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”

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.

Tied up

On May 15, Tyrone and I participated in the Ike 9 College Prep Higher Learning Field Trip and Life Skills Workshop at Eisenhower Ninth Grade School (Ike 9). The purpose of the workshop was to introduce students to essential skills and opportunities critical to their growth and development into productive adults. A few weeks priorContinueContinue reading “Tied up”

Expansion

Recently while volunteering at a high school that serves the Sunnyside community, a student named Jeremiah came up to me. The senior student asked, “What do you do?” I communicated I worked with a Christian nonprofit that teaches people how to share the gospel and helps them grow in their walk with God. Encouraged, heContinueContinue reading “Expansion”