Investing in Christian Community Development

Thanks to all of my family and friends who have supported me in my ministry and community projects. I could not have helped all the children and families that I have helped without the support of many of you.

The love of God and my concern for community work was inherited from my mother, Mother Cassie Mae Roland Udell McCain. She inherited such love and concern from her father, the late Elder L.W. (Buddy) Roland. The world is a better place because of their love for other people. I trust that what I do will bring honor to them and reflect my relationship to/with God.

As we go into the holiday season, think of what you can do for the world to make a difference. I am involved in several projects that could use a Gideon Army. Let me list several examples.

There are widows I know needing help just to pay their rent, buy food, and take care of their health. These widows were married to men, some were ministers and pastors, who did their best to take care of their wife and their family. However, when they died, an economic gap was left that needs to be filled. One widow has to move for the fifth time since her husband died. If we had 10 people who could give $35 a month, she could stay where she is and not go through the agonizing challenge of moving this week. Another widow recently had her income drop about $400 a month. 20 people giving $20 a month could make sure she continues to live where she is and maintain her health. And yet another widow is living in a house that is practically falling apart around her, but it is the home her husband left her. 30 people giving $40 a month would help her fix up her home. She could then stay in the home, assured that it would not fall down around her. Or, she could fix up the home, sell it, and have income when it’s time for her to move into a place for independent living and/or assisted living.

Then there are the abused women and children needing a safe place to live, surrounded by love and well-trained security people. If they were provided for, we could stop the flow of generational curses affecting them. Their children would be provided with tutors, good nutritious meals, and an environment that would help ensure them becoming productive and able to reach their potential. Crime could be cut 50%. This project could use 100 people investing $50 monthly to provide for a place.

Some of our community work involves Christian insight and help with community development. Many young people could benefit from having a safe place to study and an opportunity to develop work skills. There are older people needing help cleaning their home, driving them to church and doctor’s appointments, and help getting groceries and preparing their meals. 40 people giving $30 monthly would go a long ways to help.

Then there are the projects of culture and learning. There is a ranch where families could learn about ranch life, cowboys, cowgirls, and how those skills could help in their development as they look after animals and raise food. There is a Christian family who has 100 acres who want to turn part of their land into a Christian wilderness training camp where urban youth could come and learn life skills while cutting down trees, building cabins, and learning about the great outdoors. This project needs 40 people investing $100 monthly which will also provide a retreat center for them for life.


There are museums that need to be built. One is a national museum that recognizes the accomplishments of African Americans in the military. This museum serves over 40,000 people annually. They recently purchased an historic armory that will be preserved and allow the museum to serve over 100,000 people every year. While it would be great if 8,000 people invested $1,000 in a memorial brick, if just 60 people donated $30 monthly, it would help us continue to serve to help find those 8,000 people and continue to raise funds for the ongoing support of this museum. Later, more support would help in our quest to help other community museums and to build cultural centers.

Yes, a Gideon Army of 300 people giving monthly could affect a lot of change in America and bring a boatload of happiness to many people. Those who would be helped would in turn learn how to help others as they developed their potential. Out of these helped could come preachers, teachers, business owners, honest politicians, corporate leaders, lawyers, missionaries, and more.

If you would like to help, give your tax-deductible secure gift to:
BRIDGE MINISTRIES, INTERNATIONAL
A foundation of the National Heritage Foundation
http://nhfdonations.newc.com/default.cfm?Action=DonationsDetail&foundationID=126
and fill in the information.

Thank you!

Ed Udell, Sr.