Jeff and Cindy Eidsen serve in Fresno, California, in the heart of the Central Valley—an area with one of the highest gang populations per capita in the United States. Approximately one in seven people in Fresno are either gang members or gang associates, and more than 200 gangs currently operate throughout the region. Many individuals come from third- and fourth-generation gang families, often searching for love, belonging, and acceptance.
Jeff and Cindy believe that what many of these individuals are truly searching for can only be found in the unconditional love of Christ. God has given them a deep passion to help those caught in gang life discover their identity, value, and purpose through a relationship with Him.
Jeff mentors and disciples men both one-on-one and in group settings, building relationships based on trust and authenticity. By creating a safe, non-judgmental environment, he is able to walk alongside these men as they face difficult life challenges and learn to make new choices rooted in faith and hope. Many who have never experienced unconditional love before are deeply moved when they encounter it for the first time.
Together, Jeff and Cindy also minister to couples whose marriages are in crisis. Having completed training through Drs. Les and Leslie Parrott’s Marriage Mentoring Academy, they have been helping couples navigate difficult seasons since 2005 by offering biblical encouragement, guidance, and practical support.
Their ministry also includes meeting practical needs in their community. Through a simple outreach they call “Meals on Heels,” Cindy prepares home-cooked meals for neighbors in need while Jeff personally delivers them, creating natural opportunities to build relationships, pray with families, and share Christ’s love.
Jeff and Cindy also helped launch a mobile food pantry in Calwa that now serves up to 300 families each time it operates, reaching low-income families and those experiencing homelessness. As part of this outreach, they partnered with Community Vocational Services (CVS), a day program for adults with disabilities, creating a “ministry within the ministry.” Participants now volunteer alongside the team to help distribute food to families in need.
This partnership has created a beautiful opportunity for those often overlooked to serve others with dignity, purpose, and joy while helping meet real needs in the community.
The Eidsens have served as field staff with InFaith since 2012. Originally from the Bay Area, they moved to the Central Valley in 2008 when Jeff served as Campus Life Director with Youth for Christ. It was during that time that their passion for reaching gang members first began to grow.
Jeff and Cindy have three grown children and two grand-children. In their free time, they enjoy remodeling their 1957 home, spending time with family and friends, kayaking, baking, and the occasional video game.