My testimony
Here is my story.
I was born in Schenectady, New York, and in 1998 my family moved to Fayetteville, North Carolina. My early years included a troubled past. I am not proud of the choices that brought me into trouble, but I am thankful for the mercy of God and for the way He has worked in my life.
My journey included heartbreak and jail cells. It also included people and opportunities that helped me begin to take responsibility for my future. I attended Tarheel Challenge Academy, a National Guard Youth Challenge program, and completed my high school education. At the time, I hoped attending the program would lead to a reduction in the charges against me. That did not happen, and after graduation I went to jail.
Meeting the Saviour
Looking back, I can thank God for meeting me in that low place. He brought me to acknowledge my need for a life-changing Saviour. My greatest problem was not simply my circumstances or my record; I needed Jesus Christ.
After professing faith in Christ, I believed God was calling me to the ministry. Since 2014, I have sought opportunities to reach people and serve my community. I have served as a youth and associate pastor, and that work helped prepare me for the responsibilities of pastoral ministry.
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”2 Corinthians 5:17 · King James Bible
A new life, and a record that remained
As life moved forward, I married and began raising a family. My life had changed, but my past record still followed me. I did not want that history to define the future of my family, so I began searching for a way to address it.
After four years of searching, I learned about an opportunity to pursue expungement of my nonviolent felony record. In my case, the process involved a fee, character references, community service, proof of my education, and carefully completed paperwork. I gathered what was required and submitted the application with prayer.
The district attorney had warned me that the paperwork had to be completed correctly. When it was accepted, she congratulated me on getting it right the first time. A year later, my record was clear. I was deeply grateful for that opportunity to move forward.
Serving Christ today
My desire now is to do whatever God would have me do. The Lord gave me a burden for church planting and for helping people know Him through His Word. Today, I have the privilege of serving as pastor of First Baptist Church of Steamboat Springs, following the church’s vote on August 30, 2026.
My wife, Joy, and I have four children. Alongside caring for my family and serving the church, I write books. I want to help people think carefully about the Bible, understand what God has said, and live in light of His truth.
I do not share my past to draw attention to what I have done. I share it to point to the Saviour who changes lives. If you are wondering whether there is hope for you, I would be glad to sit down with you and open the Bible together.
Thank you for reading my story. We would love for you to join us for worship and fellowship.
Pastor Nyrell D. Melvin