Our Founder
Melissa Helmick
Melissa Helmick’s journey with the Lord began at age 15, as a young lady living in Irwin, Pennsylvania, a quaint town 3 miles outside of Pittsburgh. It was at this tender age that she surrendered her life to Christ during a youth camp on August 10, 1982. Just two days later, she was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in tongues—an encounter that marked her life and ignited a deep passion for God’s presence.
Her path was shaped by both discipline and devotion. While still in high school, Melissa joined the military, learning perseverance and strength that would serve her throughout her ministry. She went on to earn both a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and a Master’s degree in Business Administration with a focus on Educational Leadership. Professionally, she worked in finance for 18 years before following God’s leading into education, where she has now been teaching for over a decade. Today, she ministers in Christian schools, blending faith with education to raise up the next generation in God’s truth.
Melissa's life has always carried a strong thread of worship. In 1997, Melissa released a nationally distributed southern gospel music project that was recorded in Nashville titled "God is always there." In 2007, Melissa teamed up with Les Butler of Butler Music Group in Nashville and recorded her second project titled "Heaven's Joy" for National release. Her love for music and worship continues to influence the ministry today.
Melissa has also devoted herself to Christian education, teaching and mentoring others in their faith. In early 2025, she began to sense a renewed stirring in her spirit, a rekindling of the vision God had given her years prior.
Following a providential encounter with Pastor Sam King flame, Melissa received clear confirmation to move forward with the establishment of Remnant Gathering Ministries, a new chapter in her calling to serve and lead within the body of christ.
Melissa has always held a deep passion for equine and animal advocacy. In 2020 she established Whispering Winds and Animal Advocates for the purpose of promoting awareness of horses in the equine slaughter industry and animal protection.
Melissa and her husband, Wayne, reside on a small farm in Fauquier county, Virginia, where Melissa dedicates much of her time to animal rescue most notably giving neglected horses a second chance at life after saving them from auction houses in abandonment.
Her life is a testament to faith, obedience, and the transformative power of Divine Purpose.
Throughout every season, Melissa has walked with determination and faith. Even when the enemy tried to derail her calling, she stood firm in the promises of God, knowing He had a greater purpose ahead.
The vision for Remnant Gathering Ministries was birthed out of Melissa’s passion to see the Ekklesia—the called-out ones, God’s remnant—united in prayer and worship. Rooted in Romans 11:5, this ministry exists to gather believers as a remnant chosen by grace, interceding for America, Israel, and the nations.