The Calling of a Kingdom Builder: Elder Forrest A. Fykes II
The story of Elder Forrest A. Fykes II is not merely a biography; it is a lifelong “blood-life line” written by the hand of God. Born on March 10, 1978, to Pastor Forrest A. and Lady Valerie E. Fykes, Forrest’s path was set early when his family answered the transformative call to Holiness in 1982. By age five, he descended into the waters of baptism at Greater Bethlehem Temple Church; by age ten, the fire of the Holy Ghost ignited within him, marking the start of a divine momentum that has never slowed.
A Rhythm of Service
Forrest’s early years were defined by a unique fusion of rhythm and revival. A gifted percussionist, he traveled the nation as a gospel drummer, letting his talent amplify the message of the Kingdom. Yet, his heart beat for more than just the music. At 14, an unquenchable urge to preach began to stir—an “inkling on the inside” that signaled a heavy mantle. By 17, while his peers were navigating the thresholds of adulthood, Forrest was already licensed as a minister of the Pentecostal Churches of the Apostolic Faith International. He didn’t just preach from the pulpit; he took the Gospel to the pavement. From door-to-door witnessing in gang-afflicted neighborhoods to feeding the hungry on the streets of Skid Row, Elder Fykes proved early on that his ministry was one of presence, not just proclamation.
Building the Vineyard
In 1999, a new chapter unfolded when the Fykes family opened their home to a fresh move of God. Tasked with finding a name that captured the spirit of their mission, Elder Fykes reached into the scriptures and brought Greater Works Apostolic Outreach to life.
As the ministry grew, so did his personal life. In 2002, he found his partner on purpose, Minister Melissa Quinn of Jackson, Mississippi. Together, they have built a life centered on faith and family, welcoming their son Elijah Alan in 2010. Four years later, the family experienced what can only be described as a “true miracle”—the birth of Joseph Emmanuel—a testimony of God’s restorative power that the Elder still shares with awe today.
No Limits, No Retreat
Following his ordination as an Elder in 2013 and his transition to Associate and Youth Pastor of the renamed Greater Works Apostolic New Life Center, Forrest’s reach expanded. He became a sought-after voice, traveling the country to deliver a word that is both timely and timeless.
In the autumn of 2022, the trajectory of his life reached its most significant milestone yet. Accepting the divine commission to the office of Pastor, Elder Fykes II, alongside his wife, stepped into a new season of leadership. Today, his mission remains clear and uncompromising: to advance the Kingdom of God with no limits.
A Legacy of Compassion: Evangelist Melissa Fykes
Minister Melissa Fykes is a woman whose life is defined by a singular, unwavering mission: to serve. From her youth in Jackson, Mississippi, Melissa was raised by her parents, Deacon Easley and Deaconess Evelyn Quinn, to view ministry not as a duty, but as a lifestyle. Steeped in Apostolic teaching, she arrived in Los Angeles in 2002 not just as a newcomer, but as a fully equipped laborer ready for the vineyard.
Purpose in Motion
From the moment she joined the Fykes family and Greater Works Outreach Ministries, Minister Melissa “hit the ground running.” She became a cornerstone of the ministry’s infrastructure, lending her talents to church administration and the praise team. Her heart for the next generation led her to the youth department, but it was her skill as a Spanish translator for the witnessing team that truly exemplified her reach—breaking language barriers to ensure the message of the Gospel was heard by all.
From Pain to Purpose
As the ministry transitioned into a new era, so did Melissa’s calling. Alongside her husband, she harnessed the power of digital media to take the Gospel to an international platform. This shift birthed Courageous Conversations—a vital assignment born out of personal transparency and trial.
By turning her own experiences of pain into a purposeful dialogue, Minister Melissa has opened doors for others to find their own paths to deliverance. Her voice is one of courage and empathy, dedicated to those who need to know that their story isn’t over.
Advancing the Kingdom
Today, as she stands beside her husband in the office of Pastor, Evangelist Melissa Fykes remains a relentless advocate for God’s people. Whether she is teaching, translating, or leading, her goal remains consistent: to demonstrate the heart of Christ through action and to advance the Kingdom with no limits.