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”
Tag Archives: #evangelism
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 byContinueContinue reading “Community Collaboration”
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”
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.ContinueContinue 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 brightlyContinueContinue reading “Engaged Sage”
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,ContinueContinue 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.
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”
Best Times 