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What I have written here is not a memorial or tribute to my husband, Mel Straight. My tribute to him would be way too long to put here, besides - it is not something that he would have wanted anyway. These are simply just some thoughts from my heart that I wanted to share with you today.

Each one of you has at least one distinguishing characteristic that God has given you. This characteristic can be a great asset to you and something that God can use mightily. That same characteristic can also be taken in the wrong way, misinterpreted or pointed in the wrong direction. My husband, Mel, had one such particular characteristic: He was strong. The name Melvin itself means "steadfast chief". This strength at times, and in some ways, scared some people. But it also enabled him to stand firm no matter what circumstances he was in.

That strength brought him through many many things in his life. Beginning with a premature birth, and on through later years in life with a sickness that could have taken him years ago. Often times, as many of us may experience, when Mel had no place to turn, he learned to trust God and hear His voice. If it was earlier in life when he had nothing but $5 in his pocket, or when he was in physical danger, God provided and God told him which way to go to be safe and protected.

If God told Mel to do something, he did it. He did not hesitate; he did not stop to figure it out. He didn't question it. He also did not care what anybody else thought. He wanted God's approval only. He never fit into anyone else's mold, because God gave him his own unique one.

Although Mel Straight Ministries and the Victory Bible Church is not known all around the world, and does have any great edifice built, as my husband followed the Lord, he accomplished way more than he ever would ever admit to while he was here on this earth. From helping a discouraged pastor in Gary Indiana - having meetings with him until he was back on his feet and now pasturing a flourishing church - introducing another pastor to simple television techniques and tips, who is now televising into China - giving many pastors and various ministers the start that they needed to go on and do what God had called each of them to - beginning churches within prison walls and giving men hope where there was none before - and even sharing small financial techniques which many ran with and thanked him later. My husband laid many foundations for others to build upon to begin to accomplish what God had for their lives. Those people, many of them ministers, could have filled this place today, but this was not Mel's desire. He did not want the acclaim of man, and even today, he would want us all to press on and not spend time dwelling in the past.

So, the gifts that God has given to each of us and the potential that you have, individually and collectively is absolutely awesome. Mel saw the potential in many of you. And today, he's not here to see how you will finish your life. But we are still here to live our lives for Jesus. And even though I miss him tremendously, and I will hurt in the days ahead, Mel taught me a lot, as my husband, and also as my pastor. I know that Mel and his life will help enable me to live for Jesus and continue to fulfill my purpose going forward.

Mel loved and feared his God. And I know that he love me a lot. I will always count it an honor and a privilege to have been his wife.