Jeff & Cindy Eidsen

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. 

Many of these gang members are from 3rd or 4th generation gang member families. Most gang members are searching for love and acceptance. They think it is in the gang life until they are introduced to the UNCONDITIONAL love of Christ.

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. Jeff mentors and disciples men one on one and builds relationships with each one. He then has the ability to speak into them and encourages them in their faith. He also takes and accepts these men exactly where they are, some being very rough around the edges, and helps them learn how to make better choices. 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.

Jeff and Cindy have also been called to minister to couples whose relationships are in crisis. They received training from Dr. Les and Leslie Parrott’s Marriage Mentoring Academy, and have been working with couples in crisis since 2005.

Jeff and Cindy have also begun a new ministry they refer to as “Meals on Heels”. Cindy cooks and provides meals to those in need in their neighborhood and Jeff walks them over and delivers them. This gives Jeff an opportunity to build relationships and pray with and for their neighbors.

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 in their free time they are remodeling their 1957 home. Jeff enjoys video games, Cindy enjoys baking, and they both love spending time with family and friends, and kayaking.

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.