Jerad Mellette is no stranger to dysfunctional homes, having been a behavioral therapist as an employee of Pennsylvanian counseling services before he and his wife, Wanda, became missionaries to Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

Jerad got to know 16-year-old “R” because of his Bible study in the public High School.  She began coming to the youth group that Mellettes lead in their church,  December of last year.  Then she dropped off the radar.  Jerad discovered that she had checked herself into rehab for abusing marijuana and codeine.  When she got out in July, she resumed attending the youth group.  She even got involved in helping out behind the scenes with the Vacation Bible School program at church.

When Jerad and Wanda took her out to lunch, she just kept looking at the menu and said, “I’ve never ordered from a menu before”.  She confided that her mom and mom’s boyfriend continue to abuse drugs in the home, and have no desire to stop.

When “R’s” caseworker tried to move her into foster care, she expressed that she wanted to “be in a religious home where I can learn more about God”.  She longed for a family environment that offered structure and accountability.  She is a very good student (mostly A’s) and wants to go to college to be a teacher.

The Mellette’s hearts were broken for her.   So it was with eyes wide open they invited the young lady to move in with them.  During this process, “R” trusted in Christ for salvation!  And to top it off, she got baptized in October!

Photo of Jerad & Wanda Mellette with some of the Montreal, Quebec youth group.