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by Mel Oquendo (Author)
In Seeing God Through the Tears, Dr. Mel Oquendo invites readers to explore the profound intersection of grief and faith. Drawing from over twenty-five years of pastoral experience, Dr. Oquendo offers a compassionate guide to navigating loss and finding God amid suffering. Through the stories of biblical figures like Job, Hezekiah, and Jesus, this book shows how sorrow can become a sacred space to encounter God's healing and grace. For people who are grieving personally or who are walking alongside others in their pain, Seeing God Through the Tears provides both theological insights and practical tools to help them embrace loss, trust in God's promises, and find hope in life's most difficult moments. Perfect for pastors, church leaders, and anyone seeking to see God more clearly through the lens of sorrow and suffering.
Author Biography
Dr. Mel Oquendo is a dynamic ordained minister, chaplain, and passionate leader with over twenty-five years of pastoral ministry experience. He has pastored both English- and Spanish-speaking congregations across Kissimmee and Orlando, Florida; Branson, Missouri; and Chicago, Illinois. His ministry transcends cultural boundaries, offering deep insight into the spiritual challenges faced in multicultural and cross-cultural contexts.
As a sought-after speaker, lecturer, and mentor, Dr. Oquendo regularly speaks at conferences and workshops in diverse denominational settings. His expertise in multicultural leadership, pastoral care, and marriage enrichment equips church leaders with both theological depth and practical strategies for effective ministry.
At the heart of Mel's calling is his commitment to family. He is a devoted husband to Jeanette, proud father of four--Soniely, Junior, Arianna, and Joshua--and grandfather to his beloved granddaughter, Lehlani. Their love inspires his mission to create spaces where others can experience God's transformative grace.
Dr. Oquendo holds a B.S. in Ministerial Leadership with a minor in Pastoral Leadership from Southeastern University, and both a Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry in Preaching and Leading from Asbury Theological Seminary. He serves as an adjunct professor and contributes to academic and ministerial training in various institutions.
Through his preaching, teaching, and writing, Dr. Oquendo inspires individuals to embrace hope amid adversity and grow spiritually--even through tears.
