Dear CLDI Family and Friends,
At CLDI, we believe that every person — no matter their story, their past, or their present struggles — is made in the image of God. This truth shapes everything we do. It is not just a theological concept; it is the foundation of how we view and interact with every individual who walks through our doors.
The image of God, or “Imago Dei,” means that every human being has inherent worth and dignity. It means that the young woman seeking refuge at Hannah House, the teenager navigating life’s complexities in the Warehouse program, and the neighbor working hard to build a better future — all bear the mark of their Creator. They are not defined by their brokenness, their circumstances, or the labels the world may place upon them. Instead, they are defined by the unshakable truth that they are loved, seen, and valued by God.
I often think about this in the same way I think about skiing and golfing — two activities I love. Each ski and golf club has its own purpose. A sand wedge is designed for precision and control, while a driver is meant for power and distance. Powder skis float effortlessly through deep snow while carving skis grip the hardpack for tight turns. Each one is unique, designed for a specific purpose — and yet all are part of the same larger goal, whether that’s conquering a mountain or mastering a golf course. People are much the same. Not everyone is a sand wedge or a powder ski — we each have different gifts, strengths, and roles — but we are all created for the same ultimate purpose: to glorify God.
This belief calls us to a higher standard. It means we engage with people not as projects to be fixed but as beloved souls to be cherished. It means we speak with kindness, extend grace, and pursue justice, knowing that every person reflects something of God’s glory.
It also challenges us to look inward. If we truly believe that others are made in the image of God, we must ask ourselves hard questions: Are we treating others with the dignity they deserve? Are we advocating for the marginalized, not out of pity, but out of a deep recognition of their God-given value? Are we reflecting the love and compassion of Christ in both our words and our actions?
At CLDI, this is more than a value — it is a way of life. It fuels our work, shapes our relationships, and inspires our mission. We want to be a community that not only acknowledges the image of God in others but actively reflects His love for them.
Thank you for walking alongside us in this mission. Your support allows us to continue loving, serving, and restoring lives — always with the unshakable belief that every person is fearfully and wonderfully made.
Currently reading & listening.
Seven Days in Utopia by David L. Cook is an inspirational novel about a young golfer, Luke Chisolm, who suffers a career meltdown and finds himself stranded in the small town of Utopia, Texas. There, he meets an eccentric rancher and former golfer, Johnny Crawford, who mentors him not just in golf but in life. Through a week of unconventional lessons, Luke learns about faith, purpose, and the mental side of the game, ultimately discovering that true success comes from within. The novel blends sports psychology, Christian faith, and personal growth, making it both a motivational and spiritual read.
CLDI Monthly Snapshot
- We are breaking ground for the Hannah House Campus Expansion on April 10th! Please pray for all involved in making this campus a reality and for safety during construction.
- We are recruiting for our 2025/26 intern year! We have already interviewed a few young adults who would be interested in participating this upcoming year. If you know of anyone who would be interested in doing a paid CLDI internship, have them reach out to Kaylee Thompson at Kaylee@cldibillings.org
Scripture to Meditate On
“So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.”
Genesis 1:27
Blessings,
Kaleb Perdew
