Meet the Staff
Mel Dearden
Administration Officer - Compliance
Mel has lived in Hervey Bay for almost three decades. She is married to James, and together they have two wonderful children, Zac and Aria. Mel has worked as Compliance Officer for HBBC for the past two years, but prior to that has been involved in youth leading, night service and worship.
Mel originally started attending HBBC as a child with her family, many years ago, and although her family moved churches, she returned and has called it her home church since she was 17 years old. She started coming back to HBBC through the Friday Night Youth program, and naturally transitioned into young adults and night service. Mel loves HBBC. She loves that she is part of a greater family, each with their own struggles, but also with wisdom that can be shared through various life stages. There is always someone willing to reach out and help, if you're willing to ask.
When I asked Mel to share a little more about her walk with Jesus, she shared the following: "I’ve been a Christian from a young age and was blessed to grow up in a Christian home. The story from Jesus’ ministry that stands out to me the most would be when Jesus is fasting in the desert and being tempted by Satan. As someone who has my own health battles, I find it so comforting to know that Jesus is no stranger to the pains, struggles and short comings that we can experience in our earthly bodies. He knows and can understand what it is to feel pain and weakness, which means when I face my own battles in this space, I know I can go to Him with the confidence that He can meet me right where I am."
Mel takes great joy in knowing that God brings comfort and peace, even in the darkest trials, and He is ready and waiting to set people free from the chains that hold them back from experiencing His fullness.
If Mel could be anywhere in the world, you would find her in her own home, enjoying a good book or pulling weeds from the garden listening to a good audiobook!
Mel originally started attending HBBC as a child with her family, many years ago, and although her family moved churches, she returned and has called it her home church since she was 17 years old. She started coming back to HBBC through the Friday Night Youth program, and naturally transitioned into young adults and night service. Mel loves HBBC. She loves that she is part of a greater family, each with their own struggles, but also with wisdom that can be shared through various life stages. There is always someone willing to reach out and help, if you're willing to ask.
When I asked Mel to share a little more about her walk with Jesus, she shared the following: "I’ve been a Christian from a young age and was blessed to grow up in a Christian home. The story from Jesus’ ministry that stands out to me the most would be when Jesus is fasting in the desert and being tempted by Satan. As someone who has my own health battles, I find it so comforting to know that Jesus is no stranger to the pains, struggles and short comings that we can experience in our earthly bodies. He knows and can understand what it is to feel pain and weakness, which means when I face my own battles in this space, I know I can go to Him with the confidence that He can meet me right where I am."
Mel takes great joy in knowing that God brings comfort and peace, even in the darkest trials, and He is ready and waiting to set people free from the chains that hold them back from experiencing His fullness.
If Mel could be anywhere in the world, you would find her in her own home, enjoying a good book or pulling weeds from the garden listening to a good audiobook!
Posted in Introducing