Episode 125

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Published on:

13th Nov 2025

Seeing God Through the Tears - Pastor Mel Oquendo

In this truly heart stirring episode, Pastor Mel candidly shares his testimony about rejection from his parents, hurt from a church leader, and many family sufferings along the way.

Where is God in our pain and suffering?

Do the tears in our pain and suffering blind us from the goodness of God?

When do we know when it is time to seek professional psychological help?

Pastor Mel’s faith journey started early in life. He gravitated towards the church as a child, after his parents divorced. As a teenager, at the age of 16, he served as a youth director. He became an associate pastor by the age 19. 

In 2000, Pastor Mel relocated to Orlando, Florida, where he was instrumental in planting six churches and campuses. Recently, he served as the Lead Pastor of River City Church in St. Charles, Illinois, where he led with vision, compassion, and a heart for service.

Pastor Mel has more than 25 years of ministerial experience. He is a dynamic speaker, seasoned trainer, recording artist, author, and servant leader with a passion for empowering others. Specializing in ministerial leadership and family and marriage dynamics, Pastor Mel is committed to helping individuals, couples, and teams grow into stronger leaders, pastors, parents, and spouses.

He holds a Bachelor of Science in Ministerial Leadership with a Minor in Pastoral Leadership from Southeastern University, a Master of Divinity, and a Doctor of Ministry in Preaching and Leading from Asbury Theological Seminary. With this strong academic foundation, Pastor Mel integrates deep theological insight with practical leadership strategies across all areas of ministry and life.

Pastor Mel specializes in multicultural and cross-cultural ministry, equipping churches and leaders to navigate cultural complexity with wisdom and grace. Whether through preaching, teaching, coaching, or conference speaking, his message is marked by authenticity, clarity, and a deep love for the Church.

Pastor Mel’s commitment to family is at the heart of his ministry. A devoted husband to Jeanette, a proud father of four children, and a grandfather to his precious granddaughter, his family continues to inspire and motivate him. Their love and support drive his passion for creating spaces where others can encounter God’s transformative love and grace. 

Pastor Mel is the author of the book, Seeing God Through The Tears: A Journey of Faith Through Grief and Suffering.

Thank you, Pastor Mel.

Pastor Mel's Book:

Seeing God Through the Tears: A Journey of Faith Through Grief and Suffering: Oquendo, Mel: 9798385235933: Amazon.com: Books

Pastor Mel's Website:

Mel Oquendo

Pastor Mel's Instagram

Mel Oquendo (@meloquendo) • Instagram photos and videos

We strongly believe in the power of prayer!

Prayer Requests can be submitted on our website www.thekingdomtruth.org

 Please Go to www.thekingdomtruth.org and Download Link for the Free Listener Gift – The first chapter of The Heart Healer and The Heart Healer Study Guide

The Heart Healer: God's Response to Personal Prayer in a Hurting World by Cyndy Bartell

Suggested Reading:

E. M. Bounds on Prayer (National Bestseller) by E. M. Bounds

Spiritual Leadership: Principles of Excellence for Every Believer by J. Oswald Sanders

Partners in Prayer by John C. Maxwell

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About the Podcast

The Kingdom Truth
Kingdom Truth with Yolanda Tyler
Welcome to The Kingdom Truth Podcast with Bible Teacher Yolanda Tyler. Yolanda is an ordained Minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and holds certifications in Christian Leadership and Christian Marriage and Family Counseling. She is the host of the online Christian radio program The Kingdom Truth which airs daily on Evangelism Radio from 6:30-7:00am central time. She is best known for her clear and precise teaching of biblical truth that is refreshing and life changing. Yolanda provides her listening audience with real life timeless applications, from God's Word, that empowers them for daily kingdom living. Through the Kingdom Truth podcast, she interviews powerful men and women of God whose stories reach and touch people right where they are, in any season of their lives.
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Yolanda Tyler

Bible Teacher Yolanda Tyler has served in church leadership for over 30 years. She is an ordained Minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and holds certifications in Christian Leadership and Christian Marriage and Family Counseling. She is the host of the online Christian radio program The Kingdom Truth which airs daily on Evangelism Radio from 7:30am-8:00am ET Sunday - Saturday. She teaches biblical truth that is fresh and life-changing; and it empowers , not some, but ALL people with real life timeless applications for daily living. Start your day with an educational, inspirational, motivational, and powerful Word from the Lord! Be encouraged!