Melissa embodies the essence of a mother of five, yet also of a visionary and entrepreneur, with a creative spirit shaped by a life full of challenges, including chronic illnesses, cancer survival, and rare pancreas insufficiency. In the past two years, Melissa was challenged by her chronic conditions once again, but this time she experienced miraculous healing that blew even medical specialists away, she cannot deny that there is a living God because she experienced miracle after miracle within her own body.
These experiences uniquely equip her to support her husband Dale and her new venture within the medical sphere of ministry and community development, both driven by their shared passion for making a difference. Melissa has great compassion for anyone struggling with health issues and even though she never studied medicine she sees this as an opportunity to play a key role in connecting medical professionals with their projects.
History with YWAM ( Youth with a Mission )
Melissa comes from a faith-filled Christian family, with her father serving as a Christian Evangelist and Missionary.Since 2004, she has been deeply involved with YWAM, completing her DTS ( as one of the youngest students in YWAM history), and various other courses, outreaches and leadership programs. Melissa has contributed internationally as Staff with YWAM and also served at the University of the Nations. For the past 20 years, she has been an active part on a smaller scale while within YWAM, even playing a role in pioneering various initiatives.” She has always wanted to stay connected to Youth with a Mission even though she studied, was a part of different organisations and churches, got married, had children and was self-employed.
Occupational Information
Originally trained in performing arts, focusing on scriptwriting and journalism, Melissa transitioned her occupation, with further studies to life coaching, focusing on postpartum care and art therapy. Her health struggles, particularly overcoming cancer at a young age, led her to explore psychology and therapeutic arts, which became her true calling.
In recent years, Melissa has excelled as a therapist, life coach, and art therapist, primarily working in German schools while also managing an online coaching platform for women. In Vanuatu, she envisions creating a welcoming environment for her family and volunteers, fostering a sense of community and happiness. Fueled by her entrepreneurial spirit for the future, she dreams of making a difference through business and job creation for the local Ni-Vans. She emphasizes that she has more than enough time to do the latter once her children are older.
About previous projects, Hawaii, the Islands and a place to call Home
Although she will miss Germany’s culture, connections and family deeply, Melissa’s heart is set on Vanuatu. Reflecting on past projects like Impact Hollywood, she emphasizes the importance of pursuing authentic paths and letting go of unrealized dreams. Their time in Hawaii confirmed their calling to the Island Nations, reinforcing their determination to embrace this transformative journey.
Leaving Germany
Furthermore, she reflects on leaving their home in Germany. “It´s one of the hardest things ever to pack up a home with five children but I’m certain Vanuatu is where we’re meant to raise our children and make a difference,” Melissa says confidently.
Her unwavering faith, personal resilience, and dedication to her five children fuel her enthusiasm for life and compassion for others.
“I cannot wait to finally take root, create a life that aligns with our visions & dreams as a married couple and for our children to call Vanuatu their home.”
Closing Words & Inspiration
Proverbs 22:6 (NIV) advises, “Train up a child in the way they should go; even when they are old the child will not depart from it.” This verse resonates with Melissa deeply, not only because she is now a parent herself, but also because she understands the challenges of straying from the right path. “Thankfully, I was blessed with a childhood filled with rich faith and beauty. Recognizing the importance of this upbringing, I can say it serves as the cornerstone for all my endeavours with children and youth”.
She encourages every reader to pause and consider how they can make a lasting impact by dedicating time and effort to nurturing the next generation.
“It is our responsibility not only to pursue personal success but also to contribute to the well-being of others and to shape a better future for our planet. By fostering happiness and love in young hearts, we can cultivate a healthier world. Let us prioritize guiding and teaching the youth, nurturing Mothers in need and helping young men truly understand fatherhood. I believe creating a world with healthy families, is about what truly matters, as this will enhance all aspects of life for generations to come”.
“LIFE IS A GIFT, LIVE YOUR DREAMS DO NOT DREAM YOUR LIFE AWAY”
By Melissa Blumberg-Booth
