HISTORY
The Christian Care Center is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit corporation. It was founded in 1985 by the membership of First Baptist Church of Leesburg, Florida. but is now a community effort of “Meeting Needs and Sharing Christ” in Leesburg, Lake County and surrounding areas. The church owns the property and leases it to the CCC each year where it is operated as a separate corporation.
First Baptist’s continued partnership has been invaluable for the Christian Care Center, providing a steady stream of volunteers, donors, people who are willing to give clients a job or to rent housing to them once they complete the program and in many other ways. However, the legal and physical distinction between the church and the CCC has been helpful in many ways over the years as the CCC is committed to bringing all areas of our community together to help those in need. We bring together local businesses, churches, schools, government agencies, law enforcement officials and civic organizations to make a large impact in our community.
Our founder is Dr. Charles Roesel. Dr. Roesel is Pastor Emeritus of First Baptist Church Leesburg. More than 7,000 people were baptized during his 29 years there. Before that, he was pastor of two other churches in Florida. Today, he serves as a Presidential Ambassador for the North American Mission Board and preaches and teaches all over the world. His signature contribution to Southern Baptist life was the concept of Ministry Evangelism. In short, he encourages people to take seriously Jesus’ commands in Matthew 25:31-46. That passion led his people to start more than 70 ministries at FBC Leesburg and continues to inspire church leaders to reach out to the poor in Jesus’ name. When he is not traveling to a speaking engagement, Pastor Charles lives on a ranch outside Bushnell, Florida with his wife, Edna Sue.