Mel Novak, a dedicated Soldier for Christ, is an Ordained Minister called by God to share the Good News of Jesus Christ and salvation to the homeless on skid row and in prisons. (Matt. 25:34-40, Isaiah 58:6,7,10,11).
For the past thirty-one years, Mel has faithfully ministered on the streets of L.A., and in the chapel services at the Union Rescue Mission, Fred Jordan Mission, L.A. Mission and the Long Beach Rescue Mission. Mel has also ministered in penitentiaries for 28 years from San Quentin and Pelican Bay in California, to New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Florida, Alabama, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, Washington, and Oregon.
Mel preaches Christ crucified, sharing the word of God to the hurting and downtrodden who have lost all hope. Over 95,000 have accepted God's precious gift of salvation through Grace, by receiving Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior ( Ephesians 2:8 ) or re-dedication of their lives 1 John 1: 9. Jesus sets the captives free (Isaiah 61:1) and by his stripes they are healed (Isaiah 53:5) spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and physically.
Although Mel believes that Christ heals more important things than bodies, he has personally experienced God's miraculous healing power. As a child, Mel's leg was saved from amputation through prayer. Years later, his throat was healed by the Lord after having ten failed surgeries in ten years. The Lord healed a serious injury to the eye, a torn cornea, only hours before surgery. During Easter of 1983, Mel was spared from death after serious hemorrhaging from surgery. On March 14, 1998, Mel almost died from peritonitis caused by an anti-inflammatory prescription medication. Following this Mel had prostate cancer for 7 years until God healed him without need for chemo or radiation.
Jan 22, 2013 the enemy tried to strike again and Mel almost died for the sixth time with a bout of double pneumonia which hospitalized him. Mel has had 27 surgeries in his lifetime and he faithfully believes that God is a God of healing and restoration.
A native of Pittsburgh, Mel was an outstanding athlete in several sports. He passed up 60 football scholarship offers and signed a pro baseball contract with the Pirates. His career was cut short by a massive rotator cuff injury. Despite the pain and setback from his injury, Mel learned even more clearly "that God works all things together for the good of those who love him and for those called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28). After sixteen years, he once again experienced a miracle. His shoulder was healed, including a complete deliverance from pain.
Mel has starred or co-starred in twenty five movies and he does his own fighting and stunts. He shot and fought Bruce Lee to the death, (GAME OF DEATH), beat up Steve McQueen (Tom Horn), and dueled Yul Brynner (THE ULTIMATE WARRIOR). Mel set up Chuck Norris to be hit, but Norris got him later (EYE FOR AN EYE). Mel has recently starred in Hard Way Heroes, and Kill Factor.
He worked for acclaimed director Garry Marshall in EXIT TO EDEN & DEAR GOD. He has starred as an assassin training assassins (EXPERT WEAPON); a detective (FAMILY REUNION); a Mafia Kingpin (Direct Hit); a corrupt politician (POCKET NINJA); a D.E.A. agent gone bad (CAPITAL PUNISHMENT); a man possessed by demons (FORCE OF DARKNESS); & an icy hit man (SWORD OF HEAVEN).
Mel recently starred in 5 other movies. " POWER ELITE " ( President of USA ); "SWAT-WARHEAD ONE" ( Anchorman caught up in terrorism ) ; "GIants" ( Helps save the world from giant ants) ; "VAMPIRE ASSASSIN"(dies for the 19th time ) ; "BIG GUNS " ( ex major league players comeback in Senior Softball after career ending injury ); "THUNDERKICK" (Killing to save lives); "DRIFTER:TKD" (Nasty C.E.O.). Having died nineteen times on screen, he says happily, "I get what I deserve in the end. The Lord's justice is very much like that."
Mel has been a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts for 18 years. Even though his testimony is powerful and thousands find Christ through this preaching and teaching. Mel insists he's not the one doing the work. "I give God the honor worship and glory. Jesus Himself said, "No man can come to Me unless the Father first draws him." (John 6:44). So I count it an honor and privilege to be able to share my faith and lead lost souls to Christ. The Lord truly blesses me as I serve Him in whatever way He leads. After all, Jesus Himself came to serve, not to be served. Can we do less? (Matt. 20:28) I believe God designed my life's message. PRAISE THE LORD
