Over the years, Jack and Gayle ran Bible Clubs where they went into disadvantaged, high-poverty neighborhoods to teach the Word of God. They realized a shortcoming of this model was that they did not get to really know the families, because their time with them was isolated and limited. Around 2006, God put it on Jack’s heart that he needed to move into their neighborhoods—not necessarily that he would move physically there, but that he would be in their homes and they would be in his home. They got to know the kids, built relationships with parents, and some even came to live in their home. They came to understand their specific challenges and aspirations, and started to minister to them as a family. Gayle and Jack were joined by other believers who partnered with them to “come alongside” these families.

UCM helped these families come to know Christ, engaged them in weekly Bible studies, and provided a way for the Christian community to meet their physical needs, helping them move forward in life. From that work, United Christian Ministries activities grew, and more children have been reached for Christ and given the support and tools they need to escape a cycle of poverty.