Get to Know the Melchionda Family

Ministry Description

We are currently involved in our local church at Salice Salentino, Puglia in several different ways. We are also helping other churches across Italy organize their youth camps. We have been busy translating Word of Life's materials, such as the Quiet Time Diary, into the Italian language.

The Lord has opened a door for us to be involved in the public schools by presenting a prevention program called, AIDS vs LIFE. The opportunity came about through our coordinator's son. He asked his teacher if we could present the program in her classroom. She agreed. After we made the initial presentation she was so impressed that she made arrangements for us to give it again in two other classrooms of 11th graders. They showed a lot of respect for us, and the teacher is willing to help us present the program in the classrooms of even more students!

What a thrill it is for us to be working on a musical project in partnership with WOL Germany. While developing this program, our colleagues in Germany have produced 10 musicals over the past 20 years. With their authorization, we have translated their musical production entitled Nebuchadnezzar into Italian. Our music ministry team here in Italy was very enthusiastic and passionate about being involved in the project. Italians are talented people who love music and art. We are praying that this will be the start of a great, new ministry outreach throughout Italy! We want musicals, like Nebuchadnezzar, to be an effective way of presenting the Gospel, reaching the next generation for Christ and causing many to walk closer with the Lord as a result.

Learn more about the ministry in Italy.

About Giovanni

I was born in southern Italy in a town located in the spur of "the boot". I was raised in a Christian home, and came to know the Lord at the age of 13. The ministry of Word of Life came to my home church when I was 20 years old. I got involved in the Olympians and Bible Club programs. However, at some point, I got away from the Lord. I was certain of my salvation, and my eternal destiny, but started asking myself how would I present myself to the Lord. Would stand before God with empty hands and no fruit? I decided to get right with the Lord at a campfire service in 1995 while attending Word of Life camp in Italy. I made a second decision to attend the WOL Bible Institute in Argentina. The Lord confirmed His will in my life thereafter. Over the next four years He graciously provided the funds I needed to continue studying His Word and complete my Bible School training. In 2003, the Lord guided me into full time ministry with Word of Life. Two years later, Claudia and I got married. In 2011, the Lord blessed our lives by giving us our son, Giosia. We love young people, and we are thrilled to be part of God's work with Word of Life in Italy. We mainly help support local churches by developing ministries for their kids and teenagers. It's our great desire to reach the Italian youth for Christ!

About Claudia

I was born into a wonderful family. My mom had always sought to know the truth, and came to know the Lord in her early forties. We started attending church at that time, but I did not personally understand how lost I was, and in need of Jesus Christ, until I was 20 years old. By God's grace, the Lord transformed my life, my heart and my desires. A few months later, the ministry of Word of Life came to my church in El Salvador. What a privilege! I just loved seeing the passion their missionaries showed for God's Word and for those who are lost. I got involved in WOL Bible Clubs and youth camps, but found myself lacking the counseling skills I needed to give appropriate advice to the girls at camp. The Lord led me to prepare for Christian service at the WOL Bible Institute in Argentina, where I met Giovanni. He and I got married in 2005, and have been serving full time with Word of Life in Italy ever since.

Psalm 115:1 Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, But to Your name give glory, Because of Your mercy, Because of Your truth.

Contact Information

giovannimelchionda@wol.org
email: giomelc@hotmail.it
phone: +39-328-2863679