Matthew Mancillas

Funeral services will be held at Oasis Christian Center 4240 East Brundage Lane on Friday, July 28, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. Services under the direction of Kern River Family Mortuary www.kernriverfamilymortuary.com.

Matthew, “a gift of God”, will be dearly missed by his loving mother, Cecilia Mancillas; ‘the joy of his life’ and beautiful daughter, Jenna; his sister, Stephanie, her husband, Rick Aguilar and their three lovely daughters, Brittany, Ashlyne, and Abigail; grandmother, Josephine Gonzales; brothers, Jesse and Fernie; numerous aunts and uncles, cousins, and many friends. He is preceded in death by his father, Fernando Mancillas (Pastor Fernie), grandmother, Eleanor Bravo, grandfathers, James V. Gonzales, Richard Bravo, and Fernando Mancillas, Sr. Matthew’s story and legacy is one of triumph, not tragedy. Acts 10:38 Matthew was born and raised in Bakersfield, CA to Fernie and Cecilia Mancillas. He was just the cutest little guy; he was fun, energetic, loving, and abundantly generous. Even at a young age he had the most giving heart. There were often times when he would give away his brand new toys. Growing up, Matthew was involved in numerous church events. You would see him at every youth group meeting, church camp and every Sunday and Wednesday service. He attended Stockdale Christian School and played Jack Frost football. Later, during his freshman year in high school, he went on to play football for the Stockdale Mustangs. He gave everything he had on the sports field and also played basketball, baseball, and soccer. As he grew older, Matthew faced some challenges, but through the grace of God, and the love and support of his family he overcame them all. He was always thankful for the divine intervention in his life, and sought with all his heart to become the person, the son, the father, and the Christian God had ordained him to be. He gave all glory to the Lord. He never forgot what God had done in his life and believed if God could do it for him, then he knew God could do it for you. Matthew met a wonderful young lady named Tricia in 2003. They later married and went on to have their incredibly beautiful daughter, Jenna, who became their whole world and light of their life. Although Matthew loved his football games and some good food, his beautiful, intelligent daughter, Jenna, came above it all; she was the light of his world who kept him motivated through rough times. He always looked forward to teaching Jenna new things and taking her new places. She was his absolute joy and he talked about her any and every chance he got. Matthew and Jenna did many activities together, such as having a lemonade stand, which raised money for charity, to running in the Color Me Rad together or walking together to post flyers for community events. However, one of their most endearing activities was when they built a homemade fort for the two of them to camp out in overnight in the backyard. Matthew had a genuine smile and magnetic, infectious personality. He enjoyed doing new things with people, but his personal favorites were seeking out the best places to eat ‘southern comfort food’, BBQ ribs, and some good hot salsa. He was an avid sports fan and loved his NFL team, the Oakland Raiders, and his favorite college team, Alabama Crimson Tide (Roll Tide baby!). One of his all-time favorite music groups was Lynyrd Skynyrd and on occasion you could find him singing their songs at any time of the day. Matthew loved spending time with his beautiful family. He loved his mom and often had an encouraging word for her. On many occasions he talked about his dad and how proud he was of him and just loved to be with him. He used every opportunity to encourage his nieces and was proud of them and their accomplishments, no matter how big or small, and emphasized to them the importance of getting an education. He looked forward to finding a concert to attend with his brother-in-law, and always spoke highly of his sister. Matthew had a big, kind heart which was full of love, joy, and forgiveness. There’s one thing for sure, it was never about him, but what he could do for someone else. He loved people, he loved God, and he loved learning. He had a heart of gold and never said an unkind word about anyone. His life was one of humility and grace. Matthew, like his father, was a true visionary. He was a vital role in the ministry and served in the office of the Associate Pastor under his mother, Cecilia Mancillas. He had a heart for people and a desire to see them set free. He was well known throughout the community. If he wasn’t witnessing and praying for people in downtown Bakersfield or conducting kids’ outreaches, he was leading a men’s weekly bible study, playing the drums, and preaching every Wednesday night and two Sundays a month at his home church, Oasis Christian Center. There, he was a tremendous asset and spiritual leader. Like his father, he was part of the World Harvest Ministerial Fellowship with Pastor Rod Parsley. Recently, Matthew had become self-employed and started his own successful window cleaning and pressure washing business, which he quite proudly named, Jenz. He looked forward to working for each and every customer and did his best for them. His mom, his sister, and all his family were very proud of the wonderful man he had become and of his many accomplishments. He had allowed God to do a mighty work in his life. His mom, Cecilia, was amazed at his creativity and how he made every moment count with his daughter Jenna while demonstrating his unconditional love he had for her. She was also amazed amazed as he stood behind the pulpit and watched how the anointing of God was present in his life whenever he spoke. People would just be drawn in. He would light up the room, and the grace that was given to him, he in return gave to the people. He was full of life, full of energy, and full of adventure. There are no words to convey just how deeply Matthew will be missed. He was the absolute Best Daddy (as Jenna always said), Son, Brother, Uncle, Brother-in-Law, Grandson, Cousin, Friend, Mentor, and Preacher anyone could ever have. We will be forever grateful for the many lives Matthew, our gift from God, touched. Well done, good and faithful servant. He was his Daughter’s absolute Delight.