About the Authors

Melba Eldridge Lewis

     Melba Eldridge Lewis has blended  God given gifts of a Nurse, Trumpet player, Actress and Author to bring forth a bit of information on why the African-American male struggles to seek God.  As a Nurse for more than twenty years she has developed a caring, compassionate ear to listen to her patients and often their family and friends as well.

     As a Trumpet player she received private lessons through Goins Music Studio, Washington, D. C.  She plays Trumpet in her Church Orchestra at Mt. Jezreel Baptist Church an also in Takoma Park Community Band.  She and a trio of members (God`s Choice 2000) volunteer  their Music Ministries on tours of Nursing Homes  or wherever needed  on a monthly basis.

     As an Actress she made her theatrical debut in two plays; both shown at the Public Playhouse in Landover, Maryland. ` The Arranged Marriage` and ` Removal of the Mask`.  In 1986 her literary work was published in` New Voices in American Poetry`.

     Melba is a graduate of the District of Columbia secondary Schools; attended the University of the District of Columbia Nursing program; graduate of the Georgetown School of Science and Arts  and of Montgomery College.

Carl A. Lewis

     Carl A. Lewis is a bolt of energy determined to make any situation work.  Endowed with God`s mercy, talent, expertise, experience and knowledge, he can accept a  responsibility, assume an obligation, perform on promises and deliver a desirable situation.

     His expertise and knowledge is  accomplished through degrees in Marketing, Computer Programming and Grantsmanship.  Degrees in Marketing and Computer Programming were the results of attending Norwalk Community College and the University of New Haven, both in Connecticut. Armed with a certificate in Grant Writing from Rutgers University, he recognized  the need for a community-based Alcoholism Recovery Program in his hometown of Stamford , Connecticut.   

     In order to receive funding for such a program, he had to research showing that there was a viable need in the community.  His Proposal for a Grant was submitted to the National Institute of Alchohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA).  Thus, the first Community-Based Alcoholism Recovery Program was developed.  This program included developing a long-term residential facility, employment opportunities for recovering addicts and social services for families when feasible.  His community-based  program was used as a model by the State of Connecticut for other communities to follow. To this day, Carl Lewis` initial efforts of spearheading the project are still in operation in Stamford.

     Carl Lewis  displays special gifts too.  They include working with the Prison  Fellowship and Youth Ministries at Mt. Jezreel Baptist and Mt. Zion Baptist Churches.  He has also taught at the Bible Institute of Mr. Jezreel Baptist Church.  Both located in Maryland.

     At this season in his life, not only has he been inspired to write again but also to play his saxophone.  This inspiration and excitement has been derived from two sources. First and foremost, the Holy spirfit continues to speak and guide him on what to say in his writings.  Secondly his soul mate has ignited the desire to return to music and to reach out to others about the saving grace of our Lord and Savior.  Together through music and writing, Carl Lewis and Melba Eldridge want to ease the Struggle of the African-American Seeking God. 

To God be all the Glory.