Struck Down, but Not Destroyed

About the Book

This autobiography Struck Down, but Not Destroyed is a vintage narrative of a struggling African American man who is committed to make something out of himself -- without blaming America for his problems along the way. This is a story of a hard working, courageous man of faith who persisted, at times against great odds, to affirm that even life in the rural South or the Northern ghetto can have integrity. This is an unpretentious attempt to celebrate small victories for those who are often in this world considered “the least of these.” These many unheralded stalwarts of faith have made solid contributions; and yet have survived numerous “close calls!” The sixteen chapters with helpful descriptive captions unfold in the chronological sequence of Brother McCaster’s life events against the background, doubts, and scares of his extended family and others associated with him. One cannot miss Reverend McCaster’s uncanny and profound sense of joy as it resounds throughout this exceptional testimony about the rewards for those who persist in the faith of our humble yet most inspiring forebears.

About the Author

The Reverend Melvin J. McCaster is a native of Detroit, Michigan, where he attended the First Baptist Institutional Church in Detroit, Michigan, under the tutelage of his pastor, the late Reverend Howard B. M. Fauntroy, Jr. He acknowledged his call and was licensed to the Gospel ministry on August 20, 1995 at the First Baptist Institutional Church in Detroit, Michigan. He was ordained to the Gospel ministry on October 25, 1997 at the Jerusalem Baptist Church in Washington, DC. In July 1998, Reverend McCaster joined the staff at Howard University School of Divinity as an administrative assistant to the Dean. In July 1999, he accepted an invitation from Dr. Delores Carpenter to preach at the Michigan Park Christian Church in Washington, DC during her sabbatical. In 1996, Reverend McCaster received the Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. In September 1995, he entered the Howard University School of Divinity, and received the Master of Divinity degree in May 1998. While at the School of Divinity, he has been the recipient of several scholarships and awards, among them the Perry Smith and J. H. Jackson awards. Reverend Melvin McCaster has dedicated himself to helping people. He is a born again Christian who loves the Word of God. The Reverend Melvin J. McCaster is married to Kim McCaster of Detroit, Michigan. They have four children: Johnnie and Melvin, sons; and Alfheia and Alicia, daughters.