FORT EUSTIS, Va. –
Like the messenger angel Gabriel, contemporary Christian music singer-songwriter David Phelps trumpeted God's message of hope and salvation to an audience of Soldiers, civilians and family members Feb. 19 at Jacobs Theater on Fort Eustis.
The concert was another installment in the ongoing Commanding Generals Spiritual Fitness Concert Series.
Recognized as one of the world's premier lyric tenors, Phelps reached into his repertoire of songs to entertain the gathered masses. With classics like "Amazing Grace" to the aria "Nessun Dorma" from Giacomo Puccini's opera "Turandot" and Foreigners 80s hit, "I Wanna Know What Love Is," Phelps not only offered up the Christian message of strength and hope to the military community, but his own personal one for the Soldiers as well.
"I have family of my own and I can't imagine putting them in harm's way and yet you guys have made some choices to do that," he said.
One of the evening's highlights was Phelps' rendition of "Bring Him Home" from the musical "Les Miserables," in which one of the main characters pleads for a young man's safe return from battle.
"We chose our songs to not only lift up the name of Jesus and but to offer you encouragement. Let this encourage you and sink in in the days to come," Phelps said to the crowd before he launched into the song, bringing the theater to a hush as his voice and the lyrics washed over the crowd.
The concert was Phelps' second performance for a military audience. His first military performance was the evening before at Fort Lee.
"It was great, I really enjoyed bringing God's gift to the Soldiers and they are so great to sing for," Phelps said of performing for a military audience.
Although no one confessed to spiritual conversion as a result of the concert, Phelps did win over at least one Soldier.
Pvt. Felicia Watson of E Company, 71st Transportation Battalion, 8th Transportation Brigade, attended the concert as a distraction from her daily duties. Although she said she didn't expect too much, she was pleasantly surprised to find she enjoyed the performance.
"I had never heard this type of music before. But I'm glad I came. I love his (Phelps') voice, how pure it is. I enjoyed it a lot." Watson said.
Phelps is a multiple Grammy and Dove award winner considered one of the most versatile voices in Christian music today.
Phelps started his career with contemporary Christian music's Gaither Vocal Band, performing with the ensemble for eight years before pursuing a solo career.
More information about Phelps is available on his Web site at www.davidphelps.com.