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 ofContinue reading "Perspectives"
Community Collaboration
This past July was a vibrant month of outreach and connection for Melanie and me, truly embodying the spirit of community engagement in Acres Homes and beyond. Our efforts focused on meeting both the tangible and spiritual needs of the residents, fostering relationships, and embracing unexpected opportunities to share hope. We began the month byContinue reading "Community Collaboration"
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 youngestContinue reading "Family Update: Celebrating Progress and Milestones"
Curve Ball
Educate to Elevate Building in Sunnyside Houston. "When God throws you a curve ball, I’m just trying to figure out how to hit it," - Decatur Wilson. A little over a year ago, a connection through a former Rice University Impact Movement leader led us to a meaningful encounter. We met Decatur Wilson, a humbleContinue reading "Curve Ball"
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 vibrantContinue reading "Passion on Purpose"
Nonexistent
“He is like nonexistent!” I expressed this disheartening statement to my husband, Leon. He had just finished a long conversation with Dwan*, this twenty-something who'd wandered into our first family game night at the Garden City Apartments. He was visiting his brother, a resident, and the sounds of laughter and friendly competition drew him in.Continue reading "Nonexistent"
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 brightlyContinue 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.
Fall Bash
Melanie and I traveled to Little Rock, AR to participate at the Fall Bash hosted by Canaan Missionary Baptist Church (MBC). In the parking lot, volunteers set up carnival games that allowed participants to gain tickets to redeem prizes. Warm, savory hot dogs along with icy, sweet snow cones satisfied children’s appetites. During the week,Continue reading "Fall Bash"
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 throughContinue reading "In the Dark"
God Answered
One summer day I visited my Aunt Alexis’s house, and I went straight to the fridge, but before I opened its door my eyes glanced to see my senior year prayer magnet. God has answered many of the prayers, but I would like to share a story of God’s faithfulness this past year. On SpringContinue reading "God Answered"
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 priorContinue 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, heContinue reading "Expansion"
Pack Light
The all black school in Galena Park before integration in 1970.
Access
MenofSteelejan24 I once lived in “Hell.” This was the nickname of the only all-male floor in my dormitory at Rice University. Access is what I remember most from my second year in Hell. This marked the first year that internet and cable TV was available in everyone’s dorm room. You can only imagine what youngContinue reading "Access"
Christmas 2023 Greetings
“May the Christmas season fill your home with joy, your heart with love, and your life with laughter.” - Author Unknown- Thank you for your prayers and support in 2023.
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’sContinue reading "Tale of Two Classes"
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 andContinue reading "Disciple"
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 howContinue reading "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 hadContinue reading "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.Continue reading "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 toContinue reading "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.Continue reading "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 collaborationContinue reading "Fearless Faith"
Life Happens
Can a missionary really take a break? Life happens!
Merry Christmas!
Thank you for your support in 2022. May God continue to strengthen and encourage you in 2023.
Off Season
Like an athlete during off-season, we will continue to “work out and train,” but enjoy a hiatus from the “intense competition.”
Life U
Leon helping Mack move into his new dorm. On Labor Day weekend, Melanie and I traveled the bittersweet road to Atlanta, GA. Our son in the backseat with his wardrobe and dorm room décor, enjoying his parental alone time, listening to our last warnings, guidance, and wisdom. Melanie and I connected Mack to our extensiveContinue reading "Life U"
Uniquely Designed
My daughter Nala had a uniquely designed mission project this summer. She teamed up with 11 other missionary kids (MKs) from around the world to serve in Orlando, Florida. This project was led by former MKs. Below is her newsletter about her experience. Nala at MK@MK project From 24 June – 25 July, I gotContinue reading "Uniquely Designed"
Development
Leon and his IBS Friends Evangelism and discipleship have been two words that have shaped my life for the past two decades. I enjoy sharing the message of the gospel and helping people to grow in their walks with the Lord. These past two month I had the opportunity to complete my theological development coursesContinue reading "Development"
Joy and Sorrow
Leon and Mack just returned from a great campus visit at Life University in Marietta, GA near Atlanta. Mack received his acceptance and is waiting for his financial aid. He had the opportunity to meet the head rugby coach, teammates, academic counselor, and students. Mack will train with the Life rugby team in July andContinue reading "Joy and Sorrow"
Replanting
Rushing to our local grocery store, Melanie and I searched for a plant. Outside the busy marketplace, a flora and fauna menagerie stood before us. We were working on a project for our virtual debrief class. In our organization, debrief is the process of acclimating back to one’s home culture by participating in group sessionsContinue reading "Replanting"
Mack’s Vow
Leon Mack with a copy of his Matric certificate. “For I know the plans I have for you”, declares The Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you plans to give you a hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 As I look back on my senior year of high school and thinkContinue reading "Mack’s Vow"
Almost Home!
Best Family enjoying Table Mountain and city skyline. Our family was scheduled to leave South Africa on December 11, 2021. On Saturday morning, we anxiously awaited the test results for our required Covid-19 test needed for travel. Nala Best - Covid-19 positive. Our hearts sank and we began to pray and ask God what weContinue reading "Almost Home!"
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 Nyameka interviewing our teammate, Caroline Shave, for Episode 7. April is the most notorious month in South Africa for ministry. The public holidays, observance of Easter and school holidays bring many interruptions toContinue 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"
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!
Left to Right: Nala(14), Noel(16), Mack(17), Melanie, Elle(4) and Leon Best 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.Continue reading "Merry Christmas!"
Indaba
Campus Crusade for Christ Western Cape 2020 Team Indaba – “Xhosa and Zulu word meaning discussion or conference.” National SLMSA Meetings (9 – 12 Nov) in Cape Town, National Leadership Team Meetings (16 – 20 Nov) in Pretoria and Western Cape Regional Team Meetings (24 – 25 Nov) in Cape Town dominated my NovemberContinue reading "Indaba"
Wakanda Forever
LOS ANGELES - MAR 3: Chadwick Boseman at the 2018 Film Independent Spirit Awards at the Beach on March 3, 2018 in Santa Monica, CA My wife’s purposeful steps aroused my slumber, dimmed light from a cloudy sky brightened our bedroom, my thoughts turned to a small warm 4-year-old body lying next to me, “WhenContinue reading "Wakanda Forever"
Views
Leon reading along as our final reader, Bianca Groats, reads Revelation 22. Leon and I were chatting on the patio. He shared an idea with me, and I encouraged him to move this idea forward. What started as an idea became a reality in the New Testament Relay. In the New Testament, Paul shares withContinue reading "Views"
Distance
Last night our South African (SA) President Cyril Ramaphosa declared COVID-19 a national disaster. This preventative action alerted residents to implement social distancing mandates. 61 SA citizens are currently diagnosed with the corona virus. One mandate stated our children’s’ schools would close on Wednesday (18 Mar). Our children celebrated the extended holiday, but soon realizedContinue reading "Distance"
Look at the Clouds
“Have you ever stopped to look up at the clouds?”
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:Continue reading "Clear View"
Best Times 