Rick & Connie Ediger

Rick and Connie Ediger live in Poncha Springs, Colorado, near Salida. This community is nestled amid the beautiful mountains of central Colorado. The area is rural and generally two to three hours from Denver and Colorado Springs. The mountain landscape draws in tourists who enjoy the numerous outdoor activities the area offers.

While higher-income, second-home residents are becoming more prominent, much of this area houses struggling, low-income families who try to etch out a living here. The Salida School District has reported that it is seeing more students whose families are housing challenged or outright homeless. Many of these children are considered "couch sleepers," who move from one friend's house to another, sleeping on the couch or floor. Many of these children are left on their own or are raised by the "boys and girls club". These children often feel lonely and neglected, and are seeking acceptance and love.

Central Colorado is a melting pot of religions and cults, and some of the small, rural communities have no biblical, Christ-centered church. In these communities, knowledge of the gospel and truth found only in God is needed. Many residents’ actions and lifestyles can be seen as a cry for love and acceptance. Residents in these areas who are Christians need opportunities for discipleship to strengthen and grow their commitment to Christ.

After seeing the needs in their community, the Edigers have become a constant presence in their area through a number of ministries that share the love of Christ.

They have coined an affectionate phrase called the "Be There Ministry." Local residents know that they can call Rick and Connie to come and help them with just about any needing from a listening ear to fixing hands. Rick has contacts that put him in touch with people moving into the community - they will call him to help unload and unpack. This is a great way to introduce newcomers to the area, invite them to church, and start building a relationship with them. Through this ministry, Rick has also been able to find out about new kids that could be part of local VBS, camp, or church ministries.

Rick and Connie lead a small Bible club in the community of Moffat, Colorado, in the upper San Luis Valley. The club started as a kids' club, but has grown to include adults.

In the summer, the Edigers take a "mobile VBS" on the road to those communities that would not otherwise have this ministry. Connie writes the curriculum for the program. They also take kids with them to Solid Rock Camp and Retreat Center near Florissant, Colorado, where Rick is on the board of directors. During the two weeks of camp, they wear a variety of hats. The Edigers also have a firewood ministry where they harvest, cut, and deliver firewood for free to those in desperate need of heat during the winter.

There are a lot of single-parent families in the local community, many of whom are trying to get by on vehicles that barely run and are always breaking down. Rick saw an opportunity to use his mechanical training and skills to help these people, and opened the Ministry Shop in his backyard. He offers mechanical work with free labor, and is also developing a mentorship program to train young people to perform simple automotive maintenance tasks. Through the Ministry Shop, Rick is able to meet a physical need while also taking the time to share the gospel with all who walk through his door.

The Edigers have served as InFaith field staff since 2011.

Rick and Connie are both graduates of Grace College of the Bible in Omaha, Nebraska. They have three children, two of whom are still living at home.

Since they married, Rick and Connie have had a desire to be involved in full-time ministry. InFaith provided that opportunity, and God opened the door for the formation of several unique ministries to reach their local community.