Dr.Gary V. Whetstone is the senior pastor and founder of Victory Christian Fellowship in New Castle, Delaware, and the founder of Gary Whetstone Worldwide Ministries (GWWM). He has earned a Doctorate Degree in Religious Education. Since personally experiencing God’s miraculous deliverance and healing from drug addiction and mental illness in 1971, Dr. Whetstone has devoted his life to helping others experience freedom in every area of life through God’s Word. Today, he frequently ministers around the world in churches, seminars, and evangelistic crusades. Gifted in teaching, Dr. Whetstone provides practical biblical instruction wherever he ministers and has seen God work powerful signs, wonders, and miracles. Hundreds of thousands have become born-again, Spirit-filled, healed, and set free.
Because of their great burden to minister to the local community, Dr. Whetstone has launched life-changing outreaches in several areas, including HIV/AIDS; substance-and-alcohol abuse; prison outreaches; food-and-clothing programs; and large evangelistic campaigns, including dramatic productions “Murder What’s Next”, “The Passion Play”, which draw thousands of people when presented.
Dr. Whetstone’s passion is to see the Word of God cover the world as the seas cover the earth. This vision is being accomplished through many ministry outreaches. These include: sending mission and evangelistic teams around the globe; radio and television broadcasting; ministry through the Internet; and the GWWM School of Biblical Studies. An extensive audio- and video-training program, this school equips Christians to experience God’s presence and to understand the Bible. This training program has been established in hundreds of churches in North and South America, Australia, Europe, Asia, and Africa. In addition to local-church and international branch locations, the School of Biblical Studies (SBS) is available to individuals online through jesusexperience.com
Dr. Whetstone has appeared on many national and international radio and television programs and has authored key books. Among these are The Victorious Walk, How to Identify and Remove Curses, Make Fear Bow, Millionaire Mentality, Your Liberty in Christ, It Only Takes One, and his personal testimony of miraculous deliverance and healing in Conquering Your Unseen Enemies. His numerous study guides are testaments to his gifting in practical biblical teaching and are available for use with his many video- and audio-teaching series. Several of these English materials are available (or will be in the future) in Spanish, French, and other languages. God has blessed Dr. Whetstone with an incredible business sense, enabling him to publish a series of teachings including Purchasing and Negotiations, Success in Business, and Millionaire Mentality. His radio and television broadcasts have reached an audience of millions through the Trinity Broadcasting Network and the Internet.
Dr. Whetstone and Faye, his wife of more than 40 years, have a particularly dynamic testimony because of their restored marriage, which achieved national attention and was the cover story of Charisma magazine. Gary and Faye now conduct annual Marriage Advance seminars for couples looking to enrich their relationship.
Pastor Faye Whetstone is the cofounder of Gary Whetstone Worldwide Ministries (GWWM) and Victory Christian Fellowship. She and Dr. Whetstone have been married for more than 40 years and together, they pastor Victory Christian Fellowship in New Castle, Delaware since 1984.
Pastor Faye earned a Master’s Degree in Christian Ministry from Chesapeake Bible College and Seminary. She also attended Rhema Bible Training Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and was ordained through Reverend Billy Joe Daugherty from Victory Christian Center.
The Lord has also blessed Pastors Gary and Faye with six wonderful grandchildren: Isaiah and Carmine Whetstone, Benson Victor Osarhumen Idahosa III affectionately called “Big Ben” who is now in heaven with Jesus and Faith Emmanuel Benson Idahosa IV – “Baby Feb” who was born on July 9, 2008, Nathaniel Victor Benson Idahosa V, born November 14, 2011, and their latest, Judah Victor Benson Idahosa VI, born January 2, 2013.
The Whetstone’s two children and their spouses, Feb and Laurie Idahosa of Benin City, Nigeria, and, Eric and Rebecca Whetstone of New Castle, Delaware serve in full-time ministry.
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Pastor Laurie Whetstone-Idahosa is a pastor, author, and influencer devoted to evangelism, missions, and humanitarian work. Born in Wilmington, Delaware, she is married to Bishop F.E. Benson Idahosa and is mother to three teenage sons, Feb Jr. Nate and Judah.
As co-founder of Nathan American Academy and Big Ben’s Children’s Hospital in Benin City, Nigeria, Pastor Laurie has served as a Director at Benson Idahosa University since 2003. A licensed minister from 18, she has over three decades of pastoral leadership, including her current role of Lead Pastor at Victory Christian Fellowship (New Castle, DE) and First Lady / Pastor of the Headquarters of CGMI Faith Arena in Nigeria.
She is a National Presbyter in Church of God Mission Int’l (Nigeria) and enthusiastically serves with her husband, CGMI’s General Overseer.
Laurie is author of Every Woman’s Journey (2014), Laurie Prays (2017), and Laurie’s 22 (2018). Her humanitarian work for IDPs and youth has earned numerous awards. She mentors hundreds of thousands daily via @Idahosalaurie.
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Pastor Gif Wilson has served as an Associate Pastor of Victory Christian Fellowship in New Castle, Delaware for over 26 years. Pastor Gif has served as the Youth Pastor here at Victory.
Pastor Gif is also involved extensively in marriage, family, and finance ministry. Through sound biblical financial practices developed through his own personal experience, he has assisted many individuals and families with their own personal financial breakthroughs. Pastor Gif is a graduate and instructor of the School of Biblical Studies and School of Ministerial Training, New Castle, Delaware. He has also been blessed to assist schools in both Delaware and Pennsylvania with mentoring and crisis situations.
Pastor Gif has been married to his wife Sharon for over 27 years and is looking forward to many more years of fulfillment! Sharon and Gif have a wonderful daughter named Danielle who has graduated from the University of Delaware.
Email Pastor Gif Wilson
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Pastor Judy Shipley, Associate Pastor, coordinates the Prayer Center, Outreach, Follow up ministry and also does individual ministry. Pastor Judy began the “We Care” HIV/AIDS ministry for persons affected by HIV/AIDS and their families at Victory and has received numerous awards and recognition for her ministry to those with AIDS. She is also responsible for Membership and Licensing and Ordination.
Pastor Judy is the founder and host of Straight Talk for Women Only, an internet talk show for women. Along with co-hosts, Mary and Janelle, they cover a wide variety of topics that pertain to issues that women face. Open, honest, with no, holds barred, this talk show is informative, funny, and life-changing. Each of the three ladies adds a different twist to the topics covered.
She demonstrates God’s mercy and compassion. God moves through her to bring healing to those in emotional bondage. She has ministered at countless women’s meetings. Her passion is to see people touched by God, be connected in the Body of Christ and fulfill God’s purpose for their lives. She has been in ministry since she was 17 years old.
After being a widow for 16 years, God suddenly brought a wonderful man into her life and she married on December 29, 2007. She and her husband, Charles have 6 children, 16 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.
Email Pastor Judy Shipley
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Pastor Freke Umoh, minister of joy, our worship director, is an African award winning singer-songwriter, praise/worship artist, ordained minister and speaker. He is part of the emerging psalmists from the continent of Africa releasing sounds of worship that are blessing the Body of Christ globally.
Reverend Freke has been serving the Lord with his music from part-time to full-time as music director, worship leader and an in-demand traveling psalmist for 20 years. Within this period he has featured twice on the largest worship gathering in Africa, the annual praise festival, “The Experience Lagos”. He was listed in ynaija.com among 100 most influential young people in Christian ministry in 2020 and toured internationally to Europe, the Middle East and across Africa for worship meetings and conferences.
His discography includes songs like You Are My God , Hallelujah No Go Finish, One Moment and Accepted.
Pastor Shirley Kathleen Baldwin, Children’s Ministry
Pastor Shirley Kathleen Baldwin has been faithfully serving at Victory Christian Fellowship since 2008. As Pastor over the Children’s Ministry, her heart is to ensure that every child who walks through the doors of Victory feels loved, learns the Word of God, and receives Jesus as their Lord and Savior.
Called into ministry through dreams and visions of herself preaching the Gospel, Pastor Shirley accepted God’s call in 1971. When she and her family relocated to Delaware, the Holy Spirit led them to Victory. Her passion is driven by a deep desire to serve others and a genuine love for children.
A fun-loving person who enjoys making others laugh and feel loved, Pastor Shirley is one of ten siblings and cherishes her relationship with Christ as her Lord and Savior.
Her ministry is anchored in Luke 10:1–4 (NLT):
“The Lord now chose seventy-two other disciples and sent them ahead in pairs to all the towns and places he planned to visit. These were his instructions to them: ‘The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields. Now go, and remember that I am sending you out as lambs among wolves. Don’t take any money with you, nor a traveler’s bag, nor an extra pair of sandals.’”
Her mission is to raise a generation of children who love Jesus deeply, live boldly for Him, and share His love wherever they go.
Pastor Bobby S. Baldwin, Children’s Church
Pastor Bobby S. Baldwin has been faithfully serving at Victory Christian Fellowship since 2008, leading Victory’s Children’s Church with a passion for giving children a strong foundation in biblical knowledge. His ministry focuses on helping young hearts understand God’s Word and apply it to their daily lives.
A graduate of Victory’s Biblical School, Pastor Bobby was drawn to the ministry after being deeply impacted by Pastor Gary’s teachings and understanding of the Word. His favorite scripture, Matthew 19:14 — “Suffer the little children to come unto me” — perfectly reflects his heart for teaching and guiding the next generation.
Known for his firm and positive leadership, Pastor Bobby blends strong biblical foundations with a joyful, relatable teaching style that connects with children and parents alike. Outside of ministry, he enjoys hitting the gym to “keep up with the children and serve Jesus,” as he likes to say with a smile.
A proud Combat Marine and recipient of the Medal of Valor, Pastor Bobby also works closely with veterans living with PTSD, continuing to serve others with compassion, strength, and faith.
Pastor JoAnn P. Wooten, Associate Pastor
Pastor JoAnn Wooten has been a faithful part of Victory Christian Fellowship since 1986, when she first enrolled in Bible School. After completing three years of study, she went on to serve as Dean of the school, helping to equip and develop countless believers for ministry.
As an Associate Pastor, Pastor JoAnn provides leadership in Children’s Church, Bible School, and Administration. Her teaching style is direct and informative, always focused on building people up in their faith and helping them grow in their understanding of God’s Word.
Driven by a deep desire for people to know how much God loves them and longs for fellowship with them, Pastor JoAnn’s ministry is rooted in the truth of John 3:16: “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son…”
Beyond her pastoral responsibilities, she is known for her joyful spirit and love for singing to the Lord. The oldest of 14 siblings and a proud grandmother of three, Pastor JoAnn brings warmth, laughter, and steadfast devotion to everything she does.
Young Adult Pastor | Go Church Pastor | Assistant Youth Pastor
Pastor Ryland Box has been a part of Victory Christian Fellowship since his teenage years. What began as his mother’s search for a church that hosted early morning prayer quickly became the foundation of his own spiritual journey. Drawn in by Victory’s vibrant youth ministry in the early ’90s, Pastor Ryland grew in faith and purpose, eventually stepping into his calling to serve the next generation.
Today, he leads as the Young Adult Pastor and Go Church Pastor, as well as serving as Assistant Youth Pastor. With a deep compassion for young people, Pastor Ryland is dedicated to helping them discover their God-given purpose, express their gifts, and build an authentic community with other believers. Having personally walked through the challenges of youth and young adulthood, he brings both wisdom and empathy to his ministry.
Grounded in Romans 8:2—“For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death” —Pastor Ryland’s teaching emphasizes biblical exegesis, bringing Scripture to life through historical and cultural understanding. His evangelistic heart drives him to see people encounter God in real and transformative ways.
Beyond the pulpit, Pastor Ryland is known for his creativity and talent—he’s still one of the best Christian rappers you’ll ever hear! He is married to his lovely wife, Charisse, and together they are raising three strong and amazing sons.
Connect with Pastor Ryland:
IG: @rylanthecreative
YouTube: Rylan the Creative
Facebook: Ryland Box
TikTok: Rylan the Creative
Pastor Jacquelyne Parker has been a part of Victory Christian Fellowship for nearly four decades. Her journey began in 1986 when she attended a water baptism service at Victory. Though she belonged to another church at the time, God stirred her heart to return—and soon after, she enrolled in the Bible School to receive formal ministry training. That step of obedience became the foundation for a lifelong calling to teach and serve.
As Victory’s Online Pastor, Pastor Jacquelyne leads Early Morning Prayer on Zoom every Monday through Wednesday 5:45 AM—rain, shine, even if it’s a holiday on those days. (You can pray with your camera off). She also ministers one-on-one, offering encouragement and spiritual guidance to those in need. Her teaching style is practical and down-to-earth, much like Jesus’ parables, making the Word accessible and relatable to everyone.
Driven by a passion to see men and women live out God’s original intent for their lives, she finds joy in watching people experience those “aha” moments as Scripture comes alive to them. Her ministry is anchored in Ephesians 4:12–13 (NLT): “Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ.”
Outside of ministry, Pastor Jacquelyne enjoys relaxing with a good romantic comedy or drama, on television. A lifelong follower of pop culture, she’s known among friends as the go-to person for celebrity trivia. She is a devoted wife and the proud mother of two sons—one who is now in heaven and one here on Earth.