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)
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The Dallas Foundation Board Member (Since 2022)
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Women’s Philanthropy Institute Executive Board Member (Since 2019)
UT Southwestern Advisory Board (2019–2023)
Perkins School of Theology Executive Committee Chairperson (2019–2023)
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Women’s Philanthropy Institute Executive Board Member (Since 2019)
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SMU Perkins School of Theology (Steering / Advisory / Board role) (2021-2025)
Melville Family Foundation (Founder & Board Chair) (2018 - Current)
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North Texas Food Bank (Board Member / Executive Committee) (July 2022- Current)
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Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas (Board & Strategic Planning Committee). (June 2025 - Current)
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while you wait ministries
Connect with me on Instagram:
@whileyouwaitministries
Privacy Policy
Last Updated: August 26, 2025
1. Introduction
While You Wait Ministries (“we,” “us,” “our”) respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal data. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and share your information when you interact with our website, services, and communications powered through the GoHighLevel platform. By using our services, you agree to the practices described in this Policy.
2. Information We Collect
We may collect the following types of information:
Personal Information: Name, email address, phone number, billing details, and other information you provide when registering, donating, or communicating with us.
Usage Data: IP address, browser type, device information, and interactions with our website or services.
Third-Party Sources: We may receive information from trusted vendors, partners, or service providers.
Cookies and Tracking: Our platform uses cookies and similar technologies to improve performance and user experience.
3. How We Use Your Information
We process your information for the following purposes:
To provide and improve our services
To manage donations and supporter relationships
To send updates, newsletters, and ministry communications (with opt-out options)
To ensure security and prevent fraud
To comply with legal and regulatory obligations
4. Data Retention
We retain personal data only as long as necessary for ministry, operational, or legal purposes. In some cases, information may be anonymized and kept for research or reporting.
5. Data Security
We take reasonable technical and organizational measures to safeguard your data. While no system is completely secure, we work with trusted vendors like GoHighLevel who maintain strong privacy and security standards.
6. Sharing of Information
We do not sell your personal data. Information may be shared:
With service providers and vendors who help us operate (under confidentiality agreements)
With partners, when legally permitted and aligned with our mission
When required by law, or to protect the safety of our organization and community
7. International Transfers
Since we are based in the United States, your information may be processed in the U.S. and other countries. We ensure compliance with applicable data transfer requirements.
8. Your Rights
Depending on your location, you may have rights to:
Access, correct, or delete your personal information
Restrict or object to processing
Withdraw consent where applicable
File a complaint with your local data protection authority
To exercise these rights, please contact us at info@whileyouwaitministries.com.
9. Links & Embedded Forms
When you interact with our forms, calendars, or donations through GoHighLevel, links to this Privacy Policy are provided to ensure transparency in how your information is used.
10. Updates to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The “Last Updated” date above will reflect any changes. Continued use of our services after updates indicates acceptance.
11. Contact Us
If you have questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or how your information is handled, please contact us:
While You Wait Ministries
Email: info@whileyouwaitministries.com
