Meet the Shraders

Bill & Lena Shrader
Hannah, Colton, Will, Abigail

Bill & Lena have spent half of their lives serving as missionaries with Chi Alpha (XA) Campus Ministries. Bill was saved as a college student at the University of Cincinnati, where he studied music and business. One day after surrendering his life to Jesus, he was invited to a Chi Alpha prayer meeting. The experiences of salvation and the Baptism in the Holy Spirit resulted in a radical transformation of Bill’s character and dreams. The desires for fame and self-gratification were replaced by a passion for evangelism, discipleship and worship. After graduation, Bill worked with an inner-city church planting team in Boston, MA. He later became a Chi Alpha missionary in Louisville, KY. In 1991, Bill earned a Master of Divinity degree, married Lena and returned to the University of Cincinnati as a Chi Alpha missionary. Bill is currently working on a Doctor of Ministry degree in Pentecostal Leadership. His final Chi Alpha assignment was as the Chi Alpha district rep. for Ohio. While there are many individuals who were saved and discipled under Bill and Lena’s ministry, some of Bill’s most fulfilling ministry moments have been the victories of his XA colleagues in Ohio. The sense of teamwork these campus missionaries achieved together made the ministry rewarding. Bill believes that his discipleship experience, doctoral education and experience directing XA for the state of Ohio have converged in his calling to Peru. His plan is to teach at the Assembly of God seminary in Lima, Peru, walking along-side developing pastors as their teammate and friend. Bill will also help to facilitate Latin America Childcare in Peru. This ministry is very near to his heart, since it takes discipleship to a new level as the gospel in action. LACC is transforming the lives of impoverished families through education, feeding programs, medical care and, most importantly, the gospel. The ministry of LACC will also provide opportunities for Chi Alpha and North American church ministry teams to serve the people of Peru.

Activity where Bill is most likely to lose track of time: digital photography and surfing for web sites on Peru.

 

Lena was discipled in Chi Alpha at Kent State University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. During that time, she had a vision of a mother and child, whom she believes were Latinos. Lena knew she was called to minister to mothers and children, but she was not sure in what capacity. After graduation, she applied to work with Latin America Child Care. They wrote back that she needed to first become a licensed minister with the Assemblies of God. She did not feel that the time was right for her to seek ministerial credentialing, so she put the vision and it’s fulfillment in God’s hands and became a volunteer staff member with Chi Alpha. In 1990, at a leadership conference for Chi Alpha staff, Bill “noticed” Lena and her fate was set. After moving to Cincinnati, Lena worked as a Licensed Social Worker, teaching parenting skills to inner-city families. She has had the opportunity to practice those skills on their four children. The call to Peru was confirmed for Bill and Lena when they discovered the needs of Latin America Childcare in Peru. It is an opportunity to fulfill Lena’s love of, and burden for, ministry to mothers and children.

Activity where Lena is most likely to lose track of time: quilting.

Bill & Lena have four kids: Hannah, 11; Colton, 8; Will, 3 and Abigail, 1. Hannah and Colton are very committed to our mission to Peru and equally cognizant of the costs (i.e., moving far from family and friends). Hannah says that she’s glad we’re going to Peru, embracing the challenge and adventure of serving Jesus. Colton, who is our prayer warrior, prays every night for friends in Peru and the salvation of 10,000 Peruvians. To which to rest of us say a hearty, “Amen!”