retreat facilitators Billy and Julie Melton

Billy and Julie have been married for 38 years and live in North Carolina. Billy retired from accounting; Julie has a professional background in social work and now serves in care ministry at their church. Billy and Julie lead a community group and are involved in other aspects of service in their local church. They enjoy being grandparents, spending time with family, and walking their golden retriever.

God blessed them with two wonderful daughters. Jessica, the youngest, is a joy and a delight, full of the light of the Lord. She and her husband are a blessing. Juliana, their eldest daughter, is now in heaven. She was married for 2 1/2 years. She worked in public service for a state representative after receiving her Master’s degree in Government. During the second year of her marriage, Juliana was diagnosed with a brain tumor. After 16 months of treatment, she went to be with Jesus on Valentine’s Day 2018. Juliana was passionate about life and sharing the love of Jesus. She showed her family and friends how to live well, love well, and finish well.

In 2021, Billy and Julie began a local ministry called Restoring Hope, a support group for parents of child loss. It is their desire to come alongside other grieving parents. They want others to experience the faithfulness and sovereignty of God while knowing the joyful hope in the glory of God. They feel blessed that God has opened up an opportunity for them to minister to bereaved parents through the While We’re Waiting ministry.