MaryEllen Montville, Ministry Overseer:

My name is MaryEllen Montville; I am the youngest of three children and currently reside in Southeastern Massachusetts, where I serve as an intercessory prayer minister and in other various ministries. Being chosen by God to share the Truth of the Gospel is my greatest joy and privilege, making me single-minded in my purpose: pointing souls toward Jesus. I love God, my children, my dog, Zeke, and my family, biological and those of the faith. I am the proud mom of three unique and gifted adult children and one precocious granddaughter. You’ll often find me studying God’s Word, writing, walking by the sea, or in my garden.

I have been blessed to have served in various inner-city ministries, including street evangelism in Albany, New York; a transitional home for women; and a weekly feeding and outreach program designed to build relationships with inner-city youth. Following this, I transitioned into advocacy and administrative duties at Project Hope Recovery Center in Houston, Texas, where I served individuals struggling with addiction. Then God led me to Oahu, Hawaii. There, I served as a prison minister, and in 2015, God called me to partner with Him as Overseer of Sonsofthesea, this global blog ministry He birthed and continues to use to win souls and transform lives, for His glory. I invite you to follow us as we follow Jesus.

“Woe to me!” I cried. “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty”  Isaiah 6:5.

Maria Braga, Contributing Author

I am a student of God’s Word. Born in Madeira Island, Portugal, I am a born-again, Spirit-filled believer in the Lord Jesus Christ. My passions include studying and teaching God’s Word and spending time in His Presence. My life was forever changed in 1987 when I came to know Jesus as my Lord. I am married to Lino Braga, and we have served God’s people as Pastors for the past eleven years.  We, Shepherd Highland City Church, located in Fall River, Massachusetts, and our three adult children serve in ministry. I desire to lead as many people to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ as possible.

For several years, I have had the great privilege of leading “She,” a women’s ministry. “She’s” objective is to create community and foster unity among women in the Body of Christ, building lasting faith and encouraging one another forward in Christ! This ministry has blessed so many women!

I enjoy studying, cooking, teaching, and serving God and people! I am a well-rounded woman of God whose life is steeped in faith and walked out with passion, integrity, dedication, and grace; these qualities are embodied in my daily walk. I desire to reach the orphan and the widow and tell anyone who will listen about Jesus.

Pastor Samuel Cordeiro, Contributing Author

My name is Samuel Cordeiro; I was born and raised in Southeast Massachusetts by Portuguese immigrant parents. They received Jesus Christ into their hearts before I was born and raised my two brothers and me with Jesus as the center of our home, always directing us to biblical truths for answers. I started serving at our local church at an early age, knowing the Lord had called me to worship Him through music and, later, to teach His word.

I attended UMASS Dartmouth for my undergraduate degree, where I met my wife, Flavia. We served with the UMass campus ministry, Cru, for several years. Missions, both local and abroad, are very dear to our hearts. Flavia and I are passionate about serving others and sharing the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ with our community. I have recently been ordained as an Associate Pastor at Highland City Church, where it has been my honor to teach God’s word, play the piano on the worship team, and mentor engaged couples.

Some of my favorite things to do are spending quality time with family, including my two young daughters, playing the piano, and traveling.

I pray the Lord uses me to bless your lives through these teachings.

Thank you, and may God bless you,

Pastor Sam

Elda Othello Wrightington, Contributing Author

I love words. Words have the power to influence so many. No wonder words are the beginning of everything. God spoke, and it was so! I am excited to partner with Sonsofthesea.

My name is Elda Othello Wrightington. I was born in the Bahamas to parents of Haitian descent and raised in Miami, Florida, from age five into my mid-twenties. I have lived in New England for almost nine years and have been married for four years. I can honestly say I am still not used to this cold weather!

My life’s motto comes from Paul’s teaching in 1 Corinthians 9:22: “I became all things to all people so that I may win some.” My way of interacting with everyone I meet has always been to meet them where they are, love them, and be willing to walk alongside them as they grow. I get to practice this every day in my mission field of mental health. I am a licensed mental health counselor working with youth who have experienced significant trauma.

With over ten years of experience, I count every day as an opportunity to listen, inspire, encourage, provide support, and, of course, provide psychoeducation on how to work through life’s challenges and stressors. Every so often, I get to share words of faith with the many I serve. I attend Highland City Church, where I serve as an Elder and prayer leader. I hope the words I write will inspire, encourage, and transform the many readers of Sonsofthesea.