Three cult members and Leon sitting in a coffee shop… At the shop, decadent pastries captured my eyes and aromatic coffees permeated my nostrils. I indulged in an immoral hot chocolate when three twentysomethings cornered me in my sensually soft chair. After comparing Covid stories: their friend was a 30-year-old father who leftContinue reading “Leon & the “Seoul Stealers””
Author Archives: melaniebest2014
Cricket Bachelor
My wife and I attended something unique on 25 September. We were part of a book launch for The Cricket Bachelor. I have had ministry partners and friends send me books they have authored. The newest Christian fiction novelist is someone I mentored and has recently joined Campus Crusade for Christ – South Africa asContinue reading “Cricket Bachelor”
Making Scents
As Esmari and I sat around the table speaking to Thando, a first-year student at Stellenbosch University, one Thursday morning. Both of us smiled at one another as we realized the great importance of our ministry and others like ours. I was introduced to Thando through an Instagram campaign where we encouraged varsity student toContinue reading “Making Scents”
Recovery
Travel Advisory – South Africa Do not travel to South Africa due to COVID-19 and related restrictions and conditions. U.S. State Department (July 6, 2021). Melanie and I waited. My headache, low energy and just feeling bad were my symptoms. I hoped this was just the flu. Winter was here. Noel and Melanie were feverishContinue reading “Recovery”
Meet Mr. Mayor
“Akhona, will you be able to lead Cru Youth if I am not around?” Most missionaries wrestled with this question. Is an individual you mentored able to sustain an outreach if missionary is absent? Three years ago Akhona, aka Mr. Mayor, expressed his desire to do ministry at the local library in Khayelitsha andContinue reading “Meet Mr. Mayor”
Pace Yourself
“What matters is that you’re trying, and you’re learning to seek grace as you learn to pace yourself,” Morgan Harper Nichols April is the most notorious month in South Africa for ministry. The public holidays, observance of Easter and school holidays bring many interruptions to routines. This year we add the continuance of theContinue reading “Pace Yourself”
Girlfriends & Gifts
After one year of Covid-19 in South Africa… From 22 – 24 March, Leon and I attended the Campus Crusade for Christ – Southern & Eastern Africa (CCC – SEA) Celebration Staff Conference. It was three mornings on Zoom listening to the great leaders from different countries share about God’s goodness. We experienced a senseContinue reading “Girlfriends & Gifts”
Bridges
Throughout this lockdown, Leon and I have created bridges to bring our different strategy teams together. These collaborative efforts have helped reach people for Christ. We have shared in our updates over the last year how our ministry has hosted several evangelistic & discipleship online events to engage people to share the gospel and buildContinue reading “Bridges”
Variant
Doing some research, I discovered all viruses mutate and this includes Covid-19. Viruses replicate themselves to spread and thrive in its human host’s environment. Sometimes during the process, small genetic changes occur creating a more infectious and harmful variant virus to humans. In recent weeks, South African and United Kingdom (UK) variants have received moreContinue reading “Variant”
Merry Christmas!
For unto us a Child is born,Unto us a Son is given;And the government will be upon His shoulder.And His name will be calledWonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6May the Prince of Peace fill your hearts with His joy and love. Immanuel is with us and will help us in these difficultContinue reading “Merry Christmas!”
Best Times 