Jeff & Cindy Eidsen
Ministry Snapshot
Jeff and Cindy's ministry style is all about building relationships and trust. Cindy is starting a scone business with the goal to employ gang members. Jeff leads a Bible study for new and non-believers, and together they teach a class on how to be a disciple in today’s society.
- Our Local
- Our Reach
- Our Self
Jeff and Cindy Eidsen serve in Fresno, California, in the heart of the Central Valley of California. Approximately one in seven people in Fresno are either gang members or associates. It is the largest gang population per capita in the United States, with 200 different gangs currently operating in the Central Valley. Calwa is an impoverished community in central Fresno comprised of Hispanic old farm-workers, and gang members.
There are many needs among the gang community, including homelessness and transitional housing once gang members leave a program but before they are put back into society. Spiritually, the greatest need is to show these gang members who Jesus is and the hope and love that is found in Him.
After seeing the need in their community, it was clear to the Eidsens why God had called them to gang ministry in Fresno. The need is great and the workers are few. God has filled them with a passion and desire to see gang members learn the value they each have in Christ. With compassion and empathy, Jeff is able to listen and provide a safe, non-judgmental atmosphere where he is able to build trust with these men’s hardened hearts. In most cases, individuals join the gangs in order to feel like they belong and are loved. Jeff and Cindy have seen these gang members break down in tears when they realize what unconditional love really is.
Jeff and Cindy have experience dealing with individuals struggling with affairs, drug and alcohol abuse, mental and physical abuse, pornography, and incarceration. Their ministry style is all about building relationships and trust, a vital element when working with this community. They are both warm and friendly, and have a desire to help through listening and sharing what they have learned over the years.
Many ministries are used to reach the gang community. The Edisens have created a mentorship program in local nonprofit organizations to teach and equip individuals to be effective mentors. Cindy is starting a scone business with the goal to employ gang members. Jeff leads a Bible study for new and non-believers, and together they teach a class on how to be a disciple in today’s society. Jeff and Cindy are also in the process of beginning a “gang church” for gang members and their families, hoping to reach the whole family unit to provide healing and spiritual growth.
Jeff and Cindy have also been called to minister to married couples that are in crisis or on the verge of divorce. They received training from Dr. Les and Leslie Parrott’s Marriage Mentoring Academy, and have been working with couples in crisis since 2005.
The Eidsens have served as InFaith field staff since 2012.
Jeff and Cindy both grew up in the Bay Area. They have three grown children and breed English Bulldogs. Jeff enjoys video games, Cindy enjoys baking, and they both love spending time with family and friends.
The Eidsens originally moved down to the valley in 2008 when Jeff was called to be the Campus Life Director with Youth For Christ. It was then that they developed a passion for the gangs.
