Spotlight–Melba Bethea
Sister Melba Bethea
Melba Bethea is the wife of Deacon Charles Bethea, and they have been married for 44 years as of June 30, 2023. They have 3 beautiful children (Marcus, Tiffany, and Natalie) and have been blessed with 12 grandchildren, ranging in age from 3 to 25 yrs.
Because her husband was in the military, Melba has traveled to many parts of the world and experienced various cultures. She was blessed to retire from Blue Cross Blue Shield in April 2014 after working there for 18 years.
She and her family moved to Phoenix in August of 1989. The following month, in September, they visited Prayer Assembly COGIC, where Elder Edward Carter was the pastor. After attending that first service, her husband felt the leading of the Lord to join Prayer Assembly, and they have been faithful members for 34 years. In those years, Melba has served in various ministries including, but not limited to, Children’s Church, Sunday School, and the Prayer Assembly Choir. She currently serves as leader of the Prayer Warrior Team and the Communion Ministry under the pastorate of Ellis Ogles.
Melba Bethea is a woman of great faith. There are many scriptures she relies on to strengthen her faith. Some of those that she reads and recites regularly are 1 John 4 – “Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world”; Psalm 34 (with highlights on verses 1–4 & 8); Ephesian 3:20; and John 3:16.
One of her favorite songs is “Yes, Jesus Loves Me.” She grew to love that song as a child, and whenever someone said or did something that was hurtful, that song comforted her.
Hebrews 11:6 says, “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he that cometh to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.” Melba wholeheartedly believes that God is who He says He is. Two years ago, her faith was tested when she was diagnosed with stage 3 cancer. She has gone through a 12-hour surgery and is currently going through chemotherapy. She believes God walked her through death’s door. Melba says, “My faith was tested, but I’m not ready to die.”
She clings to Psalms 118:17, which says, “I shall not die, but live, And declare the works of the Lord.” She puts God in remembrance of His Word from Numbers 23:19, “God is not a man, that he should lie: Neither the son of man, that he should repent: Hath he said, and shall he not do it? Or hath he spoken and shall he not make it good?” She also recites Isaiah 53:5 and 1 Peter 2:24 out LOUD. Every night in bed, she listens to healing scriptures, and these verses continue to build her faith. When she is weak, she listens, reads, meditates and speaks the Word out loud, and she knows this has kept her mind and heart in peace.
She offers these words of encouragement for women looking to serve the Lord. No matter what you go through in this life, stay with God and hold to His unchanging hand. Always remember the Word of God. Remember scriptures like John 16:33, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer: I have overcome the world.” Remember, Romans 8:38-39, “For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Other scriptures to remember are Philippians 4:7, Romans 5:8, John 3:16 and 1 John 4:10.
Melba’s testimony is there is nothing greater than serving the Lord and when you serve him, He will give you peace, a peace that surpasses all understanding.
Melba Bethea is the wife of Deacon Charles Bethea, and they have been married for 44 years as of June 30, 2023. They have 3 beautiful children (Marcus, Tiffany, and Natalie) and have been blessed with 12 grandchildren, ranging in age from 3 to 25 yrs.
Because her husband was in the military, Melba has traveled to many parts of the world and experienced various cultures. She was blessed to retire from Blue Cross Blue Shield in April 2014 after working there for 18 years.
She and her family moved to Phoenix in August of 1989. The following month, in September, they visited Prayer Assembly COGIC, where Elder Edward Carter was the pastor. After attending that first service, her husband felt the leading of the Lord to join Prayer Assembly, and they have been faithful members for 34 years. In those years, Melba has served in various ministries including, but not limited to, Children’s Church, Sunday School, and the Prayer Assembly Choir. She currently serves as leader of the Prayer Warrior Team and the Communion Ministry under the pastorate of Ellis Ogles.
Melba Bethea is a woman of great faith. There are many scriptures she relies on to strengthen her faith. Some of those that she reads and recites regularly are 1 John 4 – “Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world”; Psalm 34 (with highlights on verses 1–4 & 8); Ephesian 3:20; and John 3:16.
One of her favorite songs is “Yes, Jesus Loves Me.” She grew to love that song as a child, and whenever someone said or did something that was hurtful, that song comforted her.
Hebrews 11:6 says, “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he that cometh to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.” Melba wholeheartedly believes that God is who He says He is. Two years ago, her faith was tested when she was diagnosed with stage 3 cancer. She has gone through a 12-hour surgery and is currently going through chemotherapy. She believes God walked her through death’s door. Melba says, “My faith was tested, but I’m not ready to die.”
She clings to Psalms 118:17, which says, “I shall not die, but live, And declare the works of the Lord.” She puts God in remembrance of His Word from Numbers 23:19, “God is not a man, that he should lie: Neither the son of man, that he should repent: Hath he said, and shall he not do it? Or hath he spoken and shall he not make it good?” She also recites Isaiah 53:5 and 1 Peter 2:24 out LOUD. Every night in bed, she listens to healing scriptures, and these verses continue to build her faith. When she is weak, she listens, reads, meditates and speaks the Word out loud, and she knows this has kept her mind and heart in peace.
She offers these words of encouragement for women looking to serve the Lord. No matter what you go through in this life, stay with God and hold to His unchanging hand. Always remember the Word of God. Remember scriptures like John 16:33, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer: I have overcome the world.” Remember, Romans 8:38-39, “For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Other scriptures to remember are Philippians 4:7, Romans 5:8, John 3:16 and 1 John 4:10.
Melba’s testimony is there is nothing greater than serving the Lord and when you serve him, He will give you peace, a peace that surpasses all understanding.