Author Archives: melaniebest2014

Tale of Two Classes

“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times…” Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities. My senior, Nala, recently completed this famous English author’s historical fiction set against the backdrop of the French Revolution. I remember reading this novel for a high school assignment. It’s funny to think how this Englishman’sContinueContinue reading “Tale of Two Classes”

Posted bymelaniebest2014November 28, 2023December 7, 2023Posted inCampus, Newsletter, Prayer, Updates

Disciple

Leon trains students of Klein Fellowship of Christian Athletes(FCA) on how to share the Gospel. “Houston pastor ordered to pay $2.45 million …” Click2Houston website This headline grabbed my attention recently. A jury reached a verdict in the case involving a local pastor finding him liable for passing a sexually transmitted disease to someone andContinueContinue reading “Disciple”

Posted bymelaniebest2014October 31, 2023November 16, 2023Posted inCampus, Prayer, Updates

Tatooed

First Day for Men of Steel “What do you need to do not to become a date on someone else’s arm?” Displaying our drivers’ licenses, the office administrator buzzed Tyrone and me into the front office. After receiving our security clearance, a wraparound specialist guided us throughout the high school campus, making suggestions on howContinueContinue reading “Tatooed”

Posted bymelaniebest2014September 29, 2023September 29, 2023Posted inNewsletterLeave a comment on Tatooed

Heat Dome

A heat dome occurs when a persistent region of high-pressure traps heat over an area. (Scientific American®) “It’s hot,” shared Mimo when the Houston heat dome slapped him exiting the airport’s automatic glass doors. Yesterday, our family received unexpected gifts. Mimo, our friend from South Africa, traveled to Houston and carried precious items we hadContinueContinue reading “Heat Dome”

Posted bymelaniebest2014August 30, 2023November 3, 2023Posted inNewsletter, Prayer, UpdatesLeave a comment on Heat Dome

Foreign Smoke

Gazing outside the window of our thirteenth-floor room, gray hazy views limited visibility to the downtown Chicago skyline. Faint burning smells permeated the inside of our room. Morning television news anchors declared, “Worst air quality in the world today!” Melanie, Elle and I were present in Chicago, IL on that day as Canadian wildfires raged.ContinueContinue reading “Foreign Smoke”

Posted bymelaniebest2014August 2, 2023November 3, 2023Posted inCampus, Featured, Newsletter, UpdatesLeave a comment on Foreign Smoke

My Desire

Psalm 27:4- “ Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” As I reflect on my senior year, I am filled with an immense amount of gratitude and joy. When I transitioned back to the states as a second semester junior in high school, my prayer was toContinueContinue reading “My Desire”

Posted bymelaniebest2014July 3, 2023January 30, 2024Posted inNewsletter, Uncategorized, UpdatesLeave a comment on My Desire

U.S. Sangoma*

Leon and Melanie attending seminar on Houston Highways panel at Rice University. Coming off our sabbatical and meeting with Cru leaders we are excited to begin ministry in the most diverse city in the US – Houston, TX! The fourth most populous city in the country, H-town hosts the NCAA® Men’s Final Four® this weekend.ContinueContinue reading “U.S. Sangoma*”

Posted bymelaniebest2014April 3, 2023January 30, 2024Posted inNewsletter, Prayer, UpdatesLeave a comment on U.S. Sangoma*

Fearless Faith

Fellow International staff- Melanie with Chelsea Old Friends – Leon and Pastor Dhati Lewis Birthday dinner with Leon Mack Tom Fritz and Leon Best While in South Africa, Leon and I had an opportunity to serve with a local team that incorporated several different target audiences. Over the years we have grown to enjoy collaborationContinueContinue reading “Fearless Faith”