A Historic House
A house led by the Holy Spirit and built through simple obedience.
Our Story
Building the House
Before the House had a name, its founder was formed through prayer, study, and preparation.
These were unseen years—during which the Lord entrusted Melrose with the design, which she carried quietly long before the work took visible shape.
AVODA House was born in a moment when the world held its breath.
During the 2019 global coronavirus pandemic, when much of the world slowed down, the Lord revealed a return to the rhythms of discipleship we see in the historical book of Acts.
In 2022, God invited Melrose on a bold journey. She spent the limited time she could step away from her business driving across the United States from house to house—funding the journey herself and trusting the Lord to provide along the way—ministering in living rooms, praying in kitchens, teaching around dining room tables, and walking alongside families as they rebuilt their spiritual foundations.
When the journey came to a close, the Holy Spirit made the next step clear, to move to Arizona. In 2023, Melrose sold her belongings, closed her business, packed lightly, and left her hometown.
AVODA House then first began to gather in Arizona and Florida, later establishing communities in Pennsylvania and South Carolina. During the early journey, much of the impact was felt in Texas, and overflowed into California, Mexico, and Maryland, Washington, D.C.
AVODA House took shape relationally through shared meals and thoughtful conversations rather than formal structures.
Throughout each season, Melrose remained connected with mature leaders who helped her carry and steward the responsibility. In less than two years, the House naturally grew into a network of home churches across the United States.
The House was built through faithfulness, personal sacrifice, and the generosity of individuals and families who were encouraged by the ministry through offerings, shared resources, and tangible provisions along the way.
At times, intimate trainings and events helped raise administrative funds, but the ministry has never relied on institutional backing. It has grown at God’s pace, through humble hearts and consecrated labor.
With the foundation firmly laid, the Lord turned His attention to strengthening the family from which the House would continue. A marriage that has marked a new chapter in the unfolding story of what God is doing through AVODA House.
The Casanova story begins with a reunion only Heaven could orchestrate.
Juan and Melrose first met in middle school, sharing friends, classrooms, and later high school hallways. After graduation, their paths separated as each stepped into seasons of wilderness, healing, and spiritual formation. Though unaware of the full story unfolding in the other’s life, they found themselves moving in similar spaces—attending the same churches, the same conferences, and carrying the same passions. For years, they remained loosely connected online, narrowly just missing one another.
In 2024, they independently prayed the same prayer: “Lord, I don’t want to choose. You choose my spouse.” One year later, He did. In 2025, God reunited them after fourteen years during an AVODA House gathering that held a foot washing ceremony. The first act of their reconnection was one of humility, washing one another’s feet.
Within days, the Holy Spirit confirmed what their spirits already knew: this is God ordained. Within weeks, their union was blessed by their pastors and established legally, in the year of Jubilee. Their marriage became the first covenant God sealed within the House, a wellspring from which the ministry now flows.
Our Founders
Stewards of the House
Juan Casanova
Shepherd. Protector. Intercessor
Juan’s story is one of courage and a heart shaped by the presence of God. Born in Colombia, he immigrated lawfully to the United States with his family, carrying firsthand knowledge of loss, rebuilding, and perseverance. Those early experiences formed in him a compassion for people and a conviction to defend what is good—instilling gratitude for freedom.
For years, Juan served faithfully in evangelism, ministering in the streets, praying for individuals, and sharing the love of Jesus wherever he was sent. He has served on local church worship teams, attended Bible Institute, and continues to teach on the Holy Spirit, helping others encounter Christ. He carries a quiet authority and is widely known for his gentleness and steady pastoral presence. His heart for intercession extends especially toward the protection of God’s people.
With a background in theology, criminal justice, and over a decade of leadership experience, Juan now serves as both Pastor of AVODA House and a Police Officer. Prior to entering public service, he owned several businesses and later held a key role with a globally recognized company, overseeing operations and leading a team of more than 200 employees. Within AVODA House, Juan provides spiritual covering, discernment, and stability.
Outside of ministry and service, Juan enjoys soccer, fitness, reading, investigative documentaries, and long road trips.
Melrose Casanova
Visionary. Builder. Educator
Melrose is the founder of AVODA House, carrying a deep burden to see people encounter the peace of Christ. Her ministry is marked by a quiet reverence for the Holy Spirit and a desire to help people recognize God’s presence in ordinary moments.
She serves with an apostolic and prophetic grace shaped through years of prayer, study, and attentive listening to the Lord. Known for her discernment and thoughtful leadership, Melrose helps people connect spiritual depth with daily life—guiding believers, leaders, and families into a faith that transforms the home, the workplace, and the public square.
Melrose is a Certified Consultant through the U.S. Institute of Diplomacy and Human Rights and has received training in human trafficking awareness and crisis intervention. Through prayer, she sensed that the practice of law would become one of her most meaningful avenues of service. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Law and Policy with a minor in Apologetics.
Out of this foundation, she established the Congress of Kingdom Advocates for Freedom (CKAF), a nonpartisan educational initiative focused on legal literacy, civic engagement, and advocacy training.
Before stepping into full-time ministry, Melrose worked in media production and public relations, leading a digital marketing agency that supported national brands. She also served in Radiologic Technology at one of the nation’s top hospitals, where caring for patients in moments of fear and uncertainty deepened her compassion and spiritual sensitivity.
With nearly fifteen years of leadership experience, Melrose brings a steady, systems minded vision while remaining invested in personal formation and pastoral care. She is known for cultivating environments of peace, where people feel safe to grow, heal, and encounter God.
Raised in a home where prayer and Bible studies were a normal part of life, Melrose developed an early understanding of family as church. Her formative years included theological study, vocal training, and teaching dance to children.
She comes from a family with a long history of public service—military, education, and federal work—which continues to shape her heart for both people and nation.
In her personal time, Melrose enjoys poetry, chess, classical music, hiking, and ice hockey.
