Opening Blind Eyes (OBE) is a Christ-centered, non-denominational orthodox organization, which has as its primary goal to incarnate Christ's love to inmates and prison staff at the Washington State Reformatory in Monroe, WA.

It was founded by Dr. Dwight "Rip" Van Winkle in 2005, answering God's call to dedicate service to the rehabilitation of prisoners through an experience of Christ's transforming love facilitated by personal presence, in-depth Bible study and times of worship in Christian community.

OBE has been granted access to areas of the facility normally off-limits to other non-staff individuals. Rip is able to minister to those who are gravely ill and dying in the prison hospital, who are often alone.

• He has been allowed to counsel inmates in solitary confinement.

• He is held in high regard by prison staff.

• Bible studies are prepared by Rip, offering college-level rigor.

Board of Directors

Dr. Dwight "Rip" Van Winkle, Executive Director
Linda Whittlesey, Secretary
Cathy Van Winkle, Treasurer
David Biles, Member