Gift of Hope -Tony Melendez

A dream long cherished came true after 13 years. On Apr 13 2013 at Mikeney, Texas I got a chance to meet a Man whose very purpose of life symbolized trust in God, A true Catholic commitment and above all Hope to the Hopeless. Was just amazing to personally meet Tony Melendez the famous guitarist who being without arms Played the Guitar with his Legs in 1987 for Pope John Paul-II and moved the Pontiff to tears.

Tony Melendez was born without arms from his mother taking the drug thalidomide for her morning sickness while pregnant. He was brought up in a loving , musical home. His father was a guitarist and Tony wanted to play and be just like his father. In his early childhood, he started to become very proficient with his feet at daily tasks. So, he finally asked his father for a guitar and his father said yes. Tony Melendez is a man of hope courage and faith. He played for Pope John Paul II and now his ministry to share the love of Christ with others has grown reaching people in over 40 countries. A Regular now for 12 World Youth Days He is composer, singer, author, pro life worker and inspirational speaker.