It all started…
with one word; IGNITION. On January 11, 2021 during one-on-one time with God, He laid this specific word on Melissa’s heart. She wrote the word down in her journal and turned the page. The Lord began to work in her life by pruning deep rooted sin that the world calls “normal”. Ignition became a personal goal to grow stronger in Jesus through obedience. Two years later, the ministry is open to serving all who are looking for more than what the world has to offer and are ready to tap in to the well that never runs dry.
Meet Melissa…
Melissa Gaona grew up in Texas around the Dallas Fort Worth metroplex. With a rough home life, she found herself exposed to drugs, alcohol, violence, and no respect for authority. Counselors told her she would never amount to anything. She managed to barely graduate high school, but had no plan and no money for college. Then God!
Eager to make something of her life, Melissa joined the United States Army. After serving three years active duty, she registered for college classes. The week of graduation, Melissa found out she was pregnant. She chose to abort her baby. Unable to deal with the shame she felt inside, Melissa fell into depression and her addiction and unhealthy lifestyle choices were out of control. Life went dark. But God!
With nothing but brokenness and faith the size of a mustard seed, Melissa moved to Virginia to start a career in television as a journalist. She met the love of her life and credits Jesus for making Joshua her husband. In 2012, she met a pastor who explained, “Jesus died to forgive ALL sins, including abortion. All you have to do is repent and He will forgive you.” This was a game changer! Not only did God forgive, but He took years of shame and guilt, and healed Melissa’s drug addiction. Praise God!
Melissa enrolled at Liberty University to get her Master in Professional Writing and today her degree hangs on the wall (well…more like sits in the closet, but eventually). She was often asked ‘What do you want to do with your degree?’ Her answer was always the same, “I have no idea, but when God says ‘GO!’ I want to be ready!” Look at God!
While juggling her television career, home life, and ministry, Melissa also works part-time for the non-profit The Lampstand, Virginia’s only safehome dedicated to serving girls who have experienced sexual exploitation and trafficking.
“I know what it’s like to be counted out. I remember staying inside a women’s shelter with my mom when I was a little girl and wondering, ‘Where is this God they call Jesus?’ Little did I know, He was right beside me the entire time. He never left me. He’s been using all of life’s experiences that were designed to hurt me and instead He’s made something beautiful,” Melissa said. “I know I was designed for a specific purpose and I want to live my life showing others that when the world counts you as nothing. Good! Let that IGNITE a holy fire inside of you. God is ready to go to work!”