Discover How Living Generously Leads to Living Well

CBN Partners David and Darrellyn Melilli have a passion for life!    

“Every day I get up and I say, ‘Alright, Father, what are you doing today that I can be a part of?’” expresses Darrellyn.

David adds, “I look forward to new adventures, new opportunities to serve and be a representative for Christ.”

Through the years, the Melillis have had countless opportunities to trust God with their money, especially with David’s real estate, building and contract work. 

“When I married David, he was starting from scratch,” says Darrellyn.  “We had no extra money.  It was difficult.”

Regardless of their financial situation, they’ve always been tithers and givers.

Darrellyn shares, “We're taught in the scriptures to tithe, to give 10%.  That's just bare minimum.”

David says, “We usually will exceed the tithe in our giving and sometimes going to 20, 30, maybe even 40%.”

It was a young Pat Robertson that set the example of giving by faith.  He and David had just met through the Full Gospel Businessmen’s Fellowship. 

David explains, “Pat introduced himself and he, ‘I have started a Christian Broadcasting International Television Network.’ And I said to myself, “’Good luck guy.’” 

Then later, they were both helping Oral Roberts University raise money for tennis courts.

Pat Robertson says, “They wanted to raise money for tennis courts, tennis courts! But I was chairman, and I said, “Okay, I’ll pledge a $1000,’ and my wife said, “What?”  $1000.  I did it, and within several months I got $3000 from unexpected sources.  I didn’t solicit, didn’t ask for it, it just came in.”  

David comments, “I told Pat, I says, ‘Pat, you really put the pressure on all of us by making a commitment.’”

David and Darrellyn were struggling, yet David followed suit with a similar pledge.  

“That was one of the hardest things as I can recall that we had committed to do, and we didn't have it,” Darrellyn admits.

Soon, David’s real estate and building business took-off, and the couple continued to give generously.

Darrellyn says, “It seems to me the more you give, the more God does bless.  We didn't go needing anything after we gave.”

David adds, “Darrellyn and I endeavor to give to worthy projects.  Is it productive for God's kingdom?” 

That’s why they first became CBN partners and still give today

David explains, “When the hurricanes come, when the disasters come, Operation Blessing can feed and minister to those people and help them in an emergency.  That is just very, very good.”

Darrellyn adds, “Orphans Promise comes in.  They build orphanages. They provide food, clothing, shelter, education, and the love of the Lord Jesus for these children.”

The couple encourages others to give to CBN, too.  

“Orphans Promise, Operation Blessing, Regent, it’s a good investment,” David declares.  “It’s going to do good for God’s kingdom.”  

Darrellyn concludes, “If you are a follower of Jesus, you want to please Him.  The Bible says, ‘It's more blessed to give than to receive.’  There is a real blessing to giving.”