Melissa, or Mel as we call her, has been an inspiration to me and a reminder that God is in control at all times! Mel has been a domestic violence victim for awhile. She and her boyfriend would be involved in drugs & alcohol, which allows Satan to come in, and then he does what he does best-steal, kill, and destroy. He can steal our joy, kill our self esteem, and destroy our relationships with everyone around us, all in one punch, slap, demeaning word, or push off a 3rd story balcony. That's what I witnessed with Mel- a bruised, broken, and beaten down soul year after year. She's had a broken back and neck when she went over the balcony, she's had black eyes, bruises, and lost her custody and contact with her children whom she loves dearly. But when Satan uses drugs and alcohol to control you, at the time you forget God has the overpowering strength to break that bondage for you.

Mel decided to move away from Knoxville to Louisiana with her boyfriend in hope that everything would be better away from here. That's another one of Satan's tricks-to separate you from people who really care about you, to divide and then conquer. That's what happened. The drugs & alcohol never stopped, and the beatings didn't either. She came to the point the only option she had was to jump off a 90-foot bridge to commit suicide-which was called "The Suicide Bridge" because people usually don't survive the fall. A fireman tried to talk her out of jumping, actually grabbed her hand to pull her off, but it was so hot, and she was so sweaty, she slipped and fell into the water, barely missing the barge coming by underneath. God is greater than the Suicide Bridge-He's greater than Satan's best move to kill, He has the final say. She not only survived the fall, but made it to the side despite the strong current.

Her boyfriend actually called me after the incident to let me know what happened. She was immediately transported to a hospital and then released to a psychiatric hospital in New Orleans, and then to a half-way house. I was able to talk to her about coming up here to get away, and after a couple of months, she was able to leave. We immediately got her into a domestic violence shelter here, and she's been attending bible classes, and working on housing, jobs, and the rest of her life. She's stronger everyday, and realizes that God has saved her for a reason. This past weekend, she got to see one reason. She was there when I brought in another domestic violent victim in to stay who was able to get away from her abuser. She came close to losing her life, and I just smiled when I heard Mel tell her don't even think of going back, it only gets worse. I knew she was growing stronger in every way.

Continue to pray for Mel, and her sobriety which started April, 2008. Pray that God will continue to strengthen her, and draw her closer. Pray she stays in the word, worship, prayer, and service. Pray that she waits for God's best for her, and allows Him to open the door for restoration between her sons and family. Pray that God will continue to use her to help others get through the same trial. God is our protector, provider, and everlasting Prince of Peace. Thank you, God, for sparing her life! Thank you in advance for what you are going to do through her. We love you, Mel, and we are very proud of you!