Edwin Louis Cole facts for kids
Edwin Louis Cole (born 1922, died 2002), often called Ed Cole, was a special leader who started the Christian Men's Network. This American group helped Christian men and fathers. Ed Cole wrote many books and gave speeches about faith and what it means to be a man.
Early Life and Adventures
Moving to California
Edwin Cole was born in Dallas, Texas. When he was four, he became very sick with scarlet fever. Doctors said he needed sea air and sunshine to get better. So, his mother, Florence, moved them to Los Angeles, California.
School Days and Early Faith
In Los Angeles, Edwin went to Belmont High School. He was very involved in the Angelus Temple, a famous church led by Aimee Semple McPherson. Edwin even played the trumpet with church groups on the streets of Los Angeles.
Serving in World War II
During World War II, Edwin joined the United States Coast Guard. This is where he met his future wife, Nancy Corbett, who was also serving. After the war, he continued sharing his faith on the streets. Soon, he became a pastor at a church in northern California.
A Career Helping Others
Starting the Christian Men's Network
Edwin Cole became a full-time minister focused on men's issues. For about 20 years, he traveled on mission trips and shared his faith. He also helped start Christian TV stations. In 1977, he founded the Christian Men's Network.
At this time, he was very busy. He worked on two Christian TV networks and helped run a ministry school. He also helped start a radio ministry. In 1984, he decided to focus only on the Christian Men's Network. This group started small but grew a lot in the 1980s and 1990s.
His Education and Beliefs
Dr. Cole was ordained, which means he was officially recognized as a minister, by the Assemblies of God. He also earned a special degree from New Covenant International University in New Zealand.
Later Years and Legacy
Returning to Texas
In 1993, Edwin and his wife, Nancy, moved back to Texas. They continued their work helping people through their ministry. Sadly, Nancy passed away from cancer in 2000.
His Final Days
In 2002, Edwin Cole was diagnosed with cancer while being treated for a broken back. He became very ill on August 25, 2002, and passed away two days later, on August 27, 2002. He was buried in Newport Beach, California.
Famous Sayings
Edwin Cole was known for many wise sayings. Here are a few:
- "Manhood and Christlikeness are synonymous."
- "Have faith in God; God has faith in you."
- "Being a male is a matter of birth. Being a man is a matter of choice."
- "You don't drown by falling in the water; you drown by staying there."
- "Do not let others create your world for you, for they will always create it too small."
