MINISTRY FOCUS

Chris and Melissa have been serving as Cadence Hospitality House Directors since 2020. After Chris retired from 20 years of service in the Army, they began ministry in Wiesbaden, Germany. In June 2025, they moved back to coastal North Carolina (where they first met 30 years ago) to plant a Cadence Hospitality House for Camp Lejeune/MCAS New River. Their primary focus will be ministering to single service members through weekly Bible studies, meals, and individual discipleship. Ministry outside of fellowship nights will include men’s and women’s Bible studies, Brotherhood and Sisterhood events, and ministry retreats/conferences.

FAITH

While serving in the Army, deployments and the hardship of separation were the catalysts that led Chris and Melissa to saving faith in the mid-2000s. Upon responding to the gospel, they felt compelled to serve God by serving their community in every duty station after that. In 2015, they participated and volunteered at a Cadence Hospitality House in Grafenwoehr, Germany.  Later, they were asked to consider missionary work with Cadence post-retirement. They now count this work serving the men and women who protect our nation as their most fruitful and fulfilling mission.  

FAMILY

Chris and Melissa are both native to North Carolina. Melissa is from the foothills, and Chris grew up at the beach. They met in Emerald Isle, North Carolina, in the mid-90s, where their friendship bloomed into love. They married in 2000 and began their Army adventure that same year. Twenty-five years later, they returned to North Carolina to be closer to family and create a “home away from home” for single service members stationed at Camp Lejeune and MCAS New River. They have three fur kids: Ripley and Schatzi (cats), and Timberwoof (dog).