Melisa Molina

Born in Mexico and raised in a Catholic home, Mel's early life was marked by transformation and discovery. At the age of 5, she moved with her mother to Rochester, Minnesota, and years later to Sioux Falls. These moves brought challenges, including difficulties fitting in and grappling with depression and suicidal thoughts in predominantly non-diverse environments. Mel's teenage years were marked by rebellion and a search for belonging. Distancing herself from the religious practices she had known, she fell in with a crowd that led her into risky behaviors, including marijuana usage, running away from home, frequently missing school, and drinking alcohol at the age of 15. After graduating from Washington High School, she moved in with her boyfriend at the time and attended college. At age 19, becoming a young mother amplified her search for purpose, even as she continued battling depression.

In her mid-twenties, Mel turned to the New Age movement, drawn by its promises of enlightenment. She explored various spiritual practices, including witchcraft, crystal healing, and Buddhism, hoping to fill the void she felt within. While working for a security company, a colleague persistently invited Mel to a non-denominational church. After a year of this colleague inviting her, she decided to attend after getting out of a bad relationship, marking a turning point in her life. After months of engaging with the Bible for the first time, she had a profound encounter with the Holy Spirit's presence and love, where she experienced the baptism of the Holy Spirit. He revealed the truth of the darkness she was practicing, leading her to reconsider her spiritual pursuits.

Feeling compelled to abandon her previous practices, Mel chose to renounce the occult, dedicating herself to Christianity. She disposed of all related items and quit smoking marijuana, renewing her faith and breaking generational curses in her bloodline. Her newfound passion sparked a commitment to evangelism and mentoring high school students with Collision, as well as serving in the high school youth group at her church. Mel is grateful that her purpose was found in spreading the gospel to those that carry brokenness, searching for a purpose to life, not yet encountering the love of Jesus or knowing their identity in Christ. Her passion and mission are especially aimed at the younger generation—until every student encounters Jesus' love.