purpose every day. He has left an indelible mark on humanity and I am so very happy that our paths crossed in this lifetime.
Derek Bullard, CEO and President, Siskin Children’s Institute
Here is our gift for you!!! Sign up for a FREE BOOK of Philip's Memoirs
Raising a Hallelujah is a Memoir of Philip Mathews written by Susan and Santhosh Mathews on Philip's journey and his last days on this earth. The book, written in November 2019, is an emotional rollercoaster on how Susan and Santhosh's faith was strengthened as they realized that Philip was approaching his last days on this earth. Enjoy the pictures of Philip's journey from newborn to high school graduate
Love Without Reason fights human trafficking in serving those children, women and men currently suffering in forced labor and/or slavery conditions. The organization is dedicated to helping children and adults born with facial birth defects by working with our US and international partners to bring life-changing, reconstructive surgical procedures to those of the developing world. Support Philip's organization by clicking on the button below.
