About Melinda
Where my story meets yours
In September 2001, I led a Bible study on the Book of Ruth and prayed a dangerous prayer: "Lord, make me a modern day Ruth." I had no idea what I was asking for.
Four years later, a home invasion took my husband Tim's life and left me a widow with two sons. In one moment, everything I thought I knew about my future was gone.
But God wasn't finished writing my story.
Through the darkest valley I've ever walked, I discovered the same faithful God who guided Ruth from tragedy to redemption was guiding me too. I learned that forgiveness isn't a feeling—it's a choice. I found that healing doesn't mean forgetting—it means trusting the One who makes all things new.
Today, I'm remarried to Ellis Newman, and together we co-lead The River Community Church in Natchitoches, Louisiana. I spend my days teaching the Word, speaking at retreats, and sharing the hope that carried me through—because if God can redeem my story, He can redeem yours too.
What I Do
Author My memoir, Modern Day Ruth, and companion Bible study, The Kinsman's Promise, share the journey from loss to redemption and invite readers to find their own story in Scripture.
Bible Teacher I love digging into the original Hebrew and Greek to uncover the depth of God's Word. My teaching style is expository and practical, always pointing back to God's chesed—His unfailing covenant love.
Speaker & Retreat Leader I speak at churches, conferences, and retreats on topics including, but not limited to, forgiveness, walking through grief and loss, the Book of Ruth, and discovering your God-given identity.
Gallery
Snapshots from heartfelt moments and inspiring gatherings.
