Minister Frankie Phelps
Frankie is accustomed to trials and tribulations from his early life. He was raised in a dysfunctional home with alcohol, drugs, and evictions were routine. His mother, Mary, did the best she could raising ten kids as a single mother. He dropped out of Malcolm X Shabazz High School in Newark. He dropped out of high school because he had a drug addiction and couldn’t read or write.
Mr. Phelps married the love of his life, Cynthia. They have been married for 18 years and are blessed to have four adult children: Sharif, 35: Fatimah, 33: Samad, 32: and Kareem, 31: and Anayah, 22. Also, have twenty-two grandchildren.
Unfortunately, Frankie contemplated suicide fifteen years ago after the death of his Fahiym was murdered in Irvington by two African American males. During this time, he was a member of Community Baptist Church of Englewood, NJ, under the leadership of Dr. Lester W. Taylor, Jr. Although Mr. Phelps genuinely has faith, he struggled with forgiving the men who murdered his son.
He was in pain, depressed, and ashamed of his past life. But, when Frankie came to Pillar College, his life was impacted in such a way that he didn’t expect. Because of the Pillar, he has a future. On July 18, 2020, Frankie graduated from Pillar College with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Counseling.
He plans to open up a halfway house for anyone who is going through hard times. Pillar helped him to see the love in all people despite the hatred in the world. Also, he plans on becoming a Psychologist and finish his book entitled: “I want to live, but I must die first.”
Accomplishments: For ten years, I have been involved with a soup kitchen in Newark.
Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us to trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your understanding in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Frankie and Cynthia’s hometown is unknown because the Lord spoke to Mr. Phelps, and said: “it’s time to move.” He shared this revelation with his wife, and they both decided to donate their furniture, clothes, and books to those in need throughout the City of Newark. He serves as the community liaison for Fellowship Baptist Church in Irvington, New Jersey, where Susan P. Warren is the Senior Pastor.
Frankie and Cynthia are praying for the Lord Jesus Christ to reveal their new beginning and a brand new home.
