Today we’d like to introduce you to Pastor Donald And Ethel Rucker.
Hi Pastor Donald and Ethel , can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
We started our organization 26 years ago with just three reluctant members, our children, Daniel, David, and Erikka. What began as a small family effort has since grown into a thriving ministry deeply rooted in our community.
Pastor Donald and I will celebrate 42 years of marriage on December 24th, and together we lead the Christian Development Center (CDC) a faith-based organization committed to empowering families and transforming lives.
Today, CDC serves over 500 to 600 families each month, providing food, clothing, and hygiene products to those in need. Beyond basic necessities, we also offer parenting classes, financial literacy programs, and NrootedLove.com, an initiative designed to strengthen and restore family relationships.
Our agency proudly partners with the City of Montclair and numerous organizations throughout San Bernardino County to help secure housing for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. We’ve also launched a virtual mentorship program for women, providing guidance, encouragement, and faith-based tools for personal growth and leadership.
CDC has even expanded internationally through CDC Nigeria, where children, orphans, seniors, families, and widows receive essential resources and ongoing support.
Currently, we are piloting a program for seniors facing affordable housing challenges within the healthcare system, an initiative aimed at restoring dignity and stability for our elderly population.
Our personal journey has also birthed our book, From Misery 2 Marital Bliss, written out of the pain and challenges that marked the early years of our marriage. Through that journey, we discovered 10 biblical principles that completely transformed our relationship. Today, we stand as best friends, business partners, investors, lovers, and lifelong companions.
We were also honored to co-author chapters in two #1 Amazon Best-Selling books: Purpose, Passion, and Profits and Next Level Your Life alongside our business mentor Kyle Wilson and an incredible group of entrepreneurs, thought leaders, investors, and creatives.
We are grateful for the opportunity to share our story, not for recognition, but in the hope that it will inspire others to never give up on themselves, their dreams, or their faith in God.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Definitely not. The journey has been rewarding, but it hasn’t always been easy. One of our biggest challenges has been operating with limited personnel. We rely heavily on volunteers and while we’re deeply grateful for every single one of them the need in our community is great, and the workload can often be overwhelming.
Another ongoing struggle has been securing consistent funding, particularly because we are a church and faith-based organization. Many traditional funders and grant programs are hesitant to financially support religious entities, even when the services we provide directly benefit the broader community. This creates additional barriers to accessing resources that could help us expand our capacity, hire skilled staff, and strengthen our impact.
Since COVID-19, we’ve also noticed a cultural shift what we call the “convenience mindset.” Many people have grown accustomed to virtual engagement and have been slower to return to in-person involvement. Yet, the work of ministry and community service still requires hands, hearts, and presence. As Scripture says, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few.” Through it all, we’ve learned perseverance, prayer, and patience truly pay off.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Our work is all about uplifting humanity, restoring hope, raising the consciousness of our community of God’s concern, compassion, and care for them. Through Christian Development Center (CDC), we serve in the nonprofit sector, helping families overcome hardship by providing food, clothing, hygiene products, financial literacy, parenting support, and housing assistance. For 26 years, we’ve been privileged to be a bridge between need and opportunity in our community.
We are most proud of the people we’ve become along the journey, learning, growing, and transforming through every season. What truly sets us apart is our heart for holistic transformation! We minister not only to physical needs but to the emotional, relational, mental, and spiritual health of individuals and families.
We’re also known for our marriage coaching program, NRootedLove.com, where we teach couples the principles that helped us move from pain to pleasure, from pleasure to passion, and from passion to purpose. Our greatest fulfillment comes when we can help detour divorce and see marriages healed, families restored, and love renewed.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
Absolutely, we are who we are because of the incredible people God has placed in our lives. We understand that we are standing on the foundations of those who pray, pursuit, endured persecution, and paved the way for us to do what we are doing today! We’ve been blessed with spiritual mentors such as Dr. Blanche Washington, Dianne Sicery, Apostle Barbara Rivers, Pastor Sheldon Reed, and Apostle I.V. & Lady Bridget Hilliard, who have poured wisdom, strength, and faith into us.
We’re also grateful for our business mentor, Kyle Wilson, who was the 18-year business partner of the legendary Jim Rohn. His guidance has helped us expand our vision and operate with greater excellence and impact.
We couldn’t do this without our community partners and our beloved church family, who continually support the mission, pray for us, and walk beside us in faith. Their belief in us keeps us focused and faithful. We’re truly GRATEFUL for every person who has sown time, prayers, or resources into our journey. Together, we’re changing lives and building something that will outlive us.
Pricing:
- Our book From Misery 2 Marital Bliss is 10.00 plus S&H
- Marriage Coaching is $175.00 per session
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.christiandevelopmentcenter.org
- Instagram: Developmychristian
- Facebook: Christian Development Center
- Other: https://Nrootedlove.com
