Melvina Carpenter isn’t just a beloved ordained Elder, who finds pleasure in advancing the Kingdom of God.
SHE’S KEEPING IT REAL — South Carolina-based author Elder Melvina Carpenter’s very first book entitled, Single, Pregnant And Preaching, is an awe-inspiring written document that depicts the life of that of a church girl who happens to be what is widely known throughout the Body of Christ as a PK, or a Preacher’s Kid.
“My college professor was impressed with my writing for my thesis paper and suggested that I pursue writing as a career,” said Carpenter, recalling the intriguing development that transpired after she was blessed to earn her undergraduate degree from Claflin University in 2006. “I received the vision to write this book in 2005.”
The book to which Carpenter is alluding is her very first one entitled, Single, Pregnant And Preaching, an awe-inspiring written document that depicts the life of that of a young church girl, who happens to be what is widely known throughout the Body of Christ as a PK, or a Preacher’s Kid.
Interesting, Carpenter, who assumes the name, Emerald, in this book, had ultimately — and surprisingly — found out that she was pregnant just two weeks prior to giving her first sermon, a development that sent shock waves throughout her household, let alone her local church.
“I can still feel the pain, the guilt, and everything that surrounds sin,” Carpenter, during a recent interview with Making Headline News, recalled while discussing her book that officially hit the market in September 2007. “I experienced the ridicule from church members, family, friends, and people who I thought were my friends. I felt alone and, unwanted even though I was surrounded by many people who loved me, I felt like I was the only woman that this happened to.”
When the spiritual dust had settled, what Carpenter had eventually discovered was that God had used the pain and persecution she endured for a divine purpose.
“Through writing this book, I received my healing, and truly acknowledged God’s saving grace,” said Carpenter, a 17-year preacher of the gospel who holds a Master’s degree in Divinity from Liberty University.
To her credit and much to her delight, it was because of God’s grace and unmerited favor that Carpenter had commenced to expanding her immeasurable gifts as a Christian-based author.
That’s because upon the much-anticipated release of her first book, Carpenter composed four other books, a progressive, resourceful trend that further summed up why it was absolutely essential that she heeded the pertinent advice of her professor some 12 years ago.
WALKING WITH VICTORY — When the spiritual dust had settled, what Carpenter had eventually discovered was that God used the pain and persecution she endured for a divine purpose.
In 2015, for instance, Carpenter wrote a revised edition of “Single, Pregnant And Preaching.”
That same year, she composed two remarkably compelling children’s books: the first of which is entitled, “Don’t Tease The Dog,” the second one that is entitled, “Ungrateful Johnny At Christmas.”
Not to be outdone, the Summerville, South Carolina-based author witnessed the release of her book entitled, “30 Days Of Prayer And Declarations For Your Pastor (Along With 30 Tidbits For Making Your Pastor’s Life Easier) in 2016.
For what it’s worth, that Carpenter is yet fulfilling her purpose — both by way of being a spokesperson for Christ as well as through authorship — is a far cry from all of the backlash she endured a pregnant youngster back in the day.
And, just last year, her book entitled, “Don’t Tease Me About My Hair,”made its much-anticipated presence on the market.
For what it’s worth, that Carpenter is yet fulfilling her purpose — both by way of being a spokesperson for Christ as well as through authorship — is surely a far cry from all of the backlash she endured as a pregnant youngster back in the day.
“God’s grace certainly supersedes the ridicule and judgment of people,” said Carpenter, when asked what is the divine message she’s sending to her audience through Single, Pregnant And Preaching. “Sex outside of marriage is wrong, but it is a real struggle in the church world. It is one that should not be ignored or overlooked. Proper courting should be taught in the church.”
Given the array of transparency — and forthright preaching, of sorts — that Carpenter shares in her first book, it’s no wonder the feedback she’s garnered have been most favorable.
After all, who better to keep it 100 with our youths than someone who can greatly attest to the pressure they often face?
“I’ve received so many testimonies of women ranging from their 20’s to their 60’s with how God healed them from getting pregnant outside of marriage,” Carpenter said. “A few women contacted me and shared how they thought they were over the hurt they experienced from church people due to being pregnant outside of wedlock. They thought they forgave themselves but they hadn’t. My book brought healing to them.”
Given the overwhelming reaction to Single, Pregnant And Preaching, it’s safe to assume that this project has emerged as the most popular of Carpenter’s books.
“Single, Pregnant And Preaching has also opened the eyes to many leaders to have extracurricular activities for the single people as well as the married people,” Carpenter said. “Too many times, single people are treated like step children at church. For example, I believe it is offensive to have a banquet or prom for the married couples and have the single people to serve them. It makes them feel as if they are substandard. It makes them feel inadequate.”
“I’ve also received feedback from single men and women regarding properly courting and practicing abstinence,” Carpenter added. “They are more persuaded to wait for marriage.
This book has caused me to build a platform to minister to women regardless of relationship status. It has caused me to be able to mentor single women regarding proper courting, praying for a husband and preparing themselves to be a wife.”
As for future speaking engagements, during which she will promote her books, Carpenter is scheduled to be the featured author at Pet Supplies Plus, located at 9500 Dorchester Road in nearby North Charleston, South Carolina on Saturday, April 7, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. EST.
“My featured book will be “Don’t Tease the Dog,” said Carpenter, who’s also slated for a public appearance on Saturday, April 14, during which she will be one of the featured authors at the Christian Authors Expo.
This event, which is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. EST, will take place at Favor Ministries, located at 1116 Old Gilliard Road in Ridgeville, South Carolina.
EDITOR’S NOTE:If you are an entrepreneur, business owner, producer, author, athlete, musician, barber, life coach, motivational speaker, cosmetologist, tax preparer, model, or pastor/minister who is seeking exposure and would like to share your story with an in-depth news feature, call Reporter Andre Johnson at 901-690-6587 or Facebook message him under “Andre T. Johnson” for details.
Andre Johnson is Founder and Publisher for Making Headline News. A 2000 graduate of the University of Memphis School of Journalism and a former staff reporter the Memphis Commercial Appeal newspaper, Johnson covers the NBA Southwest Division from Dallas, Texas. To reach Johnson, send email to [email protected] or to [email protected]. Also, follow him on Twitter @AJ_Journalist.
ABOUT ANDRE: Andre Johnson is a longtime sports journalist and a 2000 graduate of the University of the Memphis with Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism. A native of Memphis, Johnson is a former sport reporter Memphis Commercial Appeal newspaper and Memphis Sport Magazine. He worked as full-time staffer for The Commercial Appeal from 2000-2002, in which he was the beat reporter for the Memphis Houn’dawgs of now-defunct American Basketball Assocation and the Memphis Xplorers of the arenafootball2 league. He has interviewed numerous sports personalities, most notably Archie Manning, LeBron James, George “Iceman” Gervin, Issac Bruce, Laila Ali, Vince Carter, Paul Westphal, Phil Jackson, Ken Hamlin, Cortez Kennedy, Michael Oher, Kobe Bryant, Chris Douglas-Roberts, Marc Gasol, Dwight Howard, James Harden, Patrick Willis, Stanley Morgan, Dirk Nowitzki, Rick Carlisle, Mark Cuban, Carmelo Anthony, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Rudy Gay, John Force, Lamar Odom, Alexandra Stevenson, Derek Fisher, Penny Hardaway, Phillip Rivers, Colin Kaepernick, Jim Harbaugh, Tyreke Evans, Kirk Ferentz, and O. J. Mayo, among others. To reach Johnson, send email to: [email protected]. Also, follow him on Twitter @AJ_Journalist.
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“I can still feel the pain, the guilt, and everything that surrounds sin,” Carpenter, during a recent interview with Making Headline News, recalled while discussing her book that officially hit the market in September 2007. “I experienced the ridicule from church members, family, friends, and people who I thought were my friends. I felt alone and, unwanted even though I was surrounded by many people who loved me, I felt like I was the only woman that this happened to.”
“Through writing this book, I received my healing, and truly acknowledged God’s saving grace,” said Carpenter, a 17-year preacher of the gospel who holds a Master’s degree in Divinity from Liberty University.
Given the array of transparency — and forthright preaching, of sorts — that Carpenter shares in her first book, it’s no wonder the feedback she’s garnered have been most favorable.
“Single, Pregnant And Preaching has also opened the eyes to many leaders to have extracurricular activities for the single people as well as the married people,” Carpenter said. “Too many times, single people are treated like step children at church. For example, I believe it is offensive to have a banquet or prom for the married couples and have the single people to serve them. It makes them feel as if they are substandard. It makes them feel inadequate.”
This book has caused me to build a platform to minister to women regardless of relationship status. It has caused me to be able to mentor single women regarding proper courting, praying for a husband and preparing themselves to be a wife.”
As for future speaking engagements, during which she will promote her books, Carpenter is scheduled to be the featured author at Pet Supplies Plus, located at 9500 Dorchester Road in nearby North Charleston, South Carolina on Saturday, April 7, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. EST.
EDITOR’S NOTE: If you are an entrepreneur, business owner, producer, author, athlete, musician, barber, life coach, motivational speaker, cosmetologist, tax preparer, model, or pastor/minister who is seeking exposure and would like to share your story with an in-depth news feature, call Reporter Andre Johnson at 901-690-6587 or Facebook message him under “Andre T. Johnson” for details.
