Kids playing on Red Shield’s fields in front of Garden City “When you leave, they will kick our kids out of that place!” — A concerned Garden City resident This heartfelt cry captures the tension many in the community feel. However, this March, we witnessed God turn that fear into a story of reconciliation andContinueContinue reading “Breaking Barriers”
Category Archives: Featured
Welcome to the Family
“Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.” — Colossians 3:14 Melanie, Elle, and I are still recovering from having all four children home over the holidays! It was a joy to have the entire family together for several transformative projects, bringing the Gospel to underserved communities in Houston.ContinueContinue reading “Welcome to the Family”
Clear View
At Batho Pele Resource Center, we resource underserved communities to draw others to Christ. This work requires creative solutions, like recently when we connected South Early College High School and businesses in the Sunnyside community for a high-impact project. The need came from Principal Martinez, who reached out as she prepared to welcome students back:ContinueContinue reading “Clear View”
Perspectives
Starting another school year is a significant moment, that brings a mix of emotions. There are the joy and pride of seeing my daughters off to their incredible journeys at Howard and West Point, the excitement of my youngest starting fourth grade, and the bittersweet realization that these moments are fleeting. A poignant combination ofContinueContinue reading “Perspectives”
Family Update: Celebrating Progress and Milestones
“So the last will be first, and the first will be last” – Matthew 20:16 Our family’s annual update! Melanie and I use these summer months to plan and connect with ministry partners. In this update, we share our children’s progress and highlight ways you can pray for them. We decided to share our youngestContinueContinue reading “Family Update: Celebrating Progress and Milestones”
Passion on Purpose
Melanie and I have always found joy working with university students. For 25 years, we were blessed to send groups of these bright young individuals on both domestic and international mission trips. It was a privilege to collaborate with such welcoming hosts and to serve their communities by bringing students with open hearts and vibrantContinueContinue reading “Passion on Purpose”
Engaged Sage
Tom Fritz and Lorna Johnson are sages. These two dedicated servants have each spent over 50 years ministering with Cru, shaping countless lives. It was an immense privilege to learn from them when I was a young staff member. Though both are grandparents, their passion for sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ burns as brightlyContinueContinue reading “Engaged Sage”
Merry Christmas !
May this Christmas season be a time of reflection and the new year bless you with hope, expectation and compassion.
Bittersweet
After 24 years with Cru, Leon and Melanie Best are transitioning to a new Christian nonprofit, Batho Pele Resource Center, effective September 1, 2024. Their mission focuses on empowering underserved communities, creating connections, and fostering resilience through the Gospel, while transitioning from their previous roles as full-time staff.
In the Dark
On this day of ministry, Tyrone and I entered a school in the Aldine Independent School District. We passed through a metal detector and were ushered into the principal’s office. Principal Ross was glad to see us, and shared to meet him in the library where the staff meeting would occur. As we strolled throughContinueContinue reading “In the Dark”
Best Times 