RELIGION
45
WINTLEY PHIPPS PHOTOS
The pastor sang at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., during the
77th birthday celebration for civil rights icon Rosa Parks.
BREAKING THE CYCLE
At the request of several members of Congress, including
former Sen. Orrin Hatch, Phipps developed a commission
to research ways of breaking the cycle of incarceration
within families. Among the members of the group was
Hilary Clinton.
“They called us the Odd Couple,” Phipps said jokingly.
The result of that commission was the U.S. Dream
Academy, a national nonprofit that serves as a support
net for children with a family history of time in prison.
From caring adults who reflect God’s love, the youngsters
receive mentoring and academic assistance. Among the
organization’s strongest friends is Oprah, who has donated
$4 million to the cause.
Aaron Collins, founder of the Space Coast Symphony,
found this man of God to be highly approachable.
“We met 10 years ago at his home to discuss a collaboration
and for me to learn about all the great work he does in
the community,” he said.
Phipps has since worked with Collins on projects that
include two gospel concerts in Vero Beach and Melbourne.
Phipps thanks God for leading him to the amazing Palm
Bay church he leads and the beautiful spot in Vero Beach
that he calls home.
“It turned out to be 15 minutes from where Linda grew
up,” he said.
Throughout his songs and his sermons, Phipps endeavors
to convey what he believes is the destiny of all of us.
“We must grow every day to resemble, reflect and reveal
the character of the one who created us,” he said.
For 25 years, Phipps was part of the Rev. Billy Graham’s crusades.
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