Who We Are
Waiting is not wasted. It is where God grows us for what He has prepared.
While You Wait Ministries helps people walk through waiting seasons with prayer, practical teaching, and a welcoming community that serves others and grows the Kingdom of God.
The Moment We Meet You
If you are in a season that feels slow, silent, or heavy, you are not alone. God is working while you wait, and we will walk with you.
We see you. Some days the wait feels like fog. Plans slow, prayers feel quiet, and the next step is not clear. The ache of not yet can feel heavy.
We believe waiting is not wasted. In this sacred space God is near and at work. We will meet you with prayer, listening, and simple practices that help you breathe, believe, and take the next faithful step.
We are a welcoming community that moves at the pace of grace. We gather around Scripture, practical teaching, and real connection so you do not have to carry this alone. If you bring hope, hurt, or hard questions, we will walk with you until hope takes root again.
Our calling is simple.
We are a hope‑centered community led by Rev. Dr. Lael C. Melville. We gather for prayer, practical teaching, and real connection so no one has to walk their waiting season alone. In community, waiting becomes preparation. It deepens hope, strengthens faith, and moves us to serve others.
Our Calling
Our Story
Purposeful
We transform waiting from wasted time into sacred preparation space. Every program, workshop, and community touchpoint is infused with intention to grow women for what’s next. We don’t just deliver content—we create experiences that build spiritual readiness.
Connected
We believe hope flows through real relationships. The HOPErs community, mentorship programs, and our Circle platform create spaces of belonging where women are seen, heard, and uplifted. You’re not just joining a group—you’re joining a sisterhood.
Anchored
We keep women spiritually grounded with guided prayers, biblical affirmations, and hope strategies rooted in Scripture. When everything else feels unstable, our resources offer something solid to hold onto.
How We Walk With You
Hope becomes visible in simple, consistent ways.
- While You Wait w/ Rev. Dr. Lael Melville
- HOPErs Community
- Hope in the Hallways
- Seminars / Workshops
- Sure Hope - Cohort Leadership
- Community Pop‑Ups and local outreach
- Monthly Hope Chest resources and prayer guides
What This Looks Like
Stewardship and Accessibility
We steward resources so the door stays open.
We operate on biblical stewardship. Premium trainings help fund scholarships and free offerings so finances do not block access to prayer and community. We publish simple reports and invite questions.
Partner With Us: Your generosity keeps the door open for those in waiting seasons. Gifts go directly to While You Wait Ministries and support prayer, care, and outreach in our communities.
Your gift helps fund:
We practice biblical stewardship with clear priorities and simple updates. If you have questions about how funds are used, we welcome them.
We operate on biblical stewardship. Premium trainings help fund scholarships and free offerings so finances do not block access to prayer and community. We publish simple reports and invite questions.
Partner With Us: Your generosity keeps the door open for those in waiting seasons. Gifts go directly to While You Wait Ministries and support prayer, care, and outreach in our communities.
Your gift helps fund:
- Scholarships so cost never blocks access to workshops and mentoring.
- Free resources like guided prayers, devotionals, and weekly encouragement.
- Community outreach through programs such as While You Wait Wednesdays, Hope in the Hallways, and local pop-ups.
DONATE NOW
a visionary leader & dedicated community advocate
I'm dedicated to creating lasting change through strategic philanthropy, education advocacy, and community engagement.
I'm passionate about creating opportunities where they're needed most. I love bringing people together to solve problems. My heart is in building bridges that help communities access the resources they need to thrive. Every day, I combine strategic thinking with genuine care for others, always guided by my faith and the belief that we can all grow to better reflect God's image in our lives and communities.
About Rev. Dr. Lael C. Melville
Rev. Dr. Lael C. Melville is a passionate and empathetic professional with executive leadership experience in education, healthcare, and philanthropy. She holds a Doctorate in Ministry and a Master’s in Divinity/Theology from Southern Methodist University, as well as a Doctorate in Psychology from Rutgers University.
She co-founded the Melville Family Foundation in 2018 with her husband, focusing on food security, economic stability, and academic excellence for underserved Black and Brown communities in Southern Dallas. Under her leadership, the foundation has provided scholarships, internships, and strategic partnerships, including collaborations with the North Texas Food Bank, The Mint, and Ericsson, which facilitated the distribution of 1,500 Chromebooks to Uplift scholars.
Board Leadership Experience
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Uplift Education Board Chair (Since 2023) & Executive Board Member (Since 2018)
Provides leadership as Board Chair, overseeing governance, CEO and board performance reviews, and strategic initiatives to advance student learning.
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The Dallas Foundation Board Member (Since 2022)
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Serves on the Audit & Risk Assessment Committee, ensuring financial integrity and risk management.
Women’s Philanthropy Institute Executive Board Member (Since 2019)
Ensures compliance, manages charitable programs, and drives visibility for philanthropic efforts in Dallas.
UT Southwestern Advisory Board (2019–2023)
Provided strategic input on community engagement and fundraising for healthcare improvements.
Perkins School of Theology Executive Committee Chairperson (2019–2023)
Led project planning, fundraising, and strategic initiatives for theological education, ensuring institutional advancement.
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