Pastor Melvin "Rip" Wilkins, Sr., a pastor, husband, father, brother, uncle, cousin and friend transitioned from his body to be present with the Lord on Monday February 23, 2015.

Pastor Rip, aka "Godfather of Outreach", was born July 8, 1944 to the late Rev. Thomas Wilkins and the late Hattie Wilkins. He was the youngest of 14 children. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by 5 brothers, Thomas, Harold, Louis, Robert and Wilbert; and by five of his sisters, Jessie Mae, Julia, Geneva, Effie and Beatrice.

He leaves to mourn his wife of 44 years, Marilon; five children, Melvin (Sheressa), Alethea Baldwin, Marc Worthy, and Marlin (Netricia) of the city, and Melvina (Ramone} Tolbert of OH; 13 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; brothers, Richard (Mary) of the city and Oscar of NY; sister, Martha (Norris) Gullick of the city; and host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

After outreaching the Communities for several years, he saw need to have a place for the people to come and worship. New World Outreach Church was formed in 1998 in Happy Hill Garden Recreation Center where the late Overseer Yvonne Jefferson was in charge of recreation center. Through the years his call for Outreach grew. That growth included Community Outreach on the radio, Outreach on Liberty St, toy and food giveaways. He was President of Twin City Little League because of his love for children. Where at the height of the league there were over 600 kids participating.

Pastor Wilkins pastored Compassion of Christ Outreach Church until his health failed. Pastor Wilkins loved the lord and people. He wanted you to do better and be better.

Pastor Wilkins played Second base. He would argue that he was one of the best that ever played that position. He would often say, he had a very good glove but struggled at the plate. He excelled as a Coach teaching his players the Fundamentals of the game. He used the same Philosophy in his Ministry, buy teaching the fundamentals of the Bible. Put God first, Love they neighbor, It is better to give than receive, lean not to your own understanding and Prayer. Pastor Wilkins taught that life was about Faith (Base Hits) and that Faith without works(Home Runs) was Dead .He taught the importance of limiting Mistakes(Errors) and only things done for The Lord(3 outs) would last and keep the Devil(opponent) from winning. He understood the importance of bringing people to Christ by any means necessary (victory). Pastor Wilkins has earned his Wings (MVP) for his tireless effort to bring people (RBI's) to Christ and is Resting and Rejoicing in Heaven (Hall of Fame).

Homegoing services will be held at 12noon Saturday, February 28, 2015 at New Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church. Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery. The family visitation will be held from 11am until 12noon on Saturday at the Church.