Internship Update: From Alex Streeter Change has become a recurring theme in my life over the last six months. There have been apparent changes, such as my occupation and living situation, as well as deeper inner changes regarding my worldview and life goals. One day,...
2022 Christmas Store Update: From Jacki Patten The Christmas Store is a one-of-a-kind event that truly captures the love, joy, and hope of the Christmas season. Each year, the community comes together to serve neighbors by donating toys and Christmas gifts to be sold...
Volunteer Highlight by Eddy Welch Before becoming an apprentice mentor through Rail//Line Coffee, I was looking for a ministry to partner with. I wanted to help people not only to grow in their walk with Christ but to further themselves in the professional world as...
Calvin Warren, a 53-year-old former PTA president, and little guy football coach, recently became a CLDI tenant. A devoted father, Calvin has a degree in Psychology and was gifted in working with children. He spent 18 years working in residential treatment programs...
New Executive Director Kaleb Perdew shares his history with the ministry and vision for the future. In 2017, CLDI’s Executive Director Eric Basye crossed paths with Kaleb Perdew, a Billings native and recent graduate from the University of Montana. Kaleb had a heart...
The 7th principle of CCD is Wholistic Approach. Oftentimes, many in ministry get passionate and involved in one area of need and think if they solve this particular problem that all else will be resolved. Christians, of course, often focus this area on a personal...
CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT At this point in the series, it is probably a good idea to provide a refresher as to what we mean by the phrase Christian Community Development (CCD). Pastor and community developer Mark Gornik writes: Community development in biblical...
The 5th principle of CCD is Listening to the Community. Communities are often developed by people outside of the community that bring in resources without taking into account the community itself. CCD is committed to listening to the community residents and hearing...
Reality for a Child on the South Side of Billings Last week I was reunited with my mom after being in foster care for a year. While I was with my foster family I did really great in school and didn’t worry about being hungry which was nice but they weren’t my family....
One of the first things you see when you cross the train tracks to get over to the street where I now live is a sign that reads, “The South Side, the Bright Side of the Tracks”. I hadn’t noticed it the first time I came to the place I’m now calling home. Instead, I...
