As a young girl, Doris Eilts began telling people when she was old enough she would have a home for foster children. She would say that the home would have to be big because she had been called to take care of many children. As a young, single adult, she began taking care of children through the Social Service program. Doris married Ralph Doud in 1946, only after he promised to help her with her calling. As a couple, they began their ministry in 1948 when they moved to Denver, Colorado and began taking care of WWII widows and their children. As time passed, fewer women needed help, but there were still children who needed care. For the next 20 years, their home became a haven for unwanted children.

In 1968, Ralph and Doris felt God’s calling to expand their home. They bought nine acres outside of Elizabeth, Colorado and began building a home. Ralph was a contractor but he could not stop working in order to build his own home. Each day he would tell Doris and the kids what needed to be done and they would work all day to accomplish the task. This included digging the foundation and basement of the home with a shovel, pick, and five gallon bucket. Through God’s provision, the Douds completed this home over the next several years.

Throughout their ministry, the Douds had four biological children, adopted eight children, and took in over 80 foster children. Just a few years ago, Ralph and Doris realized they were too old to care for babies, but God’s calling was still present. Doris remembered the beginning of her ministry helping the WWII widows and their children. She was given the vision of an unwed mother’s home. She and Ralph would care for the mothers and teach them to care for their babies. Doris went to be with the Lord in December 2002, and never saw these visions materialize. In the summer of 2003, Ralph Doud donated
their home to UnbridledACTS Ministries. We will carry on God’s plan for this home!