CCM'S STORY In 1998, Fred G. Ellis, a cowboy poet with a deep love for the Lord, was performing in Leadville Colorado when God softly spoke to his heart saying, "Take your show into the prisons and give them a gospel message." Never asking why, Fred obeyed and God started CCM. In the beginning, expenses were paid by the Ellis', Fred and Elaine, with no salary or monetary compensation. This worked till God increased the prison visits and added a summer horse program to reach the children of inmates. The Ellis' could no longer support CCM, so God brought folks forward to help support this truly one of the kind ministry. Today, we refer to our supporters as CCM's Family and as in the beginning, no one is paid a salary for their work - including Fred & Elaine.